Lamb In The Midst of Wolves

Beads of Joy 09-30-10

Lamb In The Midst of Wolves
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

Jesus wants us to reap a harvest for Him, what kind of harvest can we expect in the the world we live in today? Jesus knew that the disciples would literally be "lambs in the midst of wolves". What does that mean for us? It almost sounds like voluntary death. How can a lamb exist amongst wolves? Wouldn't the lamb be devoured, and teared apart by the wolves? Today we are reflecting on Luke 10:1-12 (The Mission of the Seventy Two). Is God's word sown into our hearts? Do thoughts of Him and His magnificence fill our minds? Can we take steps forward trusting, and following His lead, doing His work. Can this sacrifice be one that we can take on? Are we willing to fully surrender our very desires, and wants, and to give all that we have to Him? Living the Sacrificial Life is a blessing beyond the norm, of the way the world would look at it. Whatever skills we have, whatever blessings we have, we must share them and use them all for God's glory. You all know how much I always share how important it is for us to do for others rather than for ourselves; well this is where the rubber meets the road. Jesus lived the very example life that we to must live. There were times in Jesus' ministry where the crowds loved and adored Him; and then there were also times where they hated Him and only desired to murder Him. Which they eventually did on a cross. Without fear, or excuse or whatever, let us really, I mean it, REALLY follow Jesus. Let us let Him use us for His glory. Our hands, our feet, our voice, our faith.

Just Surrender to Him. We can not live a life that is holy and pleasing to God, if it is without God. Our obedience, our allegiance, our devotion must all be in Jesus. Once you do that with every single fiber of your being, you will never be the same, your life will forever change in a way that will make you bold in Him. You do realize being lukewarm or living an independent life without God, only opens the door for satan to come in? He sits at the edge of our doubtfulness and just waits for us to blink; once we blink he does all he can to lure us away from Jesus using our own doubts against us. He is a deceitful liar, only looking for us to trust in his evil ways that only take us away from Gods sight. The distractions of habits, sin, and tantalizing of sin, keep our eyes away from looking at God. That alone brings great joy to satan. We must not allow satan to temp us, by bringing us to the edge of the temple roof and embrace his offer of gaining the whole world. Don't do it. We all fall for many of the tricks of the evil one. No matter we must get up, dust off ourselves and return to Jesus on our knees begging Him for forgiveness. Jesus loves us so much.

Every single minute of every single day of every single week of every single month of every single year must be devoted to Jesus. We really need to offer whatever we have, whatever we can offer, no matter how small; it is better then offering nothing at all. Think of it this way, "I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong". 2 Corinthians 12:10, Paul's insight to true strength in Christ is what we must understand. His walk and perspective on life was so focused on Jesus. No matter what ups and downs we have, no matter how much we lose or gain, no matter what, we must be strong and bold in following Him. This scripture that is so powerful, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20. That is all we need to do, simply summed up. Another exciting scripture to embrace, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1.

We can gain much strength in scripture, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;" Isaiah 43:2-3. And then here's the scripture that gets down to the truth of our following Jesus, "Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23. Jesus will instill in us a JOY that will forever eternally overflow inside us, your life will never be the same in your surrender to Him. "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:11. I pray that this blog helped create a huge desire inside your heart to fully surrender to Jesus. Simply allow Him to be the absolute center of your life.

When you follow Him, always pray, "Jesus, I trust in You."


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Today we pray the Luminous Mysteries
1. Baptism of Jesus
2. Wedding at Cana
3. Proclamation of the Kingdom
4. The Transfiguration
5. Institution of the Holy Eucharist

No One Looking Back Allowed

Beads of Joy 09-29-10

No One Looking Back Allowed
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

Nothing must stand between us and following Jesus. Sorry if you don't want to hear that, but nothing must separate us at all. Jesus never said following Him was going to be easy or without cost. Just as Jesus paid the price and carried His cross, so must we. Today we are reflecting on Luke 9:57-62 (The Would Be Followers of Jesus). This scripture is insightful and so much wisdom can be gained by the mere simplistic way this is all said. I'm no farmer but look at these words in verse 62, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." We must stay on a path that is straight and narrow. Check this out, "This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" Matthew 3:3. If a farmer isn't watching the direction he is plowing and he sways all over, that off the track effect will ripple and effect the entire farm, making it a mess. The farmer must look forward and stay the course without ever looking back. He really must stay focused.

Are you ready to follow Jesus? We must do the same in our own walk, by never allowing distractions, people, habits, whatever, to cause us to get off track. We should be very thankful to our Lord, He don't pull any punches, He just tells us like it is, upfront. Through His grace and promise, "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life." Matthew 19:29. What is our objective in this life? To live in the biggest house. No. To own the most expensive car. No. To have the most prestigious career. No. To have popular notoriety. No. To have power to rule over millions. No. To do whatever we want to do. No. What then is our objective in this life that we are now living? Answer is simple: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." If we believe in Him, we obey Him, so then we follow Him. It all ties together.

But, Are you ready to follow Jesus? That's the real question, directed to each of us personally. The cost here is huge. But we do know the reward is eternal, so it is well worth paying that price now in this life. Right? Oh come on, don't tell me you got wet feet now. Well, dry them off, don't look back and let's go, our Lord is waiting for us. LOL. All joking aside, this "following" Jesus thing if we are seriously serious about it, it will indeed cost us everything to get there. You do realize that, don't you? Your desire can't be to return to the home of your body, but rather move forward following Jesus to the eternal home He has prepared for us in Heaven. If we are indeed followers of Him, He who is from Heaven (Jesus, the Son of God). Then we are not attached to this world by no means. So I ask again, Are you ready to follow Jesus?

Is there anything at all in this life that can possibly come close to giving us a mere fraction or slice of what Jesus is offering to us? The answer is simply, No. Just ask yourself these very straight forward questions right from scripture, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26. "Gains the whole world", so even if we gain it all, we gain nothing. And if we forfeit our soul, we then forfeit eternity. Then our life no longer has a purpose. Yes our lives have purpose, I didn't mean it the way it could have been interpreted. Yes, getting married, having children, raising them, having some sort of a career to support them; that is all well and good, but not what is required to make it to Heaven. There is no point in this life, if it ends at the grave. So to surrender from it, give it all up, and follow Jesus to eternity; that's a far better offer. I am not a boring person, by no stretch of what that is saying. I don't follow sports, I don't play none either. I don't have any hobbies, except making rosary beads. I don't hang out with any friends at a bar. I don't go hunting or fishing. I spend 24/7/365 consumed in Jesus. Where are your treasures? I have no regrets, you can have the same deep love I have, just do it. This is my motto, my alligence to my Lord, for the past 25+ years I have been saying this: "YOU CAN HAVE ALL THIS WORLD HAS TO OFFER, ITS WEALTH, ITS LUSTS, ITS THINGS; ALL I WANT AND DESIRE IS JESUS." Jim Dacey Jr SFO

Give Jesus all you got while praying, "Jesus, I trust in You."


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of The Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation

They Would Not Receive Him

Beads of Joy 09-28-10

They Would Not Receive Him
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

Insightfully interesting gospel today. How do we treat our enemies? Are we as kind and concerned as Jesus is? Or do we think and act like James and John was, wanting to destroy them? Today's gospel for reflection is, Luke 9:51-56 (Departure to Jerusalem / Samaritan Inhospitality) When we get treated harshly and mean and outright rude enough where we can clearly see the motive of the other is the destruction of us, what do we do? God wants us to make friends with our enemies, love them, forgive them, and to pray for them. Scripture is very clear about where we need to be when it comes to our enemies. "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27-28. That should be all we need to know, Jesus Himself taught this. You can expand your understanding by reading the entire section of that teaching, just refer to Luke 6:27-38. As Christians we are uniquely different in so many ways, one very important part of our faith is how we love and care for those who hate us. I know, some can not agree with that sentiment. I have to say I agree on the surface completely with you, but honestly when the rubber hits the road, we must obey our Lord's words.

