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Songs Used With Permission
Thank you "Renna" Family
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Why Do We Pray?
"Prayer is talking with God. When we have a good friend, we talk to that person about all
sorts of things. That's part of being a friend. In the same way, we should talk to God
about what is happening in our life. God wants us to share our life with him, to tell him
about what makes us happy, sad, and afraid. He wants to know what we want and what
we would like him to do, for ourself and for others. Also, when we pray, we open ourself
up to God so that he can make good changes in us." Holy Spirit Interactive
Good morning, dear Jesus, this day is for you. I offer you all that I think, say, and do.
Amen.
The Story of Pope John Paul II
The Nicklebys: A Story for Catholic Children
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Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Mum is spooning out the porridge but she doesn't hand a bowl to Dad. Instead she points to his place at the table. Waiting for him is half a grapefruit, a nice healthy grapefruit. There is not even a sprinkling of sugar on it. "I've been thinking," says Mum. "I am really proud of you trying to lose weight and attempting to get fit. It can't be easy when we keep offering you delicious things like roast chicken. From now on I will serve you exactly what you want." Dad digs his spoon into the grapefruit. He is thinking that what he really wants is a big bowl of porridge. Dad works hard at his New Year's resolution. He gets up early every morning. Sometimes he just wants to stay snuggled up next to Mum but he struggles out of bed, pulls on his running gear and heads out the door. And every morning, he ignores the porridge pan and tucks into his grapefruit. Mum is making him lots of salads and Kate never asks him if he'd like some cake when she is cutting up slices for everyone else. Mum and the children soon notice a few changes in Dad. His face is looking a little thinner, his belt no longer bites into his tummy and when he comes in from his running, he no longer pants like a bellows. But they have also noticed another change. This change is not so good. Dad no longer smiles and jokes, especially at meal times. He is very irritable. He doesn't seem to enjoy anything any more. In fact, Dad has become a bit of a bear with a sore head. "Are you feeling OK?" asks Mum. She decides she will have to do something to fix the problem. That evening everyone gathers in the lounge. Dad notices all the strange looks and wonders what is going on. "We'd like to congratulate you," says Mum. "You have really stuck to your New Year's resolution. You have shown so much perseverance and selfndash;discipline. You are an example to all of us." "We couldn't do what you're doing Dad," says Kate. "No, you've been terrific," adds Joe. "Think of all the cake you've missed out on," says Celeste. "But we'd like our old dad back, please!" begs Lizzie. "Your old dad?" asks Dad puzzled. "Yes, the fun dad," explains Edward. "The one who jokes and laughs and enjoys life." "You've got a bit grumpy lately," says Mum gently. "You've had a lot to deal with. It can't be easy exercising and watching what you eat. You've done it all on your own." "You want me to go back to normal?" asks Dad. "You want me to undo all that hard work?" "No," says Mum. "We have another plan." Mum sends Dad off to the scales to weigh himself. He comes back with a grin on his face. "I'm back to my normal weight," he says. "Then you don't need to diet any more," says Mum. "All you need to do is eat balanced, healthy meals. We all need to eat balanced, healthy meals. Everyone eats far too much rubbish. I am going to try out some new healthy family recipes. It could be fun." "That sounds great," says Dad. Already he is feeling much more cheerful. But then he remembers his running. "If I give up running, I'll never run a marathon," he says. "Do you really want to run a marathon?" asks Mum. "You did all that years ago. Perhaps it's time for something new. You can still exercise but in ways that are more fun." "We could go swimming together, Dad," suggests Edward. "And bushwalking," adds Joe. "You could push me on the swing," says Lizzie. Dad is thinking. "I have an announcement to make," he says. "I have decided to change my New Year's resolution." "Is that allowed?" asks Celeste. "Of course," says Mum quickly. "This year I resolve to spend more time with my family. We are going to do lots of things together. We are going to go camping and bushwalking, swimming, maybe even fishing. We are all going to be fit and healthy. Most important of all we are going to have lots of fun and enjoy being a family." Dad is feeling very happy, much happier than he has felt for a long time. He thinks about how fortunate he is. He has a beautiful family: Mum, Edward, Kate, Joe, Celeste, Lizzie and Annie. He has a family that cares very much about him. He just knows they are going to have a wonderful year together. Article Permissions: Creative Commons License |
Glory
Copyright John Cologon 2007 released under a Creative
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