Faith

Updated Sept 7, 2006:
I was in an antique shop in a little town in Michigan a week or so ago and found a picture with this writing on it. Enjoy.

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

A good friend gave me a painting with this message. I thought I would share it with you. It is surprising to me that I get the most response to my Faith page from the men in the Armadillo club.

Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do,
and will do greater ones than these,....
John 14:15

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day,
and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well," but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Indeed someone might say, "You have faith and I have works." Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works. You believe that God is one. You do well.
Even the demons believe that and tremble. Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without works is useless?
Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar?
You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by the works.
James 2:14-22

Sometimes it is nice to be able to take a moment out of our hectic work day to catch a breath and a bit of inspiration. I plan to share a few things that I find particularly inspirational here. This first website address was originally sent to me by our beloved Eileen Miller. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. It is best to view it on a computer with sound. When you get to the page, click on "View Presentation."

http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/popup2.html

Faithfully yours, Linda

Dedicated to the memory of my closest friend and mentor,
Fr. Joseph Kruszynski, OFM Conv., Director of the Office for Evangelization,
Archdiocese of Chicago, who passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2006 at age 65.

He loved evangelization and his Creator. There was not a nurse or doctor who
escaped his hospital room without a discussion about faith. I'm sure he is now directing from above. Joseph, you left a lasting impression on many, many people for the love you shared and taught others to share. Many felt you were their closest friend and brother, and rightly so.

Fr. Joe also LOVED Notre Dame and was a proud member of the Notre Dame Club of Chicago.

Picture taken at the Commissioning Ceremony at the
Evangelization Institute of Chicago, June 2005.

My love, I love you. (John 15:9)
I have called you by your name, you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1)

Before I formed you, I knew you. And before you were
born, I consecrated you. (Jeremiah 1:5)

Beloved, I wish above all things that you prosper and
be in good health, even as your soul prospers. (III John 2)

I have loved you with an everlasting love and I will
continue my Constant love. (Jeremiah 31:3)

I love you so much that I hung on the cross at
Calvary. I died for you, and if you believe in Me
you will have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child
she bore? Yet, even should she forget, I will never forget you.
I cannot forget you. See, I have held you in the palm of my hands.
(Isaiah 49: 15-16)

When you pass through the deep waters, I will be with
you. Your troubles will not overwhelm you.
The hard trials that will come will not hurt you.
(Isaiah 43:2)

When you walk through the valley of the shadows of
death, do not be afraid because I am with you.
My rod and my staff will comfort you. I will lead you
in the path of righteousness. (Psalms 23)

I will give you peace in the midst of a storm, not as
the world giveth. Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid.
(John 14:27)

Peace I give which will pass all understanding and
shall keep your heart and mind. (Philippians 4:7)

Beloved my eyes are upon you and I will give you hope,
for I am merciful. (Psalm 33:18)

You will have access to my grace and rejoice in hope
while sharing in the glory of my Father. (Romans 5:2)

You may have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and
your heart will rejoice and no one will take your joy from you.
(John 16:22)

Even the hairs of your head have all been counted, so
there is no need to be afraid of anything. (Matthew 10:30)

The mountains may depart and the hills will be shaken
but my steadfast love for you will never end. (John 54:10)

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Come, I will lead you into solitude and there I will
speak tenderly to your heart. I will be true & faithful.
I will show you constant love & make you mine forever.
I will keep my promise, & you will really know me then as
never before. (Hosea 1:14,19-20)

Faith: