JYMACE-Changing The Face Of e-WORLD

Rosary...FAQs

2008-06-02T23:56:00.000-07:00

THE ROSARY -Questions and answers
---------------------------------
There is much prayer power in the Rosary, because you are offering up the sacrifice of your time, sending it into the Immaculate and Loving Heart of the Blessed Mother of Christ, who adds her prayers to yours and sends them to His Sacred Heart that was pierced for love of you. Jesus then intercedes for you in unity with the Holy Spirit and the Father, all of Whom love you dearly and care about your prayer requests much more than you do! As you pray, trust God and let Him decide the best way and timing to respond to your requests.

Q: Why pray to Mary when we can go directly to God?

***********************************************

A: Think of how often you ask your friends to add their prayers to yours. Mary is a friend you have in Heaven. She is closer to God than anyone else, because when she was conceived in her mother's womb, God created her to be full of grace so that Jesus could live in her womb years later (God cannot dwell where sin dwells). This is called Mary's Immaculate Conception. Therefore, while enlisting the prayers of your sinful friends here on earth, why not also ask for the prayer support of one who is closer to God than any other human being?

Q: When was the Rosary invented? It's not in the Bible.
***************************************************

A: The command to pray is in the Bible, but there are endless ways to pray. The Rosary relies on prayers that come from sc<x>ripture: the "Our Father" taught by Jesus, the two basic parts of the "Hail Mary", and the meditations upon the life of Christ, for example.
The Rosary is a "prayer of the people", designed to be easily adopted by both illiterate and educated Christians. The method of praying a formula of prayers using beads for keeping track evolved from pious devotions very early in Church history. In the fourth century, a Christian ascetic named Paul the Hermit made a habit of repeating 300 prayers, according to a set form, every day. To record his progress, he gathered up three hundred pebbles and threw one away as each prayer was finished. Other ascetics devised similar ways of numbering their prayers. In monastic orders, monks began reciting all 150 chapters in the Book of Psalms, sometimes dividing them into three sets of 50 Psalms each. Lay brothers, most of whom were illiterate, substituted a simple form of prayer, usually the "Our Father".
Counting beads on a string became popular by the 11th century. In the mid-12th century, the Hail Mary as a salutation (not a prayer) came into widespread use, accompanied by genuflexions or some other external act of reverence for Christ. The additional practice of meditating on certain definite mysteries about Christ and our redemption began with Dominic of Prussia, a Carthusian monk and ascetical writer (1382-1461) and, by the end of the 15th century, many varieties of meditations prevailed. Eventually, the mysteries were narrowed down to three, to teach our most important doctrines, and were promoted by popes; Pope John Paul II added a fourth set.

The word "rosary" comes from rosarius, meaning a garland or bouquet of roses. An early legend says this name came from Mary herself during an apparition when she took rosebuds from the lips of a young monk as he recited the Hail Marys; she wove them into a garland and placed them upon her head.

Q: Why say the same words over and over again? Isn't this babbling?*************************************************************

A: It can be babbling, but it doesn't have to be. Repeated words make it easier to meditate meaningfully; we can focus on the mysteries of God's Kingdom while also being aware of the words we're using to connect with that Kingdom. We can use the time to learn from the mysteries or we can allow our minds to wander and see where God leads us.

Q: What are the mysteries of the Rosary?
***************************************

A: There are four sets of mysteries. The first (the Joyful Mysteries) draw our attention to the beginning of Christ's life on earth. The second (the Sorrowful Mysteries) help us realize the immense passionate love Jesus had for us as He suffered and died to heal us and set us free from sin. The third (the Luminous Mysteries) covers the earthly ministry of Jesus. The fourth (the Glorious Mysteries) teach us about the resurrection power of the Christian life. In each set, there are five mysteries or lessons for learning about the Kingdom of God, so that we may be inspired to receive more of God's love and open ourselves more fully to His miracle power.

Q: Why ten Hail Marys for each mystery? Why five mysteries for each Rosary?
*************************************************************

A: The numbers come from the book of Psalms. There are 150 Psalms, and we pray 150 Hail Marys (ten for each mystery, times five mysteries, times three sets of mysteries).

Q: Must we do the prayers exactly the way they are written?*****************************************************

A: No. God is not a legalist. The Rosary is not a magic formula. God answers our prayers because He loves us and the people for whom we are praying, and because what we ask for is good and in line with His promises in sc<x>ripture, not because we do a Rosary. If you want to add some of your own, extra prayers to the Rosary, let yourself be moved by the Holy Spirit and add those prayers!

Holy Mary Mother of God..
Pray for Us Sinners..
Now and at the Hour of Our Death..

so let us always seek Mother Marys assistance..
Have a wonderful day...
God bless

With luv and prayers,

Jeffie John Parackal

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Phil 4:13

The video is now in YouTube...The address is clearer in this mail

2008-03-18T08:50:00.001-07:00

Hi dear family,

             The video we made on social committment and presented in the techfest has been uploaded in YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny4_j8EwNw0

             The film has been named Monuments of Love....By grace of GOD,we got second prize for that...some people saw that tooo...hope the message was conveyed atleast in a minor level.....Actually,we had thought that film wud be disqualified as it had less amount of video content and more of pics and captions...But the audience and the judges accepted it as it was!!!!..

        During the production,there were some stumbling blocks,such as unavailability of video cam to shoot(had to adjust with still cam) ,lack of video footages(the film has moreof pics and captions than videos!!) and for editing we didn't even have a standard software(and had to do the editng with Windows Movie Maker and Microsoft Paint).....But still,GOD's grace covered up all the lacks and shortcomings and enabled us to make it upto our best.....Hope the message does get conveyed by this humble venture....The team was named Mater Dei creations,as a tribute to our dear Mother Mary(Mater Dei means mother of GOD in latin).....Pls give us ur opinion ater viewing the video...GBU....

With luv and prayers, Jeffie John Parackal

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Phil 4:13

Happy news...----->A JYMACEian in new KYCT...Congrats Chetta...

2008-02-28T07:28:00.000-08:00

Dear family...........

HI family...............By grace of GOD,everything is going very cool here in college....Arts-Tech heat is on and hope everything will rock well,wothout any probs.....

I'm also happy to inform our family about the JYMACE presence in the new Kerala Youth Central Team(KYCT)...Our 2007 passout Midhun Paul chettan has been inducted in the KYCT..As we all know,he is currently serving Professional ministry as the coordinator of PCT,along with professional obligations as a lecturer in Illahia Engg College...And now a new responsibiblity has also been entrusted unto him by GOD Almighty....Lets pray that he be able to shoulder all his responsibilities and let the guidance of the Holy Spirit be always with him...Please keep Midhun chettan,PCT and KYCT specially in your prayers...Amen...GBU...

With luv and prayers, Jeffie John Parackal

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Phil 4:13

New guardians of JYMACE

2008-02-18T08:04:00.001-08:00

Group coordinator: George Tharakan(S6C)
Asst.Coordinator: Bineesha Vinayan(S6C)
Ministries

Intercession - Isha Paulson(S6C) and Assa(S4C)
Bible -Manju Ann(S6E)
Audio visual -Joseph Peter(S6E) and Sumi Sam(S6L)
Outreach -Binumon(S6E) and Sebin(S4E)
Music -Tenish K T(S6E) and Merin Selma(S6R)
Finance -Meril Kailath(S6E)
Library -Bibin John(S4L)
Secretary -Ardhra(S4L)

With luv and prayers,
Jeffie John Parackal

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Initial retreat

2008-02-07T17:28:00.001-08:00

Dear chettans and chechis

Our sub-region level initial retreat will be on 8,9,10,February.... So do keep all of us especially our first-years' in your prayers... May the Lord bless and touch each one of them. Also do pray for the sub-region team and all involved...

God bless you!!!!

Love and prayers
Sumi
S6L

2 Cor 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

JYMACE Updates 09/01/08

2008-01-14T23:46:00.001-08:00

"Praise the LORD.How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!"(Psalms 147:1)

Dear family in Christ.....

All glory and honour be to the anointed one - Christ....Through the anointing He has passed on to us throught the Church and the strenghtening of our weak spirit through His Holy Spirit,we had yet another wonderful week here...Even in the midst of the exams,the group is strenghtened beyond all measures....

Te prayer meeting of 9th Jan was led by Deo(S5M) and Manju(S5E)...The theme centered on Psalms 147-> 'How beautiful it is to praise and worship Him'..Be it in your sorrows,be it in your joy,praise the God Almighty always,with whole of your heart,whole of mind and wholeof your strength...The prayer meeting started off with sharings on the strength and beauty of Praise,with experiences to quote...How praising God strengthened them in the moments of despair,how it enhanced their joy,how it removed any trace of doubt or sadness....

The Praise and Worship was preceeded by the action song "Oh!What a beautiful day,my Jesus.."....The P&W was sweet and strong,with strong praising,followed by a brief moment of silence to listen to His voice.Then we had the Word of God sharing from the Psalms,a break from the usual New Testament....

The Professional Ministry Newsletter is now put up in our Jesus Youth website(India)...It can be downladed from there...Both issues are uploaded....Please pray for the forthcoming issues of the newsletter..We are also searching for a nice name for it..If you have any suggestion,please convey it to jypmnl@yahoogroups.com...GBU...

With luv and prayers, Jeffie John Parackal

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Phil 4:13

Get the freedom to save as many mails as you wish. Click here to know how.

JYMACE Updates 02/01/08

2008-01-08T20:14:00.001-08:00

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12)

Dear family.......

A very happy new year to you all from everyone here at the 'Kothamangalam chapter' of the 'international movement' that is JYMACE...How was the new year celebrations all around?...Also Lijo chetta, a very happy married life from every JYMACEian around the globe..The life in MACE is going very 'cooool' with the uni exams...Still,the Spirit of God is keeping everyone,especially the ones who attented the SAC,with a spirit and vigour.

The prayer meeting of 2nd January, our first prayer meeting of 2008, was led by Edin(S5M) and Assa(S3C), the theme based on the 'Golden rule' of Christian life ->"Do unto others what you would have them do unto you"...Being the prayer meeting after SAC, the experience sharings filled in most part of it...Due to the exams, most of us couldn't attend, but many of dear first year could go for it and return with a new spirit... For all of them, this was their first Jesus Youth program in the central level... The kind of moulding they had over there was awesome....Especially the sessions on leadereship, fellowship and the Holy adoration hours....

The action song " Every single cell in my body is happy" once again managed to strike the chord and really made every single cell in our body happy.The Word of God saharing was based on the passage Matthew 7:1-12. The words of assurance "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."(Matt 7:7) and the Golden rule were quite apt for the moment( and throughout our lives...)..The Word of God never cease to hold up its magic!!!...

A scent of our core group reconstitution is the air over here...Please do pray that the Spirit of God leads us in the right way and choose the right people for the next team...The new coordinators and the new team;let it be what the group needs, as per the will of GOD, to carry forward the gift,the blessing,the family -> JYMACE ..... GBU....

With luv and prayers, Jeffie John Parackal

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Phil 4:13

Group 19/12/2007

2007-12-31T00:11:00.000-08:00

Dear family.....

Wishing my dear family a happy and prosperous New Year... May the Lord Almighty bless you all in this 2008,as He has been doing since time immemorial...
The group of 19th dec,the last prayer meeting of 2007, was led by Arun(S7L) and Jeffie(S7L), centered on the theme "Rejoice always,'cos you are in His mighty hands"...Being the last prayer meeting of the year and due to the ongoing uni exams, the group was filled with a special spirit..The group started off with the usual songs and an action song "I wanna clap,clap,clap"....The action song was followed by a brief outline of the history of Taize...The praise and worship was in the Taize form...Truly an amazing experience to all....

The word sharing was based on the passage 1 Thesslonaians 5:16-... After reading of the Holy Bible,everyone were paired with their neighbour and asked to share the insights among them...After the 'pair sharing', a few of them came forward and shared what they had shared in the pair.... The key insights included that we ought to respect our authorities and elders, as is mentioned in the scriptures...The classic hobby of a student, that is to ridicule his/her teacher , is not what God expects from them...Also the will of God for us is to always rejoice,pray without ceasing and give thanks to God in all circumstances.... Suppose we have a cabinet minster as our elder brother,do we have to worry about all the troubles encountered in our daily lives?...No, we just have to use position and power of our brother..So then why do we make a fuss over silly matters, even when we have Jesus,the king of kings ,as our dear brother and Saviour?.... God has called each one of us into His glory,majesty and richness... All it takes is the supreme faith and commitment to Him, to partake in His glory.If He has died, its for us to live.... So rejoice alwayz....

After the Word sharing, all of us sang out together "Our God is an awesome God..."... Before winding up, each one of the earlier pairs were designated as the Christmas friends for this season... A new concept, I guess.... After this, everyone departed, wishing a merry Christmas to all....

With luv and prayers,
Jeffie John Parackal

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Group 5/12/2007

2007-12-06T23:38:00.003-08:00

"Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the Kingdom of God" (Mark10:14)

Dear family in Christ…

Looks like everyone is excited about Rendezvous '07…Surely gonna be a great gathering of our dear family after a long time…. Now with the end of the semester and start of study leave, we r really gonna miss our college and prayer group for some time (only physically though!). This week, we had a really 'cute' prayer meeting, led by Sumi (S5L) and Bineesha (S5C), centered on the theme ' Be like a child'. A child is always frank, cute, innocent and always speaks out his/her mind. As we 'grow up', we lose that innocence. But in front of our God Almighty, we r all tiny tots, each one still in his/her teething stage. The group started out with songs and the action song 'Who gives the faith….' This was followed by sharings by our dear Anna chechi (2006 civil) and Robin chettan (present Professional Ministry Fulltimer). We also had our dear Sherin chechi (2007 Computer) along with us.

The Word of God sharing, which followed, was based on Mark 10:13-16; Jesus blessing the children. During the sharing, the need for calling up our Heavenly ABBA Father was emphasized. There is a story about a rich man (a very rich man indeed!!!). There was a rich man, who earned in excess of Rs.50k per month. One day he saw his youngest daughter sitting on the doorstep, all worried and tensed up. On asking what the matter was, he got a reply that she had to bring Rs.10 to school the next day and she was worried where to get it from. Just imagine how the loving Dad must have felt. Even in His richness, his dear daughter was worried how to find this small amount all by herself. Are we any different? In many a situations, we tend to find solutions for them by ourselves. We forget about our loving Heavenly Father, who is out there to remove all our sorrows and share His riches with us. We do sing, " I'm trading my sorrows, I'm trading my pain, I'm laying them down, For the joy of the Lord…. Yes Lord…."… But do we really trade them up? Can we really say a Yes to the Lord? Do we really call Him with the love and closeness befitting a Father and a son?

During this meeting, we had the first years outnumbering everyone else, in spite of their ongoing first series exams. Praise God… Please do keep them in your prayers. We are also gonna have our Christmas celebrations on the coming Wednesday. Everyone's pretty excited about it… Our Uni exams are to start on this 18^th. Please keep us also in ur dear prayers. Another happy news is the launch of the second issue of the Professional Ministry newsletter… After a long delay of 9 months, the 'baby' is finally out. Hope it will be a light in the paths of many... The soft copy will be uploaded very soon.. Thank You very much for ur valuable prayers and support..

Together in Spirit,

With luv and prayers, Jeffie John Parackal

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Phil 4:13

5, 50, 500, 5000 - Store N number of mails in your inbox. Click here.

10 Rules For A Happy Day

2007-12-05T23:27:00.001-08:00

1. TODAY I WILL NOT STRIKE BACK...

If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind, I will not respond in a like manner.

2. TODAY I WILL ASK GOD TO BLESS MY 'ENEMY'...

If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand "enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or stranger.

3. TODAY I WILL BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT I SAY...

I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I do not spread gossip.

4. TODAY I WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE...

I will find ways to help share the burden of another person.

5. TODAY I WILL FORGIVE...

I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way.

6. TODAY I WILL DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE, BUT I WILL DO IT IN SECRET...

I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another.

7. TODAY I WILL TREAT OTHERS THE WAY I WISH TO BE TREATED...

I will practice the golden rule. "Do unto others as I would have them do unto me" - with EVERYONE I encounter.

8. TODAY I WILL RAISE THE SPIRITS OF SOMEONE WHO IS DISCOURAGED...

My smile, my words, my ex-pression of support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling with life.

9. TODAY I WILL NURTURE MY BODY...

I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank God for my body.

10. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY...

I will spend more time in prayer today. I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational; I will find a quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to God's voice.

With luv and prayers,
Jeffie John Parackal.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Bollywood, fun, friendship, sports and more. You name it, we have it.

ONE SENTENCE SERMONS

2007-12-05T23:24:00.001-08:00

Be Fishers of Men.... You catch 'em, He'll clean 'em.

A family altar can alter a family.

A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.

Don't put a question mark where God put a period.

Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church.

Exercise daily. Walk with the Lord!

Forbidden fruits create many jams.

Give God what's right, not what's left!

Give Satan an inch and he'll be a ruler.

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.

Having truth decay? Brush up on your Bible!

He who angers you, controls you!

He who is good at making excuses is seldom good for anything else.

He who kneels before God can stand before anyone!

Kindness is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.

Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity.

Never give the devil a ride! He will always want to drive!

Nothing ruins the truth like stretching it.

Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.

"Pray" is a four letter word that you can say anywhere.

Prayer - Don't give God instructions - just report for duty!

The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

This Church is "Prayer Conditioned!"

To be almost saved is to be totally lost.

WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning!

Watch your step carefully! Everyone else does!

We don't change the message; the message changes us.

We set the sail; God makes the wind.

We're too blessed to be depressed.

Wisdom has two parts: 1) Having a lot to say. 2) Not saying it.

* * *

~ author unknown ~

With luv and prayers,
Jeffie John Parackal.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

5, 50, 500, 5000 - Store N number of mails in your inbox. Click here.

