Happy Easter!

I pray you all had a blessed and holy Easter! 

Just watching the last part of The Bible on the History channel . . . beautifully done and the perfect way to end a joyful day!

He is risen!!!

God bless,
Bonnie

Holy Saturday

Today is a day of waiting . . . waiting for our Risen Christ. Waiting for a new season of hope. We are an Easter people, and tomorrow is a grand celebration. May you all have a holy and blessed Easter.   

Todays Gospel (Luke 24:1-12) shows even those closest to Christ still had some doubt:

At daybreak on the first day of the week  the women who had come from Galilee with Jesus  took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb; but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were puzzling over this, behold, two men in dazzling garments appeared to them. They were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground.  They said to them, “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised. Remember what he said to you while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day.” And they remembered his words. Then they returned from the tomb and announced all these things to the eleven and to all the others. The women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James; the others who accompanied them also told this to the apostles, but their story seemed like nonsense and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb, bent down, and saw the burial cloths alone; then he went home amazed at what had happened.

In Anne a lay apostle's book Serving in Clarity, she suggests we must seek to understand:

"With obedience comes humility and with humility comes obedience. You might say one feeds the other. Again, this does not mean we cannot question decisions or requests. It is normal to seek clarity when we do not understand. But we must do so respectfully, mindful of the presence of God in others and careful not to influence others to doubt. Those who challenge in arrogance know what I am saying and those whose spirit is false and duplicitous are known to God. How often the enemy speaks with pretend innocence and with no intention of accepting God’s clarity. How often the enemy sets up a holy man for ambush. The enemy thinks he is very clever indeed but God reads souls, my friends. He knows what is in our hearts. Now, if we are quite certain that a given human authority claiming to represent the Church has it wrong, clearly we have a dilemma and because we are dealing with humanity this can happen. In such times we must be very prayerful, saying, “Jesus, surely You are aware that You have a problem here.” We must speak our conscience honestly, respectfully and privately to the authority in question and then leave the Lord to get on with His job, continuing on our walk to personal holiness via the path of obedience. Spiritual direction in these situations is invaluable." 

Lay apostles, think about the apostles and followers of Jesus today and what they must have been experiencing finding the tomb empty.  Celebrate tomorrow as they did when Jesus appeared to them. 

Thank you, Lord, for giving me hope and faith. Tomorrow will truly be a celebration!

God bless and Happy Easter!

Bonnie

Our Pope Francis

Just saw this photo on Pope Francis' Facebook page. Thank you, Jesus, for such a blessing!

This is absolutely stunning . . .

God bless,
Bonnie

Good Friday

The other day I was talking with my youngest daughter Taylor while we babysat my grandson Colton. I looked at this baby boy and thought about Jesus. I asked Taylor if she could imagine the anguish our Blessed Mother must have felt watching her Baby Boy be tortured. It brought tears to our eyes. This morning, as we think about Our Savior facing this day over 2,000 years ago, we must offer Our Lady sympathy for the pain she endured watching her Son scourged, then nailed to a tree, dying a criminal's death. Thank Our Lord for enduring such terror for us. 

Todays Gospel (John 18:1-19, 42) takes my breath away . . . and the reason I pray the Sorrowful Mysteries for almost every Rosary I pray. There is nothing I suffer even close to what Jesus suffered. Read this and you will understand the sacrifice He made for us:

Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley  to where there was a garden,  into which he and his disciples entered. Judas his betrayer also knew the place,  because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas got a band of soldiers and guards  from the chief priests and the Pharisees  and went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus, knowing everything that was going to happen to him,  went out and said to them, “Whom are you looking for?” They answered him, “Jesus the Nazorean.” He said to them, “I AM.” Judas his betrayer was also with them. When he said to them, “I AM, “  they turned away and fell to the ground. So he again asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” They said, “Jesus the Nazorean.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I AM. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill what he had said,  “I have not lost any of those you gave me.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it,  struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its scabbard. Shall I not drink the cup that the Father gave me?”

So the band of soldiers, the tribune, and the Jewish guards seized Jesus, bound him, and brought him to Annas first. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had counseled the Jews that it was better that one man should die rather than the people.

Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Now the other disciple was known to the high priest,  and he entered the courtyard of the high priest with Jesus. But Peter stood at the gate outside. So the other disciple, the acquaintance of the high priest,  went out and spoke to the gatekeeper and brought Peter in. Then the maid who was the gatekeeper said to Peter,  “You are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the slaves and the guards were standing around a charcoal fire that they had made, because it was cold, and were warming themselves. Peter was also standing there keeping warm.

