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Be at peace!
Do not look forward in fear to the changes and chances of this life;
Rather, look to them with full confidence that, as they arise,
God, to whom you belong will in His love enable you to profit by them.
He has guided you thus far in life, and He will lead you safely through all trials; and when you cannot stand it, God will bury you in His arms. Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you todaywill take care of you then and everyday. He will either shield you from suffering, or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations. Amen. By St. Francis DeSales Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at Focus Mass at Focus today. It was a very busy day setting up for the Mass & seeing clients too. Paul was on vacation so he wasn't with us helping us to set up & to clean up & put away, after the Mass. We managed though. The tables were set up by the men at yesterday's Focus Fund-raiser meeting so that helped. I received a call from the new woman who comes to Focus from Fidelis Care for our clients, saying that she was going to be coming in a little later, for she was at a meeting in Buffalo & the meeting went late. I said "we'll see you when you get here". She arrived about 30 minutes later today & set herself up in the Rose Room, where we do the pregnancy tests. Our client who suffers with migraines saw the insurance counselor today. Martha was at her daughter' father-in-law's funeral Mass & will come when she can. It was nice of Kathryn, who comes in on Thursdays, came in to help me until 4pm, she was such a blessing. I couldn't have done it without her assistance. God always provides. I was setting up for the Mass in the Great Room when the doorbell rang. There were two young girls at the door & both asked for a pregnancy test. I brought them into the Green Room & did one at a time. The first was a fifteen year old rape survivor from a rape in June. She was negative but if she was positive she would very much consider abortion. I told her my story that I conceived twins by a rape at Strong Hospital in 1971 & miscarried them. I told her that I named them & I wouldn't have had an abortion. Abortions were being done here in New York back then. All life is precious & it's always evil. She looked at me & said "that's your opinion". I looked at her & said "no, it's not my opinion but it's the TRUTH, it's ALWAYS wrong". I asked her if she loved God & she said "yes". I said then "how could you kill a baby that God just created"? I mentioned adoption & she said "I don't believe in adoption"! I said "you don't believe in giving your baby to a loving husband & wife but you believe in killing your child"? Something's wrong with her belief system. I told her the abuse, that she's experiencing in her home, is not okay & she needs not to accept it but to report it, so it would stop. I talked to her for a long time & then gave her lots of information & a paper with some numbers for her to call to get counseling for her victimization. She said that she had been drinking before the rape. I said "it wasn't your fault even if you walked naked down the street, no one should touch you. It's their fault, not yours". "Don't accept this abuse as normal, for you are precious to the Lord, who cried when you were being attacked". She smiled at me. I told her that we could be sisters for we share some experiences together. I hope that helped her to feel not alone. So many women & girls have been raped or molested ....... how sad & evil! Then the other young girl, who was also fifteen years old, came in to have her pregnancy test done. The test was immediately positive. I knew that I needed to talk to her right away to save this baby's life. I offered her a free ultrasound at His Branches, but she said that Wednesday afternoons were not good for her, so I gave her a brochure for Compass Care, for her to call if she wanted a free ultrasound. I asked what she planned to do, either parenting or adoption. She said "I'm not sure what I'm going to do". That sends chills down my back. I talked to her & gave her a Truth packet & lots of other information & three DVD's too. She said that she was dating this boy for about a year. I said dating doesn't require sexual intercourse but since you big enough to do that then your big enough to be a mother. Her sister-friend came into the room & was told. I looked at her & said "you need to support her in her pregnancy". She smiled at me nicely & said "yes I will". I said "don't go to Planned Parenthood, for they are killing off your Race & your baby should not be killed". The DVD, Mafaa 21, http://maafa21.com/ , was given to her too. So much information is in this video. I hope this precious baby will be saved from being killed by abortion!!!!! Parenting or adoption! The only two choices...........
Some pregnancy tests are so difficult. After I try so hard, to save the baby's life, I have to give the woman or girl to the Lord, who can change their hearts & minds if they are abortion minded, through our prayers. I also pray to God's mother Mary ,for her to send graces from the Lord, to the women & girls. The family & society are so wounded by abortion :( The doorbell kept on ringing & we were busy & the center was set up differently because of the Mass this evening. We had a client who is pregnant & didn't want to go home & stayed for the Mass & one of the moms brought her home. I gave her the two referral lists for her to call some one who can help her with her situation at home. Mothers or anybody, should not verbally abuse, anyone! Martha came at 3:30pm with the food for our supper tonight. Kathryn had to leave & we'll see her again in three weeks because she & her husband will be going on a Pilgrimage to Rome. Can't wait till she returns. The people started to arrive & then Fr. Edison arrived to celebrate Mass at 6pm. It was beautiful & so respectful. After Mass I gave two announcements. One was about our next Focus Fund-raiser at the Little Theater showing the new movie 'Mary of Nazareth' on October 19th., 2013 at 6:20pm. The group was excited to hear this fantastic news. Rick got up & spoke about the '40 Days for Life' campaign that will start on September 25th. with the 'Kick off Rally', on September 24th., from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. We need a lot of people, out on the front lines, to pray & to speak & to witness, to the people in the community, of the truth. The food on the tables was abundant & so tasty too. The conversations were on going, so much to say & to do in the pro life movement. What a day !!!!
'His Will Be Done'
While God's ways are not our ways and God's timing is not our timing, he does have a plan. He is intimately concerned about the details of our lives.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at Focus Another busy day, which is what we want. Since January 2013 we have seen, at the Focus Pregnancy Help Center, 1,228 clients that have come through our door. These are the people that have signed in the material aid room some come into the center & don't remember to sign in which is not common so we probably have seen many more, who came to us for assistance. This number includes pregnancy tests both positive & negative & those who come for diapers, formula & clothes too. We are busy...thank God!!! Yesterday I saw a fifteen year old girl who tested positive for a pregnancy test. I wanted to call her to see how she was doing & found out that she didn't put her phone number on the Intake Sheet that she filled out. Yesterday I didn't notice that she put a line through the line. I wish that I had spotted it, for now I can't call her, which maybe is what she wanted. Even if I had seen that she didn't give her phone number maybe she would have refused or given me a wrong number. So much to remember during a pregnancy test & not using the Rose Room was a factor, so I will ask the Fidelis Care counselor, to use another room on the Tuesdays when she's there. That will help. The phone numbers are usually a problem. Never the less I gave our client so many brochures & information, to save this little baby's life, & my prayers are being said to the dear Lord, that she will continue her pregnancy. I did call her sister-friend that came with her yesterday but ran into conflict with her grandmother. She asked "who are you'!!!! I said "thank you & God bless" & then hung up. I wasn't thinking straight in calling. The man who answered said that he was handing the phone to the girls grandmother. I didn't ask to speak with her I just wanted to speak to the girlfriend to see if I could get her friend's phone number. It didn't work out that way :( If they need me again they know where I am. They were going to go to Planned Parenthood for a pregnancy test yesterday but saw our A-Frame sign on the sidewalk & came into our pregnancy center instead. We have, our days & hours when we're open, on our front door. I hope to see them again, with the precious baby. I was so appreciative of Lisa yesterday for she was working on the 'new' Food Pantry referral list for our clients to take with them. She called all the places to see if they had changed the days or times. So many have closed or had changed their criteria. Now, we have a complete two sided paper with the correct information for our clients, in need. Thank you Lisa!!! I will ask her, next week, to work on the Shelters for Men. Women & Children, for better referrals. Lynda isn't coming on Wednesdays anymore, she will be coming on Thursdays instead, being on the front lines with Martha & I. Elizabeth, our Wednesday volunteer, came today at 5:40pm & stayed with me working until around 8pm. There is so much to do!
