Reflection Starter from Robert Frost

"The best way out is always through." - Robert Frost

Chet Baker: "My Funny Valentine"

It's time for some jazz, a genre of music I enjoy. Here is a presentation of "My Funny Valentine" by Chet Baker:

 

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of the opportunities You place before us each day.

Jim Schroeder on What to Do When It Is Time for Change

". . . Not long ago, I published an article on change and why it is so hard, even though we are created for it. In the piece, I detailed how we often unintentionally reject God by putting limits on our ability to change and grow. While the reasons behind this are often understandable and quite human, the unfortunate thing about this is that not only does it limit our ability to find new sources of joy and meaning, it also limits our ability to grow closer to others and God.  

"Yet ironically, what we also don't realize is that by closing ourselves off to potential opportunities, we might be risking a certain ruin that is not as obvious as a damaged roof or a collapsed porch, but one that simply deadens our ability to change as needed."

In a recent commentary, Dr. Jim Schroeder reflected on how life is a guaranteed adventure, whether we like it or not, and on the importance of being open to play the dynamic role that God has for us.

To access Dr. Schroedier's complete post, please visit:

Aleteia: Jim Schroeder: What will you do when you know it’s time for change? (24 AUG 22)

Reflection Starter from G. K. Chesterton

"An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered; an adventure is an inconvenience rightly considered." - G. K. Chesterton

Three Day Threshold: "Chicken Shack"

One of the treasures of New England is the great variety of music in our region. Some of this music (of whatever genre) is provided musicians from the region; other music is provided by artists visiting the region from other areas.

One such example is the Massachusetts-based Three Day Threshold: .

Background information: 

Facebook: Three Day Threshold 

In this video, Three Day Threshold is presenting "Chicken Shack":

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the graces You offer us during times of suffering.

Philip Kosloski on St. Rose of Lima, Suffering, and Grace

"At times we can become discouraged, especially when we encounter any type of suffering in our lives. This can lead us to think that God has somehow abandoned us, letting us endure more pain than happiness.

"However, St. Rose of Lima reminds us that suffering is an essential part of our spiritual lives on earth and that it opens the door to God's grace."

In a recent commentary based on the writings of Saint Rose of Lima, writer Philip Kosloski reflected on how God is close to us in our suffering, offering us  spiritual graces, and the importance of our being open to these graces.

To access Mr. Kosloski's complete post, please visit:

Aleteia; Philip Kosloski: St. Rose of Lima reminds us that grace comes through suffering (23 AUG 22)

Reflection Starter from Galileo Galilei

"I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him." - Galileo Galilei

The Singing Contractors: "He Touched Me"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of The Singing Contractors presenting "He Touched Me":

 

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of new beginnings.

Br. John Henry Peters, O.P., on Puppies and Friendship with God

"What if we are like puppies in the eyes of God? If we try reading Scripture - especially the Psalms - through a puppy lens, some remarkable parallels present themselves. 

"To begin with, God is our master who takes care of us. A puppy is purchased at a price, and thus belongs to its owner. So too, we have been purchased by God (1 Cor 6:20) and we belong to him (Ps 95:3). A puppy looks to its owner to feed it. The psalmist points our trusting gaze to God: 'The eyes of all look hopefully to you; you give them their food in due season' (Ps 145:15). God, as the best master, provides for us in all our needs (Mt 6:25-33). A puppy simply wants to be with its master. The psalmist likewise wishes: 'One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: to dwell in the Lord's house all the days of my life' (Ps 27:4)."

In a recent commentary, Brother John Henry Peters, O.P., reflected on some of the ways we can learn some lessons from "man's best friend" about how we can become friends of God.

To access Br. John Henry's complete post, please visit:

Dominicana: Unless Ye Become Like Puppies . . . (23 AUG 22)