Prepare - For Resistance

BEADS OF JOY 12-14-12
“PREPARE – For Resistance“
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Are you teachable and receptive to our Lord’s teachings? Does the life you live help you; better PREPARE yourself to hear our Lord’s message more clearly? It is always the humble at heart that easily finds and hears and knows Jesus, when we seek Him. It is humility that plays a significant role in our life’s journey leading to our Lord. So when we PREPARE, let us keep all these things in mind. We will be called names; people will make up stories to try to discredit us, and make us appear horrible. Let not our hearts be troubled; by the foolishness of fools. Stay strong in your faith and live with your shield locked in the upward position. <Smile> what does that mean? Jesus died for us, saving us, to protect us from the depths of hell; so that we might be united with Him. He is our shield; He is the one who will always deflect the abuse and hateful words against us. PREPARE for the treasures in Heaven that far exceed all things combined here on earth.

Today’s gospel is in Matthew 11:16-19 (Jesus’ Testimony to John). It is usually jealousy that leads to vengeance against another. Sad by most times that is so true. The Pharisees hated John, yet John never stopped nor ceased in his efforts to warn others to PREPARE the way of the Lord. We must truly remain humble at heart, never allowing jealousy or wasteful desire for worldly things; including titles in our name, letters at the end of name representing some place we went for worldly education or anything that takes our attention away from Jesus.

Let us also refer back to a blog I wrote in 2009:
http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2009/12/wisdom-is-justified-by-her-deeds.html

Insightful reflection about this short gospel reading where verses 18-19 share of a very little known parable. "The Parable of the Children's Game"

I invite you to look back on this earlier blog. Thank you.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

Prepare - To Boldly Suffer

BEADS OF JOY 12-13-12
“PREPARE – To Boldly Suffer”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Are we called to be a martyr for our faith? How would you PREPARE if you were? Does fear shake through your body when you stand up for what you believe in; and in whom you believe in? Thinking about all this, do you wonder; is there really a way to PREPARE for this? Does our humility in our faith direct your thoughts; thinking that others must see us as weak and helpless, when we are humble and willing to suffer and even die? John the Baptist was killed for his faith in sharing the forthcoming of Jesus. I believe John’s life was a life that was all about always being prepared; he lived free of any worldly connections of pleasure or commitment. In today’s scripture, Jesus says, “…among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist,” Through the Holy Spirit we are bold in what we believe; and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we are led to align ourselves with Jesus more and more. PREPARE your heart, PREPARE your life and PREPARE your soul. Martyrs bravely stand up for the truth; as Jesus shed His Holy blood to free us, when we shed our blood in His defense, we unite ourselves more boldly with Him.

Today’s gospel can be found in Matthew 11:11-15 (Jesus’ Testimony to John). John was the prophet who ended the Old Testament, while directing everyone to Jesus, the beginning of the New Testament. He took a very bold step knowing that many hated his message. I wonder are there other ways that we can live our life as a Living Martyr? Not that we’d never be tested by the sword, but for today’s positive message of our Lord, let us look at how in our life of living for Him, that we can live as we die. Now that’s insightfully more true to our faith than just a bunch of words. PREPARE to be challenged my friends. Your humility will be tested and pushed over the cliff; but I know you will be fine.

Be a Living Martyr?? Hmm what could or does that mean? When we follow Jesus, “honestly”, ok, when we “Honestly Follow Jesus” and spend our life seeking Him out, what happens? If we are true to task and mission of living our life for Him, then we will be a living sacrifice for our love and faith in Him. Romans 12:1 says it all, referring to scripture is the greatest way to always remain focused on our faith, “…brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” In all things PREPARE, and be prepared as you live each day for Him. Don’t live your life selfishly. Stop being so arrogant, the world does not revolve around you. Always place others needs and desires before your own. Think of others first, ask and be concerned about their well-beings always; just as John put the saving of another’s soul first and foremost in his life. We to can do the same with our family and friends.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

Our Lady of Guadalupe

BEADS OF JOY 12-12-12 “Our Lady of Guadalupe”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. A poor Indian boy named Cuauhtlatlatohuac, who was later at his baptism named Juan Diego. Here are the events related to the miracles of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Chronology of Events

1525 - Baptism of Juan Diego, by a Franciscan priest.

1531 - December 12, 1531, the day Juan Diego opened his tilma and roses fell to the ground in front of the Bishop. And on Juan Diego's tilma appeared an image of Our Lady exactly as she appeared at the hill of Tepeyac.

1946 - Pope Pius XII declared Our Lady to be the Patroness of the Americas.

1976 - The new basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe was dedicated to our Lady, just 4 miles from central Mexico City.