A Dialouge with Our Father

2007-11-14T02:08:00.001-08:00

'Our Father who art in heaven ...'

Yes?

Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.

But you called me.

Called you? I didn't call you. I'm praying. "Our Father who art in heaven..."

There you did it again.

Did what?

Called me. You said, "Our Father who art in heaven. " Here I am... What's on your mind?

But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like getting a duty done.

All right. Go on.

"Hallowed be thy name..."

Hold it. What do you mean by that?

By what?

By "hallowed be thy name"?

It means... it means... Good grief, I don't know what it means.How should I know? It's just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?

It means honored, holy, wonderful.

Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what "hallowed" meant before. "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

Do you really mean that?

Sure, why not?

What are you doing about it?

Doing? Nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control of everything down here like you have up there.

Have I got control of you?

Well, I go to church.

That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money--all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read?

Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at the church.

Excuse me. I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example.

Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others.

So could I.

I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free.

Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together, you and I. Some victories can truly be won. I'm proud of you.

Look, Lord, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does. "Give us this day, our daily bread."

You need to cut out the bread. You're overweight as it is.

Hey, wait a minute! What is this, "Criticize me day"? Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups.

Praying is a dangerous thing. You could wind up changed, you know. That's what I'm trying to get across to you. You called me, and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep praying, I'm interested in the next part of your prayer...(pause). Well, go on.

I'm scared to.

Scared? Of what?

I know what you'll say.

Try me and see.

"Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."

What about Ann?

See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories about my family. She never paid back the debt she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her!

But your prayer? What about your prayer?

I didn't mean it.

Well, at least you're admitting it. But it's not much fun carrying that load of bitterness around inside, is it?

No. But I'll feel better as soon as I get even. Boy, have I got some plans for that neighbor. She'll wish she had never moved into this neighborhood.

You won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. Think of how unhappy you already are. But I can change all that.

You can? How?

Forgive Ann. Then I'll forgive you. Then the hate and sin will be Ann's problem and not yours. You will have settled your heart.

Oh, you're right. You always are. And more than I want to get revenge on Ann, I want to be right with you....(pause)...(sigh). All right. All right. I forgive her. Help her to find the right road in life, Lord. She's bound to be awfully miserable now that I think about it. Anybody who goes around doing the things she does to others has to be out of it. Some way, some how, show her the right way.

God: There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?

Hmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all. In fact, I feel pretty great! You know, I don't think I'll have to go to bed uptight tonight for the first time since I can remember. Maybe I won't be so tired from now on because I'm not getting enough rest.

You're not through with your prayer. Go on.

Oh, all right. "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.

What do you mean by that?

Don't turn on the TV when you know the laundry needs to be done and the house needs to be picked up. Also, about the time you spend coffeeing with your friends, if you can't influence the conversation to positive things, perhaps you should rethink the value of those friendships. Another thing, your neighbors and friends shouldn't be your standard for "keeping up". And please don't use me for an escape hatch.

I don't understand the last part.

Sure you do. You've done it a lot of times. You get caught in a bad situation. You get into trouble and then you come running to me, "Lord, help me out of this mess and I promise you I'll never do it again." You remember some of those bargains you tried to make with me?

Yes, and I'm ashamed, Lord. I really am.

Which bargain are you remembering?

Well, there was the night that Bill was gone and the children and I were home alone. The wind was blowing so hard I thought the roof would go any minute and tornado warnings were out. I remember praying, "Oh, God, if you spare us, I'll never skip my devotions again."

Did you?

I'm sorry, Lord, I really am. Up until now I thought that if I just prayed the Lord's Prayer every day, then I could do what I liked. I didn't expect anything to happen like it did.

Go ahead and finish your prayer.

"For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever." Amen.

Do you know what would bring me glory? What would really make me happy?

No, but I'd like to know. I want now to please you. I can see what a mess I've made of my life. And I can see how great it would be to really be one of your followers.

You just answered the question.

I did?

Yes. The thing that would bring me glory is to have people like you truly love me. And I see that happening between us. Now that some of these old sins are exposed and out of the way, well, there is no telling what we can do together.

By Ruth Carter-Bourdon (from http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net )

With luv and prayers,
Jeffie John Parackal.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Did you know? You can CHAT without downloading messenger. Click here

Your Quiet Time With God

2007-11-01T10:21:00.001-07:00

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek You. Psalm 63:1

When you come to meet with God, you should have an attitude of:

1
Expectancy
Expect to 'give and get' from your time together. And make it a time of intimacy. It's impossible to have a love affair in a crowd or a public place; intimacy calls for being alone with the one you love. The Bible speaks about Christ as the Groom and us as His bride. Think of the anticipation and excitement shared in such moments.

2
Reverence
Don't rush into God's presence. Prepare your heart by being still before Him and letting the quietness clear away the thoughts of the world. Remind yourself Who it is you're meeting with - God! "You are worthy. to receive glory and honour" (Revelation 4:11).

3
Alertness
Get to bed early so you'll be in good shape to meet God in the morning. He deserves your full attention. Give God the best part of your day - when you are the freshest. Follow the example of Christ: "Very early in the morning, Jesus went off to a solitary place, where He prayed" (Mark 1:35). Hudson Taylor said, "You don't tune up the instruments after the concert is over; you tune them up before you start."

4
Willingness
This attitude is crucial: you don't come to your quiet time to choose what you will or won't do, but with the purpose of doing anything and everything God wants you to do. Jesus said, "If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether My teaching comes from God" (John 7:17). So come to meet with the Lord, having already chosen to do His will no matter what!

Stephen Olford said, "I want to hear God's voice before anyone else's in the morning. And His is the last voice I want to hear at night." David and Daniel met with the Lord three times daily (See Ps. 55:17; Dan. 6:10). Whatever time you set, be consistent. Put it on your calendar; make an appointment with God as you would with anyone else. And keep it. Don't stand Him up! The question is often asked, "How much time should I spend?"

Here are some guidelines:

1. Don't start with a two-hour quiet time. You may get discouraged. You'll create memories of failure rather than memories of success. You must grow in this relationship as you do in any other. So begin with a few minutes and let it grow.
2. Don't clock-watch. That'll ruin your quiet time faster than anything else. Decide what you can do in God's Word and prayer during the time you've selected; then do it! Sometimes it'll take more time than you have set aside, sometimes less. But don't keep looking at your watch.
3. Emphasise quality, not quantity. It's what you do during your quiet time whether 15 minutes or two hours - that's important.
4. Choose a special place. "Next morning Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the Lord" (Genesis 19:27). Your special place ought to be a place where: (a) you can pray aloud without embarrassment; (b) you're comfortable. (Don't have your quiet time in bed - that's too comfortable!) As the days go by your special place will come to mean everything to you because of the wonderful times you have there with the Lord.

Bob Gass

With luv and prayers,
Jeffie John Parackal.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Why delete messages? Unlimited storage is just a click away.

The Marks of a Christian

2007-11-01T10:10:00.001-07:00

Galatians 2:1-10

Four marks of a Christian are set forth in the Book of Galatians.

First, a Christian is one who has the living Christ living in him. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20).

Second, a Christian is one who has the Holy Spirit within him, for in Galatians 4:6 we see, "And because ye are sons [if we are born again into His family], God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts." He is the One who really begets us, or creates us anew, and makes us believers. He also creates in us the new character from which Christian conduct comes. Christian conduct does not make a Christian, but a true Christian, one who is born of the Holy Spirit, will have Christian conduct as well.

In the third place, a Christian is one who has shared the cross experience with Christ as the basic solution of his personal problems. We all have come under this experience of the cross although we may not all have understood it. The key text on this subject is "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me" (2:20). When Christ died, I died with Him, and when He arose, I arose with Him.

In the fourth place, the Christian is one who is possessed of a life that is so divine, so ideal, that it cannot be pushed into a mold of external regulations. We have a new life, a life from God, which is Christ Himself.

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves" (2 Cor. 13:5).

With luv and prayers,
Jeffie John Parackal.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Share files, take polls, and discuss your passions - all under one roof. Click here.

Unlocking the Convert's heart- Holy Bible as a key to Conversion:A forward from Holy Spirit Interactive

2007-10-25T12:40:00.001-07:00

Dear family....

Recently saw this article in the website of Holy Spirit Interactive..Felt like sharing this article after going through it..Tells us about the conversion of a Presbysterian minister..God Bless You..

Unlocking the Convert's Heart - The Bible as a Key to Conversion

by Marcus Grodi

I was recently asked to give a talk on the biblical defense of Catholicism. Initially this seemed like an easy task, for the primary reason my Presbyterian heart was turned toward home was because the truthfulness of the Catholic Church was proved to me through the study of Scripture. Books upon books upon tapes upon CD s reiterate the sound biblical footing of our Catholic faith. Regardless, I encountered difficulties as I thought of my perceived audience.

Vincible Foes

First, I remembered that from which I came and the hoards of anti- Catholics who believe there is no biblical defense of Catholicism. They believe the Bible is their book and that if it defends anything, it defends their theological platforms. If this were true, my talk would have been very short and this article over.

But this isn't true. The Bible is not their book. It exists today first because of the grace of God, but secondarily because of the Catholic bishops, priests, monks, and laity who preserved, protected, copied, and venerated the canon of inspired books we now call the Bible. The entire biblical canon from Genesis to Revelation is a defense of the Catholic Church. From this standpoint, one talk or brief article merely scratches the surface.

Second, I remembered the many people who have been so swayed by the opinions of biblical critics that any biblical defense of the faith is useless, for the Bible to them is at best a collection of myths and fables. Again, this makes for a short presentation.

Third, I remembered the many lifelong Catholics who believe a biblical defense of their faith is unnecessary. From birth and baptism they have believed it all, and though they greatly revere the Scriptures, they need no proof. Yet, I know from personal experience where this attitude leads: Thirty percent of my Protestant youth groups and churches were made up of ex-Catholics who could not defend their faith against our biblical onslaught. Eventually they not only became convinced that the Bible defended Protestantism, but that they had been saved from "the whore of Babylon." It is very important, especially in this day of high-tech Internet evangelization, that Catholics rediscover the biblical defense of their faith.

But there was a fourth difficulty. As in sports, there is no one simple defense against all attacks. For example, in football the defense changes with each play to address the changing offense. So with the defense of our faith, the challenges are as varied as Protestantism itself. The verses that might unlock a Presbyterian's heart are radically different than those that might convince a Baptist or a Lutheran or a Pentecostal or Methodist or a Mormon. You get the idea.

So where does one begin? How does a Catholic use the Word of God to unlock the heart of a friend or family member outside the faith? My approach is what I call "The Verses I Never Saw." This is what sparked my own conversion, as well as those of hundreds of others we have worked with through the Coming Home Network International.

Scripture Says What?

Not unlike any average Evangelical Protestant minister, I loved my Lord Jesus Christ, I was committed to proclaiming and following His truth with abandon, and I believed in sola scripturathat the Bible was the one inspired, infallible "firm foundation" of my life and faith. I also believed that I knew the Bible very well, from cover to cover, and that it held no surprises that could shatter my Protestant faith.

Then a long-lost seminary classmate introduced me to the first "verse I never saw." Scott Hahn pulled the same trick on me that someone had once pulled on him. He asked me, "What is the pillar and bulwark of your faith?"

My knee-jerk responseas had been hiswas, "Why, the Bible, of course!"

"But what does the Bible specifically say is 'the pillar and bulwark of faith'?"

I was puzzled. I could not remember any place where this specific phrase was found in Scripture.

"Let's look at 1 Timothy 3:1415, then," he said. Now, I had studied and taught through 1 Timothy many times and expected no surprises, so I read aloud without hesitation, "I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth."

For a second, I wondered whether someone had somehow secretly inserted that never-before-noticed text into my Bible! The apostle Paul tells Timothy that the pillar and bulwark of the truth is somehow the Church. I had no mental file folder for this idea. As a Calvinist, I believed that the Church was an invisible fellowship of all true believers, not identifiable with any one institutional communion. How could this invisible, universal hodgepodge of opinions be the "pillar and bulwark" of anything? And could my Presbyterian denomination qualify as this trustworthy foundation for truth? Hardlynor in my opinion could any other denomination I knew. So, what did Paul mean by "church"? This verse left me weak in the knees, not yet leaning toward Catholicism, but shaken in my confidence in sola scriptura.

Traditions to Contend With

Then I discovered another "verse I never saw": 2 Thessalonians 2:15, "So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter."

Oh, I had seen this verse before, but what I had not noticed before was that the traditionsor "teachings," as my Protestant Bible had translated this termthat Paul insisted the Thessalonian believers follow and adhere to were not merely the written documents that would one day make up the New Testament, but also oral traditions.

In fact, as I re-examined all of Paul's letters, several things became very clear: First, Paul's normal, preferred way of passing on the faith was through preaching and teaching; second, the only reason we have any letters at all was because he could not get to the people in person; and third, what he taught in his letters presumed upon the knowledge they had already received from him in personmuch of which is never recorded in any New Testament document!

Then a third "verse I never saw" raised its ugly head: 2 Timothy 3:14 17, "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

I was certainly quite aware of this text, for it was upon the second half of this text that I taught and defended sola scripura. Whenever I quoted this text, I would hold up the Bible as the presumed equivalent of what Paul meant by "all Scripture." What I had not previously considered, however (already a bit wobbly from the first two surprise verses), was whether this was an accurate representation of what Paul understood as "Scripture." When he wrote this letter, the New Testament was not even entirely written, let alone collected into a book. The canon of Scripture would not be finalized for another 300-plus years by gatherings of Catholic bishops at the councils of Carthage, Rome, and Hippo. This meant that Paul could only have been referring to the Old Testament! Did I believe that only the Old Testament was "inspired by God and profitable for teaching"? No, of course not. So this verse not only did not teach sola scriptura, but the first half again taught the importance of oral tradition.

The Spirit of Unity

A fourth "verse I never saw" was John 14:26, "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." Coupled with John 16:13"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come"this verse made me painfully aware of a contradiction in my life and ministry.

These verses emphasize how the Holy Spirit will teach the followers of Christ so that they know and remember all that Jesus taught to be true. So what happened? Why was there so much confusion and contradiction between those who love Jesus, who have received the Holy Spirit, and who diligently study His inspired, infallible Bible? What I had not seen in these very familiar verses is that Jesus was not implying that every Christian throughout all time would have this guaranteed knowledge of the truth: He was speaking primarily to His hand-chosen Apostles! They would be the ones to receive this special gift of the Holy Spirit to give them a special infused knowledge and wisdom so that they could initiate and lead the Church in truth. All Christians would receive the Holy Spirit (through Baptism) at differing levels according to the gifting of God (cf. Eph. 4:7, 1114).

In time, a fifth "verse I never saw" crept up on me: John 17:11, "And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name, which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are one."

So where was this unity, especially among faithful Christians who accepted the Bible as the Word of God yet could not agree on what it said? In this prayer, Jesus was praying specifically for His Apostles, upon whom He would build His Church, and Scripture teaches that "the prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects" (Jas. 5:16). In other words, unity is something that therefore must already exist, but where and how?

"Catholic" Verses?

The sixth "verse I never saw" startled me in a familiar spot. My favorite, most-preached-upon portion of Scripture was the familiar metaphor of the vine and the branches. I especially emphasized to my congregations the truth of John 15:4, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me."

For years I had given my interpretation of what it meant to "abide in" Jesus and how He abides in us, but as far as I knew, there was no place where He specifically defines what this meant . . . until a friend drew my attention back to John 6:56, "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him." Whoa! Jesus abides in His followers and we abide in Him not just through our diligent obedience but through partaking of Him in the Eucharist! Again, as a Presbyterian, I had no mental file folder for this.

The seventh "verse I never saw" was another one that I preached on often and assumed I had an adequate response to for any Catholic apologist: Matthew 16:1719, "And Jesus answered him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.'"

There's much to discuss here, but in short I had always assumed that pointing to the original Greek undercut any Catholic proof for Petrine authority. The Greek word here for Peter is Petros, which can mean "pebble" whereas the word for rock is petra, which means "large boulder." Like so many other Protestant pastors, I explained that Jesus was obviously not building His Church on this "pebble" called Simon Peter but upon the faith he had been given from God the Father.

But then someone pointed out what was truly obvious: Jesus didn't speak Greek; He spoke Aramaic, and in both cases He would have used the same word, Kepha: "Thou art Kepha and upon this Kepha I will build my church." The differences in the Greek arose from the translators changing a feminine noun into a masculine name.

Unlocking Our Hearts First

These are only seven of the many "verses I never saw" that opened this convert's heart to the Catholic Church. Are these verses "silver bullets"? Are they the guaranteed keys to unlock the mind and heart of any non-Catholic friend or relative? No, I'm afraid not. I know many faithful non-Catholics who see these verses and others, who know all the Catholic answers to them, yet are far from ready to come home. Few conversions come about primarily through biblical proof texts and arguments, though these texts can be used by the Holy Spirit. All conversions come about by grace, and so the most important thing we can do to unlock the hearts of potential converts is to pray for them and love them.

So why learn these verses? For this we need to take some advice from the airlines. Whenever we fly, what does the flight attendant tell us to do in the event of a loss of air pressure? Are we to first put the air mask on our children or on ourselves? Ourselves. We cannot adequately help anyone unless we first take care of ourselves. We need to know our faith and why we believe what we do, and we especially need to know the wonderful truths of the Bible so we can pass them on to others. But in all cases, the first heart that always needs to be unlocked by the Bible is our own.

With luv and prayers,
Jeffie John Parackal.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Unlimited freedom, unlimited storage. Get it now

Pray for all lh inmates

2007-10-24T21:47:00.001-07:00

Dear chetans and chechis

You all must have known by now that the college will remain closed till monday on account of food poisoning. It took a lot of prayer to get this much action from the side of the authorities... The problem started over two weeks ago but the authorities kept ignoring our complaints. Like Deo said about 75 students were affected, a lot of them being acute cases. 7 were admitted in the hospital and one student was in ICU for a day. Finally on wednesday we got to meet the management and got this much done. Getting the college closed was a huge relief because most of the students were too weak and kept missing classes in an already short semester. The entire hostel was vacated before four pm yesterday. Over the next four days the hostel will be disinfected.