How do we treat our enemies? We must keep this in mind in our everyday lives, so many respond in an instant, never thinking about what they are actually doing. See our problem as humans is that our responses at times is more worldly like, than Godly in their nature. It is a very special grace and a most special spirit that can absorb the hatred and anger and respond to it with love. For me, I don't consider anyone my enemy, obviously satan is, but I even pray for his repentance. Yes the federal government isn't exactly someone I like either, many know my rants and raves about that bunch. But when it's all said and done out of mouth and onto this screen, please know that I pray for them, in the hopes that things will change. And that is one of the key elements in dealing with anger: Hope. Our prayers are for our enemies is "hopeful" in that they to, get to know the God of the Universe that we know; and by doing so their hearts will be like ours, united with His. We must leave judgment with God, because in the end, anger against our enemies is "judgment". And God only judges, not only what they do, but also how we respond to what they do.

How do we treat our enemies? God wants our response to be like His would be; kind, friendly, forgiving, caring and expecting nothing return. It is only through God mercy and love that we can forgive and love someone who is trying to harm us, or those we love. The power of revenge must be broken by the power of love. Prayer and a very special relationship with Jesus, makes all the difference for how we tend to handle these challenges.

Trust in Jesus no matter what
Our enemies can't take that away,
Pray for their souls and forgive
Lift them up in prayer everyday.

We must love them sincerely
Only praying for the best,
For only God can judge them
We must love, God will do the rest.

So How do we treat our enemies? Trust in our Lord, and the Holy Spirit that is inside of us. Know that God is there in all and through all things in our lives. We do not stand alone when we suffer these things. The pain and hurt we feel God is well aware of. But by His grace and the strength we have empowered inside us through the Holy Spirit, we can really absorb a lot, and in His name ask God to forgive them and love them.

The Holy Spirit will guide
We must be open to forgive,
Don't hold a grudge or be angry
For neither can eternally live.

These simple two verses sums it all up, if you are not sure how often we need to be forgiving, "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." Matthew 18:21-22. Always forgiving !!

For strength and wisdom pray, "Jesus, I trust in You."


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus

Jesus Willed To Be Poor

Beads of Joy 09-27-10

Jesus Willed To Be Poor
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

Today just happens to be the Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul. Here is an excerpt telling us a little about him, "Born April 24, 1581, Pouy, now Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Fr.—died Sept. 27, 1660, Paris; canonized 1737; feast day September 27. French saint, founder of the Congregation of the Mission (Lazarists, or Vincentians) for preaching missions to the peasantry and for educating and training a pastoral clergy." Copyright © 1994-2010 Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. If there is one priority that Jesus has taught of us, and St Vincent further taught us; it was to take care of the poor. We know that Jesus grew up poor, not because he just ended up that; but rather He made the choice to be born into the poor and become one of them. Jesus clearly knew His mission. Check out these incredible scriptures. "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor." Matthew 11:5, and, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor." Luke 4:18, and also, "So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor." Luke 7:22.

Well I guess that sums it up, don't it? In some ways it should sum it up. But unfortunately so many see the poor as a burden and hindrance. Sad that people see them like that. The poor can be seen as "Jesus" in so many ways. Jesus himself spoke of this in Matthew's gospel. I won't post the entire scripture, but you can read the entire teaching in Matthew 25:31-46 (The Sheep and The Goats), here is the verse that sums it up best, "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." verse 40. Have you noticed especially over these last few days, how scripture is all entwined and everything said by our Lord is confirmed by His own words elsewhere and throughout Scripture. We have a Mighty caring loving God filled with so much wisdom and love. That alone is such a wonderful revelation and chunk of knowledge that should spark such excitement to our lives. Just today, me and my kids were talking about growing up and being "mature". My daughter Sarah especially, she's 17. I told her it takes many years and a continual increase of responsibilities to gain the maturity and respect of being an adult, a mere change in the number of years you are, don't do anything. She was quick witted, "Dad, mom said you never grew up?" It's just to funny, we can't make this stuff up..

How do things get misinterpreted and then stereotyped? Crazy thought even, but an even more crazy truth. Many of you know me, I am an adult, lol. Hey stop laughing at me. LOL. Anyhow, yes I am an adult, but I am an adult who has a spirit that is so alive inside me that I get giddy, weird, strange and well outright childish. There I said it, I admit it. But my heart is leaping for Joy knowing that one day I will be with my Lord, and that will be the first day, that last for all eternity. The time we are here is simply interpreted by me like this, "THIS IS A TEST! For the next -?- years this station will be conducting a test of the emergency Heavenly system. This is ONLY A TEST." Do you get it now? So do you see what I am saying in a round about, all over the map sort of way? I didn't get lost here off topic, I am still very much on topic. My family at times see me a nutcase, screwball, weird-o, on drugs without drugs sorta guy. LOL. But I take it as "cool" they noticed. It gives me a chance to tell them and so many others "why" I am so strange and why I always act like it's Christmas morning. You know all know why.. The poor are even more misunderstood. Why do so many shun them and treat them like they are diseased. It's time to change those thoughts.

It's so wonderful that we get to remember St. Vincent de Paul today. His work and mission in his life focused on the peasants, the poor and those who had virtually nothing. He was concerned not only for their basic needs of food and clothes, but also for their respect. St. Vincent was a very compassionate man of God. Have any of you ever been "poor"? Do you understand what being poor is? Some think they do, but honestly have no clue. Just because you can't go to the tanning salon this week, or renovation of the newly added wing to the house has been delayed a month, that doesn't mean you are poor. I know poor, my family knows poor. I have shared many experiences about this in our lives. We've been there, and when you are there, you know it. Poor is unlike any experience you will ever know. Every single little thing matters; soap, milk, bread, medications. You name it, when you are poor spending a dollar becomes a challenge. Let us please look at the poor with respect and show them how much we really care for them. Yes let's always pray for them, but step out, give them food, a coat, shoes, whatever, care for them, for they are Jesus in many ways to us. Closing thought: Would we walk past Jesus if He was on the street poor and suffering?

Step out in faith, praying, "Jesus, I trust in You."


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple

Between Us A Great Chasm

Beads of Joy 09-26-10

Between Us A Great Chasm
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

I am just an overly ecstatic follower to an absolutely magnificent God. And today we have a very special gospel to reflect upon, and it's even more special because it's a parable. In today's gospel there will be a great chasm that can never be crossed, a further confirmation that once judgment has been made, nothing can be changed. Today we are reading Luke 16:19-31 (The Parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus). So what comes to mind upon reading this exciting scripture? I think to some degree this sounds like an upside down backwards world. Verse 22 to the start of verse 23, "The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment," Lazarus was a man who suffered greatly and lived a sad life of misfortune; yet he never lost hope in God's love and mercy, he stayed focused on Heaven. And the rich man, had tremendous wealth and possessions; yet even while people suffered around him while he was alive, he did nothing, because he selfishly only took care of himself. The man who had nothing gets everything, and the man with everything got nothing. Apparently our earthly successes can not be put in our resume at our judgment. But our earthly compassion and mercy does.