The high priest questioned Jesus  about his disciples and about his doctrine. Jesus answered him, “I have spoken publicly to the world. I have always taught in a synagogue  or in the temple area where all the Jews gather,  and in secret I have said nothing. Why ask me? Ask those who heard me what I said to them. They know what I said.” When he had said this,  one of the temple guards standing there struck Jesus and said,  “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?” Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Now Simon Peter was standing there keeping warm. And they said to him, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the slaves of the high priest,  a relative of the one whose ear Peter had cut off, said,  “Didn’t I see you in the garden with him?” Again Peter denied it. And immediately the cock crowed.

Then they brought Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium. It was morning. And they themselves did not enter the praetorium,  in order not to be defiled so that they could eat the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and said,  “What charge do you bring against this man?” They answered and said to him, “If he were not a criminal,  we would not have handed him over to you.” At this, Pilate said to them,  “Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law.” The Jews answered him,  “We do not have the right to execute anyone, “ in order that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled that he said indicating the kind of death he would die. So Pilate went back into the praetorium and summoned Jesus and said to him,  “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own  or have others told you about me?” Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting  to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here.” So Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world,  to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

When he had said this, he again went out to the Jews and said to them, “I find no guilt in him.
But you have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at Passover. Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” They cried out again, “Not this one but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said,
“Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly. Once more Pilate went out and said to them,  “Look, I am bringing him out to you,  so that you may know that I find no guilt in him.”
So Jesus came out,  wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak. And he said to them, “Behold, the man!” When the chief priests and the guards saw him they cried out,  “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him.” The Jews answered,  “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die,  because he made himself the Son of God.” Now when Pilate heard this statement, he became even more afraid,  and went back into the praetorium and said to Jesus,  “Where are you from?” Jesus did not answer him. So Pilate said to him, “Do you not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you  and I have power to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me  if it had not been given to you from above. For this reason the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.” Consequently, Pilate tried to release him; but the Jews cried out,  “If you release him, you are not a Friend of Caesar. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.”

When Pilate heard these words he brought Jesus out  and seated him on the judge’s bench  in the place called Stone Pavement, in Hebrew, Gabbatha. It was preparation day for Passover, and it was about noon. And he said to the Jews, “Behold, your king!” They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.

So they took Jesus, and, carrying the cross himself,  he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull,  in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others,  one on either side, with Jesus in the middle. Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews.” Now many of the Jews read this inscription,  because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city;  and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate,  “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am the King of the Jews’.” Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four shares, a share for each soldier. They also took his tunic, but the tunic was seamless,  woven in one piece from the top down. So they said to one another,  “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it will be, “ in order that the passage of Scripture might be fulfilled that says: They divided my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots. This is what the soldiers did. Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

After this, aware that everything was now finished,  in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled,  Jesus said, “I thirst.” There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

Here all kneel and pause for a short time.

Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one,  the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and that they be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth,  so that you also may come to believe. For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled: Not a bone of it will be broken. And again another passage says: They will look upon him whom they have pierced.

After this, Joseph of Arimathea,  secretly a disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews,  asked Pilate if he could remove the body of Jesus. And Pilate permitted it. So he came and took his body. Nicodemus, the one who had first come to him at night,  also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about one hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and bound it with burial cloths along with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried. So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day; for the tomb was close by.

In Volume One, Anne a lay apostle describes one Good Friday she experienced, learning the value of suffering for Jesus:

"On Good Friday, for example, I was in my own spiritual and personal anguish and was going to take a bath after a long, long, horrid day filled with all manner of suffering. I ran the water in the bathroom, and I heard Him calling me to kneel down and say the Sorrowful Mysteries. I tried to ignore Him. I mean, I have to stress the dreadfulness of the day, which had been offered up for my Jesus. I went back into the bathroom and interiorly heard Him give an anguished, tortured call to me to come and comfort Him. It was from a soul, a person, a human in agony. I went back into my bedroom and knelt down and said the Rosary as best I could, given my fatigue. Afterwards I went in to take a bath and He called me again. Like an overdone mother I glanced at Him interiorly as if to say, “Are You kidding me?” And He said, “Now it is My turn to comfort you. You left too quickly.” I went back and knelt down and we conversed about suffering and its value. Afterwards I was peaceful, trusting that He would lift my difficulties when He desired. The point of that story is that He listens to the prayers, as He did that night. He listened to my Rosary and only then did He move to speak with me. Based on my experience of God’s goodness, He only wanted to comfort me, and His cry of anguish was the only way to get me back to Him to pray. Had He prompted me saying, “I want to comfort you,” I would have said, “Forget it, Jesus. It’s all for You,” really being just too tired and despondent to interact. I’m not expressing this well. He used His anguish to comfort me. This is what He does."

Lay apostles, make this day calm and contemplative. Continually thank Jesus for His suffering. Thank Him for your life.

