MARY ---- WHO DO YOU SAY SHE IS?

We, as Catholics, call Mary, “Mother,” because she was the pure and holy vessel that God chose to be His Mommy here on earth. Mary is called Immaculate because she was conceived without sin.  As we begin to learn more about, and love our Catholic faith, we not only get to know Jesus; but also the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph.  As we contemplate in prayer the Scriptures, we see the many roles that Mary played during her life on this earth.   It is then that we come to realize why Mary was God’s choice.

The Roles of Mary:

1.       Mary was a daughter.  She taught me how to be a daughter too.  One day the Lord was dealing with me about my relationship with His mother.  It was 1979 and I was in the kitchen in my home in Vernal, Utah.  God said, “You do not love my mother, because you do not love your mother.”  The word from my Heavenly Father was spoken clearly, yet in in silence. It happened in an instance, I knew that it was the voice of God.  I also knew that God had read my heart.   I immediately repented.  Then I began a journey, of healing a wounded heart that only God could lead me on. A spiritual surgery that only He could perform.   In the spiritual l I sought pray and wise counsel.  In the natural, I made phone calls, bought presents, encouraged, visited, supported and listened to my mom.   I learned to know her, I learned to love her.  It was a slow but steady journey, with the Holy Spirit as my GPS.  God was right as my relationship with my mom grew, so did my relationship with His Mother.  Now I call Mary, my Mother too.  Now, my mom and I are now best friends. She is my daily laugh, just ask t Deacon Pat.  Okay, my mom will never be a Mother Teresa type, like I had secretly hoped; serving the Lord with Gladness and praying me thru life’s challenges.  Rather my mom is more like a Marie on the sit-com, “Everyone loves Raymond.” Liking her for who she was, and not wanting her to be who she was not; was key to my healing.  There is no perfect earthly mother.   I learned that when our earthly mother fails to measure up to our idea of a perfect mother; Mother Mary fills in the gaps.  She is blessed indeed.  God knew how much her children would need a Mother’s love.

2.       Mary was a Mother.  She taught me along with God the Father how to be a mother too.  When it came to motherhood, I was clueless.   Before marriage I did not even like children. I rarely even babysat.  In fact, I thought I would never have any children.   I had a long way to grow into a mother full of virtue and sacrificial love.  I guess you could say, as I was teaching my children character and virtue; Mary and Jesus were teaching me the same.  I needed all the grace and wisdom I could get. Trust me on this one.  Hanging in our home when I was a young mother was a picture of Mary hanging the laundry.  Okay, it was next to the picture from Family circle where the house is a total wreck and the caption reads; “I thank you God for my blessings, but I could use a little help around this place too!”  By comparing the look on that mother in the picture’s face with the look on the Blessed Mother’s face I was daily reminded how very human I was. Mary and Jesus to this day, I am convinced, look down from heaven at Ellen Mongan, mother of seven living children, and shake their heads at each other saying, “This truly this is the greatest miracle that we have done in her life. We have given Ellen a Mother’s Heart. “I thankfully agree; Jesus changed me completely; with a little help from His Mother.

3.       Mary was a bride.  She teaches us how to be a bride too.  It came easy to me being Patrick’s Bride, I was in love with him, and even though I had dated a lot of men; I gave my heart to Pat alone. I knew in my heart; He was the one. He’s still the one.  One of the first things Mary spoke to my heart was, “All I want you to do is be a good wife to my Son Jesus.” Oh, I said with a pause.  I thought to myself, being a bride to Jesus who I could not see, was a whole lot different than being a bride to Pat who I could see.  I learned to defer, honor, love and respect Pat, as unto the Lord, just like Mary did to her spouse Joseph.  In this way I was being Jesus’ bride too.  I also learned from the Saints and Mary, how to love the Lord thy God with my whole heart, my whole soul, my whole mind and my whole strength. Okay- I have to say there are days I fail Pat and Jesus miserably, but isn’t that why we need Jesus in the first place?  It is on days like that when the flesh gets the best of me that I thank Jesus for the grace that comes thru the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  I embrace the grace, and then I pick ourselves up, dust myself off and start all over again.  My humility grows, each time I am prompted by the Holy Spirit to be quick to repent and to get to the Sacrament.  