To be clear, let us know that the relationship we have with Jesus is what will truly determine our eternity. But we also know by having that relationship, our hearts will be led to be more compassionate and caring towards others. And then the closer we draw to Him the less we will attached to the things of this earth; allowing us to unlock our possessions and share them with others. It is my understanding that God gave much to many and little to many, some He gave an easy road of many pleasures and success; while others are on a road of struggle and barely surviving. Those are just my thoughts. I know we have free-will and I know the roads can change, but with that being said, there is still purpose that is easily seen in all this. Think of this logic: Please don't think of what I am about to say on a presidential "share the wealth" thought. I don't consider that fair or something our free-will will have any desires in our life to share. My logic has nothing to do with that sort of thinking. Rather consider this: We can not take anything with us when we die. Right? Of cause we can't. And our titles and positions and ego bare no value to guarantee us a place in Heaven either. Right? Nope they don't. So then, if we are gifted and blessed with the ability to earn and gain; why not consider a portion or percentage of that to help others. Do not give away so much that you to become poor, but rather give away just enough so that you are ability to continue earning, so that you will be able to continue helping others. True charity from the heart.

I just love the way that God's economy works. Everyone who has treasures here on earth, no matter how great the value or diversity or size, it all goes null and void at their death, and can not pass through the gates of death and be with them. But for the believer who keeps their treasures in Heaven, with no limit on what spiritual graces they can receive, at their death receive an account overflowing with God's love, peace and Joy. My Dear God, people, isn't that so exciting? Can you see why I am so addicted to God's love and that my addiction makes me goofy with excitement. We have so much to look forward to. But we must keep in mind, God knows our hearts, our intentions and the ultimate reasons we do things that we don't tell anyone. He knows everything, so keep that in mind, we can not manipulate God. Did you notice something rather peculiar about this "chasm" that separate Heaven and hell? We "our souls" can not cross this great wall, but notice how the rich man was able to speak to Father Abraham; and Father Abraham was able to distinctly know clearly who it was that was calling to him. So even though our spirits could not pass through the wall that separated to two, we know by this scripture that the cries and of those cast into hell can be heard by God. Another interesting observation that we as believers knew would happen; unbelievers clearly will now know that God does exist, and all that they refused to listen to, was true.

Hasn't today's gospel been so exciting? So much joy throughout God's words, and even more so by the very words of our Lord. The choices we make here, will give us the results in the next life. What must we do? Be true to God !! Now here is some serious wisdom in scripture that can be tagged to today's gospel reading. Matthew 19:16-30, what a true parallel to today's wisdom. Praise Jesus for all this wisdom.

"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." "Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'" "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." I couldn't hold back, I just had to put this scripture into today's blog. Look at the power and wisdom of God. Praise Jesus, we have an awesome, loving, caring God.

Pray today, every chance you get, "Jesus, I trust in You."


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of The Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation

They Do Not Understand

Beads of Joy 09-25-10

They Do Not Understand
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

Saturday has arrived, I know so many of us have had such a busy hectic week. Such a blessing for so many of us to rest in the Lord through the weekend. Sunday is just around the corner. Today let us do a gospel reflection to help spark that wonderful feeling of love that we have for our Lord. Today's gospel is Luke 9:43-45 (The Second Prediction of The Passion). This very short gospel has had me wondering a few thoughts. In our lives how often do we really reject the things we don't want to see? Many people in our society, in our families and amongst our friends have heard God's word; so many of them also know the consequences of rejecting it, and the reward of accepting it. But my real question is, which don't have to answered out loud or to me, but our Lord will know your hearts answer when you read this question. Please proceed with caution, this question will be immediately answered in your heart, once you read it.

Do I fully with all my heart give my full allegiance and love to my Lord, trusting His word and His promises?

These thoughts have lead my prayers to reflect on these scripture verses, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.""Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.""I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1.

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:5.

"Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Matthew 22:37.

"If anyone does not love the Lord—a curse be on him. Come, O Lord!" 1 Corinthians 16:22.

"Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life." Jude 1:21.

Do you see what I mean. Scripture really directs us. Loving God is and should be our first priority and first preference in our lives, nothing should come before Him. Let us look at the the definition of the word "allegiance"?

al·le·giance
NOUN:
1. Loyalty or the obligation of loyalty, as to a nation, sovereign, or cause.
2. The obligations of a vassal to a lord.

Some might be asking: How then do I do this? Understandable. I don't claim to have all the answers, God alone does; but I do know that my spirit leads me to live in such a way that my "allegiance" is to my Lord. Here are some of the ways I am able to achieve this. I am a "scripture addict" LOL, I don't even know if there is such an addiction, maybe I started something new. But I rely heavily on scripture to guide me, my life, my choices and how I live a life in allegiance to my Lord. Check out some of these scriptures that will help supercharge your spirit to be strong and solid standing for Jesus, His Father and ours and His Mother and ours. Be strong, be bold. Do not back down.

"The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires." Romans 6:10-12

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." 1 Peter 5:6

We really need to live our lives as living sacrifices. I know dying to ourselves isn't the popular thing many wish to hear these days, but that indeed is the ultimate secret. If we do not live our lives for ourselves and rather live for God instead, then all that we desire, all that we want and all that matters to us, will rest in Him. Then our allegiance will be in Him. We must be last, always, in all things.

The Life of J.O.Y.
Jesus - First
Others - Second
You - Last

I just need to share this blessed link again.
The Admirable Secret of the Rosary
http://www.montfort.org.uk/Writings/Rosary.html

Please pray everyday, "Jesus, I trust in You"


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple

Daily Prayers and Devotion

Beads of Joy 09-24-10

Daily Prayers And Devotions
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

As week comes to a close let look upon another daily prayer devotion that maybe of interest to you. I'm sure many of you have heard of The Liturgy of The Hours. That is probably one of the most wonderful daily devotions that I have been involved in. It is in book form, but also know that you can come online each day throughout the day and pray The Liturgy of The Hours.

GENERAL INSTRUCTION OF THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS
http://www.ewtn.com/library/curia/cdwgilh.htm

I really hope these resources have become a blessing in your own private prayer life. I cherish my personal private prayer time with my Lord and sharing is so wonderful. Literally everything can be done online to locate the readings and learn more about, sometimes we just need someone to lead the way. That link above is the exact document that is in the front of my Liturgy of The Hours book. And now I will further direct you to an ONLINE version, where you can go to for daily prayers. Seriously check out this link, I refer to it a lot. If you are a Prayer Warrior like me, then you will really enjoy this link.

Universalis on the Web
http://www.universalis.com/today.htm

That is the direct link to bring you to the current days readings, no matter what day you click on it.

Now do you see the top of the screen..(this below here)
Office of Readings · [Morning Prayer] · Evening Prayer · Night Prayer
Mass · Calendar · Daytime: Terce · Sext · None

You have prayers for the entire day available to you, simple chose a time of day (Morning Prayer) and then click (Terce) or (Sext) for different times in the morning for prayers.And (None) is for noon-time prayers..


Today I hope to help direct anyone seeking more structured prayer to follow, find it here through this precious links.


The Divine Office (AUDIO)
http://divineoffice.org/

Now that link even more fun, you will feel like you are amongst others, just put on your headset and enjoy prayer time throughout the day.


The Angelus holds a very special in my own personal prayer life, this was one of the first real true daily devotions that began in my life over 27 years ago. Simple pray that little prayer everyday.

The Angelus

V — The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R — And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary...

V — Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R — Be it done unto me according to thy word.

Hail Mary...

V — And the Word was made Flesh.
R — And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary...

V — Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R — That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

LET US PRAY: Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we to whom the incarnation of Christ, your Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by his passion and cross be brought to the glory of his resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Pray Always - "Jesus, I Trust You."


