HOPELINES               SEPTEMBER 2010     JOAN LEVY EARLE

September 4th

     Labor Day weekend has arrived and with it, a new school year.
God bless the little children heading off to school for the first time in Junior Kindergarten. May He also inspire the hearts of all the University students leaving home for the first time. Take your values and virtues with you, and remain faithful to all your parents have taught you.
You will not be sorry. Good luck!!


September 11th

On this day, nine years ago, terror gripped the United States with the tragedy of that deliberate early morning crash of two planes into the World Trade Towers. Today we offer prayers of remembrance to those whose lives were lost and especially, that of Cornwall’s own David Barkway. May God continue to shower courage and strength on the surviving members of his family.  .


September 18th

Some important words on the street sign in front of a Toronto church: “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” We all need to know that there is help for us whenever a crisis occurs. God loves us unconditionally, and His mercy permits us to repent and start over. May you have strength to overcome your obstacles this week, with faith and courage to guide you.

September 25th

 Hebrews 11 states: “Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see.” Are you living with  confidence in God? Are you trusting Him to supply your needs? If you honour Him through praise and worship, and tithe the first fruits of your harvest, you will see wonders that will amaze you. God is waiting to listen to your prayers and He will answer you.

HOPELINES            JULY 2010                  JOAN LEVY EARLE

July 3

I flipped the calendar and saw these words: “How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it.”  We all know what a kind word or a compliment can do to lift our spirits on a difficult day. Let’s make an extra effort this week to be ‘angels of hope’ and ‘ambassadors of kindness’. Such gestures will bring joy to our own hearts first.

July 10

Summer holidays are here and that means outdoor barbeques, family gatherings and travel time. Please - take extra care and use caution on the roads, and while boating; accidents can happen so easily.  Enjoy your moments of sharing with friends and family; life is precious and sometimes, very short.

July 17

God loves us more than we can imagine, and all He expects from us is that we will try each day to do our best, and to follow His plan for our lives. And He blesses us in so many little ways that we are often too busy to see. Take time to thank Him every evening, especially tonight, and seek His guidance every day.

July 24

Let us celebrate the gift of grandparents whose wisdom teaches, whose love endures and whose patience never seems to run out. For those of us who are not fortunate to live in the same city as our grandchildren, let’s keep on sending and receiving those little letters of love that keep the bond between us strong. Thank you Lord, for the beautiful expression of love that grandchildren bring to our lives.

July 31

Today is the Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, better known as the Jesuits. He is the patron saint of retreats and soldiers, and was canonized in 1622.  Through his example and the lives of all the saints in Heaven, may we learn to live our lives in service to the needs of others, and in perfect harmony to the will of God the Father.

HOPELINES  JUNE 2010     

JUNE 5TH

Anniversaries are celebrated in this favorite wedding month of June. Preserving a happy marriage can be difficult in a society that encourages selfishness. As it states in Sirach 36, verse 24: “A wife is her husband’s richest treasure... a helpmate, a steadying column.”
And then later: “Who will trust … a man who has no nest?”
Congratulations to all the nest-makers, loving treasures, and couples who have learned how to forgive each other seventy-times-seven times!

June 12th

Ladies, a message from 1 Peter 3, verse 4: “Your adornment is rather the hidden character of the heart, expressed in the unfading beauty of a calm and gentle disposition. This is precious in God’s eyes.”
That loving smile on your face, admiration in your eyes and daily encouragement will remind your husband of that old saying: “Behind every successful man is a caring woman.”
Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. May she inspire you to serve God with humility and patience.


JUNE 19

In Ephesians 6, 2 it says: “Honour your father and mother … that it may go well with you, and that you may have long life on the earth.”
Often, adult children live long distances from their aging parents, and it may be difficult to visit frequently. A card of thanks, a short note of remembrance or a phone call can make so much difference to a lonely parent, especially after the death of their spouse.  Happy Father’s Day to fathers young and old; may your children show you the affection and respect you deserve.