1988 - On December 12th, Our Lady of Guadalupe was raised to the status of a "solemnity" in all of the United States.

1999 - Pope John Paul II, at his 3rd visit to the sanctuary make the date of December 12th as a Liturgical Feast.


Our Lady of Guadalupe Prayer
God of power and mercy, you blessed the Americas at Tepeyac with the presence of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. May her prayers help all men and women to accept each other as brothers and sisters. Through your justice present in our hearts, may your peace reign in the world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

Prepare - To Be Found

BEADS OF JOY 12-11-12 “PREPARE – To Be Found”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Isn’t the Season of Advent most beautiful? Little rhyme… (The cold brisk air, we can see our breath when we speak; as the snow refreshes and brightens our days. The joy that fills the air, we can’t compare; for it is Jesus who is on His way. How true it is, that a baby child always brings such joy; a smile, a giggle, the cute little smile of a baby girl or boy.) We are waiting, as we PREPARE for the arrival of a most precious child. Jesus wants us to embrace Him. In my own reflection I see that Christmas also represents a time that we must hold Jesus. PREPARE to hold Him my friends. He isn’t a child, He isn’t a teenager, He isn’t an adult; rather He is an infant, an infant must be held. PREPARE to hold him my sisters and brothers, love Him and embrace Him. Hold Him and never ever let Him go!!!

Today’s gospel can be found in Matthew 18:12-14 (The Parable of The Lost Sheep). There is no doubt; the shepherd was filled with grief and hopelessness in the thought that he lost one of his sheep. Like Jesus seeks our hearts and lives and looks of us; He continually and persistently hunted and looked for the one who is lost. Knowing that the others where fine and strong and wouldn’t stray; he kept looking for that one lost sheep. Jesus places tremendous value on each and every one of us; there is no limit to how feverously He will seek us.

Let us think of the dangers of being a lost sheep. Sheep can become easy prey once they become distant from the flock; especially if there is no shepherd anywhere insight. Fear also comes upon a sheep that can easily be trapped in a situation with no escape. Isolation from those who love us can be scary; especially when we are in grave danger, and our inner most gut tells us, this is bad. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded people and those we love and those who love us; secure our surroundings. We must PREPARE to always be on alert, not to stray. Let us PREPARE our hearts and our minds and our values; along with a community by our side, to strengthen our Spirit and to help strengthen each other.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

Prepare - For A Miraculous Healing

BEADS OF JOY 12-10-12
“PREPARE – For a Miraculous Healing”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Let us start the week with a Miracle, one of a most Miraculous Healing. What do you keep or allow to be in the way in your life- that blocks or prevents God’s blessings? Nothing should be allowed or overlooked if it’s blocking you or preventing you from being with Jesus, clear the way, get rid of it. The blind shall see, the lame shall walk, the deaf shall hear and the paralytic shall be healed. God alone wants all of us to be healed. What do we do to live a life that makes time to PREPARE for these healings to be made possible? In our society many have been healed of many different kinds of diseases, some of which have been terminal and even limited in time and life expectance; and miraculously they were healed. Even in the most difficult of times of our lives, let us PREPARE for a celebration in whatever direction situations and challenges go. Honestly PREPARE to celebrate, the victory isn’t always necessarily in the healing; the victory also resides in the suffering. Suffering for Jesus, and also for others we love who suffer; should absolutely be our main focus in this entire situation. Suffering is a blessing, it’s a very deep concept, but best understood when looking up the Cross. True love has no limitations on how much love is given.

Today's gospel can be found in Luke 5:17-26 (The Healing of a Paralytic). Jesus wants to heal all of us in every aspect of our lives; in our body including our minds and most especially our souls. By His grace we are freed from sin and bondage. Our lives we must be open to Him, to allow Him to come into our lives to heal us. He will always love us, even if we don’t love Him; His love for us is not based on whether we love Him or not. With that all said, let’s keep in mind that also in His death that He died for all of us; including the loveable and the unlovable. Nothing in this life can separate or even in all things combined; can never compare the magnificence of God’s love for us.

