Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Leave Everything to the Holy Spirit

Are you facing a challenge or a difficult problem? The prayer to the Holy Spirit can help you handle it with grace.
When Jesus told the apostles at the Last Supper that the Holy Spirit (pictured at left as He is often symbolized, as a dove) would instruct them in His Word and be their advocate and comforter, He meant for His Spirit to help us as well.
We can see right away how simply and elegantly the prayer to the Holy Spirit
invokes His aid:



Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful
And kindle in them the fire of Your love
V: Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created
R: And You shall renew the face of the earth

Let us Pray:
O God, Who instructed the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, Grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen

The prayer to the Holy Spirit is also called Come Holy Spirit (or Come Holy Ghost, another name for the Holy Spirit) in some prayer books and websites. Its verse and response lines make this a wonderful addition to any set of group prayers. You can pray it alone as well.
The verse and response lines are taken from Psalm 104:30 (Psalm 103 in some older versions of the Bible) describing God’s sending forth His Spirit as He creates “all that is seen and unseen,” as we pray in the Nicene Creed.

(Keep in mind as always, to avoid confusion, that when we speak of God we are referring to Him in three Divine Persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, acting as one.)
The reference to fire brings to mind the Holy Spirit’s essential role in the creation not only of the world, (“moving about the face of the waters,” from Genesis 1:2) but also of the Church as well! We read in the Acts of the Apostles how the Holy Spirit came as “tongues as of fire” (Acts 2:3) enlightening the disciples to spread God’s Word with power and love.

Fire is a particularly fitting image. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen once noted that “fire has two great qualities: light and heat. Light is the symbol of truth. Heat is the symbol of love.”

When you’re “on fire” about something, aren’t you passionate about it? We are called to be that way in expressing our love for God’s truth in how we live and spread our Faith!
The prayer to the Holy Spirit has an intriguing variation, shown below:

Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit You have taught the hearts of your faithful. In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right andalways rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen
We see how being “truly wise” (as in the first example of the prayer to the Holy Spirit above) allows us to “relish what is right” (as in the second example)! It’s important in this regard for us to try to grasp God’s meaning of wisdom and righteousness, however.

As St. Paul put it “the wisdom of the world is foolishness to God” (1 Cor 3:19). Valuing power, prestige, and possessions above everything and everyone else, with little or no thoughts for God and His desires for us is indeed foolish. As our Lord said once, it is like building a house on a foundation of sand (Matt 7: 26). We can’t equate status with wisdom.

Do you know people who are very clever, full of worldly wisdom, and yet are duplicitous? You can’t really trust them but they’re “good at politics.” (You might think of these people in less than Christian language!) Perhaps you’ve been like that on occasion!
(And speaking of worldly wisdom, how often do some of our worldly desires wind up being mainly about gratifying our animal instincts? Should we be surprised then when we feel like we’re living in a “dog-eat-dog” world or in a “rat race”?)

Through Times of Trial


Through Times of Trial
GENESIS 50:18-21

If anyone had ample opportunity to become embittered by life's trials, it was Joseph. His brothers treated him with contempt even before they tossed him into a pit. Then, over the course of a few years, he was sold into slavery, transported to a foreign land, framed for a crime, and left to waste away in prison. Despite all the injustice he suffered, this boy who grew up in bondage became a man of diligent work ethic and gentle spirit.
It's almost impossible to understand how Joseph could seem so forgiving, peaceful, and even joyful. His secret to maintaining grace under pressure was a constant focus on God. He must have spent many hours recalling Jacob's stories about the Lord's faithfulness to their family--and also the divine revelations about his own future as a leader (Gen. 37:8-9). In spite of his many afflictions, Joseph trusted that those God-given dreams would become reality.
Imagine what kind of man could have emerged from 13 years of suffering and injustice. Had Joseph dwelled on his unfair circumstances, he'd likely have become cynical and vengeful. With a mind full of escape plots and revenge tactics, a man cannot be a good worker--so instead of achieving greatness, Joseph would probably have toiled at unfulfilling menial tasks.
With his spiritual "eyes" trained on God's glory, Joseph persevered through great trials. In the end, he certainly had the power to punish his brothers for their treachery, but he chose to forgive. That decision probably wasn't an easy one. Yet because Joseph placed himself under God's protection, his heart was unhindered by negative emotions.
Through Times of Trial - Perseverance

Friday, September 14, 2012

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Let Go !

You've carried the guilt, the shame for long enough. You've kept your wounds open for long enough. The time has come to let go, to heal. Keep the lessons and let the pain heal. Yes, you know what Dr. Losito is talking about.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Financial Responsibilities during the Holidays


Money is a major stressor. In fact, finances top the list as the biggest source of holiday strain, according to a recent Mental Health America survey. And it makes sense.
Take gift-giving, for instance. “Holiday gift giving is often a very public event, fraught with comparisons, excitement, and disappointment,” said Jonathan Rich, Ph.D., psychologist and author ofThe Couple’s Guide to Love & Money. Pricey presents tend to disappoint less, he said. “So we often go way over budget because it’s such a pleasure to give a thrilling gift and so distressing to give a gift that disappoints.”
Overspending for the holidays can leave you super stressed, in debt and pinching your pennies on the more important things. But you don’t have to feel like a slave to Santa’s wish list. Below are 10 ideas to help you reduce your spending, create a budget and fret less about your finances.

1. Set a budget.
Setting a budget for the holiday season is a good starting point for keeping expenses at bay. Remember that holiday spending is “just part of your larger financial plan,” Rich said. And “your holiday budget needs to be a portion of your discretionary income.”
Some debt may be inevitable, Rich said, but keep it in perspective. “Don’t jeopardize [your children’s] college fund to get the latest and coolest expensive toys.”
2. Have an easy way to track expenses.
There are many methods for recording your expenses. The best systems are the ones that work well for you. “Some people use envelopes that they fill with cash for various discretionary expenses during the month,” Rich said. “Others are more comfortable with software that tracks spending and expenses.”
3. Be realistic.
Many people try going cold turkey with their spending. But deprivation often backfires—and sometimes in a big way. Instead, Rich suggests readers allow for “occasional indulgences so that you don’t become frustrated or go on a spending binge.”
4. Create and regularly review financial goals.
Having short- and long-term goals is key to smart spending, Rich said. If your priorities are fuzzy, how do you know when to save, spend or splurge? Plus, a lack of financial priorities makes budgeting pointless. “Without concrete and desirable goals, a budget is just drudgery,” Rich said.
He explained that your short-term goals might be anything from buying an “electronic gizmo you have always wanted” to “taking a vacation.” Long-term goals might be saving for retirement or a down payment.
5. Identify your values.
In order to budget effectively, it’s important to carefully and thoughtfully consider your personal values. What matters to you most? Do you have a hobby or two that you’d like to spend some money on? Do you want to donate to your church or a favorite cause? Is it important for your kids to attend private school, play the piano or take tennis lessons at a particular academy?
Without principles to give you perspective, you’re more susceptible to financial setbacks. As Rich said, “if all you are doing is budgeting, you are destined for a financial “’relapse.’”
“Overspending to impress your friends and neighbors is a short-lived pleasure. Under-spending so that you work less and have more time to be with family and doing other activities that you enjoy has more potential for generating long-term happiness,” he said.
6. Don’t forget the true meaning of the holidays.
While it’s obvious, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the holiday hoopla and forget that this season goes beyond gifts, fancy decorations and lavish parties. “The holidays are a time when families come together and celebrate their common cultural and religious traditions,” and these moments provide priceless opportunities to reconnect, Rich said.
“It is a time to let go of resentments, appreciate the people in your life, and reach out to people that are less fortunate. It is a time to appreciate spirituality, eternity, and to regain a sense of perspective.”
He also gave several examples of meaningful experiences (which don’t cost a thing!): “reading or watching holiday stories or scripture, baking holiday treats, singing carols and hymns, putting on plays, making decorations, and giving time to a charity.”
7. Have a plan.
As you shop, it’s tempting to toss your budget rules and buy what you see. The best way to prevent a shopping mutiny is to have a plan. Master Certified life and career coach Kristin Taliaferro recommended readers make a list of everyone you’re purchasing presents for, along with how much you plan to spend. Then add up the total. “If you can live with that number, great; if not, make some cuts,” she said.
8. Only buy stuff on sale.
“Make it a rule to only purchase items on sale or with a coupon or don’t buy it,” Taliaferro said. While you might have to adjust your gift ideas, you’ll end up saving money, she said. Taliaferro also offered a great tip for finding coupons: “If there’s a retailer you like, Google their name and the word ‘coupon’ and the current month and year.”
9. Find what works for you.
When spending smart, the real secret is to find solutions that work successfully for you and your family. For instance, Taliaferro suggested carrying cash to shrink spending, which is an effective budgeting tool for many people. “The advantage is that it provides a convenient way to track what you have spent and how much you have left,” Rich said. Shopping online? “Consider buying a VISA gift card now for yourself,” Taliaferro said. “If all else fails, hide your credit cards until January.”
By using cash (or gift cards), the theory is that when the money runs out, you’re done shopping—that’s if you don’t run to the ATM to restock “to buy ‘just one more thing,” Rich said. So this may not work for everyone in curbing spending. It doesn’t for Rich. “If I have a wad of cash, I find myself going through it quickly.”
10. Take it easy.
As Rich said, “Make financial decisions around the holidays that you can live with, but then do your best to put financial thoughts and worries aside.” These concerns only spike your stress level and make you lose sight of the holidays. Here are five ways to minimize worry and anxiety.

Hospice Care - Receiving Hospice Care

Hospice is a comprehensive program with services for people who are seriously ill and not expected to recover. When you decide to be cared for by a hospice program, you acknowledge that your treatment goals will shift from doing everything possible to cure your condition to helping make the rest of your life as comfortable and high-quality as possible.
You do not need to be bedridden or in a hospital to benefit from hospice care. No matter what your physical condition, hospice services focus on keeping you as comfortable, functional, and alert as possible. If needed, these services may include help with bathing, dressing, and eating as well as medicine and treatment for all symptoms, including pain and anxiety.
 
Hospice teams, which consist of medical professionals, counselors, therapists, social workers, spiritual advisors, home health aides, and trained volunteers, are available to address your ongoing concerns and needs. Your team can:
  • Assist with advance directive forms. This may include documenting your preferences regarding life support and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  • Answer questions about palliative treatments, which are designed to relieve pain and other symptoms.
  • Help you determine what is important in terms of putting your legal and financial affairs in order.
  • Help you and your family communicate and deal with unresolved issues.
  • Give your caregivers a break (respite care). Trained volunteers may be available to relieve your loved ones for a few hours a week. If your caregivers need a longer break or must be away to attend a special event, some hospices provide respite care for several days.
Counseling and support services that hospice provides can help you:
  • Resolve differences with family and friends or say important things that may otherwise go unsaid.
  • Complete relationships.
  • Review your life.
  • Explore spiritual issues.
Hospice care also includes helping your family and friends through their grief after you die. Most programs continue to provide bereavement services for family and friends, such as support groups and counseling, for at least a year after a loved one's death.

Questions & Answers: Dying At Home

Medical and Other Considerations Is it necessary to be under a doctor's care while dying at home?

Yes. The doctor's role remains essential. A doctor can act as coordinator of the services a person needs when returning home to die, including finding a hospice program or home healthcare agency. Also, as the dying person's condition and needs change, a doctor is necessary to change treatment orders. Finally, medications, especially those for pain control, normally must be ordered by a doctor.

What is hospice?

The focus of hospice relies on the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our loved ones will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so.
Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes. The goal of hospice is not to prolong life, but to provide medical treatments that alleviate pain or maintain comfort throughout the dying process, and offer other support to dying persons and their families. The medical care provided by hospice often is called "palliative" or "comfort" care. Although some hospitals and nursing homes have units devoted to hospice care, most people receive hospice care in their own homes.

When is hospice a suitable option?

Hospice is an option for people who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness and are expected to die within a time, usually six months. Approximately 70-75% of hospice patients have advanced cancer. Increasingly, however, patients with other incurable conditions-such as end-stage Alzheimer's disease, advanced AIDS, and emphysema-receive hospice care.

How does home healthcare differ from hospice?

Home healthcare and hospice provide similar basic nursing in an individual's home. They differ in their goals for providing that care. Hospice treats dying persons only. In contrast, home healthcare is for any patient who needs medical assistance at home. It can include not only palliative care for dying people, but also treatments for those recuperating from surgery or medical illness and ongoing therapies for people with chronic disabilities.
Certified hospice programs are required to offer support to families as well as to dying persons, including counseling, pastoral services, and bereavement support. Home healthcare agencies are not required to provide care to families, although many do.

Can pain or other symptoms be treated adequately at home?


Yes, individuals usually can be made comfortable and pain-free in their homes. Pain or other physical symptoms are not an inevitable part of the dying process, but when symptoms are present, family members often can be taught to administer pain medication and other treatments to keep the dying person comfortable.
At times, however, symptoms can be better managed in a hospital. The person's doctor and hospice team, if appropriate can arrange for admission to the hospital if necessary.

What other assistance may be necessary?

People who choose to die at home may require constant care. Seriously ill or dying patients often need assistance in activities of daily living, such as preparing meals, eating, dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom. Often, these needs may be too much for family members to handle alone and additional help may be needed.
Trained home care workers often can provide this type of essential non-medical "custodial" care when family members need to work, run errands, or simply "take a break" from the responsibility of caring for a dying person.