JUNE 26TH

Canada Day is nearly here.  When you watch the fireworks at Lamoureux  Park this July 1st, say a prayer of thanks for a man named Norm Lalonde, and his wife Theresa.  Norm gathered the few hundred dollars to set off the first fireworks display many years ago and became known as Mr. Canada Week. I will be forever grateful for the spirit of patriotism that was born in my heart through knowing this great Canadian and his family. Happy Canada Day!
 

HOPELINES MAY 2010    

May 1st

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad!” (Psalm 118) Every new day is a gift, but they seem more precious when we have entered our Senior years, having gained wisdom from life’s experiences.
Let us not be filled with too many wishes today, but instead, be grateful for all our blessings. Have a Happy Saturday, my friends!

May 8th

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day.  Motherhood is a life-long vocation; mothers never stop caring, protecting, worrying and loving their offspring.  No matter how old we get, we find comfort in our mother’s love.  Thank you, God for mothers, grandmothers, aunties and godmothers.

May 15th

In the silence of a country stroll, or a hike along a nature trail, we can seek and find again the voice of our conscience; in the depths of our souls, truth awaits us. May the Holy Spirit speak to you with a clear voice to help bring you closer to God, who loves you more than you can ever imagine.

May 22nd

This long weekend is always a busy one; flowers to plant, grass to cut, and cottages to open. In the midst of our rushing to get things done, we should pause to remember how fortunate we are to live in this country.
Let us pray for those who are persecuted for their faith, and hope that one day, believers everywhere will have true freedom of religious worship.

May 29th

Tolstoy said: “The more a person follows his intellect and calms down his passions, the closer he comes to the spiritual life and the love of God and of his neighbour.”
Kindness is infectious; when we find ways to help others, the world becomes a nicer place. Unconditional love should begin first, within our own family.
 

HOPELINES APRIL 2010 

APRIL 3
Lent is behind us and we anticipate the joy of the Resurrection which will arrive tomorrow as Easter dawns once more.  Yesterday on Good Friday, we remembered the pain and suffering that Jesus went through on our behalf. Let us be grateful for the promise of eternal life for those who believe and accept Jesus into their hearts.


APRIL 10
This Sunday has been named Divine Mercy Sunday. St. Faustina Kowalska is called “The Apostle of Divine Mercy” and in her diary she wrote these words: “Neither graces, nor revelations, nor raptures, nor gifts granted to a soul make it perfect, but rather the intimate union of the soul with God…My sanctity and perfection is based upon the close union of my will with the will of God.” (1077)
And His mercy awaits all who call upon Him with a repentant heart.

APRIL 17

Earth Day is approaching. Each of us can help to sustain the beauty of our neighborhood by throwing wrappers in a garbage can, planting a few flowers around our house, and cleaning up the winter trash off the sidewalk. We are responsible to God for helping to keep the earth clean; He sees our effort and will reward us.

APRIL 24

Have you heard a robin sing? Have you welcomed spring into your heart?
Take time to look and you will see the rebirth of nature.  Try to imagine that each new leaf and every tulip is a reminder that there is hope in the new life around us.  What a beautiful world that God gave to us to share!

HOPELINES MARCH 2010

March 6th

Sometimes, the tongue can cause wounds in another person’s heart.  We may hurt without intention, and offend that person.  We are human and once we have apologized, we must forgive ourselves.  Let us remember God loves us unconditionally, in spite of our weaknesses.

March 13th

We Catholics celebrate the feast of St. Joseph on March 19th.  It was his example which inspired Blessed Brother Andre to build that first little chapel on Mount Royal in Montreal. Today, the Oratoire St. Joseph stands as a memorial to the faith of one humble porter whose devotion touched the hearts of millions of pilgrims. St. Joseph, Patron of Canada, pray for us.

March 20th

Lent is a good time to find a way to carry a portion of the saving Cross of Jesus by accepting that His will be done.  No one has a perfect life.  God only expects us to try to do our best and seek His help with our daily struggles.

March 27th

If we take the time to nourish our souls through the worship of God, we will find peace when the darts of this increasingly secular world cause us to stumble.  He is always waiting to comfort and console us.

HOPELINES FOR FEBRUARY 2010     

FEB. 6

Jean Vanier, founder of L’Arche said: “Our hope is that the winter of humanity will gradually be transformed to the bursting forth of love, for it is this that we are called.”  One way that Jesus taught His disciples about love through service was in the washing of their feet.  May all of us be willing to show our love through service to the needs of one another.

FEB.13
Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day.  Those who feel alone on this day should keep in mind that the greatest love they will ever know will come from God, and He never forgets those who try to do His will each day. May His love give you comfort and peace in your loneliness.

FEB,20

The season of Lent began this week.  For us who know and love Jesus, Lent is a time of renewal; a time of house-cleaning for our souls.  As we empty the ‘closets’ of our sins, the Holy Spirit can then find room to grow and expand His presence.

FEB. 27TH

“Courage is an inner resolution to go forward despite obstacles; cowardice is submissive surrender to circumstances.”  So said Martin Luther King Jr.  whose dedication to his country helped bring about racial equality.  May we be inspired to overcome the obstacles that we must face on a daily basis. 
 

HOPELINES FOR JANUARY

Jan. 2nd, 2010
A special new year has begun; Olympics in Canada time! We all know that this will be a year of challenges, especially economically.  For us who believe, we can trust that we will never be asked to carry a load that is beyond our strength. Life can be difficult, but with His help, we will survive. May you see His hand outstretched towards you whenever you call upon Him.

Jan. 9th
To those of you enduring cancer, we offer you a special prayer of hope this week. It takes courage to smile, despite your trials, and an abundance of strength to travel this journey.  May God’s love surround you and bring peace to your heart. Be assured of our prayers.

Jan.16th
There is a prayer that is said after communion: “Lord, fill us with your Spirit and make us one in peace and love.” Holiness that comes from connecting to the third person of the Trinity changes us first and then, changes others around us. The Holy Spirit is a gift of love that Christ left with us.

Jan. 23rd
The week of prayer for Christan unity begins this week. With all of the strife in the world, Christians must try to seek ways to dialogue and grow closer to one another, through a focus on the life of Christ and His legacy to us. Like St. Francis of Assisi, we must be instruments of peace, shining our light of faith that others may see.

Jan.30th
St. Josemaria Escriva said: “Your prayer cannot stop at mere words. It has to lead to deeds and practical consequences.”  Why not find a way to do something for Jesus through others this coming week? A small offering of your time to listen, to visit, or just hold your tongue from complaining… can make a difference in another life.

HOPELINES FOR DECEMBER

December 5th
‘Tis the season to be rushing, and wishing, but more important, we should also be praying. As we get closer to December 25th, let us open our minds and hearts to the true meaning of Advent preparation – that we live in anticipation of the birth of our Saviour on Christmas Day. Let us rejoice and be glad!

December 12th
How many people will be alone without family or friends to share the holidays with them? Is there someone you know who may need a Christmas visit?  The gift of your time, through a phone call, letter or a short visit, will always bring hope to another person’s heart.

December19th
He was born in a stable, only lived for 33 years, but His teaching changed the world for the better.  His name is Jesus and next Friday, we will celebrate His birthday. In the midst of our sharing of gifts and turkey-eating time, let us pause and remember that He is the reason for this celebration.  Merry Christmas!

December 26th
Writing this column gives me a special pleasure and knowing that you enjoy reading it, adds to that joy. Sharing my faith in God with you makes ours a ‘Circle of His Love’. Isn’t it wonderful that He continues to love us in spite of our faults and failings? I wish you many dreams fulfilled and an abundance of hope in the coming year.

HOPELINES FOR SPRING

As a new season of new life unfolds, let us begin with a new attitude. Our ancestors learned a life lesson when they pioneered their homesteads and it was “we will make do, and God will provide”.  There is a generation around that says: “I want it new, and I want it now!”. Living within our means guarantees a debt-free future.

Spring and Easter give us hope.  Jesus did not only die, He rose again, and eternal life is waiting for everyone who believes.  In the fresh buds appearing on the branches, let us see a renewal of our hearts after the winter blahs.

