January 11, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection is from Living Faith:
Eli, thinking her drunk, said to her… Sober up from your wine.” 1 Samuel 1:13–14
“As our plane taxied down the runway, the woman next to me began to recite the Hail Mary aloud. She was oblivious to those around her. Instead of finding comfort in the familiarity of her prayer, I was unnerved. Did she sense trouble? Were we going to crash? How silly of me to get all wound up, but I really wanted her to stop. She kept on until we reached cruising altitude.
Not unlike Eli, I wondered what was wrong with her. Then it hit me. The only problem was my rush to judgment. She was anxious about flying so was I. When the plane’s captain announced we would land in 20 minutes, the Hail Mary started up again. This time I prayed one silently. The woman’s prayers no longer alarmed me. Perhaps they grounded her. After all, the gift of prayer grounds us all, no matter our altitude- or attitude.” Gail Goleas
I am so grateful for all the people who have prayed for me during this past hospital stint. All those prayers gave me the grace to get better each day. I’m not 100% better but I am feeling great. I am so thankful for all my family and friend’s support

January 4,2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Take a moment to think about how many people have smiled because of you-about all the lives you’ve changed for the better, sometimes without even trying.
Take a moment to look back at all the joy you’ve caused and all the good you’ve done, even when you thought you were at your worst.
Take a moment to remember how much love you sent out there and how much you matter to people, just because you’re you.” Irina Vasilescu
Let us remember that God is present as we journey along our way. Sometimes we never know how we have touched someone’s life.?

January 3, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“You’re strong like a beautiful tree in the forest. You have experienced the winds of change and challenge, and you are still standing. Like enduring roots reaching down into the earth, your foundation of faith and spirituality will keep you firmly planted.
When you’ve done all you think you can, stay determined. When you’re doubtful and frustrated, don’t despair. When you can’t see you tomorrow, just get through today.
Honor your hearts direction. Stand your ground. Storms and the weather made the big tree strong, and it’s still standing, too, just like you.
In the feelings that you keep to yourself, you may sometimes have questions. Guard your confidence and promise yourself that you were born to win and not lose, and with gods help, you will be empowered mightily.” Donna Fargo

January 2, 2022

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“Find happiness in nature
in the beauty of a mountain
in the serenity of the sea
Find happiness in friendship
in the fun of doing things together
in the sharing and understanding
Find happiness in your family
in the stability of knowing
that someone cares
in the strength of love and honesty
Find happiness in yourself
in your mind and body
in your values and achievements
Find happiness in everything you do”
Susan Polis Schutz
God gives us a new year to reflect on the positive gifts in our lives. ?

December 31, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection is from Living Faith:
(John the Baptist) was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which in lightened everyone… John 1:8–9
“John the Baptist had his sights set on Jesus. We learn through John’s voice and actions how deeply he sensed in his heart that Jesus was the divine light, God enfleshed in human form. Thus it was that John’s entire attention focused passionately on this relationship.At the same time, John remained humble in his calling and avoided thinking this was about making himself important.
As we come to the end of this year, why not take time to put ourselves in John‘s sandals. How much of our heart have we set on Jesus? When were we especially aware of the relationship we have with this beloved Teacher? if some of our attention on this relationship strayed, what caused this drifting apart? Perhaps you could have a conversation with John the Baptist. Ask him how he managed to keep his heart burning brightly for the person he wanted everyone to know and love.” Sr. Joyce Rupp, O.S.M.
Let us take time to reflect and rather than coming up with a bunch of resolutions, let us ask God what needs to be changed in our life.?

December 30, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“There is no need to give up your serenity for the sake of getting something accomplished. In fact, accomplishment comes more surely when your efforts are calm and your spirit is peaceful.
Consider how very much more you can get done when your energy is not being sapped away by a frenzied mind. True serenity is not the absence of action, but rather action with integrity, confidence and a steadfastness of purpose.
The world may very well be swirling around you in a constant turmoil. But you don’t have to adapt that turmoil as your own.
The more frenzied and hurried life becomes, the more serene and unperturbed you have the opportunity to be. Whatever you can accomplish in a hectic and chaotic state, you can accomplish much more powerfully with peaceful, calm determination.
When you’re confronted with turmoil, respond with serenity. It will lift you to a higher level of experience and accomplishment.” Ralph S. Marston, Jr

December 29,2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection:
“When life overwhelms you and you feel like you can’t carry on, hold out your hand to God. He will give you strength and walk beside you when you think you can’t walk another step.
God will carry you through life‘s trials; He will help you make it through this day and all those to come. And He is always watching over you.” Barbara J. Hall
No matter what we are going through God is always present with us.?

December 28, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera
My reflection is from Living Faith:
Broken was the snare, and we were freed. Psalm 124:7
The apparent irony of it can never fail to strikers, I think – the memory of this terrible day, the slaughter of innocence – following almost immediately after the joyous celebration of the Nativity.
It’s a reminder of many truths: that the life of the Christian is a journey to the Cross, of the depth and gravity of the sin that Jesus came to save the world from. All of these can be unpacked theologically at great length.
But I think it’s also a reminder of something simpler: Life continues to be difficult here on earth. It’s even difficult during the Christmas season, and sometimes even because of it, as we look to the Child in the midst of loss, disappointment, loneliness, questions and grief.
And right there, in all of that, he sees our tears, hears our weeping. And somehow, in his own time, he does indeed, rescue us.
Loving God, I pray for those in pain and suffering.” Amy Welborn

December 27, 2021

Posted on by Evelyn Rivera

My reflection is from Living Faith:

They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him. John 20:2
“I can picture Peter, Mary Magdalene and the unnamed disciple at the tomb looking astonished. These are the most faithful disciples, firsthand witnesses of Jesus’ miracles on many occasions. He cured the lame, gave sight to the blind, raised Lazarus from the dead. I don’t doubt Jesus performed more miracles than we read about in the Gospels. Time and again, Jesus continued to surprise those who recognized him as the Son of God. He even told them that he would be killed and will rise on the third day.
We can hardly fault them for being astonished. Think of how many times we have been pleasantly surprised by the answer to prayer. Even with a vigorous faith and strong conviction in the truth of the Gospel, we are constantly in awe of how God continues to act in our lives, blessing us abundantly in amazing ways. Deborah A. Meister
This is so true. God is constantly acting in our lives.?