4.       Mary built family.  She taught me how to build family too.  Mary great with child, goes to visit Elizabeth, her cousin.  We call that, the Visitation and it is the second Joyful Mystery of the rosary.  Wow, that is true kinship, close cousins, it seems above and beyond the call of family duty to me.  I have been pregnant ten times and each time I was nauseated almost all of the long nine months.  If you do the month in gestation months it ends up being ten months long and that is a of a lot of saltine crackers  and sprite days.  If you are a mom, you know what I mean.  I never once considered hopping on my donkey and setting off for a family reunion.   Mary was a trooper, who was able to look beyond her delicate condition, to the needs of her newly pregnant older cousin, Elizabeth.  Jesus, Mary and Joseph built family, at the Wedding feast of Cana, when Jesus was lost then found in the temple, and even at the cross.  The rosary is in a way, pictures in our minds a photo album of the Jesus’s entire life, from the baby book to the final goodbye.  The rosary points us to Jesus.

5.       Mary was a confidant.  She taught me how to be a confidant too.  Mary treasured these things in her heart. Did you ever hear the expression, “Lose lips sink ships.”   Mary kept her boat afloat by not saying a word.  Mary guarded her heart and held her tongue, letting only words of kindness come forth.  I have a long, long way to go in this area of my life, but I’m determined to improve.  If you do not have a goal you miss the target every time.  Not only is Mary my good example in this area of prudent speech, but also my Mother-In Law.  Fran was a great example of women who knew what to say and what not to say.   I used to say to her, “Fran, you are the women I know that are the most like the Blessed Mother.   Then I had to affectionately throw in the words, “For a protestant gal, that is.” It always made Fran laugh. The Blessed Mother Mary and my mother in law Fran taught me how to have the law of kindness on my lips.  Mary and Fran when she was alive was the perfect person to confide it.  You see I trust them. They are like depends, they never leak.  Plus both of them are wise, wonderful and gentle too.

6.       Mary was a servant.  She taught me how to be a servant too.  My life as a mother was is diaper, dishes and doing the laundry too.  Mary’s life was no different.  Wait, a minute, Mary’s life was totally different.  Her motherhood years were way before microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines and dryer, hair dryer or cloth dryers.  I guess you could say that we have nothing to complain about us women of these modern times.  I do not think the words modern conveniences, carpool mom with her lipstick on or fast food was even in Mary’s vocabulary.  There was nothing fast or convenient in her life.  She lived a no frills life.  Mary was a woman who was low on maintenance; but women who was high in virtue, in wisdom, in gentleness and grace.  In those areas she was overflowing.  Think back to the day of the birth of our Savior. Do you remember where Jesus was born ? He was born in a stable, yet Mary did not complain.  She was probably just so glad that that donkey ride was over.   She was nine month pregnant.  In fact, even at the cross she did not utter a negative word, not one.  She served God with her words and with her presence. “At the cross her station keeping, stood the holy Mother weeping; close to Jesus to the last.”  Her face was the first face that Jesus beheld, as she labored our Savior into the world; birthing her Baby Boy.  Her face was the face Jesus beheld as he breathed His last breath, and returned to His Heavenly Father.  Mary served Jesus throughout His life.  What lessons I have learned from the life of one so holy, Immaculate Mary.

7.       Mary was an intercessor.   She taught me how to be an intercessor too. “Holy Mary, Mother God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death Amen.”   As a Catholic school girl, I have repeated those words from the prayer Hail Mary more times than I could ever count.  Those words will hopefully never lose their importance, in my heart.  I will always need the prayers if my Mother Mary.   As an adult Catholic, I began to make those words, my own.  I came to understand the importance of the intercession of the Saints.  When Mary or the Saints pray for me, they kneel before throne of God and intercede.  Mary has become my intercessor, as I pray the rosary she prays along with me.   When I need an urgent prayer to reach the ears of God I say a quick novena of nine Memories, fervently in a row; that is if I do not have nine days to pray a novena.  Mother Angelica taught me that.  Now I know that God hears me His child as soon as I cry out to Him in prayer, but there is something comforting about having your mom by your side when you talk to your Father; at least I think so, especially if your Father is God Almighty. Our God who is all good, all knowing and all powerful.