So through this Season of Advent let us do all we can to better PREPARE our lives and our soul for our Lord’s arrival! No one is perfect, I think we all know that already, but we can try our best to live a life that is much more pleasing to our Lord. Mary will forever intercede for us, always leading our hearts to our Lord. Through prayer, meditation and contemplation; let us better PREPARE our lives for Him and His presence in our life. He shall always be the most precious gift we shall ever receive, and most wonderfully we shall always that special gift, every Christmas morning.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

2nd Sunday of Advent

BEADS OF JOY 12-09-12 “2^nd Sunday of Advent”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today is the Second Sunday of Advent: What are we preparing for? If we were living in Jesus’ time would we recognize the message of His coming? In meeting John the Baptist; would his appearance make his message believable or not? Why was John living like he was in the wilderness anyway? John’s main focus in his life was to direct all of us to Jesus; his only purpose was to point the way to the coming Messiah. One thing is certain, John made sure he stayed focused. I would say it was God’s direction for John to live in wilderness, away from the hustle and bustle of any city or town; that way he can stay focused on his ministry of preparing the way of the Lord. This week we will look at how we can PREPARE ourselves and our life for Jesus. When you get ready for a visit from someone, someone you really can’t wait to see or be with; how do you PREPARE for their visit? Are you spiritually ready, or do you need to PREPARE? If John were to approached you today and told you all about Jesus, honestly, be honest; would take him seriously? It wouldn’t be easy by his appearance I admit.

Today’s Gospel is Luke 3:1-6 (The Preaching of John the Baptist). Even with 20/20 vision and a brain that some might say is rather brilliant; one could easily oversee and even underestimate, or even dismiss the preaching of someone trying to save their soul. Are you sleep-walking or are your ears sealed closed to anything in regards to a message about Jesus? Starting today, yes on this very day, focus, PREPARE and begin to stay tuned to channels that only talk about Jesus. You know there’s a saying that to me is rather brilliant, but not new to many, it’s an old saying. “Junk in- Junk out” that is referring to what message we send to our brain and to our heart and to our soul; with what we hear and see and involve ourselves in each day. PREPARE now for that time that you will have to stand before God; inevitably we all will. You don't believe me, I understand, not many believed John either. The week ahead will be all about how we can PREPARE for His coming.

Today’s Scripture:

-1st Reading: Baruch 5:1-9
(Jerusalem Consoled: The Captivity About To End)

-Psalm: Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
“The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.”

-2nd Reading: Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11
(Greeting - Thanksgiving)

-Gospel: Luke 3:1-6
(The Preaching of John the Baptist)

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

The Immaculate Conception

BEADS OF JOY 12-08-12
“Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends:

This is today’s gospel Luke 1:26-38 (Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary). Today is a most blessed day to celebrate. I just had to post the actual words of the gospel; they are too beautiful, let us take the time to read them again:

“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.”

Today's celebration is focused on the purity of our Blessed Mother. She is indeed full of grace because of her trust in God's word. How seriously do we believe in God's word, His promises, and what grace He will bestow upon us in our life? Do we seriously live a life so simple and so pure, that we would instantly say, "Yes" if we were asked to do something that God asked of us that might possibly look like a bad choice, from the angle we might see it; or do we fully and completely trust that God alone knows what's best for us? Would our trust outweigh our doubt and personal fears? It's something to think about. Full and complete trust goes without questioning of the authority making those choices for us. In this case like Mary, fully trusting in God’s Will for her.

Those are important questions that need to be considered. The challenge we should all take on in our lives; should be to live a life before our Lord that emulates His mother's, she is a great example of obedience. She didn’t know when she was speaking to the Angel Gabriel in that conversation what was truly to come of all of this; and what he was saying about the soon to be miracle birth were beyond any human understanding. Yet regardless of the lack of all the details, her love and devotion and deepest trust in God surpassed any doubt that would turn her away from God's request of anything He wanted for her to do, for Him. We must embrace Mary as our Mother and join with her as she leads us to our Lord. She always brings us to Him, right from the start she has, all the way to today. Thank you Mother.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

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Hope - In His Mercy

BEADS OF JOY 12-07-12 “Hope – In His Mercy”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today we look at yet another fantastic miracle of healing. Like the clay was molded and blessed through God’s hand in creation; Jesus touched the eyes of those blind and healed them. Today’s gospel healing can be found in Matthew 9:27-31 (The Healing of the Two Blind Men). These two men cried out to Jesus in HOPE of His mercy and His healing. Without hesitation Jesus entered into their home and spoke to them and healed them. Do you recognize God’s power and mercy, even before the healing? In our HOPE and trust in Him, let us keep our eyes open to His healing power. It is Jesus who restores us; both physically in the functions of our body, and spiritually in the focus of our Spirit.

As the blind-spots in our lives cover up our view of God’s healing power, we must call after Him and beg Him to open our eyes- our Spiritual eyes. Yes we may see Him, but without knowing Him- who He is and why He is here; we may be blinded by our lack of knowledge. In His compassion for us, it is obvious in many of our lives that our Lord blesses our lives in so many ways. Through our faith and with the help of the Holy Spirit we will see Him, more and more clearly as we get to know Him.