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus

Pray The Rosary Often

Beads of Joy 09-23-10

Pray The Rosary Often
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

Everyone knew that The Rosary Man wasn't going to go through the week of sharing "prayer" without talking about the Rosary. LOL. When I say "often" in that title, I mean if you are able to and if your heart feels led, pray more than just one Rosary a day. Sometimes it takes further knowledge about the spiritual power that is in a single Rosary; and then other times it just takes time for our hearts to urn for the sounding echo of those beautiful prayers each day. I can't example the excitement, contentment, and complete "at peace" that I personally feel when I hold my Rosary and begin my prayers. Some have asked me, "What are your methods of praying the Rosary?" I really don't have any special method that is any different than anyone else; in fact I prefer it as simple as possible. The only difference is that to me, the Rosary is a daily, on going prayer. In other words, as soon one Rosary is completed, I have already plotted and planned where and when I will begin the next. Some people just can't relate to that. Is it an addiction? I don't know, how would you define an addiction? I do hear comments that I am goofy and immature and joking around all the time. But I can explain that, "I am drunk on the Lord." The Joy supersedes anything I can actually handle, so it spews out of me like a "love-sick crackhead'. I know I just stole that from Kesha, but it's true, with how I feel about Jesus, His Mother, St. Joseph, the Holy Spirit, the disciples, and I could go on and on. I'll go further with those lyrics, because in essence to them, they say exactly how I feel about the Rosary that is all about Jesus. "What you've got (LORD) is hard to find. Think about (YOU) all about it all the time. I'm all strung up my heart is fried. I just cant get you off my mind.."

Now let's look further into how someone can get so excited and all wound up about the Rosary. Did you ever hear about the book called, "The Secret of the Rosary", by St. Louis Marie de Montfort? If you didn't, you really need to either get a copy of it, they are usually only $1-$2 a copy. Back when we had our Rosary Makers Guild we use to give away hundreds of them. Here are some excerpts that show you how exciting a read this most precious book is. In fact here is a free online version of it for you to enjoy:
http://www.sanpiodapietrelcina.org/english/secret.htm

28th Rose - 88. Our Lady one day revealed to Blessed Alan de la Roche that, after the holy sacrifice of the Mass, which is the first and most living memorial of our Lord's passion, there was indeed no more excellent devotion or one of greater merit than that of the Rosary, which is like a second memorial and representation of the life and passion of Jesus Christ.

45th Rose - 129. I would like to add that the Rosary ought to be said reverently, that is to say, it ought to be said as much as possible, kneeling, with hands joined, clasping the rosary. However, if you are ill, you can, of course, say it in bed; or if one is traveling it can be said while walking; if, on account of some infirmity, you cannot kneel you can say it standing or sitting. You can even say it while working if your duties do not allow you to leave your job, for work with ones hands is not always incompatible with vocal prayer.

46th Rose - 134. Finally, when the Rosary is said in common, it is far more formidable to the devil, because in this public prayer it is an army that is attacking him. He can often overcome the prayer of an individual, but if it is joined to that of others, the devil has much more trouble in getting the best of it. It is easy to break a single stick; but if you join it to others to make a bundle, it cannot be broken. Vis unita fit fortior. Soldiers join together in an army to overcome their enemies; immoral people often come together for parties of debauchery and dancing; evil spirits join forces in order to make us lose our souls. Why, then, should not Christians join forces to have Jesus Christ present with them, to appease the anger of God, to draw down his grace and mercy on us, and to frustrate and overcome the devil more forcefully?

Do you see now, how exciting the Rosary can be? I bounce off the walls everyday just from the mere fact that I can think of all the Joy I find in them there little beads. Actually I don't even have to go that far, I just ponder on all twenty mysteries and I am so filled with so much Joy. There is more than enough Joy in the Rosary for all to receive personally. We must always remember that it is Our Lady who always brings us to Our Lord in the Rosary. And another very joyful exciting part of praying the Rosary is that is "family" in design. We go to the Father, to get to Our Mother, to get to her Son. All roads lead to Jesus. Jesus is all we need, nothing at all is needed in our life to bring Joy into our Life. Nothing! Once you can embrace the Joy that is inside those beads you will be endlessly overflowing with so much Joy; that nothing in this life will ever be able to give you the same Joy.

Look at how precious and magnificent these mysteries are:

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

Here's a wonderful link on How To Pray The Rosary:
http://www.rosary-center.org/howto.htm

St. Alphonsus de Liguori says, "Nothing can set hearts ablaze with love for God like the Blessed Sacrament; and, the Blessed Virgin, through Her Rosary is the Treasure of Grace;" that gently leads us to her Son.

Excellent link explaining: The Meaning of The Rosary
http://www.sufferingwithjoy.com/2010/05/07/the-meaning-of-the-rosary/

APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II TO POLAND (MAY 31-JUNE 10, 1997)
RECITATION OF THE ROSARY ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/travels/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_07061997_rosary_en.html

"Jesus, I trust You."


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Today we pray the Luminous Mysteries
1. Baptism of Jesus
2. Wedding at Cana
3. Proclamation of the Kingdom
4. The Transfiguration
5. Institution of the Holy Eucharist

Jesus, I Trust In You-Always

Beads of Joy 09-22-10

Jesus, I Trust In You-Always
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

I just know the title gave away the topic of today's blog. That little prayer is so powerful, words sometimes just can't express the Joy that is attached to those simple words. The Divine Mercy is a very simple prayer and I will do my best to give it as much praise as I can in today's blog. There are so many of us who take the time every single day at the 3 o'clock hour to pray The Chaplet of Divine Mercy. You can always catch it on EWTN, either on TV or radio, because at 3pm faithfully, the Hour of Mercy begins. With the use of a typical five decade Rosary Bead, you can easily pray a truly precious, powerful chaplet. The prayer pattern is simple and basically almost follows the same pattern that the Rosary does. Here is a link that will bring you directly to "How To Recite The Chaplet":
http://thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/praythechaplet.php

Why do we pray The Chaplet of Divine Mercy? We all can say why, from our own thoughts, experiences and reasons. But this is best answered by Pope John Paul II who said, "There is nothing the world needs more than Divine Mercy." It was through Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, who lived from August 25, 1905 to October 5, 1938 that we have been brought the Divine Mercy message. It was she that our Lord communicated such a merciful, glorious message about mercy to. Sister Faustina was born in Glogowiec in Poland. She was the third of ten children, brought up in a home of poverty by parents who were peasants. Our Lord is so magnificent, in that He uses all of us for his glory; it doesn't matter who we are in life, or where we live or where we were brought up, when God wants to reveal Himself through someone He does just that. Sister Faustina was filled with such profound inner awareness of God, that her writings touch so many throughout the world today.

There is no limit to the mercy Jesus has shared with all He has told Sister Faustina. Take a look at the excerpt from her diary:

January 28, 1938. Today the Lord said to me, My daughter, write down these words: All those souls who will glorify My mercy and spread its worship, encouraging others to trust in My mercy, will not experience terror at the hour of death. My mercy will shield them in that final battle...(1540)

Write that when they say this chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person, not as the just Judge but as the merciful Saviour. (1541)

It is so important if you able to: keep a spiritual journal, or even a just a regular daily one. So many times, so many of us experience what we can only describe as the Holy Spirit alive inside of us, speaking to us and directing us. If only we had a pen and paper handy, or even a computer if we are in front of it. Sister Faustina has always been a huge encouragement and inspiration to all my writings and all my 27 years of journals. Our Lord is so good to us, the Joy He can and has instilled in so many of us, is spectacular. Praise His Holy Name for loving you and me so much. Look at some of the words spoken by Jesus to Sister Faustina; you can tell by the magnificent of them, that they are indeed our Lord.