Thank you, Lord, for dying so my sins would be forgiven. Thank you, Blessed Mother, for enduring the suffering watching your Son must have caused in your heart.

God bless,
Bonnie

Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday invokes visions of Jesus calmly washing the feet of His disciples, knowing His hour had come and the inhumane torture He was about to endure. I try to imagine what He must have been feeling . . . thinking. Sad because those He loved would betray Him? Frustrated He would be put to death like a criminal? Anxious about the pain of the first whip to strike His Body?  Probably. He was human. But He is also looking at the big picture, thinking about us and God's Will for Him. He knows His death leads to our salvation. This contemplation lead me to thinking about my girls. I would do anything for them. I would die for them. If I knew my death would save them, I would do it in a heartbeat. I can see myself, for the girls sake, being calm and loving the night before; trying to get every life lesson in before I died. Trying to help them live a better life by walking closely with Christ in humility. Jesus loved His disciples as deeply as we love our children. We must all remember on this Maundy Thursday how the Son of God humbly washed the feet of those He loved . . . including the man who would betray Him. It's all about love, isn't it? Loving others despite their intentions. Forgive them, Lord, for they know not what they do.

In the Gospel today (John 13:1-15), Jesus doesn't skip a beat in teaching His disciples the meaning of service to others:

Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over. So, during supper,  fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power  and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin  and began to wash the disciples’ feet  and dry them with the towel around his waist. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him,  “Master, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him,  “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” Simon Peter said to him,  “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.” Jesus said to him,  “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over;  so you are clean, but not all.” For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

So when he had washed their feet  and put his garments back on and reclined at table again,  he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet,  you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow,  so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

In Anne a lay apostle's book Lessons in Love, she directs us to spend time with Jesus in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament if we feel we are faltering:

"Jesus sends the greatest sacramental graces through the Church and those who have decided to do without these graces are in actual fact rejecting the very food that nourishes holiness. Also, God, as the source of all wisdom, knows the most effective ways to assist humanity. If we are serving with Him, He can direct our efforts in a way that makes them abundantly fruitful, far more fruitful than if we do not access and heed His direct counsel. Perhaps those fallen-aways who were baptized Catholic can be encouraged to meet the Jesus of the Bible. If one studies Jesus Christ scripturally, one falls in love with Him. He was fair, just, and always loving. Since all of Christianity is based on the Lord’s life, it would seem wise to have a good look at Him personally before rejecting Him and the way of life He  began. While doing this, one could ask the Lord to reveal Himself if He chooses. At that point, after one has studied Jesus in Scripture and found Him to be good, perhaps the one who searches for truth should sit with Jesus in front of the tabernacle. As Catholics, we believe in the Lord’s true presence in the Eucharist, which He Himself announced on Holy Thursday at the Last Supper. The one who has rejected his faith could then ask the Lord to reveal Himself through the Eucharist."

Lay apostles, imagine this is your last day on this earth. How would you spend it? Organize your day with this in mind. Call a loved one; attend daily Mass; babysit for a young mother; talk to your children about Jesus and humility (even if your children are 50!). Live this day, then the next day, and the next as if your last. I couldn't imagine any better preparation to meet our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Thank you, Lord, for Your humble service the night before Your death. I promise to do my best to live each day as my last. 

God bless,

Bonnie  

P.S. FGCU's (our local boys in Ft. Myers!) basketball coach Andy Enfield has this quote in his office: “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” Let's not miss a chance to serve!

Wednesday of Holy Week

Letting go of unnecessary struggles is not easy. Dictionary.com defines the word struggle as, "to be coping with inability to perform well or to win; contend with difficulty." Do we struggle out of fear? Fear we will lose; fear we will be shamed; fear of death; fear of (you insert the word)?  Decisions we make based on fear do not involve God, they usually involve ego. Talking to my sister Diane yesterday, she gave me a great acronym for the word EGO: Edging God Out. So why do we let our egos get in the way? Because it's familiar. Because if we don't protect our fragile egos, who will? The answer to the question is easy . . . God. He is our Great Protector. I firmly believe, as a result of this mission, it doesn't matter what threats or conditions I endure. He is worth the fight.  After all, He fought for us and died for our sins. It's the least we can do for Him.

In todays Gospel (Matthew 26:14-25), the betrayal continues:

One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,  went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said,
“Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, AMy appointed time draws near;  in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”" The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.