God loves us just the way we are. We do not have to prove anything to Him. He sees within our hearts and knows the efforts we are making to live in this mixed-up and sometimes selfish world.  Let us pray for an increase in faith, for that is the one thing that will never fail us.
 
When we pray “Our Father” we are acknowledging His presence in our lives. He is a patient and generous Father who understands the times we have strayed from the right path. When we repent with a sincere heart, He opens His arms and forgives us. Our job is to forgive ourselves and move forward in faith.

HOPELINES FOR WINTER

Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas, to be aware of the blessings and the promises that came when God sent us His only Son to be our Saviour. Let us look to Mary and Joseph for examples of family life, and celebrate the birth of Jesus in the spirit of simplicity and love just as they did.

We are a community of believers and we must remember that there is power in prayer. When we offer to pray with a friend in need, we are giving the greatest gift of our hearts to that person. Jesus said: “Whenever two or three are gathered in My name, I will be there with them.”  And with Jesus in our midst, we can do the impossible.

We know that there is a time to be born and a time to die, and what we must always remember is that God’s timing is always the best. It is never easy to accept the death of a loved one, but with faith, we can be reassured that God called for their soul at just the right time. Let us allow Him to heal our wounded hearts, knowing that our loved one is waiting for our reunion one day.

There is a mansion in the sky that we think of as Heaven. It is the place our souls seek as we journey through life. We sometimes stray from the plan that God has for us, but if we reach out for His hand, He will draw us back to the right path.  And His mercy is everlasting.

Every New Year offers us opportunity for new beginnings.  The present moment is the only thing that counts in life. We cannot change the past and we should not anticipate the future. Let us live today with all of our hearts in service to God’s will, and give thanks to Him that we woke up this morning.

May 2009 be your most amazing year, and may God surprise you with new hope for obtaining the desires of your heart.  He loves you more than you will ever know and waits for you to show Him how much you love Him. Take a few minutes today and in the silence of your heart, receive His peace. Amen. 

HOPELINES: THOUGHTS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Thoughts for the Autumn Season

For me, yellow signifies the colour of hope. The sun is yellow, and its golden warmth renews the earth each spring. In the autumn, the golden yellow leaves remind us of the glorious autumn of our lives, when we have arrived at the place where we can enjoy the fruits of our labours. God bless your golden years; may they be full of the blessings you have earned.

A quote from St. Josemaria Escriva regarding mistakes we so often make:

“How good it is to know how to put things right with yourself, and how few people learn that art!” The simple recitation of the Lord’s prayer can be of great conciliation when we are struggling to correct an error in judgement or a slip of the tongue. Forgiving others so often seems easier than forgiving ourselves and remembering that, we too, are human.

The writer, Edith Jackson said: “This life on earth is our place to learn – to be tested and to prepare for eternity.” Imagine if we would give ourselves that same second or third chance that we give to others who hurt our feelings or offend us. We can make a difference in the lives of those around us if we remember that every lesson learned will bring us one step closer to the perfection of eternal life.

God gives us a glorious gift every autumn season in the changing of the leaves, and like that tree that becomes bare, and seems to die throughout the winter season, new life will follow in the spring. We too can have new life, and our death, if we are believers, is just the beginning of a more glorious life in eternity.

Whether it’s a blue butterfly, a special song, or a call from a friend, asking for and receiving signs can be important tools of faith.

We are human and in need of Divine assistance in this less-than-perfect world.

Signs are messages of love from our Father in Heaven, Who watches over us constantly.
Sunday is our day of rest from the work we do six other days. We begin by honouring the Lord at church, and then we share a leisurely breakfast.

To have this day for taking naps, Sunday drives or tea with a friend in the country, is a great blessing.

Let us thank God for Sundays, for the chance to have a break in our routine, and to reflect upon the Lord, Who keeps us going every day of the week.

The struggles of life are always hard to bear alone. If we ask Him, the Lord will stay close to us whenever our tiredness makes us vulnerable to self pity.

Let us not waste time feeling sorry for ourselves, but call upon the angels of hope to lift us and protect us from the demons of despair that may be attacking us today. Amen.