8.       Mary was a compassionate friend.  She taught me how to be a compassionate friend too.  When a crisis or cross is presented into my life, I run to the Adoration Chapel.  It is where I feel close to God and where I can quiet my soul.  It is the place where the Eucharist is exposed; the Body the Blood the Soul and the Divinity of my Savior is present.  It is in God’s presence, all alone with my Father that I get answers and where I get peace.  One of the many times I was with My Heavenly Father in prayer, Mary came to comfort me, and oh if I told you the story you would know that I needed a mother’s love.  I knew she understood and that she would be my intercessor.  She who had suffered so much knew just what to say and just what to do.  There is nothing like the compassion of a Mother’s love.  It was in the quiet of that adoration chapel that I knew for certain that she truly was my Mother too.  Do you want to know what she said?  I do not know if I should tell you. I’ll try,   I was wailing in pray and yes there were tears.  I cried out from the depth of my soul, “Mary, help me. “ Again, I repeated the words yet with desperation, “Mary, Help me.”  Those were the only words that I could muster up; you see the cross was heavy, very heavy.  What was Mary’s gently reply?  She answered sweetly, “Ellen, Help me.” I tried to explain, “Mary you do not seem to understand?” I cried out again out loud knowing I was the only one in the room, “Mary helps me, “I cried out for the third time.   I knew she understood that I was devastated by the weight of the cross. A mother knows her child’s heart; Mary knew mine.  But she replied again, “Ellen, will you help me to tell the world about my Son Jesus.”  I was baffled at first yet, somehow I was given the grace to understand.  How could I refuse a request so dear to my heart?  You see I loved her Son Jesus too.   I answered, “Yes. “ As Mary comforted me that day, I began to learn how to comfort those that God places in my path. I comfort, with a Mother’s love.  I tell them about Jesus. I know that I don’t have all the answers but I know Jesus does.  I tell the world about Mary’s on Jesus.

9.       Mary knew how to stand at the foot of the cross.  Mary taught me how to stand at the foot of the cross too.  Many people were there to wave the palm branches and welcome Jesus, into Jerusalem.  BUT….. OH..., so few were waiting and praying just a few days later with the same Jesus at the foot of His cross.   Jesus was facing His toughest hours, His suffering, His crucifixion and His death, but so few, so few had come to show their love and their support for His. At His Passion, Jesus was quite alone, accept, His friends, John, Mary Madelyn and Mary, His Mother.  Isn’t that so the way it is today.   When a  new baby is born, a couple weds, or one  moves  into a new home; all friends and family alike come to  rejoice and celebrate;  eat, drink and make merry.  Then disaster strikes; sometimes like Jesus at the cross we are almost all alone.  Not only do we feel all alone, we are sometimes like Jesus, all alone.  Our friends are nowhere to be found.   Remember this friend, Jesus is there, and Mary is too. Also, those who have been taught to stand at the foot of the cross will be there.  Mother Theresa said, “ When you are at the cross, you are so close to Jesus that you can kiss Him.”  Do you want to be close to Jesus? Do not be afraid to stand at the foot of the cross.  You will find that that is where the grace is.  You will discover that even if you feel you are alone; God is closer to you there at the cross than ever before. You will be in good company because Mary is always willing to stand at the cross with one who is suffering.