God wants us to draw ever so close to Him, to see Him. Living a life in the HOPE that we do that and that makes for an exciting life filled with Jesus. Consider the life these two blind men lived, in utter darkness; thinking about and waiting for Jesus. And when Jesus was near, even without seeing Him, they were seeking His Mercy and His Healing, and their HOPE in His loving power to Heal was very real for these two men. They knew that it was only through Jesus that they would be healed, and through their lives they must have been listening and waiting for Him; just knowing that through their faith, they’d know the right time to cry out for Him, even though they couldn’t visual see Him. That’s the kind of faith we should all be living every day. Does that make sense? We should live our faith filled life like these two blind men did.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

Hope – In A Solid Foundation

BEADS OF JOY 12-06-12
“Hope – In A Solid Foundation”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends, (This is my 600th Blog)

How do you prepare for disasters? Take Hurricane Sandy, she tore through this area pretty horrifically, with no mercy for virtually anyone. Even if you had a solid cement foundation, it pretty much didn’t matter; if you were too close to storm, your home was destroyed. Just as if we live our lives to close to evil, taunting with sin that we embrace, we stand the chance at being destroyed, regardless of what we may think we have fooled ourselves of what we believe. Today’s gospel has us considering the Hope that we have in our preparedness in times of trouble and challenge. Can your spiritual house with-stand the pressures and misleading efforts of the worldly people around you? Today we are reading, Matthew 7:21, 24-27 (True Disciple / The Two Foundations) let us keep in mind that a storm so horrible, not only sweeps away all that the good, but also the wicked will be destroyed. God knows our hearts, even when we secretly lie to others and even more seriously to ourselves.

We might think we are fooling those around us, we may even also think; if we Hope no one knows, maybe no one will find out either. Throughout life we will all be put through some of life’s most brutal tests. Tests of our character, tests of our morals, tests seeing who we really are; especially when we are under the gun and all those around us have been fooled into believing one thing, and we as believers stand strong in our faith without budging believing and following after Jesus. I wonder do you live in the Hope that your foundation is built in solid, strong footing to with-stand most any storm that comes your way. The way we live our lives and the way we share our lives, will inevitable determine how we will stand up against the evils of this world. Our foundation is critical, do you have the foresight to see and know that how solidly you stand your ground in what you believe will be in the end, the truth about who you really are?

God must be our foundation, for it is only through Him that we shall have the only Hope that will with-stand any storm heading our way. Some storms we can move out of the way of, and we can remain protected from the disaster heading our way; only thing is that the spiritual storms that hit us every day for the most part, hit us without warning with no place to go for cover. When Chrissy was diagnosed with Terminal Lung Cancer, we were living a normal life, making plans, celebrating holidays, shopping for our family’s needs and maintaining a life style typical to most families our size and most families working as hard as we were. But surprise surprise; no mercy and only a demand for sacrifice hit us like a brick wall. And tested we were, beyond what anyone should ever be tested.

We still battle this horrible cruel heartless storm, it hasn’t gone away and it hasn’t slowed down any; the winds only seem to have picked up. I thank God that He alone is our rock; He alone is our refuge through all of this. We have surrendered all of our treasures and all of our plans and desires to battle this horrific storm. One thing this storm does not stand an inkling of a chance to destroy is our Hope. Our Hope remains in God’s will for Chrissy, and our family. He alone determines what we say, how we react and how we handle these most destructive challenges. He alone is what we have built our lives on, our faith in and our Hope for the future in. My sisters and brothers I say this from the heart; build your faith, your foundation solidly in Jesus Christ, don’t let anyone tell you or criticize you or tease you into believing anything else. God alone is the only foundation that can with-stand any storm you will be faced with. Place all your trust in Him. I love you guys, God Bless.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

Hope - In Gods Abundance

BEADS OF JOY 12-05-12
“Hope – In God’s Abundance”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

The miracles keep coming, today we read about a miracle that blesses thousands, sharing in the Hope found in God’s abundance. I wonder, hmmm… Whenever you take a journey for a couple of days, a journey that you know will keep you away from your home or any place to get a drink or a snack, or a meal; would you pack a cooler or something? Well in today’s gospel we learn that 4,000 people didn’t plan for such a journey and Jesus was unwilling to just send them away hungry. He was concerned that in the journey home they might faint along the way. Jesus took what little they had and He multiplied it to satisfy and encourage thousands. Today’s miracle can be found in Matthew 15:29-37 (The Healing of Many / Feeding of The 4,000). After you read this scripture, I think of one question, ok two questions, to ask to further show how generous God’s abundance really is.