When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said,  “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”

In Anne a lay apostle's book Whispers From the Cross, she clarifies why retaliation when we are wounded by another only hurts Christ:

"A proclaimed enemy at least allows us to be on guard. When one pretends to be a friend, we allow love to flow through us to them. We give. Our guard is down. When this love is exploited and it is found that person has abused love, one’s trust can be badly shaken. Such hurt. The only place to take it is to the foot of the Crucified Christ. That is the only place where it will make sense. And, when we deliver this hurt to Jesus, He is able to console us and guide us through the temptations that accompany betrayal. Now, there can be a grave temptation to slap back. This is a grave temptation for many reasons, the first and most being that we will do further injury to God’s plan if we behave like God’s enemy. Should we verbalize our hurt? Only if there is a receptivity at the other end. If there is no such receptivity, we risk engaging in what can become a dark dialogue that will take us further and further from peace. If there is receptivity, then we should verbalize our pain and seek reconciliation, but not until we are recollected in God’s love. There is no benefit to taking anger, fueled by God’s enemy, to someone who has hurt us."

Lay apostles, what are you struggling with today? Think about it. Write it down if you have to. Then let it go. Let Jesus heal your woundedness. Aim to please Him, not your own ego. It's not easy, but every day you let bits and pieces of your stuggles go, the easier it is to handle bumps in the road arising in the future.

Thank you, Lord, for my life, my struggles, my fears. Continue to remind me to rely on You when fear begins to creep in. I honestly don't know how people do it without You!

God bless,
Bonnie

Tuesday of Holy Week

Betrayal . . . a word and action none of us want to experience, but cannot avoid. When my youngest daughter Taylor was 14 years old, she experienced the ultimate teenage betrayal. Her crush on the blond-haired, blue-eyed quarterback freshman year was every girl's dream guy.  The first week of school he saw her in between classes and asked if she needed help finding her class. Boom!  That's all it took to become her first high school crush. Excited about him approaching her, she rushed to tell her best friend. She described him to a tee, every detail she could remember. A few weeks later, her best friend was dating him. Taylor was devastated. Time heals, but when I asked her to recall the memory, it all came rushing back. The fact that someone who knows you better then anyone else can turn on you in what seems like overnight is unbelievable. If we struggle with it, imagine how our Savior must have felt.

In todays Gospel (John 13:21-33, 36-38), Jesus identifies his betrayer:

Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant. One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side. So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant. He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him, “Master, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.” So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him. Some thought that since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus had told him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or to give something to the poor. So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.

When he had left, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, ‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you.”

Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.” Peter said to him, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.”

In Anne a lay apostle's book Whispers From the Cross, she sees betrayal in a different light:

"There is something beautiful about betrayal. It can be an exquisite thing, a breath-stopping moment for an apostle. The reason betrayal can be exquisite is because it is a ‘call to follow’ of the highest order. How did Jesus handle betrayal? Jesus handled it like a lamb. This does not mean that He was not tempted to bitterness but we know that He successfully overcame these temptations because one of his last statements was a plea for the Father to forgive those who were hurting Him. We must do the same. The reason a moment of betrayal must be breath-stopping is because in every betrayal the enemy has seeded a plan of destruction. At the very least, the enemy hopes to destroy our peace. At the very most, the enemy hopes for alteration of a heavenly plan. If our breath stops in the face of a betrayal, let that be a good thing because we want to move oh-so-carefully. We want to examine each possible course of action and separate our personal reaction from the response God should be able to expect from a holy apostle."

Lay apostles, as you contemplate the last days of Jesus this week, think about how you have handled betrayals in the past. And after reading the quote from Anne's book, how will you face them in the future? See it for what it is . . . the enemy using whatever it takes to draw you off the path to heaven. 

Thank you, Lord, for Your suffering in the last days of Your Life. Help us to remember the pain and betrayal You encountered from those who were the closest to Your Sacred Heart. And forgive them as You did.

God bless, 

Bonnie

Traps of Evil

Writing this blog allows me to express how I am feeling. Others may not like what I have to say, but my thoughts are my thoughts. I am nothing special. But I am a lay apostle trying to do everything the Lord asks of me with love and kindness for this mission. I keep myself in check with those I love and trust, making sure I interpret meaning and intent in what I read and hear. It's very sad when others take their misery out on me.  Sometimes the truth hurts. I know it hurts because there have been many truths about myself I've had to look at over the last 7 years since becoming a lay apostle. So, when you read something on my blog that offends you, think about why it offends. Is there some truth to it? Is it something you don't want to admit about yourself because if you did it would mean you are flawed just like me? 

In todays Gospel (John 12:1-11), see how others assume the worst with a selfish attitude when what was being done was for the Lord:

Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him.  Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.  Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?” He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions. So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.

