Jesus' Foster Father - Joseph

BEADS OF JOY 03-19-13
“Jesus’ Foster Father - Joseph”Originally written: March 19, 2010
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

We know Joseph was a carpenter, we know he was good and upright man; we know he was Mary's husband, and Jesus' foster father. What other possible things could we learn by the role Joseph played in Jesus' life; and the example he has set before all us as a good husband and an obedient man of God. Yes, Joseph is a descendant of David; he has a most impressive genealogical trace back to David the King. I'm not going to list the entire genealogy that can be found in Matthew's first chapter, but the end highlight states, "and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." Matthew 1:16. Joseph always listened to whatever direction God sent Him, without questioning what he was told. Jesus and Mary's safety were Joseph's first greatest concern and whenever the angel of the Lord warned him he didn't hesitate to listen. "When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife." Matthew 1:24.

Joseph lived a life, true to the obedience of God. Today we celebrate the one man who not only was directed and guided by God himself to protect and take care of God's chosen; but who also stood strong closest to them without ever being concerned about himself. His own pride and even respect held no concern to himself; first and foremost he only protected those two blessed chosen ones of God. Let's take a look at scripture and see how loyal Joseph most definitely was. "When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." Matthew 2:13. Joseph lived a life that was so connected to God that we can learn so much from his example. He and our Dear Beautiful Blessed Mother were two of God's most trusted and obedient children. Jesus was so perfectly placed in the hearts and lives of two of God's absolutely wonderfully loving people.

The example they have given us as parents is unmatched. For their parental ways were so blessed because of their obedience to Almighty God. I can see how we can learn so much from them. Today let's look at Joseph's role in this most blessed Holy Family. I know we only learn and read about Joseph briefly in scripture, but I think there was a reason for that. God placed Joseph in Jesus' path to keep Him safe during His most vulnerable defenseless years of His life. I know both moms and dads read these blogs; but today's celebration is about a Godly man, a loving foster dad, and a most devout husband. I feel both moms and dads can gain much comfort and wisdom from all this. A good dad and a devout husband who has devoted his life and love to be obedient to God; is someone every man should desire to be, and every woman should desire to marry. God's holy and most blessed family show us how simplicity and love are valued tremendously in the success of a God-loving family.

As guardian of the holy family, we can see him as the protector of the church. His bold, selfless life encourages me personally as I hope it does for you. Nothing about Joseph was indeed about Joseph; it was all about Jesus and Mary. What an exciting, thrilling, overflowing joyful way to live one’s life. We need to do the same, centering our thoughts, first and foremost on Him. Jesus' love and concern need to our first focus, followed by loving and adoring His most precious mother. Here is a quote that truly sums it all up for us about Joseph, "He was chosen by the eternal Father as the trust worthy guardian and protector of his greatest treasures, namely, his divine Son and Mary, Joseph's wife. He carried out this vocation with complete fidelity until at last God called him, saying, "Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord." this came from a sermon by Saint Bernardine of Siena.

Today's Challenge: Let us look at Joseph in a new light. His priorities should be ours. As our Blessed Mother is such an example of saying Yes to God and being obedient to Him, so Joseph does the same. Today let us ponder thoughts and prayers of love for dads we know and love in our life.


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


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Father- I Have Sinned

BEADS OF JOY 03-10-13
“Father- I Have Sinned”Originally written: March 14, 2010
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Here we are today celebrating the 4th Sunday in Lent; a most joyous and exciting time as Lent continues to move us closer to Easter. Today's gospel is yet another parable, how lucky is that, to have 2 parables, two days in a row. Today we are reading Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 (The Parable of the Prodigal Son), a well-known parable, one that shares so much wisdom and insight. Today we will touch on the joy that we hear about in the fathers words. Like I had mentioned last week, this is a week that we will focus on Joy as our theme leading up the Solemnity of St. Joseph on Friday. Let us begin by defining the word "prodigal".

Prodigal (prod·i·gal): 1. characterized by wasteful expenditure: lavish 2. recklessly spendthrift

Now that is right to the point, key words I see that well represent the younger son in this parable are: wasteful and recklessly. The younger son boldly rejected his family, his home and even his father. All he wanted was what he felt was owed to him, as if his father was dead. The younger son was rudely beyond, what I think anyone in today's time would ever tolerate. But clearly at that time he was entitled by law to his share; but because his father was alive when he made his demand, he had no right.