Now the major problem is that we haven't been able to pinpoint the source of food-poisoning. It's urgent that it is spotted fast so that the necessary steps can be taken. Only three of us are here in lh now to oversee the disinfection and cleaning up...me, hostel secretary and Manju(S5E) and Gigi(S5C), mess secretaries. All three of us are Jesus Youth. Do pray for us....may we be able to serve the Lord and our friends faithfully...

The experience was really amazing. All of us joined hands and prayed in front of the Principal's office before and after the meeting and also before and after meeting M.P. Varghese. We went in prepared to argue away to get our demands satisfied but once inside, things moved unbelievably fast. Praise God!!!

So we request all of you to pray for the speedy and permanent recovery of all affected and for an effective tackling of the issue from the side of the authorities.....

As far as the one day programme is concerned, we believe that it being postponed will certainly be for the best. May the Holy Spirit BLAZE through MACE.....

BLAZE SPIRIT BLAZE,

SET OUR HEARTS ON FIRE!!!!!!

Love and prayers

Sumi

S5L

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Proficuus

2007-09-26T03:51:00.001-07:00

Hallelujah!!!!!

Dear family in Christ

Proficuus was conducted from 20th to 23rd September at Emmaus. It was attended by a total of 83 engineering students from all over Kerala.

There were a lot of wonderful inspiring sessions during these days. At first was the retreat and then we had the other programs. There were sessions on sin and repentance, inner healing, the rosary, about the Jesus Youth set-up. Most of the students shared that the adoration and confession were most effective. There were panel sharings, group-building activities, video presentations and a spiritual anointing session. We conducted an outreach on the last day.

Please do pray for all who attended Proficuus especially from MACE and also for those who couldn't attend..

Love and prayers

Sumi

S5L

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us.

Group19/9/07

2007-09-26T03:42:00.001-07:00

SING PRAISE AND BLESS THE LORD...

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

The meeting of the day was led by Lindachechi(S7C) and Merin(S5R). They shared about the need to surrender completely to the Lord...like we sing 'All to Jesus I surrender'. For He is the Potter and we are just the clay.... It must be our prayer...'mould me and make me'. Just as the potter gives infinite care to the clay so that is moulded in the way he desires, so too our Creator will do whatever it takes to mould us according to His will. Painful though the moulding may be, the result will be something beautiful beyond compare.

Jesus often taught in the temple but it was only after Hosanna Sunday that He cleansed the temple...after the people welcomed Him as King. So too, He will mould us only when we surrender all to Him and welcome Him as King of our heart and mind and soul. (Read Mark 11).

Then we had the action song 'blind man sat by the road and he cried'. The meeting was attended for the first time by some of the first-year students too..

Love and prayers

Sumi

S5L

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Don't let your dream ride pass you by. Make it a reality with Yahoo! Autos.

Group12/9/07

2007-09-26T03:28:00.001-07:00

PRAISE THE LORD ALL THE NATIONS!!

Dearest chetans and chechis

Our new semester started on the 10th of September. This was the first prayer meeting in the new semester and it was led by Deo(S5M) and George(S5C). It was a wonderful meeting... Their theme was about reaching out to others and about being thankful even in the midst of trials. The Word for the day was from Luke 10.

Luke 10:27

He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'^[c]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "

They showed a video cd on two laptops to all who attended...it was a short documentary feature about a man who was born without arms or legs. It was very powerful...to watch him doing simple things that we take for granted like brushing teeth with so much effort. He says "I will allow no obstacle to stop me from doing what i wish to do..... Because the power of Christ is in me!!!" It was a blessed experience... Then we had a wonderful praise and worship session with thanksgiving... All were exhorted to be motivated into reaching out to others... We then conducted an outreach on Saturday to Pratheeksha Bhavan. All the juniors who attended said it was an amazing experience..

Love and prayers

Sumi

S5L

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Building a website is a piece of cake.
Yahoo! Small Business gives you all the tools to get online.

Group8/8/07

2007-08-11T00:24:00.001-07:00

BLESS THE LORD MY SOUL

Dear family

With all the exams over, there were very few people left in Kothamangalam so the attendance wasn't much but in spite of that we had a great group...attended mostly by first years' and a few seniors including two Hindus... The Word for the day was from Mark 6:45-51..the Bible passage was about Jesus walking on the water.

We decided to hear the first-years' sharing about their experiences with the group over the past year...

Most of them told that they started coming because of their seniors' love and care. We pray that the love of Christ will make them stay! Some of them shared that their prayer lives had changed since they started coming..some liked the songs...some shared about the praise and worship.. It was really a refreshing sight to see the first-years' attending the group even on the eve of the exams..surely they must have felt that they would lose nothing by attending. God bless them!!!

Love and prayers
Sumi
S4L

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows.
Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.

Group1/8/07

2007-08-11T00:13:00.001-07:00

MY JESUS MY SAVIOUR LORD THERE IS NONE LIKE YOU!

Dearest in Christ

The group for the day was led by Arun Antony(S6L) and Jomy(S6M). They shared about the CHOICES we face and how we ought to make wise choices. They told two instances...one about St.Francis of Assissi...how he renounced all that he had in the world for the Lord. The other was the story of a little girl torn between a Barbie doll and a teddy bear while shopping. She finally buys the teddy and then mopes around at home thinking of the doll she could have bought.

Likewise we may face some tough choices in life...to give up something we love.. We also have the choice to be forever grateful for the blessings we have...or whine about the ones we don't.

Let us pray that we may always be able to make the right choices in life!!

That was the last group that our dearest final-years' attended..... May the Lord bless their lives wherever they go. We thank all the six of you- Benilchettan, Midhunchettan, Shintochettan, Jishachechi, Sherinchechi and Soniachechi for everything...please don't expect me to list out what all we are grateful for....that list wouldn't finish anytime now. You were a blessing to us in so many ways... We pray that we can do for our juniors what you've done for us. Thanks for all the patient sowing you have done the last four years!!!!!!!

Love and prayers
Sumi
S4L

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell.

Group25/7/07

2007-08-10T23:59:00.001-07:00

SING PRAISE AND BLESS THE LORD!

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

The group was led by Bineesha(S4C) and Edin(S4M). We started off by singing songs and then they introduced the topic...the Word was from 1 John 3:1-10.

I John 3:1
Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us that we shoul be called the children of God.

Indeed it is a blessing we are unworthy of..to call Him 'Father'. And yet how deep how high how wide His love is!! For He loved us while we were yet sinners. That's the difference between His love and human love. For we love those we believe are worthy of our love and friendship. How far are we able to love the cranky, the rude, the hot-tempered, the dirty, the mean and the like?

We then sang the action song 'tring tring cycle gadee' and concluded with prayer.

Love and prayers

Sumi

S4L

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows.
Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.

Group18/7/07

2007-08-10T23:18:00.001-07:00

ABBA FATHER LET ME BE YOURS AND YOURS ALONE!

Dear family in Christ

The group of the day was conducted by Eugene(S6E) and Jeffie(S6L). They shared from Mark 12:28-44.

Mark 12:30
Love the Lord your God. Love Him with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength.

The chosen Bible passage includes the part about the mos important commandment and the widow's mite. We were asked to read the passage and share with our neighbour any insights we had. We heard some wonderful insights... That we must love Him with the fullness of love, in its entirety, with every fibre of our being! And loving Him, how can we afford to neglect the mankind so precious to Him? Precious enough to send His Son for us!!!!

The widow's offering teaches us to give our all...our time, energy, love to Him..without measure..even as He gave to us without measure His love! This is one of the very rare instances where we see Jesus actually calling His disciples to Him to point out someone...And that someone turned out to be not a Pharisee but a poor widow! The widow's offering was that precious and pleasing to Him!!!!

Love and prayers

Sumi

S4L

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Yahoo! Travel.

Group11/7/07

2007-08-10T22:50:00.001-07:00

MAY WE BE A SHINING LIGHT TO THE NATIONS!!

Dear family

In this exam season, we still had a number of students attending the group, including first-years'. That was a really wonderful sight to see!!! The Word for the day was from Philippians 4.

Phil.4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

That verse is the powerhouse of so many Christians. We had lots of sharing about this passage... that we must go beyond this verse and think of the author of these lines...who was the same person who wrote of having a thorn in his flesh, of so much persecution...and of so much faith!! We too must have the faith in the ONE who strengthens us even in the face of trials. Faith that deserts us in the time of tribulation is no faith at all!!!
And it isn't enough for us to simply receive the strength,,we must go ahead and utilise it.
Those were some of the points shared. Then we had a riot doing the action song 'Making melody in my heart'!!!!

Love and prayers
Sumi
S4L

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows.
Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.

Group27/6/07

2007-08-10T22:36:00.001-07:00

PRAISE HIM FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!!!

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

The group was led by Manju(S4E), Meril(S4E) and Sumi(S4L). We started off with some songs and then moved on to the topic for the day...'Taming the tongue'. The sharing from the Word was from James 3:1-12.

James 3:9-10
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.

We seldom stop to think of the far-reaching consequences of a few careless words that fall from our mouths... And yet how often we ourselves feel hurt because of what others say!!! So there comes the golden rule......Do to others as you would have them do unto you! Our tongue can be used to lie, judge, accuse, hurt, reject, provoke, cause envy....the list goes on... And the same tongue is used to pray, to praise, to encourage others...!! We MUST be careful with our words. Only then can we be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect!!!

Then we did an energising action song-'I want to clap clap clap'. Our alumni Manojchettan had joined us for the day. So we had the chance to listen to his sharing about the group during his days here. We concluded with prayer.

Love and prayers
Sumi
S4L

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV.

Before They Were Biblical Superstars ...

2007-08-09T23:39:00.001-07:00

Here's what a few of the Bible's most well known people did
before they became famous...

Noah was a farmer =
He went on to build the Ark

Abraham was a livestock owner =
He would one day become founder of the Jewish nation

Joseph was a slave and a prisoner =
He would later become the ruler of Egypt

David was a shepherd =
who became Israel's greatest king

Matthew started out as a tax collector =
but finished as a disciple of Jesus

Peter was a fisherman =
who became a fisher of men, leading the early church.

Paul was set out to be a persecutor of the Church=
but went on to become one of the pillars of the Church

You see,
God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
The people above are just like you and I.
What made God use them was their willingness to be used.

So just because the world may not see you as someone special,
take heart because God does.
If you are willing to be used by the Lord,
He will use you for great and wonderful things.
Maybe you won't part the Red Sea or lead a nation,
but everyday you will represent the Living God to the dying world.

And that makes you truly extraordinary.

All The Best !

God Bless You !

(Forward from Orkut...Original material courtesy:Vishal,in community 'Bible')

With luv and prayers,
Jeffie John Parackal.
Mr.Rockztone

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Bollywood, fun, friendship, sports and more. You name it, we have it.

Daily Prayers

2007-08-07T22:31:00.001-07:00

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Unlimited freedom, unlimited storage. Get it now

Prolife Prayer Card

2007-08-07T22:27:00.001-07:00

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Unlimited freedom, unlimited storage. Get it now

Group20/6/07

2007-07-28T10:04:00.001-07:00

PRAISE THE LORD!!

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

This was the last group conducted by our dear final years'- Midhunchettan(S8M), Shintochettan(S8E), Jishachechi(S8E), Sherinchechi(S8R) and Soniachechi(S8L).

The Word for the day was from Mark 4:35-41 (Jesus calming the storm).

Mark 4:38

Jesus was at the back of the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow.

They shared about how this should be the way every Christian behaves when storms come in their lives To peacefully face every storm, knowing that He is in control. To be filled with the peace that only He can give. Then they asked each of us to share with our neighbour our dreamas to where we would be and what we would like to do eight years from now We heard some interesting and inspiring answers We concluded with prayer

Love and prayers

Sumi

S4L

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha!
Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games.

Group13/6/07

2007-07-28T10:03:00.001-07:00

ALL GLORY AND HONOUR BE TO THE LORD ALMIGHTY!!!

Dear family

We conducted the farewell for our final years' at Vimalagiri school auditorium. We sang songs and of course the action song tooThis time it was 'I will fight the fight' apt indeed for all those being sent out into the world for Him. The Word was from:

Jeremiah 29:11

I have good plans for you. I don't plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future.

Then all the final year students shared the experiences during the past four years. Many of them shared about the wonderful grace of God especially for the one day programme Grace-'05. Then we distributed candles and they prayed a special prayer written for them

All in all it was a really nice experience. We concluded with prayer.

Love and prayers

Sumi

S4L

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links.

MACE update

2007-07-22T08:42:00.001-07:00

JESUS WE ENTHRONE YOU
WE PROCLAIM YOU ARE KING!!!!

Dear family in Christ

The exam season is here once more...that was why there was no news from here for some time... Sorry about that.... The group is going strong as ever even during the exams and we were delighted to see even first-years' coming to attend the group on the eve of their exams. God bless them!!

Please do remember our college in your prayers...there are so many students affected with viral fever or chikunguniya... Some of them have even missed exams!! Do pray especially for Ardhra, 1&2, who wrote the exams in much pain and was unable to complete the papers due to sheer pain... She is a JY...

The coming week is really tight for our final years' with exams and other work so keep them too in your prayers. Pray for the juniors who are to join the college the coming year.

Glad to hear about the debate Reenachechy. May God Almighty continue to work through you!! Bobin chetta...both the program and you were in our prayers during the intercession ministry and personal prayer. We thank the Lord for blessing you so much Lijochetta...

It is really inspiring to hear from all those who passed through the group shining like candles wherever the Lord has placed them.... We hope and pray that we too may radiate Christ wherever we are!!!!

May God bless and keep you all...

Love and prayers
Sumi
S4L

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story.
Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games.

Group6/6/07

2007-07-04T08:05:00.001-07:00

BLESS THE LORD O MY SOUL AND FORGET NOT ALL HIS BENEFITS!!!

Dear family in Christ

After one month of leave during the month of May, the first group was led by Serenechechi(S6C) and Tenish(S4E). They shared about the place of suffering and perseverance during trials in the Christian life. The Word for the day was from 1 Peter 4:12-19

1 Peter 4:16

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

Suffering according to St. Paul is an integral part of the Christian life. I think that a lot of lessons can be learnt by us only in the valley of suffering...that we learn to recognise the comfort of His rod and His staff only in the valley of the shadow of death mentioned in Psalm 23. To be able to recognise His presence and to learn to rely on Him and His grace only in trials is a very very valuable lesson to learn and I believe from personal experience the only thing that can sustain us.

May we be able to make ourselves worthy of the Name we bear through the way in which we face suffering...

We finished off with prayer and cheering.

Love and prayers

Sumi

S4L

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story.
Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games.

NEW AGE ROSARY WARNING...Forward from JoyNet...Very Important...Please read and act...

2007-06-25T06:40:00.001-07:00

Dear Family,
This is a forward from JoyNet...Its about a new deception in the form of a 'rosary'....Please go thru the mail and check with the pic in the link given below....I used to use one like this one...But luckily it broke off and I got a new blessed one from a convent...These rosaries can be seen in many homes...Recently I saw it at my Aunt's house.....So please act fast...

Here is an interesting forward which I am sharing with
for your own personal discernment and awareness.

A very anointed person in the Lord had earlier warned
me about this, so I believe there is some meat in the
matter. There was also a caveat issued regarding
buying/ordering of religious articles through the
internet, as most of them are tainted with evil
influences.

Recently there was a process(on going?) in Kerala
where some flour was circulated which was used to cook
food and a part of which was re-circulated, the
version was that it was a Blessed flour from Our Lady.
This is a major source of evil and very diabolic in
nature, many families had serious problems after doing
this ritual. Please be aware and apply discernment!

Under His Wings,
Sanju

===============================================

Be aware of another deception by the evil one.

May GOD bless all of you and your family.

Please take a few minutes to read the attached and
warn our fellow Catholics of the danger of the new age
rosary going around especially those going on
pilgrimage, be vigilant not to bring back such
rosaries for friends.

When the person who wrote the attached mentioned a
Marian priest she meant a priest belonging to the
Marian Movement of Priests (which is a world-wide
movement).

One of the things I must mention is that there are now
going around in the world, plastic new age rosaries in
white, blue and pink. I had no idea
about them until this was mentioned on the trip. Upon
arriving home I went through my own collection of
plastic rosaries and found 2 that had a snake
wrapped above Jesus' head with the mouth just besides
his face. Also, no INRI sign and I think it's
pentagons that surround each point. On the back,
are also puncture marks of some kind on the cross? If
you've never seen any, refer to the picture attached.
Please remind everyone to look carefully for these.
Maybe you are already aware but it would be a good
idea to tell Catholics what is now happening. One
priest said it would be OK once it's blessed but
another priest, whom I trust explicitly and
who is a Marian priest said even though it may be
blessed, it has not been exorcised and evil may still
persist...

NEW AGE ROSARY WARNING

These rosaries have appeared on sale at pilgrimage
centres across Europe and are in most cases are given
away for FREE. They are made from cheap plastic and
come in white, blue or pink, stamped as having been
made in Italy, yet no one knows who has produced them.
Since they are available at places of pilgrimage this
makes people automatically think they are fine to use.
Information regarding the danger of these rosaries was
given at the Marian Cenacle in Limoges, France on 14th
March 2005.