'Calling On God'
How often do we relegate to God only those things in which we feel he should have a say, yet exclude him from the ordinary things in life?
Thursday, September 12, 2013 at Focus & the Front Lines When I arrived early to the front lines I greeted Sheila. Tom had to leave so I stayed out there with her for a while & then went into the center, for we had two clients, that I had to attend to. I was hoping that Martha or Lynda would show up so I could go back outside but they came later. It's usually complicated. They stayed in the center while I went back outside, for I didn't want Sheila to be there by herself. Martha came & went into the center to be with the girls. Sheila had to leave but before she did she took out some big items from her car that she picked up at the Garage Sale in Hilton. While she was in the center she heard the conflict of the two girls, for they were walking with two children & had so many things to take with them, so she brought them home. Thanks Sheila, how nice of you :) I was by myself for awhile, on the front lines, then Lynda came out to be with me around 1:30pm. There was no one in the center today, for Paul & Kathryn, were on vacation. When Lynda came we talked & witnessed on the sidewalk. When Martha & Adolf & his friend came at 2pm I went into the center & stayed there for the rest of the time. I was busy at Focus helping the girls. I had Suzanne come in at around 3:30 pm. She & I were helping a client who had just come into the center. We had to do some paperwork for her. It was a little hectic but we completed our task. The team came into the center at 4pm. It was sad to see the girls come out of the Killing Mill with their heads down. Killing their children is not acceptable!
Suzanne left around 4:15pm & Lynda did too. As Martha & I were working, the doorbell rang, & it was a client who had called me earlier asking for us to help her, for her baby is due in November & she had nothing for him. I greeted her & lead her into the two Material Aid Rooms for her to look around. I then started talking with her & she said that the father of this baby up & left the state. She waited a while, to tell her mother & her two daughters 10 & 12 years old, that she was pregnant. This mother is 40 years old. We gave her many things & much of it came from the Garage Sale that Sheila had brought in earlier today. God works in strange & mysterious ways for people. She was one happy lady after she left Focus today :) We were also happy that we could help her. She found Focus on the web. Thank you Lord. Before she left I said that I was happy that she choose life for her son. She looked down & said I almost didn't. We will help her again with more things as she gets closer to her due date. I gave her a list of the other Pregnancy Centers so they could help her too. She called Place of Hope & will call Women's Care Center tomorrow. The more help the better. We are a Pregnancy Care Center Team!!!!! After supper Martha left to go to St. Jude's Church for the Holy Hour. I stayed until I was done & went home.
This is our hope here in Rochester, New York !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
'Hearing Jesus'
The Word of the living God is a living Word. When the Scriptures are proclaimed at Mass we believe that Christ is present. Christ himself speaks to us.
Friday, September, 13, 2013 at Focus Martha & I went downtown to join other pro lifers in a group discussion of many different topics. It's lead by Jim Harden, the director of Compass Care. The other pregnancy centers too send their clients to them for 'free' ultrasounds. It was a fruitful meeting that started at 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. After the meeting Martha & I & Rick went to Focus, for we had an appointment with Dan, our landlord, to see the banquet room three doors from us for the '40 Days for Life' Kick off Rally'. We were hoping that the area would be bigger, than Focus, for this event. It was. The room was beautiful & it will work out perfectly. He was giving us a great deal too. Rick was happy & so were we. I received a call on my cell phone & it was a woman who wanted the DVD. I said that I would be at the center at 2pm & for her to stop by to get it. She came while I was in the banquet room but I left to go back to Focus. I went to the Rose Room & got the DVD video & gave it to her. She said "this isn't the one I wanted it's called Mafaa:21". I said okay just a moment & went back into the room to get it for her & another video too. I went back to her with an extra two DVD's so she received three informative videos for educational purposes. Then we began to talk. Oh my! She said that she read about Mafaa:21 in the Psychology Today magazine & she was talking about it & a friend said that she got one from us at Focus. She wanted it for a term paper. Then she said that Strong Memorial Hospital was inept years ago. She had a problem with her twin pregnancy & was C- Sectioned in the basement of the hospital. Her son got Septicemia & the one son died two months later. She wasn't sure if he ever received the medicine, the other son who was lighter, received. She didn't blame God for she knows that he is with Him in Heaven & she wants to be with the Lord & her son someday. Wow!!! What a testimony. I asked her if she would ever share this testimony in a group setting & she said that she would. I might call her some day. She was a very nice woman & I was blessed by her love & trust in the Lord. I told her my testimony about Strong Hospital. After she left another woman came into the center with her child in a stroller. Martha got to talk with her to find out that she was a victim of Domestic Violence. She wants an Order of Protection & the police are looking for him to serve him the papers. She went into the Rose Room to fill out the Fidelis Care Insurance from for me to fax over to them. I asked her if her phone number was a good number that she could be reached at & she said that it was. I told her that I knew a woman Mrs. Smith that I would give her phone number to & she will call you to help you. She said "okay". After she left I called Pat Smith & gave her the information & the phone number for her to call our client to start the healing process. It was a few minutes later while I was faxing over the application that she had filled out that the phone number was not in use. Here we go again :( the phone number dilemma, when you want to reach the client but can't!!!!!!!!! Pat said that when she comes back again just give her my cell number so she can call me if she wants. Okay Pat that will work out better. I don't know what Fidelis Care will do with no phone number, maybe they will send her the information. I hope that she gave us the correct address. We want to help her....it's so frustrating at times. The doorbell rang again & it was a mom who needed diapers & clothes. Happy shopping dear lady.
As we were leaving to go to the bank & then to Mass the doorbell rang again. It was a nice young lady asking for baby formula. I said "we only have one more can left & it's for you". Her voice rang out "thank you Lord"! I thanked Him too for Martha & I were almost out the door when she came today. The funny thing is that we weren't even open today, it's next Friday that we will be open for the first time ever from 11am to 3pm. Neyoka will be here & also on Mondays too. Miracles all the time.