There are two statements made by the younger son to his father that stands out to me in this parable, and they are: "Give me" and "Make me". The "Give me" is a demand by the son, and the "Make me" is a request, a plea. These two statements are on complete opposite of the spectrum of thought. When the younger son wanted his money and wanted to selfishly go do what he wanted with it, he had to be arrogant about it. I can't how it can be thought of in any other way. How can someone go up to a parent, demand their inheritance, take it, and leave? It had to be a very cold experience for the father. And then when you read about what the son did and how he came to his senses; that arrogance that he once had was gone, he was humbled by his stupidity of choices he made. So he thought, "make me like one of your hired men" v.19. To me I see him thinking that all the security and love he once had was lost; and all he can do is be in the presence of his father and to be with those who serve him, he will be fine. He knew by what he had done with the way he treated his father, that he didn't even deserve that.

This parable is understandable so popular because of the parallel that is so easily noted here. We are in essence the prodigal son in many ways and the father is God our Father. The older son can be thought of as satan, or those who aren't happy about our faith and who feel we are unworthy of the love, forgiveness and mercy that God gives us. See how powerful this parable is. Jesus is plainly telling us that no matter how we treat Him, no matter how rude, how arrogant and mean we are; God forgives embraces and celebrates the moment we return to Him. The younger son’s father was ecstatically filled with so much joy seeing his son return home. In Fr. Mullally's homily in 2010, he pointed out a very important insight about happiness and joy: "Happiness exists but goes, Joy stays." That's the joy I keep telling all of you that I have inside my heart, and endless, overflowing, over abundant amount of joy. Jesus wants so much for us to experience that joy, he wants us to know how wonderfully splendid it feels having His love deep inside our hearts 24/7/365.

What can we do? How can we gain by such a wonderful teaching? I don't know where to begin. We can really dissect this parable and if we really are honest and open to all aspects of it; we might be able to see how we maybe at some point in our lives played the role of all these people in this parable. Let's see what I mean: The Father (can be someone openly accepting loving someone who has hurt or offended them). The Son (can be anyone who has openly rejected Jesus, or God or someone they love). The Older Son (can be someone who criticizes the kindness and mercy of another). But today we will look at the JOY, the father has for his lost son who has returned to him. Let me say something about Joy, it is without a doubt the most powerful, everlasting blessing anyone could ever receive. I see it in my life as a gift, one that has been given to me, and with it, I must share and spread it to everyone. Let's look at the definition to the word: joy.

JOY (joi) 1. a. the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion: gaiety 2. a state of happiness or felicity: bliss 3. a source or cause of delight.

Today's Challenge: Open your heart today to someone who has hurt you, offended you, or outright closed you out. Maybe send a note, make a call or give a hug. Don't ask for anything from them, instead; give them your love and allow your joy to overflow into their lives.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

A Rosary-Man Reflection

BEADS OF JOY 02-28-13
“A Rosary-Man Jim Reflection”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

A ROSARY-MAN JIM REFLECTION: I say this with the intent to separate the thoughts, keeping my Spirit super close to my Lord; you see- every single day my heart is filled with tremendous JOY when it is submerged inside the mysteries of the Rosary. This JOY is never ending and constantly growing, from the moment I begin praying to the moment I end, as I begin to think about beginning again and my heart is once again filled with tremendous JOY. For it is in our Lord’s life being like us, that we are drawn to Him; and it is in the betrayal set against Him and then His eventual death- that we learn of His absolute love for us. For me, it is in that dying love that I feel closest to my Lord. His example of, “no matter what the cost is, the eternal reward is worth it” living, that I truly wish, if there were any wish that I could have fulfilled, that our Lord would consider allowing me to suffer for Chrissy. I don’t request that boastfully, I request it with a dying love for Chrissy; that maybe my sacrifice would save her very life. Yes I value my life and yes I want to be part of all our children’s future with their families; but even more than all of what I want for me; I really want Chrissy to part of all of that for her.

I have observed many things very quietly in the background, but do note I have observed that all of our children really really really love their mother so much. Each one has a very special way that they speak to her- each one has a very special way that they look at her. It is so precious to watch, it’s so emotionally moving to see. Today let us consider the value and worth of those we love- both family and friends. Would you willingly openly sacrifice yourself for another? You don't have to answer that; rather just pray about it, and allow the Spirit to help you understand its true meaning.

Tweets of my heart, tweeted today…

“It is very simple: The more we learn to put ourselves last, the more we will be able to understand how JOYFUL it is to put others first...”

“When we give our hearts to another, we surrender the right to take it back; allow the love you share to flow openly and freely together...”

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Fully Trusting In Jesus

BEADS OF JOY 02-13-13
  
“Fully Trusting In Jesus”

©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

REALLY TRUSTING HIM: Sometimes our lives are put to the test and then other times, every event is a test; and even more than all that; sometimes we are continually tested. Regardless of whatever way you want to say it; we must fully, completely, unquestionable trust in Jesus.

Our lives are brought before so many of you. As you can see we are a real family dealing with what sometimes seem to be extenuating circumstance of misfortune; but we are ok dealing with all of this, yes we really are. I’d much rather know that we are dealing with all this, then to know any of you had to deal with it. Our Lord, really honestly guides our lives. I don’t only just say it all the time, we actually live it. We pray, we believe and we fully trust in Him. It’s really that simple. We must learn how to turn ALL of our troubles; ALL of our challenges; ALL of our misfortunes over to Him, once we do that, we find that there is NOTHING that will tip us over through life. Nothing !!!!

My dear friends know that I extend a hand out to you, all of you that are troubled, misguided and even misled into misfortune; grab my hand, as I help lead you to Jesus. We will be going to the foot of the cross; for it is there that I find the most comfort. It is in Jesus’ worst of times that I find the most strength. When Jesus suffered the most, did He curse out those who killed Him? No!!! Instead He found mercy and love; and He forgave them. We must do all we can in this life to find the love embedded in all things, even in our troubles. Think of this way, the more trials we have, the MORE we tend to turn to Jesus, right… So is that not GOOD? I’d much rather have to keep turning to Him, than be so content in our life that I only turn to Him on Sundays. That my friend; is a blessing throughout all these trials.

So today I tell you this. Grab your rosary beads, get in front of the cross of Jesus, kneel down and pray, and pray and pray and pray and pray… And then every chance you can Thank Jesus for the trials and the pray again, and then pray even some more. Let PRAYER be the single most frequent part of your everyday life; more than eating, more than drinking, more than walking- even more than breathing. The only time you rest from prayer is when you sleep, and even then let us place our heads on our pillow, as we ponder the mysteries, thinking about Him as we close our eyes, and then even more as we open our eyes.

Please know that we really love you guys, we have been so blessed to know so many absolutely wonderful people to pray with. Thank you everyone.. And God Bless You !!!

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Care-taking In Action

BEADS OF JOY 01-07-13 “Care-taking In Action”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

I am sorry for the delay in the recent couple of day’s blogs. Last night Chrissy had a horrible night, she felt very weak. And through the weekend it was non-stop; between spending time with family and chores. I had barely enough time to really sleep well. And even with sleep aid, I couldn’t sleep sound and solid. Rough weekend…

Now Chrissy is awake and up and about. PRAISE JESUS !!! I am making her 2 eggs up and bacon and toast; a favorite breakfast of hers, to help her gain some energy and pep. Afterwards she will be lying down on the couch and I will be cleaning my cooking mess. LOL. This week I will catch up with our blog, tomorrow Chrissy has a doctor appointment with her cancer doctor. Updates always posted on my Facebook wall.

<3 u guys !!!

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

The Sorrowful Mysteries

BEADS OF JOY 01-04-13 
“The Sorrowful Mysteries”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

The Sorrowful Mysteries with Chrissy
My Friends,

Today we Pray The Sorrowful Mysteries, might I suggest these meditations to be added to your prayers; when you ponder on each of the mysteries. As Mary invites us to Pray The Rosary each day, she invites us to unite our prayers with hers as she presents all of them to her Son. This very simple, very humble prayer is hated by the evil one; all the more reason to be so devoted to it. But I will warn you from my own experience, the more devout you become (my own experiences), the more it seems like satan targets you, and your family. You must remain strong and loyal to Jesus, no matter what. The Sorrowful Mysteries brings me to tears, but in that; they strengthen me, for this life. These meditations were written when I was by Chrissy’s side when she was suffering on January 1, 2013.