Why are they considered New Age?
They are considered New Age due to their symbolism
which is not too easy to see except by close
inspection of the crucifix, which shows a very
sinister story. Behind the figure of Christ there can
be seen a caduceus, which is an upright pole,
representing mediation between Heaven and earth. It is
an ancient herald's wand which was carried by
messenger gods like Hermes or Mercury. The rod is also
a divining rod to measure the earth and it's
energies of power. The serpent Satan is shown behind
the figure of Christ and is depicted by a coiled
serpent which means latent power, concealed
but not yet fully manifest, a dormant power. It may
also represent to Satanists that the devil is co
messianic, co redeemer and co Christ etc. The
circles on the crucifix are from Egyptian
Graeco-Roman, Phoencian, Baal symbols called the
Pentagram, which is a major occult sign. The circles
or pentagrams have five points, which represent,
spirit, fire, earth, water and air. The pentagram at
the bottom is upside down represents the devils
goat. The four circles with dots in the centre
signifies gold or the sun in alchemy. In general the
meaning is "The resolution of all possibilities."

Christ does not share any platform with any other
god, philosophy or belief system or minor deity least
of all Satan. The depiction of Christ on the cross is
the most prominent place of worship, adoration,
veneration, glorification, for Catholics and many
other Christians and now Satanists or
'new agers,' have placed Satan along side Christ. Some
have even said that if these rosaries are blessed,
they loose any negative power, - and
what do you think? There is some debate going on about
this at the moment.

Does anyone really want to pray on a rosary that
depicts Satan? What we need to be asking ourselves who
has made these rosaries with these symbols
that should not be there.!!The picture of the crucifix in such a rosary can seen at

http://hicatholicmom.blogspot.com/2007/06/new-age-rosaries.html

PLease take care of this matter and tell others too....

With luv and prayers,
Jeffie John.
S6L.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Once upon a time there was 1 GB storage on Yahoo! Mail. Click here for happy ending!

Sing to the Lord

2007-05-12T03:34:00.001-07:00

Sing to the Lord... when you don't Feel Like it

By Cinde Lucas

I don't know about you, but some days I don't feel like singing. But I've learned a few things over the years that have helped me understand that singing is actually a weapon against the enemy, because it was one of his giftings also. So it's no wonder that he tries to snuff out our songs!

In Ezekiel 28:13-17, the passage is describing Lucifer. It says that he was the anointed cherub, blameless and beautiful. He was covered with ruby, topaz, diamonds, beryl, onyx, jasper, turquoise, emerald and even gold. Lucifer was a walking jewelry store! It also says that his inward parts were made of timbrels and pipes, which are musical instruments. Imagine that every time he moved --- a)he reflected the glory of God, (because he was in His presence) and b)he produced music! Then Lucifer, rather than giving that glory back to God, decided he wanted to keep it for himself and worse yet, he wanted creation to worship him. God cast him down like lightning and he roams about, here on earth, as a vagabond, seeking someone to devour. And one of the things he hates is to hear our voices singing to the Father

Is it any wonder that one of the greatest wars in our churches has been over music? I hear people make comments about what they like and don't like. I have my preferences too, but the point of singing is not to please me. The point is that it's an offering of our hearts to God. When we sing to the Lord, we are bringing Him an offering that is unique and, I also believe, powerful!

Whether you can carry a tune or not is not an issue.... It is your heart that God hears! It is your song of love and praise that cuts through the Darkness that tries to settle on you. It is your song that breaks through the heavens and settles in the throne room of God. It is your song that draws the attention of the angels to come and assist you. And it is your song that causes the enemy to shrink back and withdraw from you, because more than anything else, he hates to hear you sing to the Lord.

So I pray that today, you will sing to the Lord a new song. Sing with all your heart. Sing in the middle of your storm. Sing in the middle of your trial. Sing until the Light breaks through. Who knows, you may have a host of angels singing right along with you. What an awesome sound that will be!

Sing unto the Lord a new song!

Sing unto the Lord all the earth!

Sing unto the Lord a new song!

Sing unto the Lord ALL THE EARTH!

For God is great and greatly to be praised!

For God is great ----- and greatly to be praised!!!!

In His Song!

Cinde

2 Cor 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Group18/4/07

2007-04-27T23:32:00.001-07:00

AMAZING GRACE

HOW SWEET THE SOUND

THAT SAVED A WRETCH LIKE ME!!!!!

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

Today's group was led by Jinsonchetan(S6E) and Nitinchetan(S6C)... They shared about the power of the intercession by Mother Mary and the importance of the rosary. There were many sharings about how prayers were miraculously answered.....especially for the one day programme ARISE! They urged all not to neglect the rosary prayer especially in our families.

The word for the day was from John 2:1-11.

John 2:2-3

Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with His disciples. When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to Him,"They have no wine".

I once heard an Achen speaking about the miracle at the wedding of Cana. What he said was this.....It was strange that the first miracle of Jesus was nothing spectacular...like raising someone from the dead or feeding the five thousand...but turning water into wine at a wedding. What would have happened if they had run out of wine? Possibly that family would have been embarassed in society...for a few weeks or even months...after that it would slip from everyone's mind.... Surely it wasn't a great spiritual battle or the momentous matter of winning a soul!!!! Just to save the face of that family, that groom and that bride....His first miracle was done just for that!!!! And that really boosts me up...to think that even small or insignificant details of my life are precious to Him! To know that He cares....

We finished off by praying and of course the usual cheering!!!

Love and prayers

Sumi

S4L

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

The Burden Bearer

2007-04-26T01:53:00.001-07:00

The Burden-Bearer

A long-ago legend has it that, there once lived a man of towering strength, a giant of a man. He was a pagan whose strength perhaps led him to believe that he needed no higher power.

He made his living by carrying travelers across a broad river. One day a beautiful child came to the bank of the river. As the man bent down to allow the child to climb upon his back, the young lad said, "Are you sure you can bear my weight?"

The man laughed. "Why, I've carried full-grown men across the river. You, my little one, will be lighter than a pebble."

"Very well," said the boy. "But I must warn you. I am heavier than I look."

With a grin, the man raised the child upon his massive shoulders and stepped out into the swirling water. But the weight on his back grew strangely heavy. Soon the brawny giant was struggling not to sink.With superhuman effort he crawled up onto the opposite bank of the river and let the child down.

"How can you be so heavy?" the perplexed man asked. "Who are you?"

"I am Jesus of Nazareth," replied the boy. "And I carry the burdens of the world on my shoulders. Let me carry yours too."

And so it was that Christopher, today known as St. Christopher, was converted to Christianity. The story reminds me -- I don't need to struggle across each day on my own. There is One stronger than I. He is the Great Burden-bearer. He even carries St. Christopher, yet on His shoulders there is always room for one more.

"Lord, thank you for inviting me to come to you, especially when life is getting too difficult for me. I find comfort and peace in knowing that you are going to help me get across my river of difficulties if I just rest on Your shoulders. Remind me always of my limitations so that day by day I will remember that without you I can do nothing. Lord Jesus, please lift me up and carry me through this day."

Courtesy:ParableNet(a mailing group of Jesus Youth)

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Why do we call a Catholic Service Mass?...Answer from http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net

2007-04-18T23:15:00.001-07:00

The term mass comes from the
latin word missa. Its the same root word -
missia for missile (it means to "send
forth"). The same way a missile is shot forth, we are
sent forth to love and to serve the
Lord.

To read more about the names and terms associated with
the Holy Mass, check out the Catechism #1338-1332.

For more Scriptures regarding the apostles, the first
Bishops, and the early Christians coming together to
celebrate the Holy Mass, check out:

Mt 26:26-30, Mk 14:22-26, Lk 22:14-20, 1 Cor 11:23-34,
Acts 2:42, Acts 20:7, 1 Cor 5:7-8, Jude 12

And, read this excerpt from early Church Father St.
Justin (he wrote this in 150, over a century after
Jesus had ascended into Heaven):

"On the day called Sunday there is a meeting in one
place...the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of
the prophets are read as long as time permits. When
the reader has finished, the presider in a discourse
urges and invites us to the imitation of these noble
things. Then we all stand up together and offer
prayers. And, as said before, when we have finished
the prayer, bread is brought, and wine and water, and
the presider similarly sends up prayers and
thanksgiving to the best of his ability, and the
congregation assents, saying the Amen; the
distribution, and reception of the consecrated
elements by each one, takes place and they are sent to
the absent by the deacons..."

- St. Justin, First Apology, 67

This not only depicts the Mass (as we still celebrate
it 1900 years later), but that the Tradition of the
Mass was celebrated and the Eucharistic true presence
understood and believed by the early Christians (just
like St. Paul and the apostles believed it) over a
century later.

In fact, this letter that depicts the practices of the
early Christians and the Tradition of the Church was
occuring almost 250 years before the final canon (that
is the Bible as we now know it) was formally put
together in its present form.

How's that for history?

Be God's!

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Group11/4/07

2007-04-18T01:51:00.001-07:00

"YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD...A CITY SET ON TOP OF A HILL CANNOT BE HIDDEN"

"LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN"

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

The group today was one looked forward to by all here in Kothamangalam because our four dearest full-timers joined us for the prayer meeting after a loooong time! The group was led by Jerinchetan(S6M) and Jeffiechetan(S6L). We started off by singing some great songs and then they shared some interesting things...starting off by explaining about the JY logo... The word for the day was from 2 Corinthians 5.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away; behold all thing are become new.

That verse is a goldmine for a struggling child of God, especially when faced by doubts...."Can I be loving and calm and joyful and patient and kind and good and faithful and gentle and practise self-control? Me? Angry, short-tempered, impatient, intolerant, harsh me?" Doubts faced by every believer. Change of habits and behaviour is impossible right? Or is it? "With man it is impossible but with God all things are possible". We are a new creature, clothed with righteousness...After all, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!!!

Then our Annachechi, Bimeshchetan, Bobinchetan and Miltonchetan shared some of their experiences and toughts with us....unfortunately we had very little time to hear the story of the past one year of their lives. They shared about how they grew closer to Him, especially since He was the only One with whom they could share their problems, being far from home and family and friends. They were able to set apart a lot of time for personal prayer and Word of God. They met different people in different circumstances.....and learnt to analyse themselves and their actions.....

Do keep them and our group in your prayers.

Love and prayers

Sumi

S4L

On Saturday

2007-04-05T00:37:00.001-07:00

The following is an excerpt from the book "HE CHOSE THE NAILS" by MAX LUCADO:

On Saturday
by Max Lucado

John didn't know on that Friday what you and I now know. He didn't know that Friday's tragedy would be Sunday's triumph. John would later confess that he "did not yet understand from the Scriptures that Jesus must rise from the dead" (John 20:9).

That's why what he did on Saturday is so important.

We don't know anything about this day; we have no passage to read, no knowledge to share. All we know is this: When Sunday came, John was still present. When Mary Magdalene came looking for him, she found him.

Jesus was dead. The Master's body was lifeless. John's friend and future were buried. But John had not left. Why? Was he waiting for the resurrection? No. As far as he knew, the lips were forever silent and the hands forever still. He wasn't expecting a Sunday surprise. Then why was he here?

You'd think he would have left. Who was to say that the men who crucified Christ wouldn't come after him? The crowds were pleased with one crucifixion; the religious leaders might have called for more. Why didn't John get out of town?

Perhaps the answer was pragmatic; or perhaps he didn't have anywhere else to go. Could be he didn't have any money or energy or direction or all of the above.

Or maybe he lingered because he loved Jesus.

To others, Jesus was a miracle worker. To others, Jesus was a master teacher. To others, Jesus was the hope of Israel. But to John, he was all of these and more. To John, Jesus was a friend.

You don't abandon a friend???not even when that friend is dead. John stayed close to Jesus.

He had a habit of doing this. He was close to Jesus in the upper room. He was close to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was at the foot of the cross at the crucifixion, and he was a quick walk from the tomb at the burial.

Did he understand Jesus? No.

Was he glad Jesus did what he did? No.

But did he leave Jesus? No.

What about you? When you're in John's position, what do you do? When it's Saturday in your life, how do you react? When you are somewhere between yesterday's tragedy and tomorrow's triumph, what do you do? Do you leave God???or do you linger near him?

John chose to linger. And because he lingered on Saturday, he was around on Sunday to see the miracle.

Group28/3/07

2007-03-31T05:45:00.001-07:00

Bless the Lord O my soul..

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

Deo(S4M) led the group this week and he raised up a very interesting topic...HOLINESS! He asked if all those sitting there could be saints eventually... We discussed about the saint that we were most inspired by and why. Holiness is not something that is meant only for sanyasis or priests or nuns. Each of us can be a holy person and indeed we are called to be holy or 'set apart for the Lord'. In both the Old and New Testaments, we are told to be holy, even as our Heavenly Father is holy. And this holiness comes from the influence of the Holy Spirit on our thoughts, words and deeds. All things that corrupt us must be removed from our lives, however small they may be...bitterness, anger, fear, worry, frustration and so on.

The word for the day was from Ephesians 6.10-19.

Ephesians 6:13

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

We sang the action song "Who gives the faith..". Then Sherinchechi(S8R) shared her experience when she was caught during an exam because her little brother had unknowingly written something in the Clark's table she was using. She had to write all the papers again....but God turned it to be a blessing....She scored 81% for that year, because of which she passed her diploma with distinction! Truly HE works for the good of those who love Him who have been called acording to His purpose.

The talented actors from our Audio Visual ministry presented a skit on five friends who usually copy during exams and how Christ changes each of them....It was really comic but meaningful....really worth watching!!!!!! Great work AV ministry!!! We closed off with prayer...

The first week with a new core at the helm went off wonderfully....may He continue to bless JY MACE!!!!!! Do keep praying for us.

Love and prayers

Sumi

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Group21/3/07

2007-03-31T05:07:00.001-07:00

Our God is an awesome God!!!!

Dearest in Christ

This week's group was led by Jeffiechetan(S6L) and Binumon(S4E). They shared some powerful thoughts with us...Jeffiechetan shared about how the Lord guided and blessed him every step of the way during the placement and how the verse Phil. 4:13 strengthened him. The word for the day was from Phil.4.

Phil. 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Indeed with Christ by our side to lead and guide us, we can do all things...no task or trial is too big, too difficult or too scary. And nothing is impossible for Him......Like that sms forward says "DON'T SAY, GOD, I HAVE A BIG GOD, INSTEAD SAY, PROBLEM, I HAVE A BIG GOD!!!!!" Let each of us try saying this to each problem....and see the difference....Of course we must also have complete faith in our God that He is able to deal with the problem in the best possible way! Binu shared a story that illustrated how faith can work wonders... They also emphasised that the converse is also true....that we can do nothing without Him. What can the branch do without the vine??

Let us face each new day in our lives with this verse....I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me... We really CAN do all things through Him...just try and see...

We then sang the action song "uttar se aala re"...all joined in enthusiastically!! We concluded with prayer.

Do keep the core and ministries in your prayers. And you all dear chetans and chechis are also in our prayers.....

Love and prayers

Sumi

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Group14/3/07

2007-03-26T03:04:00.001-07:00

Praise the Lord!!!!

Dearest JY family members

The group of the day was led by Jerinchetan(S6M) and George(S4C). And they brought up a very apt topic-TENSION- it being the start of a new semester. They shared insights into how to deal with tension.... Or rather how tension should not have any place in the life of a true Christian. Surely if we submit our needs, worries and fears to Him in prayer, we need not walk around bearing their huge burden everyday. If we do, we show a lack of faith in Christ, that He is not powerful enough to deal with our problems effectively.

It may be difficult to trust Him in the storms of life but that's when our faith comes into play. We display the strength of our faith in the fire, the flood, the storm. And if Jesus is in the boat, why worry? After all He has said, "Do not worry about tomorrow...." The word for the day was from Mark 9:33-37.

Mark 9:35

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

Humility must be the hallmark of every Christian, especially a JY member. For we are called not to sit in high places and be served but to serve others in all humility, as our Master did.

We concluded by praying and cheering.

God bless you all!!!!

Love and prayers

Sumi

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go
with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started.

CORE-New soldiers

2007-03-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

Dear JYMACE family
I am very glad to say that yesterday was a nice time for us.New soldiers for JY family ............ ..had the core team reconstitution yesterday.We had 22 soldiers for our family to lead us for the coming year.
Coordinator -Nitin Antony Francis(s6)
Bible ministry-Jeffie John Parackal(s6)
Music Ministry-Jomy( s6) and Merin(s4)
Audio visual-Eugene Peter(s6) and George Tharakan(s4)
Intercession- Bineesha Vinayan(s4)and Manju Ann(s4)
Outreach-Jerin George( s6)and Serene V G(s6)
Library-Tenish( s4)
Finance-Linta( s6)
Secratary-Sumi Sam George(s4)

Yesterday Siju chettan came in the core.After declaration Peterachan(from mathirappilly came to core)blessed all new core members.We have core team leaders training at Emmaus from this friday.Hope we can bring all new members for that program.Do pray for all new core team members and for the program also.God bless you
Shinto Devasia

Contentment

2007-03-02T02:55:00.001-08:00

this feeling....Cultivating Contentment

By Karen Ehman

" I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)

Devotion:

Five-year-old Ryan was our next door neighbor. A blond-haired, brown-eyed spitfire whose favorite past time was to ride his bike. His rickety, red, girl's Schwin bicycle had been handed down through several cousins before making its way into Ryan's garage and heart. Badly in need of repair, it didn't matter to Ryan. He proudly paraded that contraption up and down our block each afternoon. So imagine my surprise when one day, I happened upon Ryan kicking his beloved bike as it lay on the ground.

"What are you doing, buddy?" I questioned." Stupid bike,' he murmured still striking it with the toe of his tennis shoe. "Cool kids have a bright blue-- mud puppy-- dirt bike, not some dumb old, girl's bike from their cousin." And then, it dawned on me what day it was. It was Ryan's first day of kindergarten. And sure enough, at recess the kids discussed what bikes they owned and in Ryan's eyes his prized possession had suddenly turned stupid. His contentment had vanished. Why?

Comparisons. Comparisons deal a fatal blow to our contentment. My house is just fine.until my sister builds one larger and more functional. My clothes are satisfactory.until I see the latest new must-haves of the season. Why even my husband's not bad of a guy. until I think of my friend's handy hubby who can build an addition on their house, while mine can barely fling a paintbrush. You see, we're usually content with our own red Schwin hand-me-down until we spy our neighbor with her new, bright blue mud puppy.