'Jesus Incarnate'
The invisible God, whom no eye has seen, was seen in the humanity of Jesus. God, whose wonder and love are beyond imagination, wished to become visible and close to us Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at Focus Martha & I got to the center after Mass, with a friend of Martha's, who will take in a girl in her home if we have a situation. It's always nice to have a backup in a person's own home. How nice of her. Before she left the doorbell kept on ringing. I was in a sullen mood which I don't like because this ministry is so important to me. Martha took care of many people while I worked in the office, which I b=need to do, for there is so much to do & no one can help me, as I would like in the office, so I have to do it. After a quick lunch, of a cheese sandwich & homemade apple pie that Martha made ,I helped with the clients & the office work. Later on Paul returned from his vacation & we were sooooo happy to have him back with us safe & sound. He was missed !!! Later on Sandy came to help us too & Linda came as always for her job at Wegmans & worked hard putting away the donations. She's quick & efficient.
I had to get ready for the Focus Board Meeting tonight & after that meeting there was a '40 Days for Life' 'Kick off Rally' meeting too. Back to back. So much happening. I called Lou Ann to see if she was coming & she did. At the meeting she talked for 25 minutes about her Focus Project for her RIT college paper. So informative & she will help us et more money to pay our rent & expenses & more help in the center. It was a great group of people attending & we let go Elaine & put in Lynda tonight. As Lou Ann was talking the people for the other meeting started to come into Focus. It was awesome!!! Fr. Edison was there & it was a blessing. The Kick off Rally will start next Tuesday & I can't wait!!!! 'Open Your Heart'
Open the doors of your heart. Give special attention, love and prayers to all those who come to the door of your home and workplace. Let this simple gift of self be a witness to the love of Christ among us.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at Focus A very busy day with some ups & down's. A lady that first came in today brought us some donations form home. She brought in her daughter's $90 high heels, which she only wore once. Okay! She said if wants to buy them just so she knows I won't..... a good mother. I asked how she knew about Focus & she said a man on the sidewalk told her about us, it must have been Rob or Tom she didn't remember the day of the week that she spoke with him. Great work! Then the doorbell just went on ringing & ringing & ringing. I just said "that's okay Lord". I noticed that we now have a key open mailbox, which is fine with me. Our mail is now protected, which is a comfort. Paul came around 2pm, thank you Lord, to help us out. I was in the office working & Martha came in & said "Mary guess who's here, you'll be surprised". I was it was Pastor Everett. I haven't seen him in such a long time. He came by to drop off a donation for our clients. I was thankful for that kindness. We talked for about 20 minutes & he then had to leave. I hope to se him again someday soon. We were so busy that I prayed for someone to come to help us & my short prayer was answered. Two ladies came to the door, the one lady we knew, I said that they would like to help us for awhile. Thank you Lord! It was so nice having them here. The newest lady, after talking with Martha, said that she will come tomorrow to the front lines......we'll see. Dan out landlord came in for the check for the banquet room for Tuesday for the 'Kick off Rally' event. After I thanked him for the mailbox he said that he wanted to ask me a favor. I said "what is it". He asked for the second bathroom in the small hallway in the Great Room. We have things stored in there so I was reluctant to say "yes". I said that I need to talk with Martha first. When we found her Dan asked if it would be okay to have that room & she said "sure why not". My heart dropped for I didn't expect that response from her. It did cause some tension between us after he left, very happily. I don't want to be selfish but I asked if he would reduce the rent $50 & he said "no". Why should we pay him for using one of our rooms that we need for storage??? Life is complicated at times. We're better now but I'm still a bit confused. I gave it to God. One of our moms, who has two young daughters, & was at Planned Parenthood to abort her second daughter when we first meet. After talking with her, through the grace of God, she changed her mind & she daughter was born & not aborted. Sweet young girls she has. She's going to school to be a Nurse, she has 2 more years & is doing well. I told her that I was so proud of her, she smiled at me as she was leaving. It did my heart good seeing her today. Our Pat came in for a short visit from the hospital, for her youngest great grandson Zyiere, was admitted in the hospital 4 days ago, he stopped breathing again. Poor little young man. Our heart & prayers are with Pat & all of her family.
Elizabeth had to work late so she emailed me saying that she wasn't able to come to Focus tonight. I was disappointed, for it's great seeing her & there's sooooo much work to do in the pregnancy center, but it'll all get done, it always does. Don't worry be happy :)
'Choosing Eternal Life'
There is a popular misconception that God “sends us to hell.” In reality, sin is our rejection of God's invitation to heaven. God honors our free will when we reject His love, and allows us to live eternally without Him (hell) just as we sought to live without Him on earth.
Note to self: if you want to love God better...hate sin more. Heaven is an invitation. Hell is a decision.
Thursday, September 19, 2013 at Focus & the Front Lines
When I arrived to the center, I saw that Paul wasn't in, & there were clients already at the door. After they left I briefly went to the sidewalk & spoke with Sheila & Tom & then went back into the center. I waited for Martha & then went back outside. When she came out to the sidewalk & Lynda came, I went back inside the center, for there wasn't anyone there today. Kathryn was on vacation & Suzanne was with a friend who is sick & I don't know what happened to Paul. I was helping a client when Lynda came in with a young lady & asked for a pregnancy test. I greeted her & then brought her into the Rose Room for the test. I asked her to fill out the Intake Sheet & told her that Planned Parenthood couldn't do her test because they are killing little babies now. She completed the test & it was negative. I spoke to her about her not so good choices & she agreed. I told her to see her own doctor & if she wanted a repeat pregnancy teat that she could come back next Thursday. She said "thank you" & then left. I feel so sorry for some of our girls. When I went back outside I was called on my cell phone to open up Focus. This happened three times so I just stayed in the center & took care of 20 clients this afternoon. I was sad that I was told that one of the ladies went into Planned Parenthood after being in Focus. I thank God that I gave her a Truth packet, so later on when she looks at the information, maybe she'll never return to Planned Parenthood again!! The Truth will set you Free!!! It was now 4pm & Martha & all came into the center with the boxes & signs. Lynda had to go & there was Martha & I again working in the center. The doorbell rang & it was our Pat. She said that she was at the hospital & that Zyeire was doing better. She stopped by for a short visit & then go home to take a shower & a nap. Our hearts go out to Pat & her family & their sufferings. Lord have Mercy!! After Pat had left, our client Nicole, who comes to Focus a lot & is pregnant & has some personal issues, came in & ate supper with Martha & I. Then the doorbell rang & it was Donna & her two daughters. They stayed for a visit & then took Nicole home. I don't want our clients to think that we can take them home because we can't, it's not wise & we're to busy. We have to be careful about our clients, who are very needy, we don't want them to be dependent on us. We want to help them & to teach them but we have to be prudent. The Holy Sprit guides us so much....thank you Holy Spirit for your wisdom & protection. Natalie, who comes once a month to help us out, called & said that she wasn't able to come tonight but will be coming next Thursday. Thanks for calling Natalie. The '40 Days for Life' Kick off Rally, will begin next Tuesday, September 24th., from 6:30pm to 9pm. It will be at the Banquet Room, three doors down from Focus. There will be more people praying & witnessing, out in front of Planned Parenthood, for 40 Days!!!! Praise God!!!!