Sorrowful Mysteries

1. The Agony in the Garden

Happiness of God (Loving You Without Always Understanding)

Dear Lord, I beg of you to guide me when I don’t understand, lead me and show me the way. There are so many times when different events happen in my life or in the lives of family members that I just don’t understand, please show me the way. I know you know that I won’t understand everything, but with that said, know Lord that I am very happy in You, loving You, trusting fully and completely in You Lord. Amen

2. The Scourging

Patience of God (Admirable Serving You Lord Fully)

Dear Lord, I turn to you with patience, without full understanding. Serving You Lord is my life; I live for my love for You. These lashes hurt, but I won’t scream. The lashes cut, and yes I bleed. The lashes burn as events and situations continue to hit us, but I don’t surrender. These lashes throw me down on my knees, but only to love and praise You. I have patience because I trust fully and completely in you Lord. Amen

3. The Crowning with Thorns.

Beauty of God (Unspeakable While Suffering)

Dear Lord, so much pain goes unspoken, so much pain I choose to hide. I think I am strong, then I collapse, I know You are there for me Lord. Sometimes I feel like my body is being poked and punched with a reed. Sometimes my insides bleed with so much pain; I can’t explain it to anyone but You. But know that I trust fully and completely in You Lord. Amen

4. The Carrying of the Cross.

The Omnipotence of God (Boundless In Strength Forging Forward)

Dear Lord, the path I am on is bumpy, narrow, filled with pot-holes and with no one by my side helping me, except You. Though many tears flow at a distance for us, seeing us suffer, knowing our pain, we are left on this path alone carrying this cross. We shall remain on this path, forging forward for You Lord, suffering for our love for You. Nothing will distract us; we will only continue loving You and trusting You fully and completely. Amen

5. The Crucifixion

Justice of God (Tremendous Love Is Here)

Dear Lord, there are times when I feel the nails being hammered into my hands and my feet. I feel like I am being locked down and I can’t move anymore. I know how horrible that feels only too well. But I know Lord that in all this suffering there is immeasurable love from You, and in that love, blood is shed and tears are flowing. Nothing can take my eyes off you Lord, not even the suffering pain of death. Even when evil thinks it wins; it loses because I give all my love to You Lord, trusting and loving you fully and completely. Amen

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Behold, The Lamb of God

BEADS OF JOY 01-03-13 “Behold The Lamb of God”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

What are your plans in this life that God has given you? Our time here on earth is short and before you know it; you’re married, you have children, your children get married and they have children and before you know it, you are putting your teeth in the bathroom in a cup and you go to bed. LOL. Okay that was a little dramatic, but funny. And in answer to the question directed to me, no I currently sleep with my teeth, and I am not a grandpa. LOL. Humor is a wonderful gift given to us from God; every day it’s nice to plan a time for laughter. Talk to a friend that always makes you laugh or find a funny youtube video you know that makes you laugh. Seems like I am getting a little side-tracked, but I’m not; actually today’s gospel is all about directing our attention to Jesus, The Lamb of God. The intended start of today’s blog was about getting your attention. I hope it worked.

Today’s gospel can be found in John 1:29-34 (John The Baptists Testimony to Jesus). John identifies Jesus as the man he has been talking about and He is the one he was waiting for. John directs us to Jesus. Do we recognize Jesus when He is close by? Do we immediately confidently share Him with others? Jesus willingly gave up His life to save ours, by doing so He saved us and He paid for our sins.

Think of how powerful that is, I can’t for the life of me figure out why the world doesn’t get it. The penalty for our sins is death, if we confess our sins and sincerely do our best to avoid those sins we tend to be drawn to most; God knows our heart and we will be forgiven. That forgiveness was paid in full by Jesus being nailed to the Cross for us. But if we live a life purposely deleting God and Jesus and the Cross from it; there is no one to pay for the sin but ourselves. In the past I have said it this way, “When we ask God to forgive us for our sins, Jesus pays the price for the sins we have committed; but when we don’t ask God for forgiveness, we pay the price for our sins.”

So when I look at today’s gospel what do I see, what did I hear, what did I learn: Behold, Jesus the Lamb of God; be attentive as to who He is and that He is here now with us.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Make Straight The Way

BEADS OF JOY 01-02-13 “Make Straight The Way”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

How do you live your life? Are you aware of the Lord’s presence in your life? Are you a fearless witness stirring up the people, as you share your faith, humbly and faithfully trying to lead others to Jesus? We all can’t be like John the Baptist, I agree; but nothings saying we can’t at least try to be like him in some way. In the end John the Baptist was a martyr, and he gave his life in humility and absolutely sincerity; he was that one voice telling us to prepare the way. Make straight the way, John was doing all he can, and so surrendered his entire life over to God; serving Him alone, never having his own agenda to follow.