I wonder: What amount of food satisfies your hunger pangs after 3 days of traveling on foot? That question comes to me from reading verse 37 in today’s gospel, “And they all ate and were satisfied; and they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over.” This question even furthers these thoughts to the next question: How much food does it take to feed and satisfy 4,000 people and still have left overs? I don’t know how many of you have had crowds over your home for a BBQ or a holiday celebration. It sure takes a lot of food to satisfy 20-30 or more people, you always Hope you have enough food, I can’t even imagine what amount of food (bread and fish) it would take to feed and satisfy 4,000 people. WOW. I write the number 4,000 out in numbers, because I think seeing the huge number is more powerful an impact then just reading it in words.

Jesus’ love and compassion for the crowd (for us) is incredible, but very expected, at least by me and I would guess by all of us. The disciples themselves hadn’t a clue what to do, they couldn’t see beyond themselves and their own ability to help the crowd. Jesus knew that even with just a little, even a very little amongst so many, is more than enough for Him to bless everyone.

Jesus really loves all of us, and meeting our needs is just as important to Him as it is to us… this miracle shows us that.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

Hope - To See & Know Jesus

BEADS OF JOY 12-04-12
“Hope – To See & Know Jesus”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Let me start with a quote from today’s gospel reading, “Then turning to the disciples he said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it." That was verses 23-24, today’s gospel can be found in Luke 10:21-24 (Blessed Are The Eyes That See). We should live in joyful HOPE that Jesus will come again to us and that He alone will establish His Kingdom for us. With confidence and HOPE and what Jesus has told us; this kingdom will be one of righteousness and peace. But before all this; we must see Him and know Him and love Him and embrace Him in a personal relationship.

Before we get into it, let us be clear that we know things that are in God’s interest or will for us, come from Him alone. One key to being able to do this is that we must live in simplicity and humility before Him, like babes in His sight. This journey in life can be as easy or as difficult as we see it to be. I know we don’t have control of the events that surround us; but we do have control as to how we respond and how we see them. In our life there is one very severe sin that we must do all we can to avoid and that sin is pride. It is a very dangerous sin, this sin leads us to only place all our hope and praise in ourselves. The foundation of all sin usually starts with this sin. If it’s all about us, then we know it’s not all about Him. Our lives must always be like one of a servant, serving and listening and seeing what the Lord desires of us. I know that isn’t the popular answer or preference from most; but it is the truth.

RIGHT NOW – RIGHT HERE, ok RIGHT THERE where you are, give to Jesus your life completely, entirely, holding nothing back. Place every spec of your being into His arms; give Him full reign of your life, putting all of your Hope and Trust in Him. Allow Him to guide you; allow Him to encourage you; ask Him to bless you. You will be asking for to be tested with asking for that, I promise you that. But knowing that you can be strong in what might come your way is important. For in Christ we are strong, no matter what comes our way.

My Story is the perfect example... Chrissy situation wasn’t something we knew would happen in our families’ lives, nothing we could plan for. But no matter; in Christ I have been made strong to nurture my love. God has given me the foresight to gain the insight in being of service to the woman He has blessed me to spend my life with. I don’t want any praise or anything, I am honored to be able to be the one to serve her, help her and guide her; as she suffers and as she recovers. I sometimes have no clue how I got through some days I experience. But in my heart I know its Gods saving grace that gives me the Hope and the fortitude and the strength to conquer what shouldn’t or couldn’t be conquered. Seeing and knowing Jesus is my ultimate strength. You too can do the same. Let today be the first day for the rest of your life with Jesus.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

Hope - Found In Trust

BEADS OF JOY 12-03-12 “Hope- Found In Trust”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

The title of today’s blog is fitting for the week that lies ahead. This is a week of HOPE and in this week we learn that many of the gospel’s are about healing. In today’s gospel we are reflecting upon Matthew 8:5-11 (The Healing of a Centurions Servant). I love this healing, the Centurion was an upright, respectful, faithful man; he placed all his hope in the healing of his servant, in the trust that Jesus would do this for him, simply by say the word and he would be healed, and indeed he was. He showed such an amazing demonstration of public faith and that came from a commander; a commander of hundreds of soldiers.

Let us take a moment and consider in this reflection, just prior to the commander speaking with Jesus. The pain and suffering of his servant that must have been on his heart; he must have known who Jesus was; he did refer to Jesus as “Lord”. In fact being a commander and Jesus being in His public ministry, he probably knew where Jesus would be that day. This man most likely started his day in the HOPE that he would have the chance to speak directly with Jesus; to ask Him to heal his servant. Very impressive and encouraging, not only in his words of confidence requesting a healing, he just knew it would happen; all Jesus had to do was command it, and it would, and it did. We worship and love and adore a most powerful, loving, merciful Lord. These simple stories are a large part of the reason why my Spirit is always on fire for Him every single day.