“Every child that isn’t born, but is unjustly condemned to be aborted, has the face of Jesus Christ, has the face of the Lord,”
Pope Francis
'Be Not Afraid'
When we begin things in adoration and prayer, God can and will work through our fears, uncertainties, and inefficiencies to allow the Holy Spirit to do impossible things through us. You can usually tell by the look on someone's face if they woke up counting their problems or their blessings.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at Focus The '40 days for Life' Kick off Rally at the Banquet Room
We were at the center & the doorbell rang & it was Shirley who said "I haven't seen you in awhile". She got out of her wheelchair & shopped, in the two material aid rooms, for her children. Her husband waited outside for her. It was another busy day with clients & putting away some of the donations. We received some too. Paul was with Martha & I today which was very helpful. Lisa & Linda came later on, at the center. Great workers. Rick was over at the banquet room setting up & we were helping him a little when we could. It was so muggy in the room that Martha walked over to the restaurant where the landlord's son works & owns & asked him to put on the air conditioner & he did, promptly. You go girl!!! All was set up & Rick went home until 5pm when he returned, for he is the coordinator, of the '40 Days for Life' campaign. As we were heading to the Banquet Room, which was three doors down from Focus, a client came in with her mother & Martha assisted them. The pregnancy test was positive & Martha scheduled an ultrasound for the next day with Dr. Karen, who happened to just arrive, at Focus. She went into the room to speak to the mother & daughter & they were happy that she did, they felt relieved. They did go the next day for the ultrasound & were even happier when they saw the sweet baby in the womb. Praise God!! The Banquet Room was filling up, when I arrived with Dr. Karen, for Martha was still at Focus for a little while longer. It was great seeing my fellow pro life friends & to talk with them. All the speakers were now there, which was great, & Fr. Edison started the event with prayer. Rick then showed a short video without sound, the pictures & words were awesome, & I almost cried. I'm a big baby. Then I walked over to the microphone & introduced Dr. Karen, to the 30 people, that were here tonight. She gave a great talk about being a pro life doctor in a secular world. She is a blessing here in Rochester :) Wish that there were more doctors like her. Then Rick showed the clip from the movie 'Mary of Nazareth', that will be showing at the Little Theater on October 19th., which will be a Focus Fund-raiser. Then Dan was introduced, a Psychologist at Strong, & he gave his wonderful talk, using the screen. He is such a pleasant down to earth man. Then Katherine introduced Ayesha, who is the President, of the Frederick Douglass Foundation of NY. I asked her for a copy of her talk & she gave me the 17 pages & I made a copy for her friend too. The Lord has taken her very far in her walk with him. A very heart warming woman. All three speakers were fantastic & gave us so much information. I thank them so much :) The deserts & beverages were on the tables & the I was ready to have my desert when Rick said "we are now going to receive candles & go out in front of Planned Parenthood to pray". Sounds good to me & when we come back we can then eat. It was a blessed evening & all went well. Thank you Lord!
'Prayer for Courage'
Lord, please give me courage to love you. Give me courage to serve you. Give me courage to tell others about you. Give me courage to grow closer to you. Give me courage to pick up my cross each day as you picked up yours. Remove from me all fear so that you can put me to work for your kingdom. Amen. Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at Focus The first day of the '40 Days for Life' campaign
Jose was going to fast all day in front of Planned Parenthood today, so when I got to the center at 1pm I walked over to him standing alone on the sidewalk. I greeted him & asked him how he was doing. He said "very well". I said for him to come into Focus at any time for a rest & he said "thanks Mary, I will". Later on when I went back outside I saw that Nina, his wife & hi four children were now with him. I was happy to see all of them standing with Jose. He later on came into the center for a drink of water, for he was fasting. I got to talk to him for a few minutes & then back to the sidewalk he went. He was there for 12 hours straight, praying & witnessing.....what a God fearing man. He said that he ran into some 'not so nice people'. He even told one about Focus, if she was even listening. He did pass out some Truth packets to the people, that will hopefully educate them, if they want the Truth. Lets hope so. There were other people that joined me every hour or so. It was a great first day & I hope that it will continue to grow.
'Reaching Out'
Today, simply stop a moment and try to see at least one way in which God is reaching out to you. Then see if you can reach back to him. Ask Our Lady to help you.
Thursday, September 25, 2013 at Focus Martha & I decided to stay in Focus on the Thursdays during the '40 Days for Life' campaign unless we're needed out on the front lines. We are so busy in the center & we're so burned sidewalk counseling. There was enough people outside this afternoon. I want babies to be saved but people other than Martha & myself, on Thursdays afternoons, need to help save children too & this is the time. I thank God for Sheila, Tom, Pat & Bill, such great pro life, dedicated people, that are in the morning ,in front of Planned Parenthood, saving lives. God bless you all. Focus has kept Martha & I soooo busy during the week & we need more volunteers to help us & this is my prayer. People & money we need to keep Focus going, so that we can help so many needy people, in our community. We want to help & to save & to educate & to change people's minds to the Truth. Only God can change their hearts & He does. Kathryn is still on vacation & Suzanne called in sick, so it was Martha, Paul & I working in the center. I called Embracing Options & asked if two of our clients came to get their ultrasounds & Dee said "yes, Dr. Karen did four & was very pleased with all of them". Yeah!! We have another client scheduled for next Wednesday & I hope that she can get a ride.
Scott called & said that he was bringing pizza over for us for supper. Thanks Scott. He came & then the pizza man came to drop off the pizza & chicken bites. The pizza was so thin & there was so much on top that it became difficult to eat without a fork. We even had enough for three of our hungry clients, to take home with them, for their supper. We even had enough food for another client that came in for pads for his mother. He took the rest of the chicken wings & some Leo Bakery cookies. They all were so happy & so were we!! Scott had left & later on Martha left to got to Mass at St. Jude's. I was happy that Natalie came to help me, she's terrific & such a help. She said that she'll have another class soon again at Focus. She also said that our friend Faye had problems with her past hand surgery & will have to have more surgery in the near future & is on some powerful pain medications. Lord please heal Faye & make her better & thank you so much. Amen.
