Say that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father. Matthew 18:10

“As ‘a little one,’ I was taught both at home and in the parochial school I attended that a guardian angel was with me at all times. Children are impressionable, and I was no exception. That message took root and led me to trust in this protection and guidance. Years later, I continue to draw strength and comfort from this teaching, especially when I’ve had a close call – like the time a young driver ran a red light as I drove through a busy intersection. That car came within inches of crashing into where I was seated. After I managed to stop shaking from freight, I thought of my angel and offered thanks. This feast, the Holy Guardian Angels, reminds us to awaken our awareness of those hidden ones who are there for us in our time of need. It’s amazing how often they come through for us.” Sr. Joyce Rupp, O.S.M

 May the days be good to you: comforting more often than crazy and giving more often than taking.

May the passing seasons make sure that any heartaches are replaced with a million smiles and that any hard journeys eventually turn into nice, easy miles that take you everywhere you want to go.

May your dreams do their absolute best to come true.

May your heart be filled with the kindness of friends, the caring of everyone you love, and the richness of memories you wouldn’t trade for anything.

May life‘s little worries always stay small. May you get a little closer every day to any goals you want to achieve.

May any changes be good ones and any challenges turn out to be for the better.

May you find time to do the things you’ve always wanted to do!

And may you have positive thoughts forever.” Douglas Pagels

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 twenty 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 breathing 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.

By 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 your breath at any time during the day to bring peace to your heart.” Ruth Fishel

You can also use the Jesus prayer calling on Jesus name when you breathe in and breathe out.

“As long as you keep trying you won’t ever stop achieving. Keep feeding your mind, and it won’t go hungry for ideas. Stay optimistic, and you won’t ever lose hope.

Embrace change, and you’ll keep on growing forever. Keep making new friends, and your circle will constantly expand. Nurture the talents of others, and you’ll always get results.

Be a promise keeper and you’ll keep peoples trust. Be who you are, and you’ll always be real. Give credit to those who helped you reach goals, and you’ll always have a team.

Keep aiming high, and you’ll always have dreams. Keep your eyes open, and you’ll see opportunities. Keep your enthusiasm, and you’ll always be inspired.” Jacqueline Schiff