Welcome To My World!

JUNE 7
BLESSED ANNE OF ST. BARTHOLOMEW

Anne was the daughter of peasants. She took care of sheep until she was twenty. Four miles from her hometown was Avila, the city where St. Teresa and her Carmelite nuns lived. Anne was accepted into the order. She became a lay sister rather than a cloistered nun. Sister Anne could go out on errands and do what was necessary to take care of the community.

For the last seven years of her life, St. Teresa chose this sister, Blessed Anne, to be her traveling companion. St. Teresa went around to visit the communities of nuns. Sometimes she started a new convent. Sometimes she helped the nuns become more enthusiastic about the wonderful life they had chosen. St. Teresa thought very highly of Blessed Anne and praised her to the other nuns.

Although Blessed Anne did not have the opportunity to go to school, she knew how to read and write. She recorded her adventures with the great St. Teresa. It was Blessed Anne who was with her when she died.

Blessed Anne's life continued quite normally for six years after St. Teresa's death. Then the superiors decided to open a new convent in Paris, France. Five nuns were selected to go and Blessed Anne was one of them. While the people of Paris were warmly greeting the nuns, Blessed Anne slipped into the kitchen and prepared a meal for the hungry community. Eventually, four of the five nuns moved on to the Netherlands. Anne remained behind because she had been appointed the prioress. It seems that she reminded the Lord that most of the young French women joining their community were from rich, noble families. She explained to him that she was only a shepherd. Within her heart, Blessed Anne heard the Lord's answer: "With straws I light my fire."

Anne was sent to the Netherlands to start more new convents. She went first to Mons and then to Antwerp. The young women who came to join the Carmelites thought of Anne as a saint.

Anne died in Antwerp in 1626. She was proclaimed "blessed" by Pope Benedict XV.

St. George and the Dragon

Long ago, when the knights lived in the land, there was one knight whose name was Sir George. He was not only braver than all the rest, but he was so noble, kind, and good that the people came to call him Saint George.

No robbers ever dared to trouble the people who lived near his castle, and all the wild animals were killed or driven away, so the little children could play even in the woods without being afraid.

One day St. George rode throughout the country. Everywhere he saw the men busy at their work in the fields, the women singing at work in their homes, and the little children shouting at their play. “These people are all safe and happy. They need me no more,” said St. George.

“But somewhere perhaps there is trouble and fear. There may be someplace where little children cannot play in safety, some woman may have been carried away from her home—perhaps there are even dragons left to be slain. Tomorrow I shall ride away and never stop until I find work which only a knight can do.”

Early the next morning St. George put on his helmet and all his shining armor, and fastened his sword at his side. Then he mounted his great white horse and rose out from his castle gate. Down the steep, rough road he went, sitting straight and tall, and looking brave and strong as a knight should look.

On through the little village at the foot of the hill and out across the country he rode. Everywhere he saw rich fields filled with waving grain, everywhere there was peace and plenty.

He rode on and on until at last he came into a part of the country he had never seen before. He noticed that there were no men working in the fields. The houses which he passed stood silent and empty. The grass along the roadside was scorched as if a fire had passed over it. A field of wheat was all trampled and burned.

St. George drew up his horse, and looked carefully about him. Everywhere there was silence and desolation. “What can be the dreadful thing which has driven all the people from their homes? I must find out, and give them help if I can,” he said.

But there was no one to ask, so St. George rode forward until at last far in the distance he saw the walls of a city. “Here surely I shall find someone who can tell me the cause of all this,” he said, so he rode more swiftly toward the city.

Just then the great gate opened and St. George saw crowds of people standing inside the wall. Some of them weeping, all of them seemed afraid. As St. George watched, he saw a beautiful maiden dressed in white, with a girdle of scarlet about her waist, pass through the gate alone. The gate clanged shut and the maiden walked along the road, weeping bitterly. She did not see St. George, who was riding quickly toward her.

“Maiden, why do you weep?” he asked as he reached her side.

She looked up at St. George sitting there on his horse, so straight and tall and beautiful. “Oh, Sir Knight!” she cried, “Ride quickly from this place. You know not the danger you are in!”

“Danger!” said St. George. “Do you think a knight would flee from danger? Besides, you, a fair girl, are here alone. Think you a knight would leave you so? Tell me your trouble that I may help you.”

“No! No!” she cried, “Hasten away. You would only lose your life. There is a terrible dragon near. He may come at any moment. One breath would destroy you if he found you here. Go! Go quickly!”

“Tell me more of this,” said St. George sternly. “Why are you here alone to meet this dragon? Are there no men left in yon city?”