When a soul praises My goodness, Satan trembles before it and flees to the very bottom of hell. (378)

My Heart is sorrowful... because even chosen souls do not understand the greatness of My mercy. Their relationship [with Me] is, in certain ways, imbued with mistrust. Oh, how much that wounds My Heart! remember My Passion, and if you do not believe My words, at least believe My Wounds. (379)

Satan gained nothing by tempting you, because you did not enter into conversation with him. Continue to act in this way. You gave Me great glory by fighting so faithfully. Let it be confirmed and engraved on your heart that I am always with you, even if you don't feel My presence at the time of battle. (1499)

There is so much to share, I really wish I could share it all in one blog. All I can say is, if you can either borrow a copy of Sister Faustina's Diary from the library, or simply link to it online, you will be amazed with how truly wonderful it is. Here is a link that makes that easy for you. Simply click on the link below and you will full free online access to Sister Faustina's Diary:
http://our.homewithgod.com/divinemercy/

Always Pray, "Jesus, I trust in You."


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of The Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation

Feast of St Matthew-Apostle

Beads of Joy 09-21-10

Feast of St Matthew-Apostle
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

Yes, this week the blog will be focusing on "prayer". But today is a very special day, and prayer will be part of this blog, you can count on that. What do we know about St. Matthew? We do know that St. Matthew, was a tax collector who turned apostle, and he is also the author of the first gospel. Although we really don't know much about the life of Matthew, we do know that he told the account of Christ's ministry and all that he wrote about in that gospel is of immeasurable value to the Church, particularly in its verification of Jesus as the Messiah. Matthew's first encounter with Jesus went like this, "As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:9-13. Scripture is prayer.

An excerpt from the Vatican, Catholic News Agency Staff, Sept. 19, 2010, they wrote the following, "Like 11 of the 12 apostles, St. Matthew is traditionally thought to have died as a martyr while preaching the Gospel. The Roman Martyrology describes his death as occurring in a territory near present-day Egypt." and further they wrote "Reflecting on St. Matthew's calling, from the pursuit of dishonest financial gain to the heights of holiness and divine inspiration, Pope Benedict said in 2006 that “in the figure of Matthew, the Gospels present to us a true and proper paradox: those who seem to be the farthest from holiness can even become a model of the acceptance of God's mercy and offer a glimpse of its marvelous effects in their own lives.” I thought that to be an interesting find, to share. I also have a fantastic link I just know you will enjoy. You can download this for free, and put in either in your iTunes library or simple use it on Windows Media Player. Completely listening to it takes 122 minutes in length. I just love listening to the entire scripture like this. I hope you enjoy this wonderful treasure of audio when it comes to scripture. This is a direct link that will directly open your Windows Media Player.
http://newspiritenterprises.info/NIVMP3Bible/Matthew.mp3
The page this came from where you will have access to the entire New Testament and even the Old Testament is this link:
http://jcsm.org/1on1/NTBibleonMP3.htm

Now looking at the Gospel of Matthew, let us look at this brilliant outline. I am so excited and thrilled beyond words when it comes to spending time in scripture. The list here is a basic outline of the entire Gospel. Back in 1983 I actually, fully outlined the entire bible and it was copyrighted. "The Master Index To The Entire Bible" Not really sure how relevant it would be in today's time, considering technology and computers have changed how easily we look up information. And mind you, that original copy I wrote, was done on a regular typewriter, that indeed was a huge project back then when I was in college. But I loved it, my heart then and now give Jesus every spec of energy I got, 24/7/365. Anyhow, see I can get easily distracted. LOL. Check out this general outline in review to the splendid Gospel of St. Matthew:

Gospel of Matthew Outline
I. The Person of the King: the Early Life and Ministry of Jesus
(First Narrative - 1:1-4:11)
II. The Precepts of the King: The Sermon on the Mount
(First Discourse - 4:12-7:29)
III. The Power of the King: the Miracles and Mission of Christ
(Second Narrative and Discourse - 8-10)
IV. The Parables of the King: Rejection and Revelation
(Third Narrative and Discourse - 11-13)
V. The Progressive Rejection of the King: Miracles & Responses
(Fourth Narrative and Discourse - 14:1 - 18:35)
VI. The Presentation of the King: Entry & Controversy in Jerusalem
(Fifth Narrative and Discourse - 19:1-25:46)
VII. The Passion of the King: Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ
(The Final Narrative - 26-28)

This outline was used with permission of Creative Commons Attribution 3.0
The entire outline to The Gospel of Matthew can be found at:
http://www.theopedia.com/Gospel_of_Matthew/Outline#Outline

I am praying for all of you, that you to find the JOY that is jam packed in scripture. I trust Jesus will lead your heart. Simply pray, "Jesus, I trust in You."


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus

A Novena Is Nine Days

Beads of Joy 09-20-10

A Novena Is Nine Days
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

Let us reflect on "Novena's" today. To begin with for those who may not know what a Novena is: "A novena is a series of prayers that are said for nine straight days, usually as a prayer of petition but sometimes as a prayer of thanksgiving. The nine days recalls the nine days that the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary spent in prayer between Ascension Thursday and Pentecost Sunday." I got that definition at the About.com webpage. Another very popular definition that I have found in several different places all word for word the same, is: "Novena" originates from the Latin word "novem," which means "nine" and stands for the customary number of consecutive hours or days required to complete a novena. The Christian faith equates the number "9" with suffering and hardship. Most people say novenas to request divine help with their burdens or on behalf of someone else who is suffering." With a Novena there are some traditional days that certain ones begin, let's just take a quick look at a few of the this years remaining traditional Novena's. These are the "start" dates.

September 6 (The Novena of Our Sorrowful Mother)

September 17 (Novena to the North American Martyrs)

September 28 (Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Novena)

October 12 (Novena to St. Jude)

October 22 (Novena to Christ The King)

October 23 (Novena to Holy Souls)

November 29 (Novena for the Immaculate Conception)

December 16 (Christmas Novena)

December 28 (Novena For The Epiphany)

Here is the link for the prayers for the above list of remaining Novenas:
http://www.tradbooks.com/novenas/index.htm

There is a considerable variety of Novena devotions we can pray each day. In the past my involvement with Novenas was more extensive, especially when I and we (Chrissy and I) were involved with three different prayer groups all at the same time. Our entire lives revolved around constant prayer. There are also other Novenas that don't necessarily have start dates and those usually revolve around a particular healing or employment, the sick, marriage, the family. I guess if you really look hard enough, there is a Novena for most any kind of prayers you may be in need of. If you go onto EWTN's webpage you can find a wonderful list of Novenas. Including Marian, Sacred Heart, the Saints, and also Special specific ones. Here is a the link:
http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers/novena.htm

Traditionally speaking from my own experience, a Novena is basically just the reciting of a couple specific prayers focused on the saint, the cause, or the event. Along with those prayers you'd add in your petitions and thanksgiving. My particular habits varied with the Novenas I myself have prayed. Because of my devotion to the Rosary, depending upon the reason for the Novena, I would either also pray a decade of the Rosary (without the focus of any particular mystery), or in some instances I would pray my Rosary complete at the same time I prayed my Novena. I don't really think that matters. I just added to prayer to my already desired focus on praying my Novena prayers.

I have been praying about what this weeks topics would be for the blog, all my praying led to the focus of "prayer", so what better way to begin the week, but with a focus and refreshing look at the Novena prayers we have available to us. So in review with your findings, some tradition, and the ways you might pray your Novena may vary; but typical to my own way of praying a Novena this is how you would typically pray it every day for the nine days. And this is for a Novena you would privately pray at home, the ones coordinated in church or at a shrine vary. "For nine consecutive days at a time in which you chose, you could either kneel or select a posture that is comfortable for you, depending upon your health. Then you begin with that days prayer, on the first and last days of the Novena you would add the additional prayer. Then you would make your petition for this Novena, followed by 3 Our Father's, 3 Hail Mary's and 3 Glory Be's. Anything additional to your prayer time is up to you but not necessary for the Novena." I sure hope all this has been helpful, prayer is so important for all of us.

"Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.” St. Augustine

"For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.” St. Teresa

And as Jesus said to Sister Faustina, "Entrust everything to Me and do nothing on your own, and you will always have great freedom of spirit. No circumstances of events will be able to upset you." (1685)
"Jesus, I trust in You."


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Today we pray the Joyful Mysteries
1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of Jesus
4. The Presentation in The Temple
5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple

Can't Serve God and Mammon

Beads of Joy 09-19-10

Can't Serve God and Mammon
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

So who is your Master? Yes that is a rather interesting way to start today. But let us seriously think about that. What do we do with what influences us in our lives? Are our objectives and focus towards advancing God's Kingdom? Today we are reading Luke 16:1-13 (The Parable of the Dishonest Steward). At the end of the parable Jesus concludes with this final verse, "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." What is Jesus talking about when He says, mammon? Mammon usually meant money or riches in some capacity. God does not want us to make "friends" with any material items, but rather use those material items of wealth to make friends from it. It sounds more like He wants us to use the mammon to help others, and in helping them in Jesus' name we draw them ever so much closer to our Lord by our generosity and love. Self esteem and self praise is not doing anyone any good, especially the one receiving all that. Whatever we have, we need to find a way to help someone else with it. We don't need to hoard our stuff, our things. Let us care about others with a heart of love, without seeking a reward or a pat on the back.

We must be wise and prudent in all that we do with what we have. Let us have mercy for the suffering. We all know someone who is struggling, whether they need clothes or food or their bills are piling up. So many people in our circle of friends and family are suffering so horribly, and some won't admit it out loud to all, but so many know it anyway. Let's really try to do all we can to help these families. Jesus has placed us in a certain place in their lives and if we are really able to help them, we really should. There are so many of us who have been blessed, maybe with an incredible career, an inheritance, or whatever; but either way we can really tap the till and do no harm to our own wealth by sharing, the crumbs will do wonders for the families struggling. One might say, "I refuse to give away thousands of my money to anyone." That's fine, but if you are that well off maybe you don't realize how a simple $5 bill or a $10 can help feed a family, or buy soap, or anything, maybe something for an infant. There is one thing we really have to understand, and I am no ones boss; I am just sharing what I have learned through the years spiritually. What we have here we cannot take with us to Heaven. Period. I hope we all know that. So what we have here can only bless someone else in a way that does come with us, when we SHARE and really LOVE our neighbor. See what I mean.

This is why we can't serve two Masters. The Master of this world is the one who rules this world; and everything about its riches (mammon) and lusts and wealth of this world shall remain here. And the Lord God or Heaven is our Master and all His glory and riches are in Heaven alone. So the question is: How do we make the riches of this world become a blessings of the eternal one in Heaven? It's so simple, consider this simple thought, it's been shared in another blog I wrote. We are not blessed by how much we receive, but rather we are blessed by how much we give away. Because it's a two fold blessing when we give it away, it's no longer all about "me". I pray that this blog has blessed and touched you in some way that maybe you can bless others.

It is a great responsibility to have possessions and wealth. When it comes to having so much consider this scripture, Luke 12:13-21 (The Parable of the Rich Fool). We must remember what God told this Rich Fool who was hoarding all his goods and grain for himself. "And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'" Luke 12:19-20 This rich fool's riches stop at his death, when it comes to his selfish intentions. He can no longer bless anyone else from his heart to theirs. Instead family members will have bitter fights between each other to get what he had. Instead be like a Rich Saint and bless all you can in Jesus' name. And for anyone not sure what to do, simply pray the prayer I recommend to you, day in and day out, "Jesus, I trust in You."


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of The Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation

The Seed Is The Word of God

Beads of Joy 09-18-10

The Seed Is The Word of God
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

We have two fantastic things to celebrate today: One, it is finally the weekend. LOL. And two, today we get to reflect on a parable, truly one of the most blessed special parts of the New Testament to study and reflect upon. Today's gospel is Luke 8:4-15 (The Parable of The Sower, its Purpose, and its Explanation). That is really a title indeed. Here are some simple interpretations of what the representations we are talking about; the sower, the seeds and the soil. The sower in today's gospel is really talking about all those who bring the word of God, our Lord and the Good News to others. Who is that? You and me, Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit. Being a sower is simply one of the greatest services we can do for our Lord. How happy are you to share God's word and His love with others? The seed is the word of God, no doubt; though I also understand it as sharing our Lord's relationship with others. And then there is the soil. In this parable it's obvious that Jesus is referring to the state of a persons heart when He speaks of the soil. Which one of these soils represent the state of our heart?

How can we be good sowers of the seed? How can we show our Lord how much we really do love Him? Good sharers of the word, should know the word, or at least be familiar with it. And of cause living a life that is obedient to our Lord is a wonderful example for the sower. Your example and your life always speak way louder then the words you may speak. It's like trying to convince someone that being a vegetarian is thee absolute best lifestyle, it's easy and healthy; but you can't give this speech while your eating your McDonald's Big Mac. LOL. The life you share and all the Joy of spending all your time with Jesus; must or at minimal should reflect or echo the life you are living. I can't see how anyone, once they have surrendered their lives to Jesus and they have begun to really know Jesus; could not live every single day completely for Him. To me that baffles my mind. And I will be the first to say, "I just don't have the time to live like that, I have a bazillion other responsibilities, kids, house, work, I am way too busy." Please I am already there, you can still give 1000% to our Lord and give all the other stuff the proper attention.

We really need to be good listeners, it is rather easy to do. The first thing we must do is shut up. LOL. Here I am, probably one of the biggest talkers here, and I am the one saying we need to shut up. LOL. But I know the value of being a good listener, just as my dear friends are sensitive to what I am saying when I am speaking. I to always do the same. Whenever I spend 4-5-6 hours straight on the phone with anyone, in the end you will know that both of us had lots of time individually to talk and to listen. This is how we really need to be spiritually. I always say, "I know the channel I am on." and that, "I always listen to peoples words, implications, and emotions in what they say. I just love words, phrases, sentences, etc." The "channel" I am referring to is "Jesus". I am very attentive to all the roads that lead to Him; and with that being said, I can easily detect those that lead away from Him. Sometimes I am drawn to a personality that is really in tune with our Lord; and at the same time I find myself draw away from the personality that is hateful or mean to my Lord. I pray for the latter twice as much, and I tend to plant more seeds with that person.

So what does this all mean? Like Jesus said in verse 8, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Let's live a life that is hunger for God's word. Maybe if we all spend more time learning more about what it is Jesus is really telling each of us; maybe then we can help draw others to Him more effectively. The bible is simply thee most exciting, educationally uplifting book you could ever spend so much time in. St Francis of Assisi says it best, "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." Living the gospel is also so effective. I think if we really knew how many people really watched what we do, more than what we say, we'd be shocked. Let us take a moment to see what some people have said about the bible:

"Of the many influences that have shaped the United States into a distinctive nation and people, none may be said to be more fundamental and enduring than the BIBLE."
Ronald Reagan

"A man has deprived himself of the best there is in the world who has deprived himself of this knowledge of the Bible."
Woodrow Wilson

"After more than sixty years of almost daily reading of the BIBLE, I never fail to find it always new and marvelously in tune with the changing needs of every day."
Cecil B. DeMille

"To what greater inspiration and counsel can we turn than to the imperishable truth to be found in this Treasure House, the BIBLE?"
Queen Elizabeth

When the time has come for us to pray
And prayer is a big part of all we do,
We simply pray with all our hearts
Jesus, My Lord, I trust in You. :)


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Out Of Their Own Means

Beads of Joy 09-17-10

Out Of Their Own Means
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

Isn't it such a privilege to be able to serve our Lord? Today we reflect not only "Mary called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out" which is part of verse 2, but we also learn who the women are, the ones that help Jesus and His disciples, and they did do so by using what resources they themselves had. Today's gospel is Luke 8:1-3 (Galilean Women Follow Jesus). The generosity of helping those spread the word to all started right at the beginning; when Jesus began His ministry. I think the most blessed part about these women, is that you really don't hear much about them in scripture and there are no trumpets for their service. These ladies indeed were just grateful and so blessed to be able to help Jesus in any capacity, and this ministry of theirs was essential. There is so much Joy in serving our Lord, all of us can do it every single day if so choose to.