10.   Mary always points to Jesus.  Mary always points me to Jesus.  When I was a young Catholic, I said to women who were mentoring me, “How do you get into Mary.”  I thought it was a great question but her response somehow told me I was off.  She said, “Ellen, Mary is not something you get into.” Then she added in a motherly tone, “If you look in my heart, not only does Jesus lives there but, Mary lives in my heart too. “  This conversation took place in 1976, but it seems as if it took place yesterday.  It is etched in my memory for all eternity.  This is when I began to search for my Mother, Mary.   I somehow felt like half a Catholic, without her.  But I was to learn thru my search; that just was not true.  The heart is a work of God; not a work of man.  We must seek, pray and wait.  We must be led by God’s Spirit daily, listen to His still small voice, then do whatever He tells you to do.  We must repent when we sin and surrender our hearts to Him. God will, as we yield, do a work in our hearts.  We must never rush a work of God.  As I was writing this talk, I began to see how Mary was in my life all along.  I just did not see her.  Why? I ponder?  I did not see Mary because she was never drawing attention to herself; she was always pointing me to Jesus. Mary has taught me so much she is a gentle woman, who teaches wisdom, and teaches us how to love. We as Catholics Christians are in the family of God.  We have both a Father and a mother.  Mary, our mother, has a lot she can teach us and she will; if we but let her. ARE YOU WILLING?

Jesus cries out from the cross, addressing His Best Friend John, “John, behold your Mother.”  Next Jesus, in unbearable pain addresses His Mother Mary, “Mary, Behold your Son.”  He says those same words to us today.  What is your answer?

SISTERS IN CHRIST MEETING--- ALL ARE WELCOME!!

Featured Speaker and Topic:    Donna Pierce, who will speak on “God’s Broken Heart” 

Donna was diagnosed with infertility 27 year ago, so she & her husband Bob adopted 4 children.  She quit her full time job as a Nuclear Medicine Tech. to become a full time mom & homeschool their children.  Shortly after her husband became an ordained Deacon for the Charleston Diocese.  They are both very involved in teaching the faith & marriage preparation at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church.  The infertility and their oldest son’s drug addiction have been the two greatest heartaches they have endured.  Yet, these two tragedies have been the greatest triumphs for God in their lives.  They learned of the treasures of the Catholic Church as well as their utter dependence on Him.  They also discovered God’s intimate love, faithfulness, and His own broken Heart.

When:   Monday, August 17, 2015 at 11:30 am

Where:  Honey from the Rock Café in the private room, 2621 Washington Road, Augusta, Georgia

RSVP: Ellen Mongan @706-833-3529 or 706-869-7455 or Tiffiney Salmons @ 706-469-0612, or on our Facebook page “Martha and Mary”

Mission:  The mission of “Sisters in Christ” is to provide an opportunity for fellowship for all women who believe in our Savior Jesus Christ.  Come and bring a friend, all are welcome!

THERE IS NO MAGIC WAND !!

I have a story to tell.  If you have been reading my blog you already know that by now. My daddy used say, "Don't do anything that you cannot write in the newspaper."  I always listened to my daddy. I think my daddy knew before I did that I would be a writer and a speaker. Although, I think that daddy thought I would have a talk show like, "The View." Instead, I speak on Christian television, radio, at moms groups and in churches about my faith in my Savior Jesus Christ.

St. Catherine said, “Bring people to Jesus and bring Jesus to people." I learned early on in my life that the Saints knew more than even my daddy, at least about Jesus. I always listen to the saints. Then I try to put into practice what they said. I also read about the saint and try to imitate what they did. The saints were friends of God. If you want to be a friend of God too, get to know the saints and learn from them.

I am here to proclaim Good News! The Good News is; Christ in us our hope of glory. The saints put their hope in God alone. They lived in Him and He lived in them. They did not only tell the Good News; they also lived the Good News through God's grace. If you want to follow Jesus you must set your heart toward heaven and live a Godly life by practicing virtue.

What is my Good News for the day? The Good news is, "There is no Magic Wand." I repeat, "There is no Magic Wand."  You may be asking, "What does that even mean?" You may inquire, “What are you talking about ? " Now I know you are perplexed. I can almost hear you saying, "What's up with that? " You may even be wondering why I am writing this nonsensical explanation of questions followed by unanswered questions.  Read on because I do have a point. 

What is the point of this blog? The point of my blog is to politely inform you that there is no magic wand. There you have it in a sentence or two. Now your questions begin again; this time only one. How is that Good New?  At this point some of you are sure you would rather have a magic wand right about now rather than Good News? You probably want to take that magic wand and say the magic words to make me disappear. No, don’t delete or you will never know the reason for writing this blog.  Anything that is worthwhile and fruitful takes focus, hard work, effort, because that is how one grows.

I blog about accessorizing in virtue. I speak about growing in character. So I thought you might want to know how you can become a Godly Gal. What is a Godly Girl?  A Godly Gal is a virtuous woman who walks in grace without a magic wand. Pray tell! I think I will. Ready, set, here I go. At the end of August my husband Deacon Pat are speaking on our favorite subject, “Discovering Your God Gifts.” We are sharing about how you can pour these gifts into to build the church. In preparation of this talk, I have been thinking a lot about the gifts. The gifts of the Holy Spirit which you receive at  Confirmation, are freely given and freely received. However you must know your gifts to use your gifts. I will post my talk in a later blog

The fruits are in a differ category altogether. You must grow the fruits of the Holy Spirit in your life. God gives you the seeds but you are responsible to grow them. One must water, weed, fertilize and yes even harvest those fruits. Once ripe you are commissioned by God to pour them out to all you meet. Then if God calls you to, you can teach others how to do the same.

What are the fruits of the Spirit?  The fruits of the Spirit are in the book Galatian 5: 22. They are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. How do you grow these fruits of the Holy Spirit in your life? You grow these fruits in your life by knowing what to do then by doing it through God grace. In other words, practice makes perfect. We must do what is right until it because a habit, a good habit.  We must patiently do the will of God. These fruits must become a part of our character. What does it take,it takes prayer, study, hard work, and practice. It also takes repententance and humility. If at first you do not succeed try try again. We must be willing to get back up when we fall. As Winston Churchill famous quote says," Never give, up! Never ever give up."

One day I was grocery store shopping and I happened to be in none-other- than the fruit department. I heard the Holy Spirit speak in His still small voice," I am going to give you the fruit of self-control."  I stopped dead in my tracks. I was so overcome with the fruit of joy that I was about to jump for joy. Instead I decided to ask a question, "How are you going to give me self-control, Lord," I was more of a dare than a question. I knew I desperately need that fruit, since I was lacking in self -control. The answer came before I barely got the question out. God said, "I am going to give you the fruit of the self-control just like I gave you the fruit of patience."  I decided not to jump after all, nor run, nor leap either. I just took a pause and a deep breathe. Then I took a trip down memory lane.

I recounted the day when God began to plant the fruit of patience in my heart. It was in the seventies. I, a new mom, had a two week old girl named Tarolyn and an almost two year old boy named Tyler. I was getting ready to buckle them both up for safety, when Tyler said, "Mommy I want to buckle up myself.” He said with an explanation point at the end of his sentence. This now became a daily choice to let Tyler buckle up all by himself. I purpose to exercise my self-control. I forced a pretend smile. Some days it was easier to do than others. Then on a good day I would respond rightly with a, "Sure son, go ahead. You are such a big boy." Tyler tried and tried again.  Try he did until he mastered the skill. Tyler became a, “I want to do it myself champion.”  Tyler lead the way and all of his sibling followed after him learning new skills, all by themselves. My children learned to do many thing; from toilet training to homework, from driving a car to living on their own. I was glad I chose to patiently let go and let them fly their wings. 

 Along the way I grew in patience as they grew in independence and responsibility. The results were good. Our journey together was step by step walking on an uphill road towards virtue. At first I found myself first counting ten under my breath, as my first born Tyler buckled himself.  As I grew in self -control, I was able to willing wait patience. I tried to avoid the temptation to hurry him towards success. By encouraging the growth in learning new skills instead of correcting, or rushing them; they learned quickly.

There was no magic wand to help me grow in patience. There was no magic wand to help my children learn new skills either. No magic wand to aid us in growing in virtue and becoming more like Christ. No magic wand. Growth in character instead is a daily choice. We must choose virtue over vice. We must learn from the words of St. John the Baptist, “We must decrease and He must increase within us.” It is then that we know, “Christ in us is our hope of glory.” Once virtue is mastered it is then that we can feed the multitudes the bread of life.

God was right I grew in self-control, just like I grew in patience. As I grew in virtue I knew that there is no magic wand. I learned instead that God is molding us into the likeness of His Son Jesus. Jesus gave His life for the whole world. Jesus walked in virtue and grace. The Father loves us so much that He will teach us how to walk in virtue and grace too. We must be still in prayer, let God speak to us in His still voice, then, “Do whatever He tells us.”

Keep on doing what is right and in due time you will reap a harvest. The harvest will be so great that it will feed the multitudes. What are you are you waiting for my friend. It is time to plant the seed of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost in your heart. Then take the time in prayer to learn from your Heavenly Father how to let it grow. Once you have matured in virtue; go tell the world the Good News. There is no Magic Wand!

DO YOUR PART!

 I Blog for Elizabeth Ministry International. This is my newest post.

Check it out and comment please. Go to   www.elizabethministry.com Then pass it on.

 This week’s post comes from writer, speaker, and Elizabeth Ministry Board member, Ellen Mongan. 

Pope Francis’s message about taking care of the earth brought a smile to my face. You see we just spent “Earth Day” with our daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. We saw the Pope’s words put into action before he even wrote them. Our granddaughter, Elle, was doing her part to save the earth. I guess you could say Elle lives this message everyday of her life. Elle is always saving something. If there is a cause to be undertaken, Elle leads the way. She was very intent on her mission, like Jesus is about saving our souls.

Let me paint you a picture. Two very tired grandparents arrived in Louisville, Kentucky after a long trip over the mountains and through the woods from Augusta, Georgia. We were so glad to arrive just in time for dinner. Amanda, a Proverbs 31 woman, had everything already prepared and ready to eat. It smelled good, and was a welcome treat for these hungry travelers. We were so glad to see everyone. The non-stop talking, an art learned in most large families, helped us all catch up in half the time. My heart leapt!

After dinner we all agreed on a family walk. There is nothing like a walk on a spring day in Kentucky. Surprisingly there was a climate change, a burst of “Northern exposure.” When the temperature dropped drastically, it was my cue for a wardrobe change. I went from flip flops and a sundress to hiking boots and a winter coat. I had gloves on each hand, a cute hat on my head, and we had not even left the house yet. Okay, I do not do winters, but everyone else was just fine.

Leaving the home together here was the lineup; Dr. Pat walked with Dr. Kyle. Their conversation of course took a medical bent. Kyle was pulling “Princess” Lauren in her little red wagon. The princess was comfortable upon her throne with her servants two, Papa Pat and Daddy Kyle. Amanda and I pulled up the rear with Ava who barely left her Mama’s side. Where was “Princess” Elle? She was sandwiched in the middle of the family parade, riding her bike. Joy was in the air because the family was together at last.

We marched through the neighborhood in step with one another. Suddenly something seemed out of the ordinary. I noticed that Elle kept stopping to pick up trash along the route, and placing it in her bike basket. I was puzzled. “I have to ask,” I said, “What Elle is doing?” Amanda, our daughter, who we call “Joy” because of her middle name, gave a cheery reply, “Elle is saving the earth.” Of course she is, I thought to myself because Elle is always saving something. Elle collects, sells, gives and shares all. If you have a cause, Elle is your cheerleader, mouthpiece or promoter; from magazines to support the school to canned goods to feed the poor. Elle is the first responder for all. Money to donate to the Salvation Army at Christmas; Elle’s in with her entire piggy bank. Food baskets for the poor at Thanksgiving; Elle’s your girl. I almost forgot, for Rice Bowl collection at Easter she of course plays her part. Elle was born with a missionary heart. If someone has a need, Elle will find a way to fill it. Her generous heart could put many adults to shame. The amazing reason for Elle’s giving is that she’s got it? Got what? She is got the reason for the season, for any season. No matter what the season, Elle knows even at age seven that “Jesus is the reason.” She gives out of a love for Him.

            Elle – doing her part!

Though she lives in a well-maintained neighborhood with little trash, Elle had on her eagle eyes. She spotted every piece of trash in our path no matter how small. Elle looked high, she looked low. As she was doing so, Elle spied a piece of trash stuck to a branch, high in the tree. “Daddy, Daddy,” Elle shouted, “Lift me up so I can reach that piece of trash.” Daddy kept on walking. I, Nana, thinking Dr. Kyle had not heard, shouted all the louder, “Kyle, Elle is saving the earth one piece of trash at a time.” Daddy gave the look that meant, are you kidding me? Then mustered up the response, “On the way back Elle, we’ll catch it. “ Elle smiled. To Elle, her daddy is a giant of a man in size and in her admiration for him. We all marched on, circled the cul-de-sac and headed back to our tree for the “Earth Day” trash pick-up. Elle smiled with delight as her daddy approached her. He parked the little red wagon, which now carried two little ladies, Lauren and a very tired Ava. All eyes were on daddy, as he reached out his arms and boosted Elle up onto his strong shoulders. Elle’s surefooted cheerleader feet stood tall and bravely on her daddy’s shoulders. Elle extended her arms to the full extent; success was evident. Rising to her tippy toes and reaching further than she thought possible, the trash was captured by one “Earth Day” advocate. So was the attention of the audience, her family. We all applauded a job well done, and of course took a picture. Carefully Kyle sailed Elle thru the air like a bird in flight, safely landing her right near her bike.

As Elle mounted her bike for our final destination, home, I could not help but thank the Lord Jesus, for this little precious soul. I decided to capture a moment to speak to my son-in-law alone. “Kyle,” I said in my best southern accent, “You ‘all must be so proud of Elle. Why I have never seen anyone like her before. She has such a good heart!” I thought Kyle would just take a well–deserved bow, as any parent who had just been complimented, but he didn’t. His response caught me off guard. He smiled politely and with great admiration in his voice, responded, “Elle is the one child I know who makes me want to be a better person.” I, the wordy woman was dumbfounded and speechless. Later on that night, Kyle’s profound words remained, mulling around in my brain. Elle is not only saving the earth, I thought, she is also touching souls one person at a time. She is the “poster child” for putting Pope Francis’s words into action. This was an “Earth Day” that I will never forget. Elle is taking care of the earth and the people who live in it. Elle is making a difference. How high will you climb do your part for Jesus?

Accessorize with virtue readers. Everyone Do Your Part! Let 's Do It!

20--20 VISION

 Helen Keller has always been one of my hero’s. Her life is a testimony about overcoming obstacles in your life, doing what you can with what you got and, "Being the best you can be!" Despite being born blind, her sight was better than most people.  Helen Keller and I share a common bond.  I too am legally blind with 20 -200 vision. I was the only five year old that I knew of who wore blue glasses to their first day of  school. This was way before glasses of any style or color. were a fashion statement. Years later, those coke bottle glasses were replaced with contact lenses.  Proudly, I became undercover blind; only my optometrist knew my secret defect.  Thankfully I could see clearly, with a little correction.

Marriage is a lot like a good eye exam.  A spouse sees you for what you are,; defects and all. Marriage has a way of taking masks off and revealing the real you, sometimes with no makeup on, sporting bad breath, or on a not so good hair day. Spouses see you when you have one nerve left and everyone is getting on it. They are on the scene when you are over committed and under patient.  They are invited to the pity party when you are out of sorts and decide to tell all. Sometimes they are the bull’s eye that you are aiming your words at; unfortunately those words hit the target of their heart.  Life has no delete button, and there is no rewind or the ability to white out a bad day. What they see is what they get.  Spouses see the parts of our personalities that we are blind to. They are looking at us with 20-20 vision daily; even on the days we do not want to repeat.