Today we are reading John 1:19-28 (John The Baptist’s Testimony to Himself). John was a great prophet, humble in his ways; living with the sole purpose of leading and pointing everyone to Jesus. What kind of life do we live? Are we sharing our faith, our testimony and our witness? Are we living examples of Christ; evangelizing without using words, instead living a life of selflessness, love and mercy and forgiveness and sacrifice for others? Or are we trying to just blend in, going with the flow of society and not wanting to create any ripples? Are we scared? Is the influence of others we know, more dominating and meaningful in our lives, than our Lord’s words?

A life well lived isn’t necessarily a life that is pleasing before God. When looking at John the Baptist, in a worldly sort of way; what do we see? I’ll tell you what my worldly vision sees: A poor man, a man who had no taste in the clothes he wore, a lazy man not working for a living, a homeless man who chose to live in the wilderness. See how easily why the world could look down upon John The Baptist. Why would the world of non-believers be so harsh in thinking like this?

We must understand that John’s message, though it be loyal and incredibly faithful to his calling; we can’t help but wonder outside the way movies portray him, that John the Baptist, was really rough around the edges. And his message really interrupted the lives of many. He was asking the people to repent from their bad habits and the patterns of life they were already living. Many were living in sin; living a life unpleasing to God in their families and in the way they were doing business and virtually everything. John’s message was one of hope and promise, pointing many in a direction they could not see. God really loves us, let us do all we can to repent and make clean our soul before God.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
Shhh.. Today’s my birthday; I am 48 years old today.

2013 New Year's Resolutions

2013 New Year’s Resolutions

Dear Lord, thank you for allowing me to be part of your wonderful family. This past year was pretty incredible, difficult at times, but still incredible. I look forward to whatever direction you send me personally, as long as I can worship you, and share you with everyone. I desire nothing in this worldly life, other than for you, to do with me whatever you will with my life, my talents and my time for you Lord. (Footnotes are added throughout to give more insight)

2013 Resolutions

Spiritual Resolutions

- Always remain focused on Jesus, always; because in the end “Jesus” is all that will matter. Always keep this thought in front of me in everything that I do. He is the one who will give us everlasting life. He is the one who gives us peace; He is the one who gives us joy, for He is Joy. In this short moment of time we have been given, let's use it wisely.
(Footnote: I am addicted to Him already I have been since 1983.. LOL)

- Daily Mass. I must return to this commitment as best as I possibly can. Since I am working nights, I am home early enough to attend 9am Daily Mass before I go to sleep. St Vincent’s is less than a ½ mile walk away.
(Footnote: I have done this so many times throughout my life, time to get back to Daily Mass)

- Everyday at my prayer time at home, look to continue adding names for those I pray for every day. Let’s make 2013 the "Year of Praying For Others".
(Footnote: Continue building a list of those wanting and needing prayer.)

- True happiness must be found in serving others. This is not just an entry in my list of resolutions; this must be JOY to its fullest, beyond the immense levels of joy I already experience in my life every day now. Joy meaning: Jesus Others Yourself. The center of all my joy must be in the service of others. I must give my life away by putting others before me. 1 John 4:20 "If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen."

- Scriptures to apply: 2 Timothy 2:15 "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."

- 1 Peter 4:10 "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."

-Return to my Daily Gospel Reading method of study. Monday – Matthew / Tuesday – Mark / Wednesday – Luke / Thursday – John / Friday – Acts… I use to really love this, every day, read the entire gospel. Do this every single week Monday through Friday.

Family Resolutions

- This year Chrissy and I would like to go through ALL our family photos. We have 26 years of photos to go through, literally multiple boxes of pictures. Digitally scan all of them and look into having a "homepage" of sorts for them on-line, for easy access for the kids. Also make a couple of collages of memories for the living room.
(Footnote: We have so many boxes of photos; this really needs to be done.)