You do realize that taking on the title as servant, we (those of us who do) take the lowest place. But that lowest place is truly thee best place to be. We all know that God really don't need our help in order for Him to accomplish anything. He is all powerful and almighty. But because He loves us so much, He wants to give us the opportunity to really show Him how much we do love Him. The women in today's gospel, some were financially blessed and others who just want to serve; they brought all that they had to Jesus, so that Jesus could use what He and His disciples needed at His will. That is true service unto the Lord. Today's reading is simple, yet very profound. Do not hold anything back when serving our Lord. Literally give Him everything you got and ask Him how you might use it to serve Him. All things to some capacity can be used to serve our Lord. Even the giving of our skills, our time and our knowledge to help someone. We must trust in our Lord to guide our heart with the help of the Holy Spirit. Can you reach into your "safe" grab a hold of ALL your treasures and use them to honor Jesus? Tough question isn't it? Sometimes a huge step in faith gets us over the hurdle of doubt.

I challenge all those unattached to this world (I'm raising my hand), to do something off the cuff and give "something" to someone who needs or wants that something, and in prayer ask Jesus to guide your heart and words. Whenever I share my own stories I only share them to encourage you to try to do the same in whatever capacity you are able to. We are all sinners, all trying to do all we can to do our best to get to Heaven. Let us help each other, that is our ultimate goal. Today let us put selfishness away and stop hoarding that which only gathers dust and dirt. Instead grab hold of that "whatever" and give it to so and so, so that they light up with a huge smile of Joy, never thinking you would give that away. This is a wonderful chance to share your faith. Now don't scare them away, I have done that. LOL. I get way to religiously into the blah blahs and after that, that person avoids me, they think I am crazy. LOL, maybe some truth there, lol. I found that a simple statement like, "John I just felt led to give you my banjo, in my prayers I remembered how much you told me you always wanted to learn how to play. Enjoy." True story. John's wife Doris is Chrissy's god-mother and Doris was my long time, forever Charismatic sister. John wasn't ever really into it. So I felt led to share the generosity of Jesus with Him.

Here's my little "Joy Sermon":
In my own personal experience in my walk with Jesus I found that the best place to be is at the bottom the pile, the last, the lowest looking up, ultimately the forgotten. I know that may sound crazy or misguided; trust Jesus, it's not. What happens when we are at the bottom of the pile? We are prostrate before the Lord. What happens when we are at the lowest point looking up? We are kneeling, looking up to God. And what happens to the forgotten? We have so much more time to spend with Jesus. Hey you know the world is a wonderful place: The glamor, the glitz, the entertainment, the money to spoil oneself, the lust to fulfill oneself, the desire to fulfill any and/or all of your desires. But why? Honestly, why? The best place to be, if we'd really be honest with ourselves, is at the foot of the cross either prostrate or on our knees. That to me is HEAVEN. The Joy seeing God as man paying a price to SAVE me, is simple the most joyful, happy, exciting, making me goofy sign of true love that I have ever seen in my entire life. That is why I pray endlessly to my Lord,
"Jesus, I trust in You."


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

To Have And To Hold

Beads of Joy 09-16-10
To Have And To Hold©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everyone,

Today let us take a look at what so many of us can relate to "jumping off a cliff". Ah so you thought I was going to say "Marriage". Well let's be honest for the most part Marriage in it's raw form, is just like jumping off a cliff. The reality of jumping off a cliff is basically leaping into the unknown. Maybe there is deep enough water below and you survive, or maybe there is an inflated landing mat like we were in Hollywood, or maybe the worst thing possible is waiting for you like jagged rocks below. Are you with me? I guess we can all agree that at times marriage is all of those things at different stages in our relationship. Where are you? Where am I? Where do you want to be? For starters I think we can all be in agreement of some of the key elements that make a fantastic marriage. Being Chrissy and I have been married twenty-four years, we do have a lot of experience in many of the good, wonderful, exciting, awesome elements, of our fairy tale marriage. How in the world do we create a balance? How can two completely different people, share a life, a house, responsibilities, a bed, a toothbrush (yuke, NOT). LOL Just making sure you are all paying attention. Marriage is a compromise of 100/100, a team effort with a little extra added bonus. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Mark 10:7-9. We see that God was serious when He spoke of the union between a man and a woman.

Let us take a look at some part of this incredible union. These few thoughts and points aren't chosen in any particular order or for any particular reason; they are instead a bunch of random thoughts of almost two and half decades of being united in the marriage covenant. For starters and I think this happens in the pre-marriage stage that drives you to the altar; there has to be "Chemistry", y'all got to have the hots and desires to be together. Your mind, your heart your thoughts, your smiles, everything sparks when you see one another. The other person's heart, is the safest place your heart can be, no criticism, no judging and no rudeness. You love each others, smile, voice, eyes, walk, etc, etc, oh everything. So many of you know what I mean. Is she your princess, your hot mama, your baby-cakes? Is he is prince charming, man of your dreams, the rock you can always lean on? Such an incredible thought to consider: How do you see the one you love, the one right there next to you all the time, the one you share matching rings with? How many of us say the chemistry is gone? or How many say the chemistry has lightened up a great deal? or the ultimate, How many of us can say that the chemistry is a bonfire all the time? Love is fine indeed, but it takes two to keep the flames burning, if either one stops adding fire to the flames, the bonfire could turn into a block of ice. Chemistry can be also looked at as a mystery, because it has the power to make or break a relationship; and it isn't always understood. A very funny quote from Joan Crawford goes like this, "Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your heart or burn down your house, you can never tell." LOL

Here's something else we need to consider "Acceptance". Is she ok with you, and are you ok with him? That is so important to have that element between the both of you. We need to be able to look upon each other with so much love that in all things we accept the other person fully and completely. Yes we all change and the chemistry sometimes changes the acceptance. Time sags, wrinkles and blurs our surroundings. LOL. No offense, just thought that was a funny thought that just appeared in my thoughts as I was typing. Actually saying that has me thinking of "Humor" an absolutely incredibly important factor in a relationship. I know you all can appreciate that, boring people do not read my blog; I am a self proclaimed screw-ball, nut case. And I love it! Laughter with a little twist of humor makes us smile, and smiles bring joy to our hearts and our hearts love one another all the more. Incorporating "comedy" whether it be slap stick or a play with words, you can have so much fun. I can not see a day go by without laughter, and lots of it. Are you all with me on all these elements. I know many of you may have thought I was going to share lots of personal stuff; I promise I will. But it will all appear on the CNET Catholic webage; where I will have a daily column all about marriage called, "To Have And To Hold". I will share all the challenges, all the joys, all the disappointment's, all the excitement of twenty-four years together. And you will see how in the world we have made it this far.