In Anne a lay apostle's book The Mist of Mercy, she beautifully describes the traps of evil:

"As lay apostles, we must look into each relationship in our lives and be certain that we follow Godly principles. We must seek to be genuinely giving, with an awareness that we should strive to set an example of Christlike behavior to each other. The devil does not want this, of course. The devil wants to use us to exploit those around us. People cooperate by using others, perhaps for sex, for money, for power, or ego. We must be scrupulous not to fall into these traps. There is no benefit to reading, or indeed writing a work such as this if we use it only to identify the flaws of others. We must search tirelessly for our own flaws, using the example set by Jesus Christ as our behavioral goal."

Lay apostles, think before you speak . . . read before you send. Don't let the traps of piety, power or ego get in the way of Christlike behavior. We are all servants of heaven. Serve the best you can. It's all any of us can do.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing the true joy and happiness being a lay apostle brings. You have strengthened me with Your Words and those surrounding me.

God bless,

Bonnie

Grapes & Apes

For the past few months, I have been introduced to an event going on its 3rd year, Grapes & Apes. This is an event the Naples Rotary Club created to raise money for eradication of polio in the world (still a problem in yet a few countries); worldwide wheelchair program - to supply every person in need; and to provide funding for local education, etc. Great event and Jay and I have been in charge of the volunteers.  What a job this has been! But we are so excited for tomorrow night at the Naples Zoo! Tickets are still available for the event, so if you are in the Naples, FL area, please come and support a wonderful cause! There are still some entrance tickets available. Below are a few things going on:

Boost Your Wine IQ

If you pre-registered for our wine education hour, you will receive an admission pass by email in the next day or so.  Please plan to arrive by 4:45 PM to enter and get seated.  You must bring your pass to be admitted.  If you are confirmed on our sign up list but did not receive your pass by email please contact us this week. If you did not register, we are already booked to capacity so please understand we cannot accommodate more people. 

Grapes & Apes

We will only open admission into the wine and food areas at 6 PM. If you arrive early you may browse our silent auction packages and place bids.  Glasses and plates will only be distributed at 6 PM when barricades are removed.

Attire: Grapes & Apes is a casual event.  You can dress however you are most comfortable for the evening temperature.

Parking: The main zoo lot is our primary location so we ask people to carpool as much as possible.  Additional parking is available at both of the Fleishmann Park lots, one off Fleishmann Boulevard and the other across from the zoo on Goodlette Frank Road.  We have a trolley shuttle for those who park off site.  If you choose to walk, please use and obey the crosswalk signals.

Sunset Boat Cruises: The boat cruises, sponsored by Seminole Casino Immokalee, begin at 6 PM and will end at 7:30 PM.  We encourage you to start your evening down at Victoria Lake to avoid lines and see the monkeys while they are active and visible.

Auctions: This year we will have both a live and silent auctions.  The live auction from 7 to 7:30 PM includes fabulous trips to exotic far away places and the silent auction packages are uniquely combined to offer amazing experiences.  Silent auction ends at approximately 8:30 PM. See a list of packages below.

Entertainment: Naturally you'll get to see the animals in their habitats, but there is a lot more to enjoy!

There will be three Keeper Talks on Saturday night- Black Bears at 6:30 PM, Lions at 8:00 PM and Lions at 8:30 PM.  The animals are either fed or amused in ways that make them great fun to watch!  Additionally, six Animal Encounters allow you to get up close and personal with surprise zoo residents at 7:45, 8:15 and 8:45 PM along the pathway behind the Black Bears.

Music is always a hit at Grapes & Apes and we'll have six performers for your listening pleasure, individual musicians by the entrance, porcupines, zebras, black bears and lions all night and the band Synergy Triggered will start playing at 7:45 at the Pavilion.

Hours by Area: Please note the festivities down by the lake will end at 9 PM and the area by the Lions will close at 9:15 PM.  The Black Bear and Pavilion areas remain open until 10 PM.

Harley-Davidson Signed by BRUUUUCE!

Have you heard about our Harley?  It has 0.3 miles on the odometer and is a 2009 Softail signed by Bruce Springsteen and the entire E Street Band including Clarence Clemons! Donated to The Rotary Club of Naples by Soozie Tyrell violinist, guitarist and vocalist in the E Street Band we are raffling just 2000 tickets to win this collector's item with drawing to be held at Grapes & Apes!  Tickets are $50 each and can be bought by clicking here.

Auction Items

Live Auction: Starts promptly at 7 PM at the Pavilion. Among items available are trips to Paris, Napa, China, Tuscany and Bali.

Silent Auction: Opens at 5 PM. Here's a sample . . .