The great playwright William Shakespeare said it fittingly in his work Much Ado About Nothing, "Comparisons are odious." That's right, they stink!! And if we wallow in comparisons long enough we begin to stink.

The apostle Paul penned today's verses from a dark, lonely, first century prison, with no internet access or air-conditioned exercise room. Yet just when did Paul say we should be content? When life is clipping along, with circumstances going our way? When we've just told Howie we'll take the deal? No it says in any and every situation.

The Greek word rendered "content" in this passage denotes more than just a throwing up of arms in reluctant acceptance. It means literally "to be satisfied to the point where I am no longer disturbed or disquieted." This is the calm place God has prepared for us in the midst of life's storms. He's waiting for us to lift our eyes off of our circumstances and instead, fix them solely upon Him; to look to our position in Christ for our worth, not our position in society.

We must stop struggling to change our circumstances. What will make the difference is the peace of Christ living in us, not us living with someone else's circumstances. Don't our human minds reason that the opposite is true? You know the audio reels that play through your mind: "If only I had a bigger house a little more money mild-mannered children a kinder, gentler husband."

Not available in microwave form, godly contentment needs to be patiently cultivated. We must cease comparing and instead embrace our current lot in life, welcoming all that God will teach us through it. Only then we will discover the secret Paul knew; that true contentment is not having what you want; but wanting nothing more than what you already have.

Dear Lord, help me to take my eyes off of others and fix them instead upon you. May I discover the peace You graciously offer me, no matter the circumstances of my life at this moment. I praise You for the good times and I thank You for what you teach me during the not-so-wonderful times. Use all of them to make me what You want me to be.

2 Cor 12:9

My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Group24/1/07

2007-01-26T01:28:00.000-08:00

GOD WILL MAKE A WAY...

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ

This week the focus was on the importance of PERSONAL PRAYER in the life of a JY. It was led by Shintochetan(S7E). He brought up a lot of thought-provoking questions regarding our call, prayer life etc. Some of those present shared how God had first touched their lives and how their prayer life was.

Prayer is our life support system without which we cannot survive the alien atmosphere of earth. It is our conversation with the One who knows us the most...for He created us... We must ensure that we spend enough time..a minimum of thirty minutes in His presence each day. It is a time of worship, praising Him, sharing, etc. It would be good to follow this... ACTS: Adoration Confession Thanksgiving Supplication(first for others_INTERCESSION_ and then only for self).

Even Jesus prayed while on this earth...which brings us to the word for the day... Matthew 14.

Matthew 14:23
After He had sent the multitudes away, He went up the mountain by Himself to pray.

Jesus always took time to be with the Father...even if it meant giving up his much-needed sleep. How much more then must we pray to our Lord!!

We then sang the action song "The blind man sat by the road" and wound up by cheering and then praying.

Do continue to keep the group and the ministries in your prayers.

Love and prayers
Sumi

P.S. Thank you all for encouraging me re updates. By His grace, we'll continue to update all of you dears...

2 Cor 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you because my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Cheap Talk? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates.

The Son! The Son! Who'll take the Son?

2007-01-07T07:11:00.000-08:00

The Son! The Son! Who'll take the Son?

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son. About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art." The young man held out this package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this." The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift." The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected. The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?" There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one." But the auctioneer persisted. "Will somebody bid for this painting. Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?" Another voice angrily.. "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!" But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?" Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. "We have $10, who will bid $20?" "Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters." "$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?" The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!" A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now let's get on with the collection!" The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over." "What about the paintings?" "I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!" God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: "The son, the son, who'll take the son?" Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything. FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE... THAT'S LOVE.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Family gathering

2006-12-23T07:27:00.000-08:00

Praise the Lord!!! For He is our Way, our Truth and our Life!!!

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ

The moment we have been eagerly waiting for is finally here!!!

The JY family gathering will take place on 30 December 2006 from 9:30 to 4:30 at Kaloor Renewal Centre. Please note there will be Holy Mass. And special food will be served!!!!

So please don't miss this great event !!!! Prayerfully attend the gathering and renew the relationships with the members of our JY family. May the Lord bless this gathering in a powerful way. For that we need your prayers too. So do pray for the organisers and for all JY family members.

For further details please contact Benil, Midhun or Shinto.

Love & prayers
Sumi

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Group13/12/2006

2006-12-14T21:54:00.000-08:00

Praise the Lord!! For He is worthy to be praised!!!!

Dearly beloved in Christ

The gathering this week was really beyond our expectations. Our S3,S5,S7 chetans and chechis have study leave now and we thought there would be hardly ten attending the gathering. BUT the Lord blessed us with the presence of many of our little brothers and sisters who came in spite of their first sessionals which are scheduled for next week. Do keep them in your prayers as they are tensed( being their first ever internals)....

The group was led by Arun (S5L) and Nithin(S5C). The Word for the day was from Matthew 13:10-17.

Matthew 13:16-17

"Blessed are your eyes, for they see and your ears, for they hear. For assuredly I say to you, many prophets and righteous men have desired to see what your eyes have seen and to hear what your ears have heard."

Then Midhun(S7M) and Jilson(S5E) shared their thoughts on the Word. Truly we have been called not because we were the most believing or the most deserving or the most righteous. It was only His grace that chose us even before we were born, even before the foundations of the earth were laid. So let us always be thankful that our names are written in heaven. And let us pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to help us understand His Word.

This was followed by the action song "I'm trading my sorrows". Everyone participated enthusiastically. We concluded with prayer...

Let us grow closer to Him this Christmas season... because HE'S THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!!!!!!!

Love and prayers
Sumi

2 Cor 12:9
"My grace is sufficient for you as My strength is made perfect in weakness."

group29/11/06

2006-12-13T12:56:00.000-08:00

Praise the Lord!!! For He is our King!!!

The group on 29th November 2006 was led by George(S3C) and Serene(S5)...They chose the topic "Prayer". The Word for the day was from Matthew 6:5-15(Luke 11:1-13).

Luke 11:9
"So I say to you,ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

The importance of praying in faith and praying continuously was discussed. The Lord taught us a powerful prayer...The Lord's prayer, in which we affirm the existence of Heaven and a Heavenly Father.
Then the action song "My life is in you, Lord" was taught and the group was concluded for the day with prayer. All were invited for the Christmas celebrations to be held on 6th December 2006.

That's all for now..

Love and prayers
Sumi Sam George

2 Cor 12:9
"My grace is sufficient for you as My strength is made perfect in weakness."

Christmas celebration 6/12/06

2006-12-11T21:43:00.000-08:00

Let's praise the Lord this Christmas season for the biggest gift of all time>>>JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!

JY MACE held the Christmas celebrations on 6th December 2006 at Vimalagiri auditorium. The celebrations started off with our MC for the day Deo(S3M) welcoming one and all. The music team then sang some wonderful songs. Then Meril(S3E) shared a story with those present and Sumi(S3L) explained the meaning of the story, followed by the praise and worship session. The Bible word for the day was shared by Manju(S3E) from Luke 2:1-20...

Luke 2:11
"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord."

That was followed by a skit presented by the audio visual ministry and an action song "Jo Mary ka ladka...". Then our very own Santa Claus came to give us his Christmas greetings. The day was concluded with prayer and cake was distributed to all who attended the gathering. The hall was decorated beautifully by our first year friends and the Christmas tree and the Nativity scene were simply breathtaking.

That was a memorable celebration and we thank the Lord for enabling us to conduct it successfully.
Continue to keep us in your prayers.

Signing off for now...
Sumi Sam George

2 Cor 12:9
"My grace is sufficient for you as My strength is made perfect in weakness."

Group:22/11/2006

2006-12-09T22:56:00.000-08:00

Praise the Lord all you JY MACEians!!!!

On 22nd November 2006, Jeffie(S5L) and Edin(S3M) led the group. The Bible sharing for the day was from John 1:1-18.

John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The Bible, which is the word of God, is the best textbook we have on life. BIBLE: Basic Information Before Leaving Earth. It is the finest piece of English literature, has the best form of poetry and songs in the Psalms, has the best proverbs and wise sayings. Most importantly it is God's word. God speaks to us through His word. His word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
Then the action song "We wanna see Jesus lifted high" was sung. During the praise and worship, all were encouraged to pray by quoting a Bible verse...It was a powerful session.

Continue to keep JY MACE in your prayers.

P.S.
Jeffie will not be able to access the internet till Dec 25th. So I will be handling the JY updates temporarily. I am Sumi Sam George, S3L. I currently attend the group and ministries.

2 Cor. 12:9
"My grace is sufficient for you as My strength is made perfect in weakness."

Check out the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta - Fire up a more powerful email and get things done faster.

JYMACE Updates 8-11-06

2006-11-10T06:19:00.000-08:00

Hi dear family.....

Thus we come to yet another group at Vimalagiri...This was the first group after Arise..Hence the group was pretty wunderful and was about the sharings of experiences and testimonies....during th egroup,we had some sharings by people...experiences during the preparatiuons and experiences during the program...nice to know that the program has manged to instill a positive feeling in all of them...even the camera man who came to cover the program was deeply moved...he said he was crying after going thru the program and attending the Holy Mass:praise God Almighty...The fruits are showing up....

The Bible sharing was from Mark3:13-...Th epassage was about Jesus selecting 12 disciples and empowering them to be his eyes and hands in this world....We had a wunderful P&W followed by the experience sharings.....After them all,our group came to an end.....

One important thing to say is about the presence of Rajesh chettan...He was there during the group and invited allof us to his marriage...Nammalellam oru varavu verum ketto,chetta....

Thats all for to say for this week.....SHALOM....

With luv and prayers,

Jeffie John...

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Find out what India is talking about on - Yahoo! Answers India
Send FREE SMS to your friend's mobile from Yahoo! Messenger Version 8. Get it NOW

....................ARISE...............

2006-11-09T17:51:00.000-08:00

Hi dear family....................

                                                ARISE
           Come and Respond

                      Hi everybody...First of all,THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR UR PRAYER SUPPORTS......Couldnt have done anything without it.......

                                       At last,Arise has dawned in the horizon of MACE .....The program kicked off with two months of preparations and prayers by the JYMACE family all around the world...With His grace more than 300 people attended the program.....The evangelization treat started off with lighting of lamp by Reena chechi,followed by aashamsakal by Reena chechi,Tiji bhai and Cija chechi....Then came the theme song by the music treat by our music ministry...the theme song "dhaivam viilikunu namme,villi keluvin...." was composed by Tenish(S3E);truly a marvellous one....A media presentation welcoming everyone to Arise was followed by a wunderful Praise and worship session by Jackson chettan....Actually,he was not feeling well on saturday.Still he managed to come here on sunday and conducted a truly amazing P&W session...the songs were "I lift my eyes up","Yes Lord" and "Aao prabhu"...the "Yes Lord " was so joyful that I,who was filming the whole stuff,kept away the media works for a moment and joined the group in dancing and praising the Lord....the worship was truly heavenly,with everyone taking part seriously...everyone in the audoitorium started praising God so beautifully and wunderfully....The music ministry impressed jackson chettan so much that he suggested them to start a new gospel band...Praise The Lord.....

                                  After the P&W,we had a rocking choreography by the song "We have come to worship him"(Destination Christ,Rex Band)....Then our MCs,Shinto bhai and Eugene taught us to shake hands in the name of the Father,Son and the Holy spirit....A skit was next on anvil...The skit was on how satan tries to extinguish the spirituality in us and how we can overcome that attack by the power of fellowship and group..the skit was a truly kidu sambhavam....the auditrm was filled with clapps throghout the skit...they have wunderfully mixed comedy and facts and managed to address the problems faced by the present day youths very effectively....Then came the song "Arise Shine Out".....

                           After the skit came the first resource session...The session was taken by M.A.Joshi chettan from Thrissur...he is working in St.Thomas college over there.....Satyam parayaalo,pulli puliyaayirunnu... His talk was interleaved with comedy and wit and serious matters....He really managed to hold the complete audience in his hands...The talk was really a youth centric one and the whole venue was filled claps and many were dissapopointed when his seesion came to an end...He talked about realising God's call and responding to it effectively....After the session,all of us departed for the food.....The food was bread and beef curry....Along with the food was inteviewing by the media ministry....

                             Afternoon session started with a song by Music ministry....Then came the second resource session by Navajeevan Thomas chettan.....Pulliyude kaaryam parayaannengil pupuliyaa....He shared his life experiences... how he was before revival and how God transformed and equipped him to help the needy...His talk was about social committment each one of us shud have...Truly a touching one....We didnot realise how the time moved...Many were in fact crying after his session....Really a very gud sign...(I'm dissappointed that i cudnt attend his session completely.)...The session was followed by an equally touching theme skit....This sequence was truly God inspired...Initially the theme ski twas scheduled to be in morning and the other skit in the afternoon session...if it was like that,it wud not be that effective..The theme skit was a senti one,goin on lines of Thomas chettan's class and the other skit was an ollam one...the order was changed at the last moment and this proved highly effective in touching out people's minds...Praise the Lord Almighty..

                           After the skit was the Panel sharing....On the panel were Reena chechi,Tiji bhai and Sherin chechi(Prolife team)..the panel was coordintd by Midhun bhai.....Well,I cudnt attend the sharing..so can't say more abt it....The panel sharing was followed by a video presentation on JY and then came our initiative -> JYNEWS by our Media ministry....The entire program was covered with a Handycam and was made into the form of a news..Newsreader was Shinto bhai....As a first time event ,the program was wunderful..there were some prblems regarding sound and picture clarity...Still the stuff was gud and got a gud response....

                      Well...this was the lengthy details of the program....Along with the program was the Prolife exhibtion...It was visited by many,especially girls...this was new to many of them and due to His grace,we cud instill in them a feeling towrds prolife movement and its objectives....And the success of the program can be entirely attrubuted to a special ministry--------->Intercession ministry...There was strong intecession throughout the evnt in the chapel(and also around the world by our family)...We also gained much strength thru the night vigil conducted at Jeevajyothi on friday.....God's hand was clearly and visibly working throiughout the program.....The fruits are slowly ripening and showing out now...Please pray for the real fruits to show up and persist.....Thats all for now.....SHALOM

With luv and prayers,
Jeffie John,
S5L....

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Find out what India is talking about on - Yahoo! Answers India
Send FREE SMS to your friend's mobile from Yahoo! Messenger Version 8. Get it NOW

It was in ur eyes

2006-11-08T06:28:00.000-08:00

It was a bitter, cold evening in northern Virginia many years ago. The old man's beard was glazed by winter's frost while he waited for a ride across the river. The wait seemed endless. His body became numb and stiff from the frigid north wind.

He heard the faint, steady rhythm of approaching hooves galloping along the frozen path. Anxiously, he watched as several horsemen rounded the bend. He let the first one pass by without an effort to get his attention. Then another passed by, and another. Finally, the last rider neared the spot where the old man sat like a snow statue. As this one drew near, the old man caught the rider's eye and said, "Sir, would you mind giving an old man a ride to the other side? There doesn't appear to be a passageway by foot."

Reining his horse, the rider replied, "Sure thing. Hop aboard." Seeing the old man was unable to lift his half-frozen body from the ground, the horseman dismounted and helped the old man onto the horse. The horseman took the old man not just across the river, but to his destination, which was just a few miles away.

As they neared the tiny but cozy cottage, the horseman's curiosity caused him to inquire, "Sir, I notice that you let several other riders pass by without making an effort to secure a ride. Then I came up and you immediately asked me for a ride. I'm curious why, on such a bitter winter night, you would wait and ask the last rider. What if I had refused and left you there?"

The old man lowered himself slowly down from the horse, looked the rider straight in the eyes, and replied, "I've been around these here parts for some time. I reckon I know people pretty good." The old-timer continued, "I looked into the eyes of the other riders and immediately saw there was no concern for my situation. It would have been useless even to ask them for a ride. But when I looked into your eyes, kindness and compassion were evident. I knew, then and there, that your gentle spirit would welcome the opportunity to give me assistance in my time of need."

Those heartwarming comments touched the horseman deeply.

"I'm most grateful for what you have said," he told the old man. "May I never get too busy in my own affairs that I fail to respond to the needs of others with kindness and compassion."

With that, Thomas Jefferson turned his horse around and made his way back to the White House.

FAITH-link bteween man and God

2006-11-08T05:58:00.000-08:00

An atheist professor of philosophy speaks to his class on the problem science has with God, The Almighty.
He asks one of his new students to stand and .....

Prof: So you believe in God?
Student: Absolutely, sir.

Prof: Is God good?
Student: Sure.

Prof: Is God all-powerful?
Student: Yes.

Prof: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to God to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn't. How is
this God good then? Hmm? (Student is silent.)

Prof: You can't answer, can you? Let's start again, young fellow. Is God good?
Student: Yes.

Prof: Is Satan good?
Student: No.

Prof: Where does Satan come from?
Student: From...God...

Prof: That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?
Student: Yes.

Prof: Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything. Correct?
Student: Yes.

Prof: So who created evil?
Student does not answer.

Prof: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don't they?
Student: Yes, sir.

Prof: So, who created them?
Student has no answer.

Prof: Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son...Have you ever seen God?
Student: No, sir.

Prof: Tell us if you have ever heard your God?
Student: No, sir.

Prof: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelt your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God for that matter?
Student: No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.

Prof: Yet you still believe in Him?
Student: Yes.

Prof: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student: Nothing. I only have my faith.

Prof: Yes. Faith. And that is the problem science has.
Student: Professor, is there such a thing as heat?
Prof: Yes.

Student: And is there such a thing as cold?
Prof: Yes.
Student: No sir. There isn't.

(The lecture theatre becomes very quiet with this turn of events.)

Student: Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don't have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.

(There is pin-drop silence in the lecture theatre.)

Student: What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?
Prof: Yes. What is night if there isn't darkness?

Student: You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light....But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? In reality, darkness isn't. If it were you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?
Prof: So what is the point you are making, young man?