This last paragraph will be a thought about "How Do We Stay In Love?" I say always love your spouse, Chrissy and I kiss and hug and really look at each other in a very special way every single day, no matter what is going on in our life. But, How can we overlook some of those things that we allow to annoy us? How do we desire that other person with the same passion we had the first time we kissed? Here's a most incredible very insightful thought said by Rabbi Barnett Bruckner's, "Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through becoming the right mate." Here are a couple of humorous quotes I'd like to share about marriage, ones that will make you laugh and make you smile.

"The Japanese have a word for it. It's Judo -- the art of conquering by yielding.The Western equivalent of judo is, 'Yes, dear.' "
J. P. McEvoy

"Husbands are like fires. They go out if unattended."
Zsa Zsa Gabor

"I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life."
Rita Rudner

"My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met."
Rodney Dangerfield

THE BEST WAY TO LOOK AT MARRIAGE

"Be a best friend, Tell the truth, and Over use I Love You, Go to work - Do your best, Don't outsmart your common, Never let your praying knees get lazy, and LOVE LIKE CRAZY" Lee Brice - Love Like Crazy

Please don't forget to pray together in your marriage,
"Jesus, I trust in You."


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Standing By The Cross

Beads of Joy 09-15-10

Standing By The Cross
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

Today's reflection is all about suffering, how we handle it, and how strong we really are in the face of our deepest pain. I will say that my heart will be right in here as I write. I know what it is to feel immense pain, physically, and emotionally, in a relationship, in love, in parenting, and so much more. Hey I am forty-five years old (very young, I know, lol). So I've been there, I pray that this reflection today maybe sparks a bit of Joy and happiness inside your heart. Even though my life has had some incredible phenomenal ups, we have also had way more than our share our downs. Today's gospel is John 19:25-27 (Women at The Foot of The Cross). We must also note that John, the beloved disciple was also there. All the other disciples were scared for their lives, so they all fled from the cross. This is one of the reasons why I believe in many cases and situations, women are stronger then men in some things. These women were not going anywhere, nor did any tell them to leave. The love of a mother, a woman consoling the suffering is immense. She is solid in that nothing will remove her from being there to comfort and love the one suffering. Yes men and women pass out at the sight of blood, but it always seems like men do more, so they leave. And so the women are left there to clean up the wounds. My love and respect for women is immeasurable. Many of you know that. I love and respect all women like I do our Lady.

Do we allow the suffering and sorrow of our Lord on the cross, to weigh us down or lift us up? Yes, there is much sorrow seeing the one we love "Jesus" suffer horribly on that cross. But there is also much Joy in that by Him doing this; the death and the sorrow that surrounds it, will be no more. Because of Jesus' death on the cross, death is no longer an end; rather death is now a new beginning for all of us. I believe our dear precious most Blessed Mother suffered the most watching and looking upon her Son. In an excerpt from a sermon by St. Bernard of Clairvaux It speaks of "the martyrdom of the Virgin at the foot of the cross, her heart is pierced by a sword as Simeon predicted as her Son's body is pierced by nails and spear." Her love for her Son was tremendous, as any mother's would be. I am a dad, and I don't even ever want to have to think of how the pain must have been from my stand-point to a child. But embracing sorrow and pain and suffering is by no means easy. I have so been there and still am there from time to time. I know what it feels like, but I also know how to keep myself ahead of the curve as I go through it, knowing that in the end, all that is going matter is Jesus, and how much we love Him. Hope that makes sense.

Do the sorrows of our own sufferings weigh us down to the point of being all caught up in ourselves? or Do the sorrows of our own suffering give us the strength to lift us up? There is no formula, no simple, easy way out of sorrow. Except that we can fully look upon Jesus as we suffer. And honestly that is the key to getting through and managing sorrow and suffering. By taking our eyes off ourselves, and fully focusing on Him; He who suffered a horrible humiliating death on a cross, I think the reality of it all starts to make sense to us. No matter how bad we have it, Jesus suffered far more than we probably ever will. I recommend that you take the time to watch "The Passion of the Christ" every single day for as long as you possibly can. I have, for several months in a row on my computer. After seeing it so many times over and over and over, it will truly change your life. i will be praying for all of you, as I always do.

Also note that today is the "Feast of the Seven Sorrows of Mary". Many celebrate today by praying the Franciscan Crown Rosary.

The Seven Sorrows of Our Lady are:
1. The Prophecy of Simeon
2. The Flight into Egypt
3. The Loss of Jesus in the Temple
4. The Meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion
6. The Taking Down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross
7. Jesus laid in the Tomb

Symbols: heart pierced with a sword; heart pierced by seven swords; winged heart pierced with a sword; flowers: red rose, iris (meaning: "sword-lily"), cyclamen.

Maria at San Nicolas, gave us this message on her seven sorrows today.:
Sept. 15, 1989 – (Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows)

"My daughter, at the present time, these are my Sorrows:

1. The rejection to my Son.
2. Atheism,
3. Lack of charity,
4. The unborn
5. The lack of understanding among families
6. The extreme selfishness days of many children in the world,
7. Those hearts that still refuse my Motherly love.

And throughout your day, please pray, "Jesus, I trust in You."


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Only Saved Through Him

Beads of Joy 09-14-10

Only Saved Through Him
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

The healing power of the cross is beyond anything anyone could possibly comprehend; in our time, in the past and in all the time out into the future. There aren't any limits whatsoever when it comes to God's love for us. Today's gospel shares one of the most known verses ever shared in the world we live in. Today we are reflecting on John 3:13-17 (Nicodemus and God's Love and Judgment). And that famous verse goes like this, "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. We can all relate to this most insightful verse that is filled with so much love. For it is only through the blood shed of God's only Son that we can be saved. Our belief in, and love for Him; is the central source in our faith that is the beacon to keep us focused on, and seeing only Jesus. It is Jesus who is free of original sin, the only "person" to have ever walked the face of this earth; and it is only through His blood that we can be saved. So let us believe in Him and follow Him.

God will not rest without doing all He can to bring every single one of us back home into His arms. God has taught us through His own unselfishness, that others come first always. Our free will, shows our true heart to Him. God does not want a robot or a droid, or a drone. Ok, I regress, we all know there are drones in this world, they to need our prayers badly. LOL. What I am saying here is simply that God has given us a free will to either love Him or leave Him. Obviously God wants the truest deepest love from all us. It was God in His wisdom that He sacrificed that which was most loved by Him, His only begotten Son. In my research I found a rather interesting quote that fits into this well. Saint Augustine said, "God loves each one of us as if there were only one of us to love." Isn't that powerful, oh my is that powerful. That is incredible and exciting, and so true that all you want to do is get up on the rooftops and scream and shout how much you love Jesus.

What we love in our lives in many ways is a direct reflection on what it is we prefer in our lives. Think of it in this way: Of cause I will use food in my example, one that I know I will relate to, and many of you will relate to. LOL. Now I must say, "I simply love chocolate." I love it so much, I consider it a food group in and of itself. LOL. Ok, please know that I don't worship it, but I do eat it, as often as I possibly can. LOL. But, now that I have spoken about that which I love, it's probably very obvious when offered the chance to have a Hershey bar, or a bag of potato chips, or jelly beans: me is gonna grab the Hershey bar. LOL. Chocolate is my preference because of my love for it. So now looking back on this, if we say that we love Jesus (who is light), we'd have to agree that we probably don't love satan who is darkness. When we love Jesus, we are saying in not too many words that we love truth, the truth we only learn from God. So our preference will always be God before all things.

Jesus First Always

We wanted us to love Him so
He loved us first you see,
But He knew by His sons precious blood
That we'd all be set completely free.

A ransom paid without a thought
For He is not selfish in any way,
He loves all each one separate
So let us love His Son every single day.

Does this make sense what's been said
A day is dawning so new,
So pray each day, with all your heart
Jesus my Lord, I trust in You.


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO