It is officially fall and that means Halloween is right around the corner. While others are already shopping for costumes, here I am with my never changing Halloween costume…
October 4th: ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI Feast Day
Today, October 4th is St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day
Prayer for Animals
Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals,
especially for animals who are suffering;
for animals that are overworked, underfed and cruelly treated;
for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against bars;
for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry;
for all that must be put death.
We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity,
and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion
and gentle hands and kindly words.
Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals,
and so to share the blessings of the merciful.
Albert Schweitzer
St. Francis of Assisi
Francis saw animals as his brothers and sisters and prayed that God would work through him to help them. Birds sometimes gathered while Francis spoke, and they listened intently to Francis’ sermons. Francis began preaching to them about how God had blessed them. - Source: ThoughtCo.com
Related page: Karuna
FAITHFULLY YOURS: Scarred but THANKFUL!
This day, last year…
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I always try to live by the saying that “everyday may not be good, but there’s always something to be thankful for...”— this rings so much truer now during my breast cancer journey.
It all started during my routine mammogram. The tech during that one August morning said she needed to take more pictures. I already got a bit worried then but just brushed it off.
A few days after, I got a call back to come in for a diagnostic mammogram this time around plus ultrasound. I was then told by the breast care nurse that 2 abnormalities were found (Bi-RAD 4/suspicious) and that I needed to have a biopsy done the next week.
I had a core-needle biopsy done and not to scare off those of you who might need to have one, I find this type of biopsy so barbaric! I was in so much pain! But then again each one of us have a different threshold to pain...so what may be painful to me might just be a pinch to you.
BUT...the biopsy pain I endured then was no comparison to the pain I felt in my ear, my entire body, my soul...upon getting the results call that I have breast cancer.
My heart sank...
Though I’ve already faced breast cancer though my mother whom by GOD’s grace is a 12 years survivor now and still going...I’ve always been the caregiver and not the one who will need caring for...
My first ever surgery was then scheduled 2 weeks after. I was so scared, my faith falters...
Dear GOD, equip me with your strength as I face my biggest challenges.
Surgery day came...all I can do is offer my life to GOD...
...and as if in a blink of an eye it was all over!
Feeling woozy from the general anesthesia didn’t hinder the clarity of seeing the relieved faces of my loved ones. I felt calmness...
When I said, “My foot is slipping,”your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. ~ Psalm 94:18:19
My post-op recovery is going amazingly well! I’m already up and about early on and especially after the drainage bulbs were removed. My family and I just came back from a thanksgiving trip to San Juan Capistrano Mission, California where the Shine of St. Peregrine (Patron Saint of cancer patients and survivors) is located inside the Serra Chapel.
Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. ~ Matthew 9:22
Thanksgiving is upon us and I thank GOD for my healing! It took GOD, St. Peregrine, faith, family and friends to see me through.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Love and light to all!
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I attended mass today scarred but thankful for HIM holding my hands then, now and through my life’s journey ‘til I am finally home with HIM…
Related post: by GOD’s GRACE, one day at a time…
by GOD’s GRACE one day at a time...
This time last year, I was scheduled for my breast cancer surgery and the uncertainties of what to come shook me to my heart’s core…I must admit, my faith faltered then…
Though a year have past when my cancer journey begun, these past few months come with new challenges: I had 5 eye surgeries and on one fateful July day — I had an oral surgery causing me to have dental parethesia, a nerve injury. My severely bruised left jaw made my face so swollen, numb, toothless and having difficulty swallowing, A-fib and shortness of breath, I ended up 3 times at the hospital. I am still unable to eat properly; I’ve lost 11 precious pounds; more than what I’ve lost after my mastectomy. I am so skinny, my skinny jeans looks baggy on me.
But just like during every storm in my life, with even just a flicker of hope, courage and a trembling heart, I am still here by GOD’S GRACE one day at a time.
…though every day of my life seems like a battle, but as I put on the full armor of GOD, I hope and pray to find work again and move to another place…
Do not be ashamed of what your survival looks like. Do what you have to do. You are clawing yourself out of the ache, cutting the pain from the bone. It is never going to be pretty, but I promise — it will always be worth it. ~ The Strength in our Scars by Bianca Sparacino
Thank You GOD for allowing me to see another day. I aim not to live for myself but to live for YOU and my loved ones. Please guide me, give me strength and help me to do better than yesterday…
Faithfully Yours: THANK GOD, I have 9Lives!
THANK GOD for being a cat lover! I have 9Lives! 😺...being Anemic, a heart and cancer patient, had 4 eye surgeries and the latest being jabbed and severely bruised by the Pacquiao like dentist...I am now today feeling better again. 🤗
"She may be quiet, but she's a warrior and her prayers can move mountains"...