Since I started my blog, I have tried to
stay true to what it’s all about.
Home keeping and family.
I have occasionally strayed and written a personal post.
I’d like to do that again today…I hope you don’t mind.
The fourth Sunday of Advent in the Catholic Church
features the gospel reading from the first chapter of St. Luke.
The angel Gabriel appears to Mary and tells her she is to have a child.
A virgin birth.
Can you imagine?
The turmoil and fear she must have felt.
The stigma of a pregnancy before marriage.
An angel appearing out of no where telling her to not be afraid.
What great faith she must have had…not just faith in God,
but faith in herself.
The conviction that God’s will must be done.
Saying to herself “I can do this.”
So…
The next time you doubt yourself
or don’t think you can do what is asked of you
think of Mary.
Have a little faith in who you are
and what you can do.
If you need encouragement,
look no further than inside your own heart.
If you need encouragement,
look no further than inside your own heart.
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| that artist woman
I have loved getting to know all of you.
This past year has been full of challenges and rewards. I have faith that the coming year will be even better. I’d like to wish you all a lovely Christmas. May your days be merry and bright.
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Oh My that is beautiful . the thoughts and the pictures .
Thanks for keeping me grounded today.
- KAT -
Thank you so much for sharing with us the real reason we celebrate!! Merry CHRISTmas to you, Ann!
Thank you Ann for such a beautiful post and for sharing your thoughts.
Merry Christmas to you and your family too.
hugs
Sissie
And Mary was so young.
Merry Christmas to you, too, Ann.
Fondly,
Glenda
That is such a great story and one to remember this season! I like your advice given and how it can apply to us today.
Just beautiful Ann and so incredibly true! :-)
Vanessa
I just read Luke 1 after reading your post. Thank you. Mary's song is so beautiful.
Ann, I am glad you shared your faith today. I am so thankful for the Hope in Christ we have.
Have a wonderful, joyful, special Christmas. I have enjoyed your blog very much.
Hi Ann,
What an inspirational post!
One only has to believe…
Thank you for sharing!
Merry Christmas, Ann
All the Best,
Christine
That was beautifully shared.
I never mind when someone gets personal – a sterile blog is just not interesting, just as a sterile room is boring. You'd never be boring!
Thank you Ann for sharing this and reminding us to slow down and remember the reason we celebrate Christmas.
Thanks also for becoming a follower. I am returning the favor!
Merry Christmas!
Kathy
Thanks Ann for this beautiful post! Merry Christmas to you and yours. May you have a blessed holiday and new year. Pamela
Beautiful post, Ann. Thanks for your encouragement and friendship. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas.
I heard this gospel at Mass Saturday night. Thanks for sharing it again. A very Merry Christmas to you & your family!
so true. i've written on my blog … i would love to have been a fly on the wall just to have the chance to be there & listen. what a wonderful moment in time. to recall & think on. the most important reason for this season. Merry Christmas to you & yours. God Bless. (:
Ann,
What a beautiful post! Such fabulous words of wisdom.
Merry Christmas to you as well.
Leigh
What a beautiful post, Ann! I taught this lesson in Children's Church last week. We made angels out of paper plates to represent Gabriel. It has been wonderful meeting and getting to know you through your blog. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
That is a beautiful reminder of the challenges that Mary faced with grace, courage, and strength!
Thank you for sharing and Merry Christmas!
What a beautiful post Ann!! Merry Christmas to you and your family! Martina
Ann, I love your post and the meanings!! I wish you a very Merry Christmas and and wonderful, happy, healthy New Year! You ROCK girl! Hugs!
Merry Christmas to you too Ann, beautiful post and a wonderful reflection on the birth of Christ, Merry Merry Christmas,
kathysue
This is such a good post. Our preacher wrote his sermon through the eyes of Mary. Then he had a very talented teenaged girl in our church talk to us as Mary, using his message. It was outstanding.
and a Very Merry Christmas to you too.
That is the most beautiful photo of Mary I have ever seen. What a special post, Ann. Thanks so much for sharing such a beautiful sentiment.
Beautiful post! Wishing you a very blessed Christmas season! See ya next year!
Beautiful post Ann.
Merry Christmas!
Jeannette
Thanks for the words of encouragement, Ann. It's very nice that you shared this heartfelt post that has such meaning to all. I hope you and your family have the best Christmas ever!
With warmest Christmas love——-Shannon
Hi Ann- That was beautiful and well said. We do have to remember to have faith at all times!
You have yourself a very Merry Christmas!
Liz
That was a beautiful post, Ann! Merry Christmas blessings to you & yours. Hugs, Kitty
So beautiful. You can almost picture Mary taking that breath (like every other mother before and since) and saying "I can do this".
Thank you Ann, this is beautiful. Have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Beautiful post and something to think about. Have a Merry Christmas!
-Shelley
CHRISTmas Blessings from my mountain top to your home…May it be the best one ever..Hugs and Love Gloria.
Merry CHRISTmas Ann! Such a beautiful family photograph on your newest post. Didn't see a comment opotion, so I'm adding it here. Looks great of all of you, even your sweet pup!!!
Merry CHRISTmas Ann. I wanted to comment on your latest post, but didn't comments. Your family pic is just beautiful.
What a lovely post, it has the sweetest of messages! Believe in God and in yourself, "I Can do all things through Christ who Strengthens Me!"
Merry Christmas dearest Ann, and all the very best of God's blessings in 2012.
Love and hugs, Cindy
Merry Christmas Ann.
I love this picture—who is it by??? I am currently in RCIA and so are my two sons. My hubby has returned this year to the RC church. It has been quite some experience for all of us–pretty amazing what God has been doing in our lives. As you read this please say a prayer for my RCIA teacher and family–Her daughter died suddenly on Christmas Eve. Thanks.