From a Sibling.....

One of my Franciscan brothers, Deacon Joe, sends daily tidbits via email. It's usually forwarded several times over so as a rule, I usually don't read them (sorry, Joe!) Today's tidbit was different and it's definitely something I needed to read through today. I share it with you now:

POINTS ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

Personality:
1. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
2. Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
3. Don't overdo; keep your limits.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously; no one else does.
5. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
6. Dream more while you are awake.
7. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
8. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner of his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
9. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
10. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
11. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
12. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
13. Smile and laugh more.
14. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Community:
15. Call your family often
16. Each day give something good to others
17. Forgive everyone for everything
18. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6
19. Try to make at least three people smile each day
20. What other people think of you is none of your business
21. Your job will not take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
22. Put GOD first in anything and everything that you think, say and do.
23. GOD heals everything.
24. Do the right things.
25. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
26. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
27. The best is yet to come.
28. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
29. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
30. If you know GOD you will always be happy. So, be happy.

Keep sending these nuggets, Joe! You never know who might dig them up.

Daily Mass Readings
Isaiah 49:8-15
Psalm 145:8-9,13-14,17-18
John 5:17-30

Confirmation

"Be sealed with the Holy Spirit...Peace be with you!"

Congratulations to my Godson, who became a full member of the Catholic Church today when he was confirmed by Bishop William Murphy this afternoon!

Bishop Murphy gave a fairly long homily that had some of the newly-minted full Catholics moaning, I'm sure (I remember the homily at my Confirmation Mass all too well...excellent nap!) Then he said something that truly stuck with me, After speaking to me parents and sister after Mass, it stuck with them as well.

"You are truly now Brothers and Sisters of Christ. There are many wonderful reasons for being full members of the Church. The best is this...as a true friend of Christ, you will never, EVER be alone."

It reminded me of my own relationship with Jesus. Even when I'm by myself, feeling down, have had a bad day, I sometimes forget that Jesus, Mary and the Saints are there for me. The smile on my Godson's face after he received the Chrism of Confirmation helped me smile as well. Thank you, my nephew and Godson, for teaching me and inspiring me...and reminding me who my best friend is and always will be.

Daily Mass Readings
Isaiah 65:17-21
Psalm 30:2,4-6,11-13
John 4:43-54