Student: Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.
Prof: Flawed? Can you explain how?

Student: Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the
concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one.

To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it.

Now tell me, Professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?
Prof: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.

Student: Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?
(The Professor shakes his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument is going.)

Student: Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not
teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher? (The class is in uproar.)

Student: Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor's brain?
(The class breaks out into laughter.)

Student: Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to
the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, sir.

With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?

(The room is silent. The professor stares at the student, his face unfathomable.)

Prof: I guess you'll have to take them on faith, son.
Student: That is it sir... The link between man & god is FAITH. That is all that keeps things moving & alive.
.
.
.
.
.
. WANT TO KNOW WHO THAT STUDENT WAS
.
.
.
.
.
.
..
.
The student was none other than......... Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the present president of India.

Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.

JYMACE

2006-10-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

JYMACE

Jesus Youth of MACE, lovingly called JYMACE, is the Jesus Youth prayer group of Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam.The group had its humble beginnings in 1987, through Soney Noble chechi, who is now a mother of four and working in Hyderabad .Now it is one of the leading campus prayer groups in Kerala. All this has been possible only through the guidance of the Holy Spirit from time to time through various people henceforth. The power of the Spirit binds together the youngsters in prayer and fellowship through the prayer meetings after college hours. The faith formation that we get from the group leads us to bloom for Christ wherever we are planted.

The prayer meeting is on Wednesday 4:30- 6:00pm at Vimalagiri School , College Junction, Kothamangalam and the rest of the days’ activities are as follows:

Core Group- Monday

Music/ Audio Visual/ Outreach Ministries- Tuesday

Intercession- Thursday

Bible Ministry- Friday

What my group means to me.....

The group is really a nursery of faith formation and faith exercise. In this nursery, we are nourished with love and care and grown into little plants all set to bloom. The group equips us to live as true followers of Christ by way of the constants…Personal Prayer, Sacraments, Word of God, Fellowship, Evangelisation, Witnessing and Options for the poor. I believe that during our college days as a Jesus Youth, we move through these constants and get a formation to exercise them not only during these campus days, but also beyond…to bloom wherever we are planted.

That is the beauty of His call.. Once He calls and we respond, He just keeps calling, He will never gives up on us, no matter what. As in Phil 3:14, “So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God’s call through Christ Jesus to the life above”. This should exactly be our thrive in life, the life with Jesus. Lets keep running the race, with all the assistance of our Master.

Another means in which we grow is through the various JesusYouth programmes, during our golden days in the group…These programmes, I believe, really draw us closer to the Lord. This is more of a polishing, which the Lord does on us…Through these programmes, we learn a lot, we pick up a lot of lessons. Be it attending the programme or helping out in it, we do grow a lot. These are avenues, through which the Lord equips us. As it is said, He doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called. So please try to be a part of as many programmes as you can; in everything, we pick up something, we learn something that will help us help ourselves and others at the groups…Also, we meet up with many ppl, who can guide us properly.

The most beautiful part of our group is the fellowship, which after immediate passing out, we may feel we have lost, but I wouldn’t agree on that. Our fellowship is kept alive through our very own e-fellowship in yahoo groups- JYMACE, and our loving juniors do keep in touch. This beautiful fellowship in the Spirit is what keeps us all together.

With love,
Nishachechi.

JYMACE Updates 11-10-06

2006-10-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

Mere pyaare bhais aur behenjis,

Eeshwar mein sabhko badhaai ho........Howz everyone?....Ippol Sujobhaiyude orannakavum kellkanillalo?...Evide poyi aashan?....Today also....as usual...a wunderful 1.5 hrs with the LORD in unity with our family....Todays theme was Joy in Jesus....The bible pasage was Phil4:4-.....The group was led our beloved chechis.....Sonia Mary(S7L) and AnneMary(S7R)....

The group started off with some songs.....wunderful songs....."Varu arunnodhayamme"....and etc etc....Then we had an action song "I'll fight the fight"...then a sharing of the most joyful moment in MACE was next...a sharing about the joy in Jesus pursued this sharing and Nitin(S5C) gave us a really inspiring reflection on the joy of the eucharist and how he has attended holy mass unfailingly after Talent gallery '05...really an insapiring and motivating and touching one...God bless him...Sonia cvhehci and Annemary chechi shared the joy of being in fellowship and the ecstasy of being with the LORD.....

The talks and sharings were followed by a joyful Praise and Worship........next was the Holy word Sharing.....Aftr reading the Word,some of us shared their insights and experiences.....Jeffie(S5L;....thats me....) shared a story he read in the mail previous day and the moral included in it(the story and the moral posted in our blog @ www.jymace.blogspot.com ).....he also shared how th egroup helped him to change from the 'guy with the grumpy face' to the 'always smiling face guy'......

Also another speciality of todays group was the presence of 4 first yrs....God bless them all....we celebrated te birthday of Linta(S5C) and Jeffie also made a fool out of himself(a confusion btwn present month and september.....)......Before conclusion,Nitin asked all of us whether we wud be present to welcome Jesus if he is gonna come to college at 6:30...almost everybody responded postively...Then he gave us the mass timings and asked us to be there to welcome Jesus as he comes during the eucharist.....This was all and yet another episode of "Rendezvous With Jesus Christ" telecasted in Vimalagiri channel came to an end and the telecast resumed in the personal channels...Hope all of u r receiving the siganls too....Gud Night....

Prarthana aur pyaar se,
Jeffie John,
S5L....

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Find out what India is talking about on - Yahoo! Answers India
Send FREE SMS to your friend's mobile from Yahoo! Messenger Version 8. Get it NOW

A funny story!!!!!!!

2006-10-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

A funny story tells about an old lady who was living in the village.
She had never owned nor even been in a car before. One day, she was
returning home from the market carrying a big heavy basket on her head, when
a rich man riding his car passed by. Kindly, he offered to drive the
lady to her home. She thanked him and got into the car with her basket

On the way, the man glanced at the lady in the mirror, still holding
her basket over her head. Astonished, he asked her to lay the basket down
in the car and rest. The old lady naively replied, "Oh my son, your car
is carrying me; this is enough, I should not burden it carrying my
basket too!" What an innocently funny response!

We sometimes do the same with God. Everyday, God carries us during the
day. Still, we insist on carrying our heavy baskets of worries and fear
of the future, for family, kids, spouses, money, jobs, etc... We are
carried by Almighty Hands, watched over by Sleepless Eyes and God plans
our future. Let us then relax and lay down everything in God's Hands.
The old lady, if she agreed to lay down the basket, would have to carry
it again when she returned home. But the beautiful thing about God is
that once we cast our heavy basket in His Hands we do not need to think
about it anymore.

"Delight yourself also in the LORD,
and He shall give you the desires of your heart."
(Psalm 37:4) A funny story tells about an old lady who was living in the village.
She had never owned nor even been in a car before. One day, she was
returning home from the market carrying a big heavy basket on her head, when
a rich man riding his car passed by. Kindly, he offered to drive the
lady to her home. She thanked him and got into the car with her basket

On the way, the man glanced at the lady in the mirror, still holding
her basket over her head. Astonished, he asked her to lay the basket down
in the car and rest. The old lady naively replied, "Oh my son, your car
is carrying me; this is enough, I should not burden it carrying my
basket too!" What an innocently funny response!

We sometimes do the same with God. Everyday, God carries us during the
day. Still, we insist on carrying our heavy baskets of worries and fear
of the future, for family, kids, spouses, money, jobs, etc... We are
carried by Almighty Hands, watched over by Sleepless Eyes and God plans
our future. Let us then relax and lay down everything in God's Hands.
The old lady, if she agreed to lay down the basket, would have to carry
it again when she returned home. But the beautiful thing about God is
that once we cast our heavy basket in His Hands we do not need to think
about it anymore.

"Delight yourself also in the LORD,
and He shall give you the desires of your heart."
(Psalm 37:4)

Posted By Nitz in Orkut.com

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Find out what India is talking about on - Yahoo! Answers India
Send FREE SMS to your friend's mobile from Yahoo! Messenger Version 8. Get it NOW

Intercession Chart For Arise'06

2006-10-10T05:24:00.000-07:00

Date	Month	Pray for	Prayer
1	Oct	Music	1 Rosary
2	Oct	Finance	1 Hail Mary
3	Oct	Food	1 Memorare
4	Oct	Audiovisual	1 Our father,3 Hail Mary ,1 Glory be
5	Oct	Resources and audience	Prayer to Holy Spirit
6	Oct	Venue and climate	Psalm 121
7	Oct	Coordinators	1 decade
8	Oct	Light,sound and stage	Holy mass
9	Oct	1st yrs	Fasting
10	Oct	2nd yrs	3 Hail Mary
11	Oct	3rd yrs	Mark 11:20-25
12	Oct	4th yrs	1 karunna rosary
13	Oct	Audiovisual	1 Memorare
14	Oct	Audience & all who works	1 Our father,1 Hail Mary ,1 Glory be
		,helps and prays for prog
15	Oct	Resources	Holy mass
16	Oct	Audience	Luke 9:1-6
17	Oct	Food	Fasting
18	Oct	Mobilzation team	Prayer to Holy Spirit
19	Oct	Finance	1 decade
20	Oct	General team	1 Rosary
21	Oct	Program team	1 karunna rosary
22	Oct	Food	5 Hail Mary
23	Oct	Music	Luke 6:43-45
24	Oct	General team	15 minutes prayer
25	Oct	Venue	1 Our father,1 Hail Mary ,1 Glory be
26	Oct	Resources	2 decade
27	Oct	Mobilzation team	Holy mass
28	Oct	Finance team	2 decade
29	Oct	Audience	1 Memorare
30	Oct	General team	Fasting
31	Oct	Mobilzation team	Holy mass
1	Nov	Resources	Luke 2:8-20
2	Nov	Audience	15 minutes prayer
3	Nov	The program & all who prays	Holy mass
		,helps and works for it..

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Find out what India is talking about on - Yahoo! Answers India
Send FREE SMS to your friend's mobile from Yahoo! Messenger Version 8. Get it NOW

Psalms 121

2006-10-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Find out what India is talking about on - Yahoo! Answers India
Send FREE SMS to your friend's mobile from Yahoo! Messenger Version 8. Get it NOW

JYMACE UPDATES 27 SEPT 2006

2006-09-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

Yesuvil priyapetta Sahodarisahodaranmaare,

Ellarum sugha sandhoshatodeyirikunnadhil Yesuvinnu nandhi arpichu kondu ee azchathe JYMACE UPDATES

aarambikunhu...Kurachu divasamaayi out-of-net aayirunnadhinaal Updates delay aayadhil sorry..Also a Big Thanx for

all ur encouragements...Really,even i dont feel my mails are anywhere good compared to the other mails in our

group..sometimes i even envy if i could write even half as good as them...But it is ur encouragements which keeps me

going...Also,I usually enter the batch and class of our JYs in my mail..if you feel this is undesirable,please let

me know...

Our group on 27th sep was led by Jilson(s5E) and Edin(s3E);God bless them...The theme was that Jesus

is the way,the truth and the life(John 14:6)...We started the group with a story by Jilson about two zebras(story

will be posted in our blog;Please visit to get the complete story)..Action song "Who gives the faith"

followed....The bible passage was John 14:1-14.....immediatly after the Holy word sharing we had a wunderful skit by

audiovisual ministry based on the same theme...Then we had the sharing in which Edin shared with us the importance

of realizing the true way and life...

a reflection was`also shared on the quote where Philip asks Jesus to show him the Father and thats

enuf for him(John 14:8)...We shud also have this mentality...To love God and thirst for him above everything

else...i usually fail in this....Then we celebrated the birthdayz and newcomers...As said in my previous mail(JYMACE

UPDATES 20-9-06),the mobization spree has given its immediate fruit...Many newcomers had come to our group;most of

then brought in by the previous week's new comers;god bless them all...Signs for a good footing in faith..The room

was virtually 'house full' and the 'show' was a big hit indeed...the director and producer has much to

rejoice....God bless YOU all...

The one day program is all fixed with the theme "Jesus' call and our response"......The date is fixed on nov

4th...The bible Quote is Isiah 43:1..."I have called you by your name;and you are mine"...At present,searching for a

name...We hope to finalise it by this week...The common intercession time for the one day prog is from 9:45-10:00 pm IST...Annie Issac,S5C;will be bringing you the future updates on the

program;God bless her......

With luv and prayers,
Jeffie John,
S5L...

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Find out what India is talking about on - Yahoo! Answers India
Send FREE SMS to your friend's mobile from Yahoo! Messenger Version 8. Get it NOW

JYMACE UPDATES 20 SEPT 2006

2006-09-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

Hi dear family,

Howz everyone?...Ellaarkum sughamale?(ee chodhyathinnu prasakthiyilla,ennalum chodikunnu)..Sorry for

delaying the 'updates' by around two weeks...not getting enuf time on net now...Also with the recent ban on orkut in

our college,involvement in our community over there is also gonna suffer...Still our yahoogroup is always here for

us,right?..

The group on sep 20th was led by Shinto bhai and Midhun chettai;God bless them..Due to the Malankara

sabha meet over there,Vimalagiri school was not available to us and the group was held in the vimalagiri

chapel...everyone sat on the floor and this was a new experience to many...The group was based on the theme "what is

impossible to man is possible for God"...We`started off with the the song "Heaven is in my heart"(Hi Ajjo

bhai)...this also marked the emergence of our latest member of Music ministry-Deo Mathews of S3M;God bless

him......We had some initial sharing on how God has helped visibly many of us in our life..Then we had the word

sharing...Jinson of S5E shared that when Jesus said its difficult for a rich man to enter heaven,he really meant all

of us,not just the financially rich class...all of us are rich in one way or other;whether it be by

finanace,talent,spirituallity,friends and all other virtues...if we are not utilising these riches for Jesus,then it

will be really easier for the camel to enter thru the pinhole than us into heaven..(One of the fruits of

Proficus;God bless him)

This was follwed by Shinto bhai's sharing of his experiences of the helping hand of God in his

life..he also shared with us his secret of success...If he wanted something from someone,he will pray for it first

and then ask his guardian angels to ask the guradian angel of the other guy about his desire..He shared about the

incident when he had to get some approval by our principal sir(We all know how hard a man he is to convince

something;God bless him)..So b4 entering his room ,Shinto bhai asked his guardian angel to tell princi's guardian

angel to make him agree to it...And he really did too..

This inspirational sharing was followed by an action song ,followed by reflection by Midhun

chettai on the various mediatotrs(if this word is not correct,please rectify) who are there for us....Holy

Mary,Saints,Saved souls,Guardian angels etc.....Then we had a silent song and started the mighy Praise & Worship....

After the heavenly hour we concluded by celebrating the birthdays and welcoming of newcomers...Oh,I

forgot to mention it earlier...During that monday's core group,we had decided to enter into a mobilization mode for

our group(mobilization for one day progrm will be starting soon;please pray for it...Psalms 23 is the intercessary

part for the mobilization team)..Every wenesday noon,after finishing lunch in a giffy,we will span the campus and

share about and invite to group all whoeever we meet..That wednesday noon,the mobilization spree started and the

results were evident in the group many new comers were there and this followed the next wednesday also and still the

amazing grace of God worked and brought in many others.....The best part is that the new comers on the last

wednesday set out and invited many others to the next wednesday's group(almost like a chain reaction);God bless them

all...Really,God is working much visibly in our group....

With luv and prayers,
Jeffie John,
S5L...

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Find out what India is talking about on - Yahoo! Answers India
Send FREE SMS to your friend's mobile from Yahoo! Messenger Version 8. Get it NOW

Few definitions for GOD

2006-09-29T22:40:00.000-07:00

A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school
asked her class to look at TV commercials
and see if they could use them
in some way to communicate ideas about God.

Here are some of the results:

God is like...
BAYER ASPIRIN
He works miracles.

God is like...
a FORD
He's got a better idea.

God is like...
COKE
He's the real thing.

God is like...
HALLMARK CARDS
He cares enough to send His very best.

God is like...
TIDE
He gets the stains out that others leave behind.

God is like...
GENERAL ELECTRIC
He brings good things to life.

God is like...
SEARS
He has everything.

God is like...
ALKA-SELTZER
Try him, you'll like Him.

God is like...
SCOTCH TAPE
You can 't see him, but you know He's there.

God is like...
DELTA
He's ready when you are.

God is like...
ALLSTATE
You're in good hands with Him.

God is like...
VO-5 Hair Spray
He holds through all kinds of weather.

God is like...
DIAL SOAP
Aren't you glad you have Him?
Don't you wish everybody did?

God is like...
the U.S. POST OFFICE
Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice
will keep Him from His appointed destination.

Rodney Norman
(Posted on Jesus Youth Community in Orkut.com)

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Find out what India is talking about on - Yahoo! Answers India
Send FREE SMS to your friend's mobile from Yahoo! Messenger Version 8. Get it NOW

Miracle Of Virgin Mary at Alexandria

2006-09-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

THE VIRGIN SAVES A CHILD FROM UNDER THE WHEELS OF AN
EXPRESS TRAIN:

The mother and her child had moved to visit the Virgin
at Her Church at
Zeitoun. So, they came from Alexandria especially for
that purpose.
When they were trying to get off the train, at a
station seven kilometres
off Cairo, they were pushed by the multitudes. The
mother fell away
from the rails and was not injured. As for the twelve
years old son, he
fell under the wheels.

The mother screamed and passed out.

When she came to, she found her son by her side
calling: "Mother!
Mother!"

In amazement, the mother asked him how he made good
his escape. He
replied that he found, by his side, a Lady in white
garments and with light
emanating from Her face. She placed Her hand over his
head and he bent
it. Seven wagons passed over him. The Lady reassured
him saying, "Don't
be afraid, I am your Mother, the Virgin." When the
last wagon passed,
he rose and saw the Lady disappear. However, he still
feels the Lady
tenderly touch his hand, and Her beautiful sight still
haunts his memory.

