January 6, 2023

Posted on by Johanna Garcia
My reflection is from the Mercy Prayer Book:
Today is the feast of the Epiphany.
God of all nations, manifest yourself once again to your people. Give us clear vision that we may see you in all those that we meet; give us sensitive hearing that we may perceive your voice speaking through the events of our lives; give us compassionate hearts that we may recreate your loving presence among us. Help us to recognize the signs that will lead us to you, and give us good companions for the journey. We ask this confident that you long to show yourself to us. Amen

January 4, 2023

Posted on by Johanna Garcia
My reflection:
“It sounds corny, but I really and truly believe that it’s never too late to go after what you want. As the latest of the late bloomers, I’m proof of that.”
Dixie Carter
It is never too late to do what we have always wanted to do….?

January 3, 2023

Posted on by Johanna Garcia
My reflection:
“When it’s time for a new beginning… You need faith. That things will be better. You need strength, and you’ll find it within. You need patience and persistence. You need help, and you need to keep it close to the center of everything that means the most to you.
You need to put things in perspective. So much of your life lies ahead! You need to know how good it can is be. You need to take the best of what you’ve learned from the old and bring it to the beautiful days of a new journey.
Life’s new beginnings happen for very special reasons. When it’s time to move on, remember that it really is okay. Because when a new beginning unfolds in the story of your life, you go such a long way toward making the dreams of your tomorrows come true.”  Douglas Pagles
I think this is a great reflection for the beginning of a new year. ?

January 2, 2023

Posted on by Johanna Garcia
My reflection:
“The only real mistake we make is the one from which we learn nothing.” John Wesley Powell
As we enter this new year let’s not dwell on mistakes in the past but look forward to the future. ?

January 1, 2023

Posted on by Johanna Garcia
My reflection:
This is a very short and simple lesson in mindfulness, a way in which we can bring peace to ourselves in any moment. Practicing this 20 minutes each day, preferably in the morning, will change your life.
Sit comfortably, with your back as straight as possible. Let your entire body relax. Close your eyes very gently. Bring your full awareness to your breath as you breathe in and out through your nose. You can say to yourself: ‘I am breathing in. I am bringing out. In. Out.’ Or: ‘I am breathing in peace. I am breathing out tension. Peace. Tension.’
Simply notice whatever takes you from your breathing – a thought, sound, itch, daydream – and acknowledge it by naming it. Then, very gently, without judgment, go back to your breathing.
Buy practicing this 20 minutes in the morning, every day, you will learn how powerful your breath is, and you will become more and more aware that you can turn to your breath at any time during the day to bring peace to your heart.” Ruth Fishel
This is a great way to start the new year. ?

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December 31, 2022

Posted on by Johanna Garcia
My reflection is from the Mercy Prayer Book:
Hear us this night, O God, as we pray on behalf of earth’s women. May their wisdom, their suffering, their joy and their strengths be inspiration for us so that we may meet each of life’s events with courage and love. We place ourselves under the protection of Mary, your mother, who moved with grace through the events of her life. Through her intercession, we pray. Amen

December 30, 2022

Posted on by Johanna Garcia
My reflection is from the Mercy Prayer Book:
We give you thanks, our God, for our parents, brothers and sisters, in whose company we have come to know you and experience your love. Bless them and all who have been as family to us, sustaining us and calling us to the fullness of life. Rejoicing in these relationships, we remember the widow and the orphans, the refugee and the homeless and all who walk through life alone. For the generosity to welcome them into our circle of love, we pray, through the intercession of the Holy Family. Amen

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December 28,2022

Posted on by Johanna Garcia
My reflection:
Successful people have these 12 qualities in common
They have confidence in themselves
They have a very strong sense of purpose
They never have excuses for not doing some thing
They always try their hardest for perfection
They never consider the idea of failing
They work extremely hard toward their goals
They know who they are
They understand their weaknesses as well as their strong points
They can accept and benefit from criticism
They know when to defend what they are doing
They are creative
They are not afraid to be a little different in finding innovative solutions that will enable them to achieve their dreams ” Susan Polis Schutz

December 27, 2022

Posted on by Johanna Garcia
My reflection is from Living Faith:
What we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you… 1 John 1:3
“It’s only two days after Christmas and our readings take a gigantic leap forward in time to Jesus’ resurrection. Why?  Because today is the feast of Saint John, apostle, evangelist and witness to the resurrection. In the introduction to his letter, John tells us he is testifying to what he himself has seen with his own eyes and touched with his own hands. In saying this, he is reminding us of the essence of Christian faith: a personal relationship with Jesus. Yes, we can be inspired by the faith of others, but eventually our faith must spring from our own awareness of God’s presence in our life.
This awareness presupposes regular reflection on our life as well as regular prayer.
Jesus, help me to be more attentive to what I am seeing, hearing and touching in my personal life – the people and events as well as the movement of my own heart. And keep me faithful to my daily ‘chats’ with you.” Sr. Melanie Svoboda, S.N.D.