Balloons over Paradise - Lot #47

VIP seating for 10 guests in the VIP tent with food and beverages as well as access to all festival activities for Saturday April 20th or Sunday April 21st, 2013.  $2500 value

Barefoot Bliss - Lot #44

The Club at Barefoot Beach is delighted to present a summer membership to their Private Beach club offering a lifestyle of leisure, fun, variety and a calendar of special social events. Private beach and pool service, guesthouse privileges and all club amenities.  Sandals Off! This package includes A Summer Membership at the Private Club at Barefoot Beach. Member is entitled to full privileges to all of the Club Facilities.  No Equity Privileges, available while a summer Member.  5/1/13 thru 11/30/13. $3,500.00 Value

The Benzinger Winery - Lot #1

At Benziger, we're about three things: family, great wine and healthy vineyards. Enjoy an exclusive wine tour and tasting at our Glen Ellen winery and a 2-night stay in our Winery Guesthouse. Voted best Sonoma winery experience of 2012!  While in Napa, visit Cornerstone Cellars for a wine tasting for four.2 night stay for 4 at the Benziger Winery (expires June 2013); VIP tour for 4 into the vineyard and Barrel caves; Benziger tasting for 4; Cornerstone Cellars tasting for 4; AlphaOmega Winery tasting for 4; Air travel for 2 provided by Mad Travel (expires March 24, 2014).

Boyne Mountain - Lot #5 

Pick your season! Enjoy a weekend retreat at Boyne Mountain for skiing or golfing as you choose. Inspired by the inns of Switzerland and Austria, the Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa redefines the classic northern Michigan vacation. This package includes One night hotel's lodging; One day unlimited lift tickets for 2 or one round of golf with cart. Expires 3/23/14.

Belize 14-Day Yacht Charter - Lot #6

This package includes a 14 day yacht charter from Sunsail.  Other locations and larger boats are available for an upgrade fee. Available 4/16/13 - 12/15/13.

Turn around fee of $230, daily insurance of $59/day, and fuel not included.

By Land By Sea - Lot #42

For the Land Lover in you enjoy a day filled with the most beautiful scenery imaginable at the Naples Botanical Garden. Surf's Up! - Exercise your adventurous spirit and experience all of Naples beauty while you try out the paddleboard experience!  Old Naples Surf Shop will hook you up with a lesson or you may take the spectacular Eco-Tour.  Naples Beach Water Sports will take you OVER the Sea with their exhilarating Parasail Adventure! A fabulous adventure for any age!  This package includes Paddle Board rentals For 4 with private lesson Or Eco-Tour; 4 admission Tickets to Naples Botanical Gardens (expires 12/31/13); 2 Parasailing tours (expires 12/1/13.)

Captivating Captiva - Lot #34

You will be captivated by beautiful South Seas Island Resort.  South Seas is a resort and wildlife Sanctuary with boundless opportunity for family fun and adventure.  Spanning two and a half miles of shell-laden beaches framing the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico, this unique setting allows you to enjoy native Florida in all of its wondrous Beauty.  Family Fun at its BEST! This package includes 3 day/Two Nights Stay South Seas Island Resort in a Harbourside Guest-Room at the Pointe OR 1 bedroom Villa (Subject to resort availability).

Dapper Daddy's Day - Lot #17

Every guy deserves his day out, too!  You'll look and feel dapper your fine new threads from Mondo Uomo when you take 3 of your buddies out for a day of golf, food and fun! Nothing says dapper like playing the private and beautiful Vanderbilt Country Club.  After your best day of golf ever, head over to Randy's Fishmarket for a frosty cold drink and some fresh scrumptious seafood caught daily.  You da Man! This package includes 18 holes of golf for 4 at Vanderbilt Country Club; Golf Carts; Greens Fees and Driving Range (valid 5/15/13 - 10/15/13); $100 Randy's Fishmarket (Expires 4/1/14;  $200 Gift Certificate to Mondo Uomo

Date Night - Lot #36

Step out onto the red carpet on this date night! You'll be treated to a fun and riveting evening production of Agatha Christie's classic, Mouse Trap.  Solving a mystery is hungry business! Stroll over to Campiello or Café & Bar Lurcat for a decadent meal to top off your acclaimed evening.  This package includes 2 tickets for Mouse Trap (Friday May 10, 2013 8:00pm; $100 Gift Certificate for your choice of any D'Amico Family of Restaurants (Expires 12/31/13)

Dinner Club -Lot #32

Dinner is served!  Your party of 6 will have star treatment while they enjoy a

3 course dinner, on the nights of their choosing at Pazzo! Cucina Italiana,

Chops City Grill and Yabba Island Grill on 5th Avenue South. Great food

With great friends..Great evenings ahead! This package includes; 3 course $75 private dinner menu For 6 at each location. Does not include alcohol, to-go, transportation, Expires 3/23/14.