“Oh,” said the maiden, “My father, the King, is old and feeble. He has only me to help him take care of his people. This terrible dragon has driven them from their homes, carried away their cattle, and ruined their crops. They have all come within the walls of the city for safety. For weeks now the dragon has come to the very gates of the city. We have been forced to give him two sheep each day for his breakfast. Yesterday there were no sheep left to give, so he said that unless a young maiden were given him today he would break down the walls and destroy the city. The people cried to my father to save them, but he could do nothing. I am going to give myself to the dragon. Perhaps if he has me, the Princess, he may spare our people.”

“Lead the way, brave Princess. Show me where this monster may be found.”

When the Princess saw St. George’s flashing eyes and great, strong arm as he drew forth his sword, she felt afraid no more. Turning, she led the way to a shining pool.

“There’s where he stays,” she whispered. “See, the water moves. He is waking.”

St. George saw the head of the dragon lifted from the pool. Fold on fold, he rose from the water. When he saw St. George, he gave a roar of rage and plunged toward him. The smoke and flames flew from his nostrils, and he opened his great jaws as if to swallow both the knight and his horse.

St. George shouted and, waving his sword above his head, rode at the dragon. Quick and hard, came the blows from St. George’s sword. It was a terrible battle.

At last the dragon was wounded. He roared with pain and plunged at St. George, opening his great mouth close to the brave knight’s head.

St. George looked carefully, then struck with all his strength straight down through the dragon’s throat, and he fell at the horse’s feet—dead.

Then St. George shouted for joy at his victory. He called to the Princess. She came and stood by him. “Give me the girdle from about your waist, O Princess,” said St. George.

The Princess gave him her girdle and St. George bound it around the dragon’s neck, and then pulled the dragon after them by that little silken ribbon back to the city so that all of the people could see that the dragon could never harm them again.

When they saw St. George bringing the Princess back in safety and knew that the dragon was slain, they threw open the gates of the city and sent up great shouts of joy.

The King heard them and came out from his palace to see why the people were shouting. When he saw his daughter safe he was the happiest of them all.

“O brave knight,” he said, “I am old and weak. Stay here and help me guard my people from harm.”

“I’ll stay as long as ever you have need of me,” St. George answered.

So he lived in the palace and helped the old King take care of his people, and when the old King died, St. George was made King in his stead. The people felt happy and safe so long as they had such a brave and good man for their King.

Hercules and the Wagoner

A wagoner was driving his team along a muddy lane with a full load behind them, when the wheels of his wagon sank so deep in the mire that no efforts of his horses could move them. As he stood there, looking helplessly on, and calling loudly at intervals upon Hercules for assistance, the god himself appeared, and said to him, “Put your shoulder to the wheel, man, and goad on your horses, and then you may call on Hercules to assist you. If you won’t lift a finger to help yourself, you can’t expect Hercules or any one else to come to your aid.”

Heaven helps those who help themselves.

GOIN’ BANANAS

After Reading THIS, you'll most likely NEVER look at a banana in the same way again!

Bananas Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS:
Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power:
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams. This year, they boosted their brain power by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making the pupils more alert.

Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system

Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work?
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes:
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine," eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
*********************
NOW, if your roses are covered with Aphids, drape banana skins over the branches. I'ts amazing, but in a day or less, they are GONE! I've tried it, and I couldn't believe it, no more aphids, as long as I save my banana skins for the rose bushes!

Christian One Liners

> Don't let your worries get the
> best of you;
> remember, Moses started
> out as a basket case.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited
> until you try to sit in their pews.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> Many folks want to serve God,
> but only as advisors.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> It is easier to preach ten sermons
> than it is to live one.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> The good Lord didn't create anything
> without a purpose,
> but mosquitoes come close.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> When you get to your wit's end,
> you'll find God lives there.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> People are funny;
> they want the
> front of the bus,
> the middle of the road,
> and the back of the church.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> Opportunity may knock once,
> but temptation
> bangs on your front door forever.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> Quit griping about your church;
> if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> If the church wants a better pastor,
> it only needs to pray for the one it has.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> God Himself does not propose
> to judge a man until he is dead.
> So why should you?
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> Some minds are like concrete
> thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> Peace starts with a smile
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> I don't know why some people
> change churches;
> what difference does it make
> which one you stay home from?!
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> A lot of church members who
> are singing "Standing on the Promises"
> are just sitting on the premises.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> We were called to be witnesses,
> not lawyers or judges.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> Be ye fishers of men.
> You catch them - He'll clean them.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> Coincidence is when God chooses
> to remain anonymous.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> Don't put a question mark
> where God put a period.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> Don't wait for 6 strong men
> to take you to church.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> Forbidden fruits create many jams.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> God doesn't call the qualified,
> He qualifies the called.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> God grades on the cross,
> not the curve.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> !
>
> God loves everyone,
> but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit"
> over "religious nuts!"
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> God promises a safe landing,
> not a calm passage
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> He who angers you,
> controls you!
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> If God is your Co-pilot - swap seats!
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> Prayer:
>
> Don't give God instructions --
> just report for duty!
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> The task ahead of us is never as
> great as the Power behind us.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> The Will of God never takes you to
> where the Grace of God will not protect you.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> We don't change the message,
> the message changes us.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> You can tell how big a person
> is by what it takes to discourage him.
>
> *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
>
> The best mathematical equation
> I have ever seen:
> 1 cross + 3 nails= 4 given.