I have read it like this from author Herbert Lockyer, in regards to the soldier, “It was great in its self-forgetting humbleness. There was no vestige of desire for honor to himself, for consideration of his standing, in the way the Centurion proffered his request. This is faith’s true mark- “None but Christ.”” Even in this situation, back in the beginning years of our Lord’s ministry, many understood that all glory and all honor goes to Jesus Christ. Amen!!!! I love this, our faith and what we believe and what we share and what we say, has a history unlike any other. I simply love it!!!

Please in your life, try to allow Jesus to engulf you; allow Him to take over your every thought; allow Him to take over all your wishes, all your dreams, all your time. I know I have shared this before, but I say it again to help encourage you, all of you, to somehow do what I do- in your own life. My life is 100% Jesus… Even when I am work and especially when I am at home. All things Jesus, all the time; I have no hobby that isn’t praiseworthy to my Lord. I don’t follow sports, but I do enjoy watching them; I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, and I have never done drugs. I gave my Lord, my entire life back in 1983, and it has been amazing ever since. Jesus and Mary are a huge big part of my life; every single day that I live. To me, there is no point to live for otherwise. Of cause I have a family that I love and that I tend to with joy immeasurable; these references are about my spiritual life, my spiritual well-being, all of which are entwined in everything I do. Join me; unite with me in living like this. It will forever change your life for the better. In all things you will learn how to REJOICE like I do. Surrender all your HOPE in Him.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

1st Sunday of Advent

BEADS OF JOY 12-02-12 “1^st Sunday of Advent”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today is the First Sunday of Advent: What are you waiting for? What are you hoping for? What does this entire Season of Advent mean to you? Let’s see what answers we might consider? We are waiting for the birth of Jesus in a manger… We are hoping that His birth brings us a grace that will save us… And to me this entire Season of Advent is all about Anticipation and Hope. It’s also a wonderful, spiritual journey; one that we can take alone and one that we can take with our community. In our Hope, let’s keep that Hope in God and not in the things of this world. How do you think of Hope? Do you realize this Season of Advent rests all its Hope in a newborn baby, a baby that will be born poor and in a manger?

Look for the light in the sky, and follow after it… just kidding, if you’re like me, you’d end up following an airplane into an airport; and then after that have to deal with a pat down. LOL. Sorry, but I will go back to that thought. Jesus is the light, oh yes He is: He was before He was born, He was at the Transfiguration, He was at His Resurrection and He is today in our lives. The time is here, the time has come… What are you waiting for?

Today’s Gospel is Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 (Second Coming – Watch At All Times). Temptations untamed will be our undoing, we tend to be passive and we even fall asleep spiritually as we live through this life. Starting today let us ask God to fill our lives and our thoughts with His Hope and His Grace and a fresh view on what’s to come through Him. Through God we are given strength, strength to overcome temptation. Our focus must be fixed on Jesus, He is to be born, He will be born; He will save us; He will always love us; He has always loved us. The things of this world only distract us and keep us from Jesus; I challenge you to remove one by one all of the things that are in your life, that keep you away from Jesus. In your Hope; Hope and focus on His ways to become your ways. Ask for His blessings and His love; He will give them to you, all must do is ask... God Bless you, enjoy Advent.

Today's Scripture:

1^st Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16
(Promise of Restoration)

Psalm: Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14
“To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.”

2^nd Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:12 - 4:2
(Living to Please God)

Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
(Second Coming – Watch At All Times)

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

Prepare For Advent

BEADS OF JOY 12-01-12 “Prepare For Advent”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Advent 1, Year C

Advent is without a doubt one of the most exciting times for Catholics to celebrate and to prepare for. Jesus is coming!!! We will have a frenzy of Joy, gift wrapping, baking and most importantly worship that we will all experience as this most Joyous season of Advent begins. What are your plans for Christmas this year? Will family and friends be in your home, singing Christmas carols, while the turkey is in the oven and the kids are unwrapping their presents? Or maybe you will be taking a journey to see Grandma and Grandpa, packing the car with all the wonderful gifts you made for them and we can’t forget to bring the pumpkin pie. Now is the time to begin planning these wonderful activities. This is also the time for all of us to prepare for Jesus’ arrival.  Yes we all know He is already here; it’s just so much fun and so important for us to make the time we need to prepare our hearts and minds each year for His arrival. Your Christmas will only be perfect is Jesus is in your celebration.

Advent, hmm… What is Advent? It’s a time for preparation; a time for prayer; a time for reflection; a time for conversion; it’s a time for us to fully bring Jesus into our lives, into our homes. Do you know what will really make this Advent season the best it could ever be for you and your family? Once Jesus is born and all the festivity has quieted down and all the after Christmas sales are done; truly invite Jesus to remain with you in your heart, in your home and in your lives. Take it from me; it’ll be Christmas all year long once you do. I can remember back in 1983 when I experienced my first Christmas, the first Christmas where Jesus was one thousand percent of my life. I can’t remember having such a joyous Christmas like that first one. Don’t get me wrong, we had fantastic, festive, endless gift giving Christmas’ through the years when I was kid and even now; but none can compare to the very first one that ignited my already on fire heart love for my Lord. And then when Christmas was over, Jesus stayed with me and has remained with me 365/24/7 and I love it… You can to…

Think of Advent like this:
Through these weeks I will be here sharing and guiding you.