Do it all over again -Lot #21

Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony By Rev. Doug Pareti $50 gift Certificate to The Boathouse; monogrammed plush Robes provided by EmbroidMe; a bottle of Champagne; one night stay at the Naples Hilton(5/31/13 - 12/15/13)

Family Fun Package - Lot #25

You and 3 guests will enjoy a full day at 1 of Disney's 4 parks with the ability

to "Hop Around" to each of them.  Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom! Enjoy something out of this world at the Kennedy Space Center! 3 nights' accommodations at Grande Villa's Resort will keep you rested while on the go! This package includes 4 one day Hopper passes to Disney Parks Expires 1/28/15); 4 tickets to Kennedy Space Center; 3 nights stay Grande Villas Resort (must Be booked by 6/10/13 used by 6/13/13 blackout Dates 5/24-26 Incidental deposit and taxes Not included.

Fish Stay and Play! - Lot #31

Get your gear packed for your stay and play at the GullWing Resort! GullWing is located on the widest stretch of pristine white sand on Estero Island.

This package includes One full day, inshore fishing Trip on Estero Bay or Pine

Island Sound with Rotarian Jason Shimko, winner of theFilet & Release Tournament. After, Jason will treat you to some cold Beverages at Doc

Fords, on Ft. Myers Beach, FL (Expires 12/31/2013)

Fitness Frenzy - Lot #38

Pump You Up!!!

This package includes Bo's Fitness Camp 4 Weeks-3times a week 6:15am or 8:30am;  10 Personal Training Sessions from Ferrari Fitness (Expires 6/10/13)

3 Floatation Sessions Naples Massage and Neuromuscular.

Give it a Whirl - Lot #26

This package is all about you and a friend trying new things!

This package includes 4 lessons (1 per person)For Dance Lessons at Fred Astaire Dance  Studios; $100 Gift Certificate to Randys Fishmarket (exp 4/1/14) Private Tennis Lessons for 2; Cardio Boot Camp for 2 - Fitness by Sanders; 2 tickets For Mousetrap (4/17/13 8pm)

Go Blue! - Lot #40

Experience Mind Blueing drinks for you and 24 of your closest friends at the

Blue Martini.  This package includes a 2 hour VIP cocktail party for up to 25 - 1 cocktail each and chefs choice of appetizer for the group.

Golf in Paradise - Lot #8

It's golf for everyone!! Did we mention it's your treat? No worries. With this package you'll get a round of golf for 4 at Quail Creek Country Club and Stonebridge Golf Club.  But do you know what you don't have to share...your new RBZ Taylor made 3 wood. Enjoy! This package includes A round of golf for 4 at Stonebridge Country Club (5/1/13 -10/30/13); Quail Creek Country Club (5/1/13 - 10/31/13).

Golfers Delight - Lot #35

FORE!!! Enjoy playing at two of the area's finest courses with one round of golf for four at Shadow Wood Country Club. How about a relaxing lunch with

a friend after your twosome at Imperial Golf Club? Better go buy a bunch of balls!! This package includes 1 Round of golf for 4 at Shadow Wood Country Club (5/1/13 - 10/31/13);1 round of golf for 2 and lunch at Imperial Golf Club (valid 5/1/13-10/31-13)

Here Fishy Fishy! - Lot #43

Spend the day on the water with Capt. Bruce Jackmack.  Capt. Jackmack is the 2010 & 2011 Redsnook Charity Catch and Release Fishing Tournament Champion.  Come catch a GIANT snook! After, enjoy a fresh Catch and frosty cold beverage at Randy's Fishmarket.   This package includes a½ day fishing trip for 2(no Weekends, available 7/1/12-13 - 10/31/13); $100 Gift Certificate to Randys Fishmarket Expires 4/1/14

Keep Your In-laws at Bay- Lot #2

Need a little privacy? Maybe it's your get-a-away.  Head over to the Inn at Pelican Bay for a two-night stay.  Have breakfast or lunch at Stage 62 and then enjoy a healthy dinner at acclaimed Seasons 52.  This package includes a two-night stay at the Inn At Pelican Bay (expires 12/19/13); $50 gift Certificate to Stage 62; $52Gift certificate to Seasons 52.

Kids Rule! - Lot #45

Kids Rule and the Beach is Cool!  Barefoot Beach Kids Club is the perfect fun spots for your 5-12 year old this summer.  You won't hear "Im Board" from anyone when they engage in Tennis, Yoga, Swimming, Beach Walks, shelling, nature walks and more! All at the exclusive facility at The Club at Barefoot Beach.  Kids Rule!! This package includes snacks and full lunch with Tennis, Yoga, Swimming, beach walks, shelling, nature walks and more.  July 15-19 or July 22-26th.   Ages 5-12.