- One day out of every month will be "Secret Family, Helping Others Day" this could be so much fun. Secretly find out who needs help and then together come up with a plan to drop off to them: food or money or a gift card or a mix of a bunch of things for them and their family. Help them be more encouraged through difficult times. We fully understand how that feels.

- Every single day, tell my family that I love them. Verbally or with a note, a call, a text, whatever way the message can be conveyed. Every single day!!!

- Get the basement organized... New clear storage containers, rebox everything and throw out and give away as much as possible. Transform our already finished basement into an area for movie/theatre viewing and an area for
exercise and dancing. Put down a plexi-glass floor in that area.

-Dacey Family Historian: This year all throughout the year, I’d like to contact, get with, swap all update information with and take lots of pictures with- all of my cousins, literally all of my cousins, on both sides of the family. Then I’d like to also plan a cousin’s get-together. Maybe a big BBQ at a park centrally located or beach area we all can get to. From this maybe we can plan to do this every year or two. I will create an information link so everyone can keep in touch with everyone.
(Footnote: I am the family historian – My Uncle Al Dacey passed the reign to me back in the 1990’s)

Husband Resolutions

- Need work in this area.  The past eight years or so have been very challenging and since Chrissy’s illness we have been thrown into the fire. But recently during the month of December, I will say that we have been making progress reconnecting, for the first time in years. Oddly enough I believe Chrissy’s illness is healing our relationship. 2013 needs to be a time for us to reconnect even more.

- Scripture to always apply: Matthew 7:5 "You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you will see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Apply this passage with this approach.

Daddy Resolutions

- Continue to stay on my game being a dad who is continually in contact with all his children. Texts, call, chat and update them on their mom's health issues.

- Continue to help them as needed and as to what we can afford to. Their needs would always come before our own.

Friends Resolutions

- This year amongst all my friends expand my address book to include all of my on-line friends. Include: mailing addresses, email address, phone #, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Good idea for Christmas 2013 for mailing Christmas Cards. It would be incredible this year to have hundreds of Christmas Cards to send around the world.

- Seek out more friends, who are devoted to the rosary, love Jesus, and enjoy fellowship. And help many desiring to learn more who want to join us in prayer each day.

Community Resolutions

- Our Lady's Pathways Prayer Group, Staten Island, NY. Reconnect with Jerry Kelly and Carol Bulcroft; get our family involved with the prayer group, the gatherings and the events.
(Footnote: We use to be very involved with this prayer group from 1983-2000)

- Seek out Prayer Groups Nationwide to start, then expand worldwide. Reason: Connect to add their prayer needs to our list, and our prayer needs to their list, uniting all of us in prayer.

Helping Others Resolutions

- Easter 2013, secretly help out a family.

- Christmas 2013, secretly help out a family.

Beads of Joy Rosary Ministry Resolutions

- Expand our outreach even further. Spreading the Joy of the Rosary and building our unity as a prayer group is the central focus. More and more and more of us really are praying together every day.

-Build "Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group" Currently we are at 31 strong, let's try to exceed 100 by the end of the year. This group I am speaking of is a group of people around the world that I personally text each evening (Monday - Friday) where we unite and Pray The Rosary at 9pm together. We have been doing this for about 3 years now.

- Eventually it would be nice to see all our "Friends of the Rosary" connect with all the prayer groups throughout our nation and the world. This is a huge task that is already in motion.

Health Resolutions

- Exercise. My current career is not good for my health, I need more exercise. Join Planet Fitness (Port Jervis, NY) as a family. Workout together.

- Do more research for vegetarian recipes. Looking to expand on meal ideas that are fully vegetarian, not just the usual way we always do it. And then share the recipes online through all social networks to help others eat healthier.

- On a personal note, I'd like to return to my Vegan Diet.

Intellectual Resolutions

- Read a "new" book every month. Realistic goal is once a book is completed start the next one. Focus: Books on the life of a saint. Not only with the objective to deepen my own faith, but to also expand my inner joy with my love for our Lord and our Lady; by following the life of a saint.
(Footnote: I have done this many times in the past, it’s a good thing.)

- Revisit and restart making word games and number games again. I have many already created, time to revive them, make more and share them. This was always a lot of fun.

-LEARN SPANISH this year… Mostly for Prayer purposes; prayer groups, and discussing Jesus and our Lady. (Written and spoken ability).

Writing Resolutions

- Continue my "Beads of Joy Blog" devoting more and more time to it’s topical daily Gospel focus. I'd eventually like to see this published in every Diocese publication as a syndicated monthly feature.