Blessed be our Lady and the pride of our race. You
take good care of
your children, and hurry to their protection and help.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

__________________________________________________________
Yahoo! India Answers: Share what you know. Learn something new
http://in.answers.yahoo.com/

JYMACE UPdates...I'm back......

2006-09-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody.....

A special wishes to our
kalyaannachaekkan Sujo bhai...A happy married life
from all of us here at JYMACE...
Really really happy to be back after a long
time....our classes and group have restarted now after
a break....i'm so happy to send a mail to my groupo
after a long time...was out of net for sometime...But
now back with a bang....

Last wednesday's group was based
on the healing of the paralysed at Bethseda;John
5:1-13.....the group started with an action song "Cast
ur burdens unto Jesus" and then moved onto Holy word
sharing...

After Bible reading,the insights were
shared...the healing power and mercy of Jesus was the
USP of the reading...Also was shared the need for
internal cleansing,which can only be done by Jesus and
Jesus alone...Eventhough the paralysed was beside the
healing pond for 38 yrs,he was healed only when Jesus
came into his life...similarly,even though we calim to
be in the true church for all these long years,the
true salvation comes only with the arrival of Jesus
and accepting him the true saviour,healer,King,mighty
one,holy one etc...

After this we had a sharing about
the recent outreach to Mallipara parish and the
experiences of Proficus attendees..a JY group was
started there by the initiatives of
Shinto(s7E),Benil(s7E),Nitin(s5C) and Jomy(s5M)...they
gave a really nice sharing and sessions over there and
initiated a group over there...God Bless Them...Please
pray for our Mallipaara Group also in ur prayers...

the sharing by proficus attndees(i don't know
whether that word exists in english !!!!!)...Three of
them(BinuMon and Isha from S3C,Jinson from S5E)...all
of them shared the insights and experiences gained
over there...a common feature was that all of then had
a really wunderful counselling..they also shared with
us their new decisions...God help them keep them..
After this sharing,the group entered into a beautiful
Praise&Worship..Then we welcomed a newcomer into our
group(Manju from S3E) and celebrated birthday of two
sisters(Manju from S3E and Gigi from S3C)..

Thats all for now....One day
program plans going on..Almost in final stage..Please
pray for that..GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU...

With luv and prayers,
Jeffie John,
S5L...

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

__________________________________________________________
Yahoo! India Answers: Share what you know. Learn something new
http://in.answers.yahoo.com/

Psalms 91

2006-09-03T02:42:00.000-07:00

1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Here's a new way to find what you're looking for - Yahoo! Answers
Send FREE SMS to your friend's mobile from Yahoo! Messenger Version 8. Get it NOW

JYMACE Updates

2006-08-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Hi everyone..Greetings of a new semester
to all the student friends...Our new sem classes
started this monday and nice going till now..Our first
yrs may be coming here by october beginning etc..Today
we had a group after a long break..A really wudeful
one..all with experience sharing of kerala
conference,Full timers(Bobin chettai andf Anna Chechi)
and our dear James chettan

This weeks theme was based on Mathew
5:13-You are the salt of the world...the group started
with a song "Praise the Lord",followed by the action
song "Lift High the banners of love" by our two full
timers..Then we had the Holy word sharing followed by
experience sharing of the Kerala Conference..Three of
us shared their great experiences and insights from
JY'06..Then we had wonderful 'session' by James
chettan..he shared with us his college life,how he
came into the renewal,how he is sharing Jesus In
Gulf,etc...Then we had a brief testimony by two of our
FOOLs...Bobin bhai told us that what we shud strive
for is to know Jesus ands not to know about
Jesus..Anna chechi shared her experience while getting
permission for the mission and how Jesus will fulfill
all ur wishes(provided they are for him)...

After the sharing,we entered into our
Praise&Worship...followed by a 'laddu
vidharannam'..Then we sang "Christ has no Body now,but
yours" and dispersed..that's all for now..till then
SHALOM...

With luv and prayers,
Jeffie John,
S5L.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

__________________________________________________________
Yahoo! India Answers: Share what you know. Learn something new
http://in.answers.yahoo.com/

God's Love

2006-08-22T03:33:00.000-07:00

A vacationing family is driving along in their car, windows rolled down,
enjoying the warm summer breeze of the sunny day. All of a sudden
a big black bee darts in the window and starts buzzing around inside
the car. A little girl, highly allergic to bee stings, cringes in the back seat.

If she is stung, she could die within an hour (or sooner).

"Oh, Daddy," she squeals in terror, "it's a bee! It's going to sting me!"

The father pulls the car over to a stop, and reaches back to try to catch
the bee. Buzzing towards him, the bee bumps against the front windshield
where the father traps it in his fist. Holding it in his closed hand, the father
waits for the inevitable sting. The bee stings the father's hand and in pain,
the father lets go of the bee.

The bee is loose in the car again. The little girl again panics, "Daddy,
it's going to sting me!"

The father gently says, "No honey, he's not going to sting you now.
Look at my hand."

The bee's stinger is in my hand!

"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"
-- 1 Cor. 15:55

Jesus says to us, "Look at my hands."

He has satan's sting,
the sting of death,
the sting of sin,
the sting of deceit,
the sting of feeling worthless.
Jesus has all of those stingers in His hands.

When you see that nail-scarred hand, realize that, on your behalf,
Jesus took all the pain that satan could throw at Him. He reduced
satan to a big black bee that has lost its stinger -- all satan can do
is buzz around.

That's the victory that Jesus won for you!

Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.

Latin Prayers

2006-08-01T05:18:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone....

I recently found some latin prayers with their english translations in a site posted in joynet.I foun d them quite good and 'intresting'.I am attaching them along with this mail.Hope you will find it useful too.

With luv and prayers,

Jeffie John.

In Nomine In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.	The Sign of the Cross In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Pater Noster Pater noster, qui es in caelis: sanctificetur nomen tuum; adveniat regnum tuum; fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo, et in terra. Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie; et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris; et ne nos inducas in tentationem; sed libera nos a malo. Amen.	The Our Father Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive s our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen.
Ave Maria Ave Maria, gratia plena, dominus tecum; benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen	The Hail Mary Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen.
Gloria Patri Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio et nunc et semper et in saecula saeculorum. Amen	The Glory Be Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Credo	The Nicene Creed
Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem coeli et terrae, visibilium omnium et invisibilium. Et in unum Dominum Jesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum. Et ex Patre natum ante omnia saecula. Deum de Deo, lumen de lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero. Genitum, not factum, consubstantialem Patri: per quem omnia facta sunt. Qui propter nos homines, et propter nostram salutem descendit de coelis. Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine, et homo factus est. Crucifixus etiam pro nobis; sub Pontio Pilato passus, et sepultus est. Et resurrexit tertia die, secundum Scripturas. Et ascendit in coelum: sedet ad desteram Patris. Et iterum venturus est com gloria judicare vivos et mortuos. cujus regni non erit finis. Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem: qui ex Patre Filioque procedit. Qui cum Patre, et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur: qui locutus est per Prophetas. Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam. Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum. Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuorum. Et vitam ventura saeculi. Amen.	We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in Being With the Father. Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Apostles' Creed
Credo in Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae. Et in Jesum Christum, filium eius unicum, Dominum nostrum: qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus; descendit ad inferos; tertia die resurrexit a mortuis; ascendit ad caelos; sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis; inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos. Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam Catholicam, Sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, vitam aeternam. Amen	I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
Salve Regina Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae; Vita, dulcedo et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Evae. Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle. Eia ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsilium ostende. O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria. V. Ora pro nobis sancta Dei Genetrix. R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi	Hail Holy Queen Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, hail our life our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Laudate Dominum Psalms Chapter 116 (117) *This hymn is added here for the benefit of Mangalorean Catholics who recite this song at most functions.*
Laudáte Dóminum omnes gentes (laudáte éum) omnes populi Quóniam confirmáta est súper nos misericordia eius et véritas Domini mánet in æternum Glória Pátri et Filio et Spiritui Sáncto. Sicut érat in pricipio et nunc et semper et in sáecula sáeculorum Amen.	O Praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Heres a new way to find what you're looking for - Yahoo! Answers

JYMACE UPDATES 26/7/06

2006-07-27T03:10:00.000-07:00

Ellavarkum Yesuvindhe naamathil aashamsagal...............
                                   Appol nammal veendum kandumuttiyirikunnu...to be frank we had a rather 'thatikootu' group this wednesday....It was initially assumr\ed that only 15 or so people will be there for the group...so we made some plans to have the group in 'democratic' pattern...sitting in a circle....chatting,praising and all...But GOD'S amazing grace never seems to run out..around 30 or so true core JYs turned up yesterday...majoroty were our dear first year anniyans and anniyathis...their exams were over by yesterday and could have gone home by afternoon..btill they stayed over to attend the group and feel the agape of Jesus...Great bless them all...

                            After seeing so many people,the plans were changed and three of us decided to do the group....after a brief prayer we started the groupwith the song 'aahladha chitaraayi sangeerthanagallayi'....
followed by'I lift my eyes up' and the action song 'Shake anopther hand,the hand next to you'.....the Holy word sharing was the parable of good samartian... after reading we had a brief sharing about the parable...many shared experiences where they served as the good samartian or where they were helped out by others... a really nice session....

                      After our sharoing ,we asked our anniyans and anniyathees what they liked most abt the group..most of the answers were the fellowship and the closeness to GOD.....A wonderful praise and worship session followed this and winded up with some advices from our chettais on how to hold onto our faith and fellowship during this vacations....Then we winded up with a small prayer....
Thus another episode of "Rendevouz with GOD Almighty at Vimalagiri School" came to an end.........

PS:If anyone is yet to receive the MAGI,please inform us....Please also pray for our mission training,Fulltimers training and Kerala conference....

With Luv and prayers,
Jeffie John,
S4L.....

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Heres a new way to find what you're looking for - Yahoo! Answers

JYMACE UPDATES 19/07/06

2006-07-27T02:39:00.000-07:00

Hello Everybody.....

                                  Mail ayakkan vaykiyadhil oru valliya kshamappannam nadathikondu nammude ee azchathe UPDATES thodangaam....This week's group was based on the letter by St.Paul.......We were also blessed by the presence of Lijo bhai......Looks like God is sending one of our alumni bhais each week to guide even in the absence of our beloved final yr bhais and behens....

                                 We started out with songs like 'I lift my eyes up'(in a new tune composed by Benil bhai).....The Praise and worship followed by Bible reading was next...After reading the Holy word,we were divided into 6 groups and 'scatterd out' to reflect on some thoughts relating to the Bible passage and some questions like3
!)Is there anything you had to sacrifice after coming closer to the Lord
2)have you actually gained by those sacrifices.
3)how do you witness for god in your failures and shortcomings
4)how can you witness and evangelise using ur life?
5)what all have you gained after coming to our prayer group?

   after discussinfg for about 15 minutes,we came back and we had one from every groiup share their group's 'brainstorms'...you shoul;d have heard those sharings...so mature and heart touching stuffs....cannot share them all with you..but will tell what our Lijosir said...for him the group has always been a source of inspiration and the fellowship of our group was wonderful..."Penganmaarilatha enniku penganmaare thannadhu endhe ee JYMACE group aannu",said Lijosir...he also urged us to strengthen our faith and prayer life....

                          Thats all for now...........the updates are now being posted in our blog too @ www.jymace.blogspot.com ......till the next update..good bye...GOD BE WITH YOU....

With luv and prayers,
Jeffie John,
S4L....

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Heres a new way to find what you're looking for - Yahoo! Answers

JYMACE Updates 12/7/06

2006-07-20T00:06:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
Well...nice to see everyone after a really long time..Our last group was our first group without our beloved final year chechis and chettais..Still,by GOD's abundant grace,we cud manage to lead the group wonderfully....We also had the God-sent presence of our dear Besto bhai and his bhai,Jesto bhai...
The group was based on the bible passage where jesus calms the sea...at first we had some new songs,followed by the action song 'My life is in you Lord'..The Praise and worship which commenced with the song 'Christ has no hands but yours'...During the praise and worshio,we had a lot of selfless and beautiful prayers..one of te best sessions i have participated..The Holy Word sharing was also based on the same passage from Mathew where Jesus calms the seas and increases the faith of his disciples...the word sharing which ensued focussed on mainly he parts which saud about Jesus sleeping and the panic of his disciples..one of the thoughts was that inour lives too,we may have storms amd calamities;at times we may feel that Jesus is sleeping and not responding tous..but infact he is not sleeping,but just testing and strenthening our faith...if that incident wouldn't have occured,the disciple's faith would not have strenghtend as such..Just like Jesus says while healing the blind,these are not due to our or our ancestor's sins,but just a means to reveal the glory of the LORD...
The word sharing was highly interactive,with many responses and insights and decisions coming from everyone..God's abundant grace was clearly flowing out thru us all...Then after this,our dear Besto bhai gave his life experiences...he shared with us about how he came into JY,about his job hunt in banglore and all..he shared how he wandered lonely in Garden city for around 10 months,when suddenly GOD came to him and offered him the job,which was much beyond his expectations... like the word sharing,hewas experiencing a storm in his life and Jesus appeared to be sleeping for all those 10 months..but he did't lose faith abd held more tightly to GOD...this strong faith has cused hoim to be where he is now...truely a touching sermon...Infact,one of our very active chettais was disapponited in not getting a job;but after hearing his sharing our chettai realised that GOD has a wunderful plan ahead for him and how he is gonna lead him into his life and how his unending love will help thru-out...Thanks Besto bhai for that awesome inspiration......
Well thats all for now..we are having exams now...Exams of first years and 3rd years have already started and that of 2nd yrs on this 20 th..please pray for us all..We also pray for our passouts as they are about to set their foot on to the real world,full of storms and calamities,especially our 4 FOOLs(no offence,just following Bobin bhai's advice)and our missionaries...Best of Luck and GOD BLESS YOU..
With Luv and prayers,
Jeffie John,
S4L...

The Sign Of Cross

2006-07-19T23:14:00.000-07:00

Bert Ghezzi on the Meaning Behind the Ancient Gesture
LAKE MARY, Florida, NOV. 24, 2004 (Zenit)

The simple gesture that Catholics make thousands
of times in their lives has a deeper meaning most of them don't
realize. Now, the multifaceted significance of the sign
of the cross has been investigated and explained by Bert Ghezzi,
author of "Sign of the Cross: Recovering the Power of the Ancient
Prayer" (Loyola Press).He told us how the sign came about, what six
meanings it has and why making it reverently can enhance one's life in
Christ.

Q: When did the sign of the cross originate?
Ghezzi: The sign of the cross is a very ancient
practice and prayer. We don't have any indication of it in Scripture,
but St. Basil in the fourth century said that we learned the sign
from the time of the apostles and that it was administered in
baptisms. Some scholars interpret St. Paul's saying that he bears the
marks of Christ on his body, in Galatians 6:17, as his referring to the
sign of the cross. In the book, I note that the sign originates
close to Jesus' time and goes back to the ancient Church. Christians
received it in baptism; the celebrant signed them and claimed them for
Christ.

Q: How did it become such an important liturgical and devotional
practice?
Ghezzi: I speculate that when adult Christians
were baptized, they made the sign of the cross that claimed them for
Christ on their forehead proudly. Tertullian said that Christians at all times
should mark their foreheads with the sign of the cross. I can
imagine that Christians would make a little sign of the cross with their
thumb and forefinger on their foreheads, to remind themselves that
they were living a life for Christ.

Q: Beyond the words themselves, what does the
sign mean? Why is it a mark of discipleship?
Ghezzi: The sign means a lot of things. In the
book, I describe six meanings, with and without words.
The sign of the cross is:
a confession of faith;
a renewal of baptism;
a mark of discipleship;
an acceptance of suffering;
a defense against the devil; and
a victory over self-indulgence.

When you make the sign, you are professing a
mini version of the creed
-- you are professing your belief in the Father,
and in the Son and in the Holy Spirit. When you say the words and pray
in someone's name you are declaring their presence and coming into
their presence -- that's how a name is used in Scripture.
As a sacramental, it's a renewal of the sacrament of baptism; when you
make it you say again, in effect, "I died with
Christ and rose to new life." The sign of the cross in baptism is like
a Christian circumcision, which united Gentile converts to
the Jewish nation. The sign links you to the body of Christ, and when
you make it you remember your joining to the body with Christ as the
head.
The sign of the cross is a mark of discipleship.
Jesus says in Luke 9:23, "If any man will come after me, let him
deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." The word that
the Fathers of the Church used for the sign of the cross is a Greek
word that is the same as what a slave owner put on a slave, a shepherd
put on a sheep and a general put on a soldier -- it's a declaration
that I belong to Christ. Self-denial is not just giving up little things;
to be a disciple you are under Christ's leadership and you don't
belong to yourself. By doing the sign of the cross, you're saying to
the Lord, "I want to obey you; I belong to you. You direct all my
decisions. I will always be obedient to God's law, Christ's teachings and
the Church." When suffering comes, the sign of the cross is a
sign of acceptance. It's remembering that Jesus became a man and
suffered for us and that we participate in Christ's suffering. The sign
of the cross says, "I am willing to embrace suffering to share in
Christ's suffering." When you're suffering, when you're feeling like
God is not there, the sign of the cross brings him there and declares
his presence whether you feel it. It is a way of acknowledging him at
that time of trial. One of the main teachings of the early Church
Fathers is that the sign of the cross is a declaration of defense against
the devil. When you sign yourself, you are declaring to the devil,
"Hands off. I belong to Christ; he is my protection." It's both an
offensive and defensive tool.
I've found that the sign of the cross is a wayto put to death
self-indulgence -- those big problems we have,the stubborn things we
can't get rid of. The Church Fathers say if you are angry, full of
lust, fearful, emotional or grappling with fleshly problems, make the
sign when tempted and it will help dispel the problem.

I began to make it to gain control with a
problem with anger. Signing myself is a way of destroying the anger, putting
on patient behavior, imitating Jesus' practice of virtue.