 A listening ear to correction can help us hear ourselves clearly with the aid of their 20-20 hearing. Their 20- 20 vision is looking at what is actually going on not just our view, with our rose colored glasses.  If their correction is given with a dose of understanding, and the assurance of their love, it will breed the courage to try and improve.  Everyone makes mistakes, and life is too short to sweat the small stuff.  Helen Keller needed a little help from her teacher Anne Sullivan.  Helen listened attentively, learned quickly and it made a difference.

 Live your marriage well, point out the blind spots to each other in love.  Be the good example to teach the next generation, that a good marriage is one where you bear with one another patiently, and forgive each other from the heart.  Finally, remember to put on your rose colored glasses when looking at your spouse; enjoy the view!

OUR LITTLE CITY IS DOING A BIG THING!!

OUR LITTLE CITY IS DOING A BIG THING!!!!

WHAT: AN AUGUSTA MARCH FOR JESUS 

WHEN: AUGUST 15, 2015 --SAVE THE DATE--- DETAILS TO FOLLOW

WHY: TO MAKE A STAND FOR JESUS IN UNITY

HOST: WBPI  T.V.  IN NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.

WHO: ALL ARE WELCOME

YOU ALL COME AND INVITE ALL YOU KNOW! 

PLEASE KEEP THE EVENT IN PRAYER

Read the letter below that I sent out.

 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

My name is Ellen Mongan and I am a Catholic Christian Writer and Speaker. I reside in Martinez, Georgia with Deacon Pat Mongan M.D. who is assigned to St. Mary’s Help of Christian Church. We have 8 adult children and 12 grandchildren. Since I am a networker in the Body of Christ, many of you know me.

Why are you are receiving this letter from me? Why did I send an invitation from WBPI TV? You have received an invitation to the August March for Jesus because you are a priest, a deacon or a person in ministry in our Catholic faith. This march is a time to stand together as Christians of all denominations. This letter is written to answer any questions and explain why you should be a part of this event.  I encourage you to invite others to do the same. Here is how; those associated with a radio or television station or a blog, please advertise the march. Clergy please invite the people of your parish.

Pope Francis lives out the scripture, “Love one another; for love is from God. God is love.”  Pope Francis’ good example, speaks volumes to the people of this world who do not know Christ. His demonstrates through both his actions and his words how to live in unity among the Christian brethren of other denominations.

When the Incident in Baltimore took place, I was saddened. When the pastors linked arms walking in unity down the streets of that city together, hope rose in my soul. When some Christian brethren were ambushed while at church in Charleston, South Carolina; I wept.  I believe Jesus wept too. This trial could harden any heart without God’s grace. A bird’s eye view of the aftermath of that tragic event was described by Father Kirby, a priest who lives in Charleston. He chose to walk to the church the Sunday following the shooting. What did He witness?  “Instead of choosing to lash out in revenge, the people of Charleston responded in peace. “  Father Kirby said, “The pastor called a twenty four hour prayer vigil. When Father Kirby arrived at the church there were still people praying. “ Father Kirby’s homily touched lives. The people of Charleston chose to put action to the words of Jesus. The battle is always done on our knees with fervent prayer. This church has sadly lost lives but they did not lose hope.

 In the book of Nehemiah God calls His people to rebuild the wall. They worked shoulder to shoulder together.  It was a big job! Each person found a place on the wall working with all their might to build their portion. It took their time, talent, and treasure. The wall was built to last. The joy of the Lord was their strength. Now we Christians are being called to spiritually build the walls of unity. Christians from all denominations are being invited to make a stand. Help us build the wall of unity, by marching shoulder to shoulder along with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s march together for Jesus our Savior and our Lord. United we stand. Divided we fall; let’s all stand for Jesus. To God Be the Glory.

Sincerely,

Ellen Mongan     littlepinkdressministry@gmail.com  www.littlepinkdressministry.blogspot.com 

P.S. Dorothy Spaulding, the owner if WBPI T.V. is gracious enough to invite believers of all faith as guests on her show. I have been a frequent guest on WBPI, on the Titus II Crew; about Catholic Woman in Ministry. Our next show is on infertility, adoption and the death of a child, on June 29, 2015 at ten A.M. until noon. Please come join us as part of the audience.

A LAUGH A DAY