- On a poster board visually layout my (6) book projects that already in motion. I need a plan to one by one get them finished and published. Many years in the makings, it's time to take it to the next level. My goal by the time I am 50 years old is to be a full-time writer.

- Start seeking out places that could use a writer for articles, research and devotional studies, do all the work for free this year.

- Plan one of these book projects to be fully beneficial to Our Lady of Fatima’s Shrine. Ask Fr. Peter to consider co-authoring the book with me. We have discussed this already in the past, then Chrissy got sick and we haven’t returned to the idea, till now. All profit from this writing/ book project will go to the shrine 100% towards their debt.

See how I told you how these "resolution" lists can get out of hand. Have Fun !!

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Mary, Mother of God

BEADS OF JOY 01-01-13 
“Mary, Mother of God”

©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

 

My Friends,

Silence is undoubtedly one of the mysteries of God. In scripture the minimal references of Mary does emphasize her maternal presence in our faith. Today we celebrate "The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Mother of God". Some wonder how she got such a title. It is in Jesus' human nature that Mary becomes Mother of God. All of this is in God's infinite plan of salvation for all of us. It was Ignatius of Antioch who explained that Mary's marriage to Joseph was a means to hide three most important mysteries from the devil.

1. The Virginity of Our Blessed Mother
2.  The Virgin Birth of God's Son
3.   And Jesus' death and resurrection on the cross

One thing I must say. Our Lord has blessed us with so many saints to turn to for wisdom and insight. St. Ambrose of Milan's writings clearly shows his devout love for our Blessed Mother. What follows is an excerpt from his writings: "He is Son of man because the Virgin is a human creature. That which is born of flesh is flesh; that which is born of human being is called man. Christ assumed, not something resembling flesh, but the reality of our flesh; a true body." Ambrose further stated when all Jesus' friends abandoned Him: "His mother stood before the Cross, and, while the men fled, she remained undaunted. She did not fear the torturers. His mother offered herself to his persecutors."


This study has been beyond exciting for me. Whenever I am led to learn from those who adore our Blessed mother, it just thrills my heart. St. Augustine of Hippo known as a giant of western theology absolutely loved and adored our Blessed Mother. Read this, it's so inspiring; so much joy fills my heart and soul. "I repeat, there is no more outstanding example of predestination than the Mediator Himself. The faithful Christian who wishes to understand this well should pay attention to this example, for in it He will find Himself." Please read on St. Augustine of Hippo is so insightful. "Then (at the foot of the Cross) He recognized her; yet, He had always known her. Even before He was born of her, He knew his Mother in her predestination. Before He, as God, created her from whom He would be created as man, He knew His Mother. And so He created a Virgin, whom He had chosen to be His Mother: a woman who did not conceive according to the law of sinful flesh; that is, not by the instinct of fleshly concupiscence. Rather she, with pious faith, merited to receive the holy seed within her. He chose her, to be created from her."


Does this not explode with excitement within your heart so filled with joy? There is so much love, so much joy, so much wisdom that we can find in our Dearest Blessed Mother. The saints not only lead us to our Lord, but they also lead us to our Blessed Mother who leads us to her Beloved Son.

“The Blessed Virgin was eternally predestined, in conjunction with the incarnation of the divine Word, to be the Mother of God. By decree of divine Providence, she served on earth as the loving mother of the divine Redeemer, an associate of unique nobility, and the Lord’s humble handmaid. She conceived, brought forth, and nourished Christ” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 61).


Prayer in Honor of Mary, Mother of God

-Hail, Mary, Mother of God, venerable treasure of the whole universe, lamp that is never extinguished, crown of virginity, support of the true faith, indestructible temple, dwelling of him whom no place can contain, O Mother and Virgin! Through you all the holy Gospels call blessed the one whom comes in the name of the Lord. -Hail, Mother of God. You enclosed under your heart the infinite God whom no space can contain. Through you the Most Holy Trinity is adored and glorified, the priceless cross is venerated throughout the universe. Through you the heavens rejoice, and the angels and archangels are filled with gladness. Through you the demons are banished, and the tempter fell from heaven. Through you the fallen human race is admitted to heaven. -Hail, Mother of God. Through you kings rule, and the only-begotten Son of God has become a star of light to those who were sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Saint Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop and Doctor