Week 1 – HOPE:
Think of the empty manger, waiting for Jesus.

Week 2 – PREPARE:
The shepherds begin to travel towards the manger.

Week 3 – REPENT:
Mary and Joseph know the time is drawing near.

Week 4 – RESPOND:
The Magi are closer and nearer to Him now with gifts and praise.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

Urgent Ministry Update

BEADS OF JOY 11-27-12 “Beads of Joy Ministry - Update”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Urgent? Indeed!, it’s all about our ministry...
Hello my friends, I am so glad you have taken the time to read today’s blog. Today I wish to share with you, the topical expansion of our ministry. I was initially considering making separate places (twitter and blog) to focus on health (mind and body), relationships (marriage and parenting) and a look at some of my own personal and some rather odd hobbies that cost me $0.00 to enjoy. I realize for the most part our online Ministry (Beads of Joy Rosary Ministry) strictly, most, even exclusively focuses on “Prayer”. And I know it has much popularity and it draws in many interested around the world. Nothing at about what already exists will ever change; in fact it will continue to only grow.

What I feel led to do through much prayer and the guidance of the Spirit; is to expand our ministry to cover not only our Spiritual well-being, but also our physical and mind and relationship well-being, the whole body, encompassing our whole life. I have experience in all facets of these endeavors. Wow!! Ok, breath….that was a long sentence. LOL. But in the nutshell that is exactly what our ministry will be doing. My love for our Spiritual direction and choices in life has been in my heart these past 29 years (since 1983) I really enjoy being an evangelist and promoter of the Rosary and Prayer. My love and experiences and desire to promote “Family” has also been my whole life, which is indeed wrapped up the Spiritual experience; after all being married 26 years (since 1986), and being a dad for 24 years (since 1988), my heart and spirit feel led to share more and more about these very aspects that are part of many of our lives.

So from today on, I will be intergrading within my blogs and tweets; reflections, insights and experiences to all these topics to hopefully help encourage and lead many to a more total healthier you. I am not perfect, by no means; and I certainly don’t live day by day sinless. I am just like all of you, dealing with all the normal and even abnormal challenges of married life and relationships, parenting of multiple children, physical challenges of over-eating and inability to focus on taking care of myself. I hope these topical inclusions; to our ministry helps everyone even more. I ask that you to feel free to share your story, share your challenges with us, if you feel led to; so that maybe we as a community to help guide you, lead you and encourage you to better overall health.

Thank you everyone for your dedication and devotion to our Lord through the Rosary and your own personal prayer life. May it continue to grow and flourish as time goes on... All of you are always in my prayers. I hope and pray that you have a most spectacular, exciting day.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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

A Husband's Joyful Rosary

BEADS OF JOY 11-25-12
“A Husband's Joyful Rosary”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS


My Friends,

Today, I give to you A Husbands Joyful Rosary: Meditations of the Joyful Mysteries. I love the Rosary so much; I recently dusted off some of my oldest journal notes about multiple Rosary Mediations that I began back in the late 1990’s. I referred to them as “The Career Rosary”, what that means actually is that all our commitments is life revolve around the thoughts and reflections and meditations of the Holy Rosary. Today I will share with you the meditations of a husband spiritual role in The Joyful Mysteries:

1.   The Annunciation: Dear Lord in HUMILITY, I ask that you and our Lady guide my heart in this most Joyful Mystery to be a better more devout, sincere husband. The Annunciation has taught me of the great humility Mary had before God in His request. In this mystery I ask for your blessing that I may continue to stay selfless, always keeping my cutie pie first; I also wish to continue to be very consistent in the small things that she relies so much upon me in (working- keeping my job; helping out at home and with our kids); I also accept her criticism, and admitting to her when I am wrong. Furthermore Lord I shall always accept her apology immediately, never allowing her to feel unforgiving; and I will be generous when I am really right and she is really wrong, never making her feel belittled. I offer all this up to you my Lord. (Our Father who art in Heaven…)