And The Devil Said...

One day, the devil was caught up on his paperwork and didn't have very much to do. So he decided to walk around the Earth and check on the progress his minions were making corrupting mankind. He decided to pick a nice suburban neighborhood to eavesdrop on the thoughts running through people's minds. His first house was a white Cape Cod, where he heard the voice of a woman say, "That idiot is such a dip. I think if he tried to make Kool Aid he would surely burn the water! I hate him, I hate him, I hate him!"

And the devil smiled and said, "This is good -- this is very good."

A few more houses down the street the devil heard the voice of a teenaged boy. "Get away from me you stupid creature, and don't come back again! You are a plague on mankind. I hate your guts."

And the devil smiled and said, "This is good -- this is very good."

Then a half block further on, the devil heard a man shout, "I'm trying to get something done here. Go away and stop bothering me!"

And the devil smiled and said, "This is good -- this is very good." His black heart filled with admiration as he added, "My minions have done an excellent job in this neighborhood. I'll have to reward them with an extra shift in the fiery furnace when I get back to the office."

Suddenly a little demon popped up out of a sewer and ran frantically down the street, his arms flailing wildly in the air. "Father, Father," he screamed. "Stop! Leave this place at once!"

"What's the matter with you, Wickerwort?" ol' Scratch said angrily. "Can't you hear the venom coming out of these people's mouths around here. The hate in this neighborhood is wonderful. Everyone is badmouthing everyone else. It is so glorious."

"You don't understand, Father," the little demon shouted. "You're in the wrong neighborhood. There was a huge revival here last night. The one they're actually badmouthing is YOU."

Bridge Keeper

There was once a bridge which spanned a large river. During most of the day the bridge sat with its length running up and down the river; parallel with the banks, allowing ships to pass freely by on both sides of the bridge. But at certain times each day, a train would come by and the bridge would be turned sideways (90 degrees) across the river, allowing a train to cross it.

A switchman sat in a small shack on one side of the river where he operated the controls to turn the bridge and lock it into place as the train crossed. One evening as the switchman was waiting for the last train of the day, he looked off into the distance through the dimming twilight and caught sight of the train lights. He stepped to the controls and waited until the train was within a specified distance, when he was to turn the bridge. He turned the bridge into position, but, to his horror, he found the locking control on the far side of the bridge did NOT work. If the bridge was not securely "locked" it would wobble back and forth at the ends when the train came onto it, causing the train to jump the track and crash into the river.

Worse still, this was a passenger train with many people aboard. Instinctively, he ran across the bridge to the other side of the river where there was a "manual lock" he could apply to hold the bridge tracks in place. He would have to hold the lever firmly as the train crossed. He could hear the rumble of the train now, as he took hold of the lever and leaned backward to apply his full weight to the lever, locking the bridge. He kept applying the pressure to keep the mechanism locked. Many lives depended on this man doing the right thing.

Then, coming across the bridge from the direction of his control shack, he heard a sound that made his blood run cold. "Daddy, where are you?" His four-year-old son was crossing the bridge to look for him. His first impulse was to cry out to the child, "Run! Run!" But the train was too close; the tiny legs would never make it across the bridge in time. The man almost left his lever to run and grab his son and carry him to safety. But he realized that he could not get back to the lever in time. Either the people on the train or his son must die. He had only a moment to make his decision.

The train sped safely and swiftly on its way, and no one aboard was even aware of the tiny broken body thrown mercilessly into the river by the onrushing train. Nor were they aware of the pitiful figure of the sobbing man, still clinging tightly to the locking lever long after the train had passed. They didn't see him walking home more slowly than he had ever walked; to tell his wife how their son had brutally died -- that others may live.

If you can imagine the emotions which went this man's heart, you can begin to understand the feelings of our Father in Heaven when He sacrificed His Son to bridge the gap between us and eternal life. Is it any wonder that He caused the earth to tremble and the skies to darken when His Son died? How do you think God feels as we speed along thru life, without giving a thought to what He did for us by sending His son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins -- so WE could have eternal life?