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus

and His Most Precious Mother Mary,

Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

MY FIRST BOOK. More to come…

https://www.amazon.com/Marys-Way-Cross-Rosary-Man-ebook/dp/B079TJZFQJ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519240799&sr=8-1&keywords=rosary+man+jim

The Word Became Flesh

BEADS OF JOY 12-31-12 “The Word Become Flesh”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

God’s only begotten Son became flesh; so that He may redeem the world through the sacrificial death of Jesus His Son. We unite ourselves, our lives and our understanding with Him; making us His sons and daughters. That is why God is also our Father. God’s purpose for all of us for all eternity has always been; to do whatever it takes to unite us with Him. In Jesus we are fully united with God the Father. He became like us, to defeat death for us, so that He can unite us with our Father in Heaven. Jesus’ blood not only represents His defeat of eternal death; but it also represents our unity to His eternal life. Do you feel the excitement and Joy that is all Jesus? He is our Lord and our Savior; let us love Him with a most special adoring love.

As a man, Jesus’ love for us increased; even further understanding our fears, our challenges and our joys. His time with us has most certainly helped Him, so that His mercy might flex more realistically to the obstacles we face, day to day as a human. Our human nature is best understood when you see and you feel and you face daily challenges every day in an array of situations. How can one best understand another’s challenges? Walk in their shoes. That is why Jesus’ love and compassion for us is so great; He knows first-hand what we deal with every single day.

Have you thanked God for sending us Jesus? We need to thank Him, for it was through Jesus that we are united to God the Father and that we get to share in His glory.

My Prayer
Heavenly Father, you have shown your great love for me by giving your only Son to die for me. Thank you for not turning your back on me when I forget this and go my own way. Let me always remember that my stay is very short here on earth and I must do your work in this limited time. Help me to be stronger, never giving up my faith, keeping my eyes completely fixed on Jesus. Amen!

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

Feast of The Holy Family

BEADS OF JOY 12-30-12
“Feast of The Holy Family”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today we celebrate The Feast of The Holy Family. Each of us has been called to a very special mission in our lives. Many of us are in families, obviously all of us are, but some of us are a direct member of a day to day living experience with a spouse, or siblings, or a mom and a dad or like many who have children. We all have been given a most blessed gift in whatever structure of a family that we live in. That is what is it that binds all of us together? Are we able to relate to Jesus, in the family setting? Can we live a life really close and private with Jesus while sharing a home with six other people? Oh indeed we can.

The foundation of a family is two-fold. Whereas Jesus is the center of the sacrament of marriage; so we have one man and one woman joining in the sacrament of marriage; and in the center of that commitment to one another is a commitment to Jesus, together and separate. I hope I didn't lose anyone with all that, I almost confused myself. LOL. Point here is that that is truly the perfect of all combinations to better secure and hold strong the family that will stay together for many years. Are all marriages and families all that perfect? Absolutely not, challenges and friction are a daily part of survival in a family. That is why we need Jesus all the more.

But let's see what a family is? Like the Holy Family, a family is the union of one man and one woman (united in the sacrament of marriage) and then the multiplying of children (Which we seem to have mastered well in our home. LOL). A family truly has become "a family" once the children arrive. I realize that's not always true, but for the purpose of reflecting on the Holy Family, we'll look at it this way. Children are like the diamonds in the rough of life, they bring so much joy to a couple that mere words can never express this overflowing happiness. Yes there are countless hours of lost sleep, endless dirty diapers from such a small person, and many of us can agree, so much more. Jesus unites us so that we can take care of one another. Not only physically, but even more importantly spiritually.

As a family "we" have a vocation together, our first ministry together. I see it this way: We all need to support one another and help one another get to Heaven. For what purpose is this life if we don't use it to get to the next one in eternity with Jesus. And if we don't spend time nurturing and helping the flesh of our own flesh, what kind of an example are we when we try so hard to help our friends get to Heaven. That is why "the family" (our own families) needs to be our first ministry. There will be trials, challenges, fights and so on. Families will experience everything possible on this journey. The world we live in is not family friendly; in fact too much of a degree the political correctness undermines a family. We need to find that place in our own families were we can best serve each other, forgiving one another and loving one another no matter what. Unconditional love must rule supreme between all members, building supportive strength together.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
Revived from my own writings 12-27-09