'Do It Anyway'
Doing God's work often attracts attention, sometimes good, sometimes bad. That doesn't matter. What matters is that we continue to do it, while remaining indifferent to those who would seek to stop us.
'United in Love'
O Jesus, you who are immensely dear to me, be with me always so that my heart may stay with you and that your love may endure with me with no possibility of division. -St. Gertrude the Great Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at Focus
Martha & I were followed into Focus at 1pm with two mothers that needed our assistance with 'free' clothes & things. They were very grateful for our center. The doorbell kept on ringing & I didn't eat lunch until 2pm, which was fine with me. So busy but we did get help today with Anna Marie who said that she will be with us the first Tuesday of every month. Yeah!! She sat at the table & put diapers & wipes in bags which we need for our clients. What a help. Lisa couldn't make it today because of her work load. Karen & her friend came in with two large boxes of diapers sizes 4 & 5, & some baby wipes too. Thank you so very much for your generosity & kindness. A grandmother came in needing diapers for her two grandchildren, the mother was working. She said "thank you for all that you're doing here in helping people in need". I said "it's our pleasure & God's grace & please come back again". I also thanked her for being a great...grandmother too. A very nice woman. A regular client came in with her young daughter & wanted a pregnancy test. I asked Martha if she'd do it & she said "yes". Martha gave her some literature which she left in the material aid room. I don't know if it was on purpose or not. She seemed very distant today which made me feel uncomfortable. The test was negative but I was disappointed that she is sexually active. Sometimes people don't listen & learn but make the same old mistakes over & over again :( I looked on her Intake Sheet & saw that she has had an abortion, in the past, probably at Planned Parenthood, she is post abortive & I must address this next time she comes into our center. Martha did a pregnancy test & it was negative. She counseled our client about abstinence & gave her some literature too. The doorbell rang & it was Joan, who was outside praying in front to Planned Parenthood, & she was bringing a young girl in for a 'free' pregnancy test. It was negative & she also taught her about abstinence & gave her some literature too. Two pregnant young women came into Focus for some baby clothes & diapers for their other children. Martha said that she spotted them as she was going into church today & invited them into our center. They came & one of the woman brought her father too. They both got a lot of nice things. I asked if they were married & they said "no". I suggested that they get married if the men in their lives were the right ones for them. I have to teach the truth. I'm not sure how to do it but I know that I must do it. Paul was with us until 3pm, he's such a big helper. Linda came in to help us too & she's fast & efficient. I told Martha that we had a Focus Fund-raiser meeting at 5:30pm tonight & we agreed to eat after the meeting. I worked in the office for most of the time today....so much to do. The meeting went well with Christine, Rick, Bill & Lynda his wife. There is already 82 people signed up to come to the movie 'Mary of Nazareth on October 19th. at the Little Theater. Praise God!! Lynda & I discussed what happened at Roberts Wesleyan College yesterday when after the speaker spoke we went up to her to inform her that the graphic pictures, do save lives. She didn't thinks so & we had a somewhat heated discussion after that. It didn't go so well & some things that were said by AJ were confusing. Lynda & I decided to pray for our pro life sister, for she's still healing. Earlier today when one of our clients came into Focus, for she wants to talk with our clients who come into Focus to educate them, what changed her mind abouther abortion. She looked at me & said "the graphic pictures". I looked at her young son & smiled.
'Simple Presence'
If we pray faithfully every day, year in and year out, we can expect little excitement, lots of boredom, and regular temptations to look at the clock. But a bond and an intimacy will be growing under the surface: a deep, growing bond with our God.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at Focus A busy day but today we didn't have a lot of clients come into the center but we had a lot of donations come in that we had to put away. First we found out that we had a new baby born. Another sweet baby has been born!! Little boy Javion was delivered on September 15, 2013 at 2:30 AM. He weighed 7 lbs. 3 ozs.. Mother and son are doing well. Happy News :) I was thrilled to hear this from the grandmother who came in for some things for her daughter's new baby & her other children too. Then Muriel came in with her friend Barbara. She said that she ran a pregnancy center near an abortion mill in Connecticut. She is moving to Rochester & prays in front of Wortman's abortion mill in Brighton. I gave her some signs to take with her for her ministry. What a nice lady! As I was talking with Muriel & Barbara a family came in with four huge bags of donations. She is a friend of Donna's & she has nine children. How nice was that!!! I'm sorry that I didn't have a chance to thank her & her husband but I'm sure that Martha did give them our gratitude. Today it was Martha, Paul & myself until 4pm when the two Elim students came in for two hours to help us at the center. We kept them so busy & they were happy about that. It was around 5:15 PM when Elizabeth came in to help us & I was so glad to see her. We were blessed by the Church of the Assumption with many new & nice things. Lots of diapers & wipes & clothes & three umbrella strollers.....yeah!!! What a blessing to say the least. Paul helped with this donation & then left to go home. Pat G. came in after praying at the '40 Days for Life' campaign. She had a chicken & potato & peas supper tonight with Martha & I. Martha hurt her neck somehow & left after doing the dishes, in pain. She said that she'll take a hot bath when she gets home. Please feel better dear Martha !!! She likes this baby picture :)
'God is a Good Parent'
God understands that we will make mistakes and disappoint him and ourselves. What God asks is simply that we come home, that we share our lives with him, that we let him help us in those ways in which we are powerless to help ourselves.
Thursday, October 3, 2013 at Focus
I was happy to see Martha at the center ttoday feeling better from her neck strain. Praise God! Martha & I decided to stay in the center on Thursdays for the '40 days for Life' campaign, which will give us a chance to restore ourselves forthe next six weeks. We are unfortunately burned out & need to be in the center working. We are the only women, usually out on the front lines in the afternoons, plus we work in the center too. It's time for other people to get their feet wet on Thursdays. Rhonda came into Focus to talk to me for a few minutes & to drop off some baby clothes too. It was good seeing this nice person. Then somebody came to drop off some things & the afternoon went on with people & some small problems too. A pro life woman lost her keys, out on the front lines, but later on they were found. It all worked out okay. The ceiling in the Green Room was leaking again due to the air conditioner being on, which bothers me, for it looks awful. The landlord came in later on to look at it & said that he will get it fixed. He's trying. Someone locked the men's bathroom door & it took a couple of people to work on it, to no avail. Later on I went to the bathroom door & prayed to the Blessed Mother, St. Anthony & my Guardian Angel & I worked on it with a screw driver & it opened. Praise God & thank you for your prayers. Martha went out to the front lines to be with a mother & her baby daughter so that she wouldn't be alone. While Martha was gone I had a pregnant mom, with her older daughter come in, to get some things for her next child. She took a lot of things but has five children, not counting the baby in her womb. Another mom came in with her baby daughter in a baby carriage. She needed diapers & formula, which we had. She shopped around for awhile. When Martha came back into the center she said that a woman, who was the passenger in the car, drove out crying & the mom who was out there with her baby started crying too. It's such a sad & evil place Planned Parenthood. I was sad when I heard this, for this woman didn't have to have her precious baby killed, by abortionist Rachael Phelps, or anyone else. Why women why??????