Q: Do non-Catholics use the sign of the cross?
Ghezzi: Yes, the sign of the cross is used by
Episcopalians, Lutherans, Methodists and Presbyterians, particularly in
baptisms. In his small catechism, Martin Luther recommends making the
sign of the cross at bedtime and first thing in the morning.
It's a shame that many non-Catholics see it assomething they shouldn't
be doing; it comes from an ancient Church that we all share. One of my
hopes in writing this book is that non-Catholics will read it and share
in the sign of the cross.

Q: Why do Catholics use the sign of the cross
with holy water upon entering and exiting a church?
Ghezzi: In order to participate in the great sacrifice of the Mass, you
need to be baptized. Using holy water to sign yourself is saying "I am
a baptized Christian and I am authorized to participate in this
sacrifice." When you make the sign of the cross when you
leave, you say that the Mass never ends -- your whole life is
participating in Christ's sacrifice.

Q: Why should Christians learn more about this
prayer?
Ghezzi: I think that it's not something to be
taken casually. The sign of the cross has enormous power as a
sacramental; it does not cause the spiritual thing it signifies but draws on the
prayer of the Church to affect us in our lives. The sign of the cross is
the supreme sacramental.

When I see professional athletes make the sign
of the cross during games, I'm not critical of them. It says that
everything I do, I do in the name of Christ -- even games can be played
in the presence of God. When people make the sign of the cross casually,
I pray that they will recognize how serious it is -- that they are
declaring that they belong to Christ, they want to obey him and accept
suffering. It's not a good-luck charm.

Q: Why is the sign of the cross significant today, especially in areas
where laws are becoming less tolerant of public
displays of faith?
Ghezzi: They can tell us that we can't have the
Ten Commandments in a public building, but they can't stop us from
making the sign of the cross publicly. We need to remember what Jesus
said: If we are ashamed of him, he'll be ashamed of us.
We should feel confident in letting people know
that we are Christians and that we belong to Christ.
God Bless!

Jem

Yaathrayayi Sooryodhayam...

2006-07-06T23:56:00.000-07:00

Yesuvil priyapetta sahodari sahodharanmare,
Hello Howz everyone?....Hvng a really nice time,right?...ivide ellarkum sukham sandhosham....Last group was a pretty senti one withh the vida vangal of our dear Final yrs....

There was a sammapana prasangam by Bobinbhai...urging us to really rise up and march out into the world..he also said abt our real worth,that our JYMACE group is actually a puli in the JY world and how we can uphold and lead this fame into our future.....it was followed by an an action song..'Raise up you champions of God'...the Holy Word sharing was from Luke..the passage of Jesus going urging Peter to cast the net and how he got tons of fish and Jesus making him his first disciple...the sharing followed focuused on how this passage is to be the leading beacon in our lives..just like Jesus annointed Peter to catch people,he is urging us to be the Peters of the new millenium and go forth to catch people for LORD..
After this we had a small timepass stuff..we asked how wud our chettais and chechis wud like to be know after 20 yrs or so...you shud hv heard those wishes....we even had some Saints from JYMACE and some saadhrannakaaril saadharannakarans here...

Yesterday(thursday),we were hvng the farewell treat at Real Hotel...adutha senti time...pinne treat kandappol ellarudeyyum senti poyi happy aayi...Chicken biriyaanium Ice creaamum...kushaallaayirunnu...ennalum manasindhe agaadha thalangallil oru vingal......endhaayallum sooryam chandrannum chandran sooryannum vazhi maarunna pole manushyarude kaaryathillum vennum enna Miltonsirindhe class kettapoll oru aashwasam....Anyway,thamks to Tojobhai,since this m,ailgroup is there,hopes are high that the fellowship will not break...Thalkaalathekku nitruthunnu.......

With luv and prayers,
Jeffie John,
S4L....

Praise the Lord all people,'cos he is the one to be praised!!!!

26 One-liners

2006-06-11T03:25:00.000-07:00

1. Give God what's right -- not what's left.
2. Man's way leads to a hopeless end -- God's way leads to an
endless hope.
3. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
4. He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.
5. In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma--but never let
him be the period.
6. Don't put a question mark where God puts a period.
7. Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to the church for a face-lift.
8. When praying, don't give God instructions - just report for duty.
9. Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church.
10. We don't change God's message -- His message changes us.
11. The church is prayer-conditioned.
12. When God ordains, He sustains.
13. WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning.
14. Plan ahead -- It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
15. Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory position.
16. Suffering from truth decay? Brush up on your Bible.
17. Exercise daily -- walk with the Lord.
18. Never give the devil a ride -- he will always want to drive.
19. Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it.
20. Compassion is difficult to give away because it keeps coming
back.
21. He who angers you controls you.
22. Worry is the darkroom in which negatives can develop.
23. Give Satan an inch & he'll be a ruler.
24. Be ye fishers of men -- you catch them & He'll clean them.
25. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
26. Read the Bible -- It will scare the hell out of you.

Send instant messages to your online friends http://in.messenger.yahoo.com

Stay connected with your friends even when away from PC. Link: http://in.mobile.yahoo.com/new/messenger/

The Da Vinci Code

2006-05-24T01:49:00.000-07:00

THE DA VINCI CODE

WHAT CATHOLICS NEED TO KNOW

FIRST POINTS

Q. What is The Da Vinci Code?

A. It is a fictional work by Dan Brown. The plot is about solving a murder mystery. It turns out the murder was carried out to protect secret knowledge about Christ and the Catholic Church. The great secret is that Leonardo da Vinci belonged to a secret society called The Priory of Sion, and he encoded a hidden message in his art, namely, that Jesus was just a mortal man, not God, and that he married Mary Magdalene and chose her to be the leader of his spiritual movement, not really a church but a restoration of the feminine divine. The real Holy Grail was not the legendary chalice Christ is supposed to have used at the Last Supper, but Mary Magdalene's body, because she carried his blood in his child in her womb. The Church, though, brutally suppressed the truth in order to gain patriarchal control, and through the ages killed anyone who discovered the secret truth. It was the Roman Emperor Constantine who first proclaimed that Jesus was divine at the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D.

Q. If this is just a made-up story, why the concern?

A. Brown claims at the beginning that all descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate. Brown claims, in other words, that the shocking secrets revealed in the book are facts, not fiction. Brown is an avowed New Ager, and this book is anti-Catholic propaganda that smears Christ and the Church. The book and movie prey upon the minds of the ignorant and invite them to turn against the Church. They leave the impression that Christianity is a spiritual path, that the Catholic Church is a fraud, and that since there are many different ideas of who Jesus really was, and many conflicting views of the origins of the Church, we should all pick the version and the spiritual path we prefer. But what matters is historical accuracy. The facts are not matters of faith; they can be established through investigation. Brown says hes done that, but his story is full of made-up facts and distortions.

Q. What were Brown's sources?

A. He says the Gnostic gospels (gospels containing secret knowledge) written in the early centuries are an important source. He never explains why these should be trusted, and not Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (Gospels he never mentions). He has been sued for plagiarizing other works of fiction as source material. Experts he says he consulted have denied ever talking to him.

Q. What should we do?

A. Our responsibility is not just to reject error and be faithful, but witness the truth to others. To instruct the ignorant is a spiritual work of mercy. We should expose the errors of The Da Vinci Code and use its popularity as an opportunity to teach others the truth about Christ and the Church.

Q. Should we see the movie or read the book first, in order to better know what's wrong with it?

A. No, and we should discourage others from doing so. No one proposes we should view pornography or take illicit drugs in order to better understand what's wrong with them. We should not reward those who produced The Da Vinci Code by spending our money on it at the bookstand or movie theater. We should send a clear message that we reject anti-Catholic propaganda.

ERRORS AND DISTORTIONS

Here are 14 of the book's many errors and distortions:

1. A claimed source of important information about the real Jesus are the Gnostic (hidden or secret) gospels, which are suppose to be over 80 in number. Actually, while there were many Gnostic writings in the early centuries of Christianity, only a few were called gospels. Fifty two ancient texts were found at Nag Hammadi in 1945, but only four of them bore the name gospel. The Nag Hammadi texts were either based on earlier heresies or are Coptic translations of them.

2. Brown refers to the Dead Sea Scrolls as some of the earliest Christian writings, but they were Jewish writings that make no mention of Jesus or Christianity.

3. Brown claims Jesus was a mortal man, and his first followers knew it. It was not until the 4th century that the Roman Emperor Constantine, at the Council of Nicaea in 325 A. D., proclaimed Jesus was divine. But Constantine did not participate in the Council of Nicaea. More importantly, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, written within the first 100 years of Christianity, attest to Jesus' divinity, as do the other New Testament writings, which are cited innumerable times by other early Christian writers before the 4th century.

4. Jesus was supposed to have married Mary Magdalene. But there is no evidence for this. It is a complete fabrication. Not even the Gnostic gospels, on which Brown relies so much as sources, ever say such a marriage took place. Brown argues Jesus would not have been accepted as a religious leader by his contemporaries if he had been celibate, but only if he were married. Yet other celibate religious figures were respected by the people of Jesus time, including John the Baptist and the celibate men of the Essence community.

5. Brown claims that the Church suppressed the important role of Mary Magdalene in the life of Jesus, and suppressed women, in order to seize and maintain patriarchal control of the Church. But if the Church wanted to suppress Mary Magdalene, how is it that record of her person and activity was carefully preserved in the Gospels? Why was she proclaimed a saint in the early Church and called "apostle to the apostles" for announcing Christ's resurrection to the Apostles? Why would there be many churches named after her throughout the ages? And if the Church wanted to suppress women, why would the Church proclaim the Blessed Virgin Mary the greatest of all saints, and call men and women to imitate her?

6. Brown routinely refers to the Vatican as the seat of corrupt power in the Church, and says it was the Vatican that was responsible for suppressing women and the divine feminine in the early Church. But the seat of Church authority was not located at the Vatican hill in Rome until the 12th century.

7. Leonardo is supposed to have belonged to a secret Priory of Sion. This priory never existed, though. It was a hoax contrived by an anti-Semitic Frenchman in the 1950s, and publicly exposed in the 1970s. Repeat: the Priory of Sion never existed.

8. Brown discusses Leonardo's Virgin of the Rocks painting, claiming it was commissioned by nuns. It was actually requested by Franciscan brothers. Brown confuses Jesus and John the Baptist in the painting, describing Jesus as kneeling in submission to Johns authority. But Leonardo painted John submitting to Jesus authority.

9. Brown claims Leonardo's Mona Lisa painting is an anagram for the pagan gods Amon and Isis. Leonardo, however, called his painting La Giaconda, after the subject, who was the wife a Florentine businessman, Francesco da Giacondo. (Mona is a contraction of Madonna, and Lisa was Francesco's wife's name.)

10. Brown wrongly locates Leonardo's Last Supper on a wall of Santa Marie delle Grazie in Milan. It is actually on the refectory wall of the Dominican convent annexed to the church. The person sitting at the right hand of Jesus in Leonardo's painting of The Last Supper is supposed to be Mary Magdalene, according to Brown. But if this is so, where is the Apostle John? Also, Leonardo, like other Florentine painters of his time, often portrayed young men with beautiful, almost feminine, features. Jesus and Philip are portrayed with the same features in that painting. So is St. John the Baptist, in Leonardo's painting of him.

11. Brown claims that the body of Mary Magdalene was the Holy Grail, because she carried the blood of Christ in his child in her womb. But the Holy Grail (a special chalice Christ is supposed to have used at the Last Supper) was a medieval legend.

The fact that no special chalice appears in Leonardo's Last Supper (a fact Brown uses to argue Mary Magdalene's body was the Holy Grail) means nothing, because none of the many other paintings of the Last Supper by Leonardo's Florentine contemporaries showed a special chalice in them. He imitated them.

12. Brown makes the main character of The Da Vinci Code a professor from the Department of Symbology at Harvard. But Harvard has no such department.

13. The character murdered at the story's beginning is the curator of the Louvre Museum. He cannot escape, were told, because a drop-down gate is blocking him. But the Louvre has no such gate.

14. The murderer is supposed to be a monk of Opus Dei (work of God). Opus day is not a religious order, though, and has no monks.

FINAL POINTS

If someone wants us to believe his claims are true and accurate, he needs to provide evidence. No historical or scientific evidence is ever produced by Brown to support any of his books preposterous claims about Jesus or the Church.

The truth about Jesus Christ, his saving death and resurrection, and his divinity are matters of the utmost importance, as is the truth about the origins of the Church and her doctrines.

No other great religious figure in history ever made the kinds of claims about themselves that Jesus made of himself. The others said only that they were servants, seekers, or prophets of God. Jesus said in many ways that he was God: "I am the light of the world (Jn 9:5)... I am the way and the truth and the life (Jn 14:6)... No one comes to the Father but through me... He who sees me sees the Father? I and the Father are oneI am in the Father and the Father is in me (Jn 14:6, 9, 11)... Whoever drinks the water I give him will never be thirsty; no, the water I give shall become a fountain within him, leaping up to provide eternal life (Jn 4:14)... I am the bread of life.. for a man to eat and never die. If anyone eats this bread he shall live forever; the bread I will give is my flesh, for the lift of the world... If you do not eat my body and drink my blood you have no life in you (Jn 6:48ff)...Full authority has been given to me both in heaven and on earth... Know that I am with you always, until the end of the world (Mt 28:18, 20)."

Jesus not only claimed to be divine, he showed divine power in his many miracles. He cleansed lepers, expelled demons, made the blind see and paralytics walk, and raised the dead to life. He calmed the wind and waves, walked on water, and multiplied loaves and fishes.

If Jesus was not divine, he was a liar or a lunatic. But a liar would be a self-interested man, and would not have freely handed himself over to death on a cross. No magician could have performed by illusion or trickery the miracles Jesus did.

If Jesus thought he was God but was only psychotic, he had no miraculous power. He might have said strange things, but not deeply wise or true things. Yet, people came to him in great numbers to be taught and healed. He held them spellbound by his teaching, and he healed them. He foretold his resurrection, and rose on the third day, leaving the tomb empty and appearing to hundreds. He could not have been a liar or a lunatic. He must, therefore, have been God.

The truth about Jesus and the Church must be pursued responsibly. Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code offers no help, only scurrilous distortions and fabrications irresponsibly passed off as fact.

The Da Vinci Code

is a sign of the times, the latest in a long series of writings that attack Catholic faith. To free others of the confusions of our age about Jesus and the Church, we need only direct them to follow Jesus' instruction: If you live according to my teaching, you are truly my disciples; then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (Jn 8:31).
Brenda Nettles Riojas,Diocese of Brownsville
Message from the Diocese of Brownsville
May 19,2006

New co-ordinators

2006-05-07T22:55:00.000-07:00

Midhun paul - co ordinator

Benil abraham-Music ministry co-ordinator

Shinto Devassia-Bible ministry co-ordinator

sonia Mary-Intercession co-ordinator

Arun Antony-Outreach ministry co-ordinator

Nitin Antony Francis-Audio visual

Yahoo! India Answers: Share what you know. Learn something new. Click here

JYMACE

2006-04-26T02:55:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,we are JYs from Mar Athanasius College of Engineering,Kothamangalam.We have a very vibrant group over here,all due to God's Grace.We hold general groups on wednesdays and the other four days we have our core and ministry gatherings.

Our present core team

1.Nisha Louis(Group Co-ordinator)
2.Bimesh Boniphus(Asst.Group Ministry Co-ordinator)
3.Anna Joseph(Music Ministry Co-ordinator)
4.Sanjoy Joseph(Audiovisual Ministry Co-ordinator)
5.Jobin Scaria(Outreach Ministry Co-ordinator)
6.Soumya Jose(Intercession Ministry Co-ordinator))
7.Bobin Vinayan(Bible Ministry Co-ordinator)
8.Jaise Thomas(Library Co-ordinator)

And all our Jys who thirsts for the LORD almighty and his grace

Wonderful start!!

2006-04-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

Congrats Jeffi....

Hope to see more participations!

- Jimesh

About Jesus Youth

2006-04-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

Jesus Youth is an international Catholic youth movement with a charismatic spirituality. We had our beginnings in India, but have now spread to different countries of the world. The strength of the movement is its special focus on a Jesus-centered life, starting with God experience, growing through prayer, Word of God, sacraments and fellowship, and bearing fruit in a life style of sharing the Good News of Jesus with others. Though not a community, we are a wide network of small but strong fellowship groups of youth from different Catholic rites. In our own unique life situations we strive to set apart time for the Lord, answering the challenges of today's world in the power of the Spirit.

Well convinced that youth is a time of great generosity and creativity, young people from all walks of life are encouraged to do something good with the Lord. This has resulted in the various ministries and faith formation projects under the wide umbrella of Jesus Youth.

We consider ourselves to be inspired and called by the Holy Spirit in these times, to be at the service of the Church and the world, especially the youth.

We believe that we have been individually elected and called by the Lord to be part of this Jesus Youth fellowship.

We believe that our individual charisms and gifts will be better developed in this fellowship to be at the service of the people of God.

We believe that youth is the hope of the world and the Church, and that the Lord has specially called us to creatively and positively direct the youth for the building up of the Kingdom.

We consider ourselves to be part of that tradition of individuals and communities raised up by the Spirit at various times in history to renew the children of God through their commitment to the Heavenly Father.

We achieve this through a faithful following of the Lord, imbibing the Word and in loyalty to the Catholic Church by following the teachings of the Magisterium and the hierarchy.

Jiyo cricket on Yahoo! India cricket
Yahoo! Messenger Mobile Stay in touch with your buddies all the time.

Welcome Everybody

2006-04-25T01:48:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody,

Ellarkum ividekku swagatham..Idhu nammude swantham blog aanu.Aayadhinaal ellerudeyum sahaya sahakarannangal pratheekshikuunu...Idhill blog cheyyanulla details nammude JYMACE mailing listil koduthittundu..So everybody take uo their 'pens' and do give somethimg to the LORD..