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Saint Joseph, Pillar of Families

I didn't use to pray novenas.  I always thought that praying directly to God was better.  But I read this passage from the Bible: "The continual prayer of a just man availeth much." - James 5:16 I thought of the matter more and now I see that novenas are a humble way of praying.  It is asking those closest to Jesus (and holiest) people who walked the earth, to pray for me. This is not a new way of doing things as Moses intervened for the Jews when God wanted to punish them for making a bull with their own hands and started worshipping them. I now think God is pleased whenever I pray a novena.    Since then, I have seen so many SIGNS AND WONDERS in myself and in my circumstances because I prayed a novena.   I credit Saint Joseph for my happy home life and also for helping us with our finances though the best thing for me is the way novenas help us to lead holy lives.  The saints want no applause but rather, they will always draw us closer to God.   Instead of idolizing cel

From Trouble to Trust

I'm sure you'll agree with me that the news is pretty disturbing nowadays.  Sometimes I think my sister is on the right track. She doesn't read the news.

My dad celebrated his 88th birthday last August 18 and in his wry sense of humor he let me sing the morose version of Happy Birthday.  Something that goes like this (but my voice is cheerier)  It's not my favorite version but it's descriptive of the times.

 War, oppression, trouble.  This was not the only time in history when people wanted to say "Why?".

The prophet Habakkuk was talking to God and asking why evil prevailing.  God told him to "just wait and see".  (Habakkuk 1:1-4)


I think Habakkuk realized that the question of suffering could only be answered by God and He went on to realize that God was bigger than all of this.


"See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright-- but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness"  Habakkuk 2:4

The righteous will live by faith.  They will put their faith in a faithful God.


My favorite verse from the Book for Habakkuk follows:

"Though the fig tree does not bud
    and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
    and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
    and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

    I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Habakkuk 3:17


God is faithful!  His promises are sure!

So when you are tempted to be problematic, just praise!
instead of worry, worship!
instead of be doubtful, believe!
instead of complain, claim His promises!

"The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all"  Psalm 34:19

For more inspiration for your journey:
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