'Pathway to God'
Almost anything we see or experience can be a prayer—a pathway or tool for turning into God. There is a whole spectrum of ways that can raise us to conscious union with God; passages of Scripture, repetition of words, silence, breathing, even suffering. Such experiences become springboards and passageways into God's presence.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at Focus
It was a very busy day & we saw a lot of people that came into Focus for diapers & clothes for themselves & their families. We started out with opening the door then the doorbell rang & rang & rang again. The Fidelis Care representative came in & we sat her in the Green Room to do her work. Martha & I whiffed down some lunch, no time for talking, & off we went to help our clients with their needs. We had a few pregnant moms come in for Layette's & Martha gave them what they needed. Nye, who is at Focus on Mondays & Fridays, made of up six Layette's & Martha had given away four of them now. I was happy to see Lisa come in & I greeted her & then asked her if she would call our pregnant clients from the Intake Sheets, she said "yes, she will". I was happy, happy happy! Two hours later she told me of the great news that we have another precious that was born on October 3rd. 2013. Her name is Justine & she was 5lbs.14oz.. Mother & sweet baby are doing well. It is such a joy for a baby to be born! I was thrilled that she was calling our clients to see if they needed anything from Focus & how they were doing :). I was scheduled at 4pm to have a meeting with Fr. Edison & Job & his co worker Brandon, they want to assist me with bettering our pregnancy center here, in the city. As the meeting was going on, in the Green Room, I heard the voice of Pat in the hallway & got up & excused myself to see Pat. She had picked up, from school, Akara, who had been born 1 lb. 9 ozs. & Zymeire, who was almost killed by RU486 abortion pills, with her. They are her great grandchildren. They are growing up so quickly. I gave everyone a hug & said "hello"& then left them with Martha & Lisa to assist Pat. Then three girls came into the center, after seeing our A-Frame sign out on the sidewalk, & they wanted to know more about us. Martha gave them the information. I was now back sitting at the table & Job was discussing what we can do to help Focus more. He wants to open up a new website for just Focus information & a donation site on it too. I wrote down the many ideas that both Fr. Edison & Job had. Then Martha came into the room & she was holding a very small baby. I got up & took the baby away from Martha & held her for a few minutes & then gave her to Fr. Edison to hold, he was smiling. After Martha left we continued the meeting. It was very successful & it lasted for more then an hour. I was pleased with the results & grateful too for their assistance to Focus. Praise God! We will meet again in November. Lisa & Paul had to leave & Linda came now to help us this evening. She is a fast worker & does a lot in the couple of hours that she's with us. We had more donations dropped off today & the blue storage room was filling up fast. I was happy that we have so many things to give out to the needy people in our community. We want to help them in their lives & their souls.
'You're In Charge'
Maybe it's time to take a TV break and, as a family, figure out how to become more intentional in your viewing habits so God can use this to bring out the best in you rather than the worst. After all, it's your home and you're in charge of the guest list!
Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at Focus Today we started out with Martha & myself. Paul came later to help us. We were answering the door & pitting donations into the two Material Aid Rooms. Paul was cleaning the toys & then he put them into the rooms, for the children. The doorbell rang & it was Kay & her husband from St. Pius the Tenth Church, in Chili, with non-perishable food for our shelves to pass out to our hungry client's families. They come to Focus every three months & October is our month. After they left a woman came in & said "do you have any food"? "Yes we do" was my reply. Because so many people come in for food I have now made it 8 items that they can take instead of 10. I wish that we had more food for everyone, every day that we're open, in every month. Maybe someday. I do give them our updated Food Pantry referral list, to take with them. I have to say to the girls "we're not your food source because we don't always have food". It's hard. It was about an hour later that Kay called me asking if anyone found her drivers license. I said "no Kay, I'm sorry". She said that she had put it her pocket & now can't find it. I asked her to pray to St. Anthony, the Patron of lost items. I wish her well, it's no fun losing things such as a drivers license. I have to go work in the offfice because I'm the only one who knows how to use the computer. Martha does so many other things, it's balanced. We work very well together. I have many questions to answer, that Lou Ann has asked me to furnish her, in order for her to help our work. She's also working on a term paper, at RIT College, & she's focusing on Focus. My cell phone keeps on ringing & I have to take care of that too. It's after 4pm & the Elim Students weren't here yet. I was beginning to worry then the Holy Spirti reminded me that they said last week that they weren't able to come in today. I felt better now.
'Humbly Waiting'
The essence of prayer consists in humble waiting—in a childlike openness and expectation and listening. To pray means we make ourselves present and available to God so that we are truly ready to open the door when Jesus comes and knocks.