2.   The Visitation: Dear Lord in CHARITY, as we enter into the second Joyful Mystery I ask for you to help me to be an even better husband in Charity, real Charity, the Charity that becomes implanted in my heart loving my precious wife like never before. I know Lord that this Charity means I will never become a judge against my love and that my kindness and understanding grows deeper in my true love for her. I won’t ever take advantage of her weaknesses or shortcomings; and my patience and love will help guide me only to love her with completely unlimited understanding and patience. This Charity I speak of is fully focused on my devout love for You my Lord. Your way is the best way and only way for me to love my precious wife with all my heart. (Our Father who art in Heaven…)

3.   The Birth of Jesus: Dear Lord in SPIRITUAL POVERTY, as I begin this third Joyful Mystery, I continue to ask that You guide my heart to be a better husband. Know Lord, that in my union with my wife, a relationship I place much value upon; even in the most difficult of times, I shall always love her. For she is the woman You have blessed my life with; I will always come to You my Lord for strength, for in You my weakness will be made perfect in the strength You work through me. Nothing in this life will ever draw my attention away from You or her Lord. Nothing in this life will ever distract or derail that which holds the most value to my life. For in possessing nothing, I shall be able to attain all things. (Our Father who art in Heaven…)

4.   The Presentation of Jesus in The Temple: Dear Lord in OBEDIENCE I begin this forth Joyful Mystery, asking that You always continue to draw my heart ever closer to You. My life shall always remain open to God’s Will, this openness will empty my heart of all of its selfishness; asking You alone Lord to guide my heart ever closer to You; while I continue to always direct my precious wife to You. As You Lord were brought to the Temple in obedience to the law, I to shall direct and bring my wife and our family to You Lord, to Your altar, in Your presence. In your abundant love Lord we shall grow completely aware of Your invitation to unite with You in that love. (Our Father who art in Heaven…)

5.   The Finding of Jesus in The Temple: Dear Lord in the Spirit of PIETY I come before you in this fifth Joyful Mystery. In the true Spirit of Piety I shall always desire to do what is pleasing to You Lord. My role as a husband is one that I do take seriously. Yes we have had our share of challenges and obstacles, our life shall always have these things that interfere with our focus and our purpose. Today Lord I promise to continue living a life that is pleasing to You, no habits or addictions shall ever come before You; and in doing so they shall deepen my love for You and for the wife You have blessed my life with. Hand in hand to the altar before You Lord; marriage is a sacred alliance of two souls united as one, to love and honor You alone... Together Lord. (Our Father who art in Heaven…)

“Jesus, I Shall Always Trust in You.”

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

Christmas 2012 - Challenge

BEADS OF JOY 11-23-12 “Christmas 2012 Challenge”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

I CHALLENGE YOU: Here’s a switch up, consider giving to Jesus yourself more fully while giving Jesus to others for Christmas… Today’s world is changing, and not necessarily in a good way, but it is in some ways good that many more are turning to God for answers. Let us in our own lives, start to more seriously give Jesus more and more of ourselves to Him, here are just a few ideas to start with:

1.    Humility: This is the truest most difficult gift to give, not impossible, but difficult indeed… Anything I share I have lived and I have done. I won’t ever challenge anything to anyone if I myself haven’t already been down that road. This gift needs to be practiced in all aspects of our life. Humility is a hard teaching. We must learn to swallow our own pride and our own desires, placing others wishes and desires first, always. By doing this we offer the pain of it to our Lord. It is humility that changes us, we are nothing without Jesus, and humility brings that reality into the light for us to see.

2.    Confession: Another very difficult gift to give to our Lord, more difficult when the reality is just you sitting face to face with a priest; though you can sit behind a screen if you feel more comfortable. I guess the first step here in that this gift is the one gift that helps you take away all that comes between you and Jesus. The straight and narrow path that leads us directly to Jesus has no room for our own selfish desires and the sins we embrace. And we do have sins that we embrace, we all know that. The sins we say to ourselves, “Oh that’s harmless, no one is being hurt by that.” We think that, forgetting that even if no one else knows or sees or is affected by what we are doing; Jesus has taken to heart our disrespect and lack of true love for Him.

3.    Serving Others: This gift is a gift by example that Jesus himself gives to us every single day. Honestly you should consider this to be one of the greatest gifts you can ever give to Jesus. Placing others first is an honor, giving to others your time, your stuff and your treasures; don’t hold back my sisters and brothers. It is so wonderful when we can indeed help others with our words of love, our words of encouragement, our support and love always unconditionally.

This is just a mere start to so many more gifts I want to share with all of you. Just think of the possibilities if so many more of us, together start putting Jesus and others first in our lives. This world would change in so many positive ways.

Please know that I am praying for all of you, and I mean that. You guys have been the greatest GIFT that our Lord has given me the opportunity to love and embrace and pray with each day. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you, pray for you and ask for God’s blessings for your families, your challenges, your diseases and all that hinder your time away from Jesus…  

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

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