Thursday, October 10, 2013 at Focus Mass at Focus tonight. Martha & I are staying in Focus, for the six weeks that the '40 Days for Life' people are out on the front lines, praying in front of Planned Parenthood. I got to the center to see that Sheila was about to leave for I was running a little late today. As she was in the car I asked how did it go this morning & she told me that there is a man holding a sign 'Support Planned Parenthood' standing with the '40 Days for Life' people. Chris a young man she said tried to witness to him but he still stayed doing what he was doing :( I said "thanks for telling me Sheila & have a great afternoon". My heart sank & I walked over to the sidewalk to see him standing there by the tree. I greeted both Tom & Kathleen & them walked over to the older man & said "I just want you to know that I'm praying for you". He said back "no need to". I then said "you're wrong", & then I walked into the pregnancy center with a sad heart. When I got into the center I noticed that Kathryn wasn't here today, she had sent me a email this past week saying that she was going to visit her daughter, who just had a baby girl & her son in law, in another State. We'll see her next Thursday. Paul wasn't here yet but I know that he'll show up later, for he's helping to set up for the Mass tonight. Martha was going to Angel Care, in Henrietta, to pick up some items for our clients then she was going to pick up her friend for the Mass, then come to Focus. The doorbell rang &it was our new volunteer Becky, a student at Geneseo College who we met at the Life Chain in October. I greeted her & put her to work. I know that this sounds rude but we were so busy. She took a bag of clothes & started to work on it sorting the clothes then putting them into the baskets in the appreciate rooms. I ordinate her to our center on Sunday after the Life Chain so she knew where to go with the clothes. She was such a trooper & I did appreciate all her work. She said that she would be coming back next week & I hope that we will see her again. I received a phone call on my cell & it was a pro life woman who I know asking if we, the people at the '40 Days for Life' campaign can hand out just the pens which have a pregnancy testing number on it rather than the truth packets to the people that they meet on the sidewalk. I said "no, the packet has so much great information in it & we need to have the girl's receive it, for we may never see them again". She said back to me :we'll see them again". I stated back that we probably won't. I then suggested that we put the pen into the plastic bag that holds the many brochures. She wasn't thrilled with that idea but I did it anyway. So much conflict with so many people. She sounded a bit upset but I hope later on she will realize what I'm trying to do too. Then I was told that this young lady who just came into Focus wanted a pregnancy test. I asked her to go into the Rose Room & I was walking behind her to have her fill out the Intake Sheet. She said that she wasn't feeling well & didn't want to fill out the paper but I told her that this information will help us to service her better. She filled out the questions. I suggested that she sees her doctor about her health issue & she said that she had an appointment with a doctor this afternoon. I asked where, for I was afraid that she'd say Planned Parenthood. She said it was the Anthony Jordan Health Clinic. I was relieved to hear this. She did the test & it was negative. I had noticed that she had put down that she had had an abortion so I gave her some brochures relating to the past abortion & talked with her for a few minutes too. When I opened up the door there was one of our long time clients standing there asking if she was pregnant for she was her friend & she wanted to be the Godmother. The young lady said that she was negative. The our client said that she had brought her into Focus for the test. I said "thank you". Then I said are you going to the doctors now & she said "yes" & off they both went out the door. Lynda came in from the front lines to tell me that they both went into Planned Parenthood! "What" I said, they told me that they were going the Jordan Health Clinic because her head was hurting her so badly. Lynda said that she had spoken to them as they were walking into the death mill & one of the girls said "we're not pregnant so we're no killing anyone they do other things too". Yeah, they give you contraception which DOES kill your unborn baby & you too, sometimes. Please be a good parent!!!! I will speak to our long time client when she comes back into Focus, for things, for her precious young daughter. I'm not sure what to do at this time but I'm thinking of banning her from Focus for two months....not sure yet. It was about five months ago that Martha told me that she went into the Rose Room & took a pregnancy out of the box & went into the bathroom & did it there. Not acceptable! I should have confronted her when she came back the next time & banned her from the center for we don't accept stealing or bad behavior at the pregnancy center. Maybe it's time but I don't want her to go to Planned Parenthood. Come Holy Spirit & guide me with this young lady. I called Pat, our grandmother & great grandmother to tell her that someone was going to drop off before Mass a frozen chicken that we want you to have. Then she said "did you see it on the TV news. Someone broke into the house this morning around 2:30am. There is blood all over the place. I had to protect the children. I can't talk right now Mary & I'll call you back". I was in shock & said "good bye" & hung up. When I had some time in the office later on I checked the local TV websites to find nothing on this break in. I was glad that Pat & the children were all right. The robber wasn't dead because she would have said that & it would have been in the news. I'll have to wait to see what happened. Poor Pat :( We were all getting ready for our Mass tonight. Sandy came to help us out too. The doorbell rang & I answered it to greet David who was going to take our pictures for the St. John of Rochester Church's webpage. The parish just gave us a very generous check this month. It was such a blessing! I dislike my picture taken but this was worth it. Then other people came for the Mass. Martha said that Fr. Edison came before six o'clock but realized that he had forgotten the Hosts & Wine, for the Mass. He had to go back to St. Charles Borreomo Church to get them for tonight. More people came & Fr. arrived around 6:20pm. The Mass was beautiful, as always. Then we had a very delicious supper of homemade chili, thanks to Martha, & someone brought homemade macaroni & cheese with a bread crumb covering & we had cheese & crackers & Martha's homemade apple Betty & chocolate cake mmmmm good!! A lot of people helped to clean up & then they left. I went home about 30 minutes later. It was a stressful day but the Mass made it all okay :)
Saturday, October 12, 2013 in front of Planned Parenthood Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Rally. October 13th., the Holy Father Francis will consecrate the World to the Immaculate Heart of Mary!!! After the Mass at Our Lady of Victory Martha & I went to Focus to get ready for the Rosary in front of the Killing Mill Planned Parenthood. Martha had the very large wrapped up poster for the rally in her car. I knew that we would be the only ones praying for this rally was in many other places today. So we want to the sidewalk & held the large sign & started the Rosary. A few minutes later the police came to attend the situation right in front of Planned Parenthood's brick side, of the building. We were on the other side of the sidewalk. I looked over to see many bottles all over the sidewalk. It was a huge mess. The policeman controlled the situation telling a young man to clean it up. The man Jim, who lives across from this abortion mill, came over with a very large black bag for the clean up. Martha & I kept on praying. I don't want to give into a distraction. We were now on the second decade of the Rosary when a man with a Rosary came walking over to us. He held the large sign in the middle & prayed along with Martha & I. After the prayers we all went to Focus to eat lunch. We invited David, & he said "yes, that would be nice". We had tuna fish sandwiches & lots of great cookies. He sat with Martha & I & the conversations were splendid. A very interesting man. He said that he had called & asked to volunteer but was told that we didn't need anymore people. "What"! I said, when was that? He said that a man said this about two years ago. I said "What"!! I don't know what happened back then but we sure could use you now. He said that he would come by after work one day a week. I said "that's a deal & thank you very much". He will be a wonderful asset to Focus. He told Martha & I many stories & was very pro life. He said that his wife was not a Catholic & they have been married for eight years now. One never knows maybe someday she'll be a Catholic. Lets hope so :) It was a very interesting afternoon. After David left Martha & I got ready for the Mass at 4:30pm for our Sunday obligation. After Mass we went out for supper at the Southwedge Restaurant. Mmmmm good!!!!
'Act of Forgiveness'
Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling. We begin with God's command, we go through a grieving process if necessary, and when the time is right, we make an act of forgiveness. It is as simple as saying, “I forgive.” Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at Focus Martha, & I were there today & Linda came at 4:30pm to help us out with our clients & putting away the donations. We were very busy with lots to do. The office work & the incoming & outgoing phone calls keeps me busy. It was later in the evening when the doorbell rang & I saw our pregnant client at the door. I let her in nervously & spoke with her for a few minutes before doing other things. She said that Donna was going to come to pick her up so I felt better about her now. She looked in both material aid rooms & roamed around. Trying to talk to her is difficult at times. Donna came & there was a misunderstanding. Our client thought that Donna was going to take her to her house for the night but Donna said "no, that won't work out". Our client was upset & we tried to talk with her to rectify this problem of where she is going to go, for the night. She said that her boyfriend, the father of this baby & her other child, which someone is caring for, is in jail. She left her protected shelter in a nice area to go live with him in a bad area?? So Donna said that she would take her to the apartment for the night. The director of the shelter told Donna that our client could re register with her again to hopefully be put back into the shelter. It's up to the young lady to what she wants for herself & her precious baby. Will she choose: the good or the bad?? It's so difficult to reason with some people. She sat there & said to me "can you buy me a house"? I looked at her puzzled & said "yes & then you can buy me one". The she looked puzzled back at me. This is the kind of talk that was going on tonight not resolving the many problems that she has. She doesn't like the rules in the shelter though provides safety for her & her baby. I then said "if you don't care about yourself then please care about her baby". Martha & I then said "good bye" to both Donna & our client & off they went to Jay St.. We then made supper & was eating at 7pm when the doorbell rang. Martha answered the door & in came Donna & Miss N.. What had happened?? Apparently our client didn't want to be in the apartment so she asked Donna to take her back to Focus. Not a good idea girls. What were we suppose to do now?? We tried to talk with her but it was like talking to a wall.....no good answers to all the questions that we had for her. We suggested that she call the Emergency Shelter number so I gave it to her & she called. It went back & forth with the two of them & then she hung up. I quickly asked her why she had hung up & she said "because she had me on hold". Are you kidding me. My heart was beating faster. I then said to her "it's 8pm & you have no where to go & it doesn't seem to bother you, why not"? No real answer. She then went in to the Rose Room & closes the door. Before Donna left I asked her to call 911 & have the police stop by & maybe that they could help her. She did & then she left to go home which is about 45 minutes away. I waited for the police car to arrive & I received a phone call from the 911 dispatcher saying that they didn't know where to go & if I was in the place. I gave the address again& said "yes, I'm here at the center". I walked outside to see a police car coming out of Planned Parenthood's parking lot coming towards me in our parking lot. I told the operator that they found where we were & all is fine & then I said "thank you" & "good bye" & hung up. I greeted the two police officers who came in the center & told them what was happening. Then I knocked on the Rose Room door & opened it & said to our client that Officer Murray wanted to speak to you. She looked surprise which is expected & they both went in & I closed the door. The doorbell rang again & it was Pat, our grandmother & great grandmother, came in the door. We sat her down in the Green Room & she went on saying that she was going to live in a tent on the corner of Frost Ave. & Jefferson St. for nine day & nights for her children. I couldn't believe this all was happening tonight. I strongly said that this was not safe & that I hoped that she wouldn't do it. She said that she was going ahead with this mission. What has she been drinking???? She left before the police men came out of the Rose Room. They were in there speaking to our pregnant client for about 15 minutes & then came out to speak to Martha & I in the Green Room. They were perplexed too. They called for an emergency team to come to assess the situation but they were all tied up so it would be a very long wait & they couldn't wait much longer & either could we. So we decided to have her go back to the apartment on Jay St. because she did have a place to stay & that's what the emergency team would tell her to do. I called for a taxi & Focus paid for it & off she went back to the prison that she choose for her baby & herself. Tomorrow is another day & I hope & pray that she made better choices for herself & her innocent baby. Lord have Mercy!
'Christian Community'
To be a Christian is to be in community, working, praying, learning, and serving with others. We learn by doing. As a community we are on a mission to serve our God by serving each other and the world around us.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at Focus
So much going on at Focus. The doorbell rings & rings & rings some more......which is good. Paul wasn't with Martha & I today & Martha had to leave for about two hours in the afternoon so I was by myself then. It worked out okay because a lot of people came in before she left. A lot of pregnant moms need Layettes for their babies. A delivery of all new baby clothes came in from Holy Spirit which we are grateful for & more came in from St. Pius the Tenth Church too. Great!! Martha was on the front lines early this morning & she brought into Focus two young girls who were heading to Planned Parenthood for a pregnancy test. They were both negative but she said for them to come back for a retake if they didn't get their monthly, for it was to soon to tell. I hope that they got their monthly periods. I was happy to hear that they didn't go to Planned Parenthood for the tests! Great job Martha :) When she was away I had some people come in to attend to. An older man came to the door & I asked him if he wanted a pregnancy test, he laughed & said "no, just some bread". I chucked & told him that he could get some in the hallway. He was grateful. He comes about twice a month, nice man. He also needs a large blanket, but so far we didn't get any in the center as yet. We want to help as many people as we can. I did tell him that he was in pregnancy center. It was now 4pm & the doorbell rang & it was our two Elim Students coming to help us. I greeted them with a hug & asked them to wok putting the donations away. They were happy to do the work. I talked to them, as they were working, for we are very grateful for their presence.
'Importance of Prayer'
Prayer and ritual are kindling that sets our hearts burning. Whenever possible, take time to sit in silence. Open your heart to the Holy Spirit, the gentle breath that ignites the kindling and sets our hearts on fire. Thursday, October 17, 2013 at Focus
I was getting ready to go to Mass then to the center when I received a call from Sheila asking where was the A-Frame sign. It's a frame that we put two signs on it in front of Planned Parenthood. I told her it was in the Blue Room behind the other signs. She went to look again & then came back to the phone saying that it wasn't there. Oh no the sign had been stolen!! I was so upset. It must have happened last Thursday when I was in the center all afternoon. The last person, who was out there on the sidewalk praying ,didn't fold up the sign & bring it into the center, so it was left out there on the sidewalk & stolen. I know that these things will happen but when they do it's not pleasant. I prayed that the Lord will turn this around & make it into good. I hung up with Sheila & got ready for church. When I got to the center there was no one was in the building & there were three girls & a couple of children waiting for me to open up the door. Kathryn is still away. I was busy & I didn't get a chance to go to the front lines again today. The people from the '40 Days for Life' were out there praying & witnessing. Martha didn't come until 1:20pm & Paul didn't come until much later. We all just kept on ding what we do at the center in assisting our clients with their needs. Lynda came to Focus at 2pm & we talked for a few minutes & then she helped us out. Then she was lead to go to the sidewalk to witness with a graphic sign Malachi. I briefly went out to talk with her & she was speaking with a young man. He said that his sister had had an abortion a couple of years ago & just had a miscarriage of twins. My heart ached for him so I invited him to follow me into the center for some specific literature that would help her & him. I went to the Rose Room & picked up the appropriate brochures & went to the hall where I saw that he was with Lynda & he was crying. I went over to the table in the Green Room & picked up a paper weight with a picture of Christ on it. I went back to the hall & handed this to him & said "when you are in distress just look at His face & He will console you". He said "than you with his watery eyes looking at me. I left & Lynda continues to talk to him until he left. How sad!! Our new volunteer came to help us out today. Thursdays are good for her & for us too. We kept her very busy with all the donation & clients. She did a great job. Elizabeth was kept at work late again tonight so she wasn't with me to work in the center. I went home at 8pm.
Please go to next page # 22. Thank you!!!
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