Mind Spa Package - Lot #39

Peggy Sealfon will help you enter the "Stress-Free Zone" for improved health, productivity, Transform, Emerge and Become. Nurture your Mind, Body and Spirit.  Included in this package- 3 Quantum De-Stress Classes; 3 Transformational Breath classes;  1 hr Aromatherapy Massage; 1 hr Reiki Session (Expires 9/23/13)

Mommy's Day - Lot #33

Get ready for a day of pampering.  Manicure at Island Nails, $50 Salon Card from Sashy Hair Design and a one-hour massage by Eisa Lindner, Massage Therapist, $100 Gift Certificate from Gallery One.  Carry it all in your new animal print purse also from Gallery One.

This package includes; $35 gift Certificate.(expires 2/8/14; $50 gift Certificate; Gift Certificate for 1 hour massage; $100 Gift Certificate Gallery One (expires 8/10/13; Purse by Gallery One.

Naples Beach Hotel - Lot #9

Experience is everything at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. Enjoy 2 nights' deluxe accommodations with buffet breakfast each morning.  Relax on the beach while you watch the waves break on shore.  Play a round of golf on our award-winning golf course after your. Relax with 2 50 minute massages.  At night you will experience HB's on the Gulf, our signature restaurant. This package includes 2 nights' deluxe accommodations; Buffet breakfast for 2 each morning; Two 50 minute massages; One 18 hole round of golf for 2; Dinner for 2; Two beach chairs daily; Two poolside cocktails (expires 12/31/13)

Naples Birds Eye View- Lot #23

From schooling sharks and stingrays just off our shore to the Ten Thousand Islands that stretch from Marco Island to Florida Bay, all from the comfort of a Cessna 172.  After your flight, you will enjoy lunch at The Boat house restaurant where you can reminisce about the day's adventure.

This package includes an airplane tour for 2; $50 gift certificate to The Boathouse Restaurant.

Northern Exposure - Lot #22

Take a break in Naples from a different perspective.  Hotel accommodations for 2 nights at the Hampton Inn, lunch at Stage 62, an airboat ride at Airboats and Alligators and dinner at PF Changs. This package includes 2 nights stay at Hampton Inn 1-75 (4/13 -12/13) $50 Gift Certificate to Stage 62; 4 airboat rides from Airboats & Alligators; $50 gift certificate to PF Changs.

Paradise Found- Lot #24

Paradise:  A place of bliss. A region of supreme delight. A state of happiness.  Here is your chance to explore your local Paradise!This package includes 1 FamilyOr Grandparent Annual membership To Naples Zoo, 4 admissions passes To Naples Botanical Gardens (Expires 12/31/13);4 admission passes To Edison Ford Winter Estates.

Park Shore Sunset Cruise with Dinner at M Watermark Grille - Lot #12

Enjoy a 90 minute sunset rental from Park Shore Marina.  After Your boating experience you will be hungry! Head over for a $400 dinner at M Waterfront Grill for Cutting Edge Continental Cuisine with an emphasis on Fresh Seafood, Steaks, homemade Pastas, Organics and Tapas plates. This package includes a 90 minute sunset cruise from Park Shore Marina (expires 5/30/13); Gift certificate $400 Dinner at M Waterfront Grille (expires9/15/13).

Party like a Rock Star! - Lot #7

A once in a lifetime chance to meet the legendary band Chicago and hear some of their many top ten hits! Get ready to party like a rock star.    After the show, you will go back stage to meet the entire band.  You will receive guitar picks from Chicago's three guitarists and an assortment of CD's. After the show you can relax in your stunning and spacious hotel room at the Hard Rock Hollywood and recharge like a true rock star. 4-4-2013.

Private Cocktail Party for 6 - Lot#20

It's your party, but you are the guest! Enjoy time spent in full focus on your friends in the beautiful Gulf Shore Home of Cicardi and Susan Bruce. Cicardi was designated as the top amateur chef in St. Louis! Sit back and enjoy delicious Hors d' oeuvres and cocktails and an unforgettable evening!

Paul Arsenault - Dinner for 6 and Artwork - Lot #10

Dinner for six at the home of renowned Naples artist Paul Arsenault and his wife Eileen.  Paul and Eileen live just one block from Naples Pier in a vintage Naples home next to historic Palm Cottage. Enjoy a gourmet meal, prepared by Chef Ted Hudgens. The winner of this auction will also receive a framed gyclee painting by Paul Arsenault.

Putting on the Ritz -Lot #41

Escape to a 2 night retreat at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. During your retreat, slip on your finest and head over to the Capital Grille to satisfy your culinary cravings for dry aged steaks, fresh seafood and world-renowned wines. 

This package includes $500 towards your stay at The Ritz Carlton and $150 gift Certificate to Capital Grille.

Re-charge and Rekindle- Lot #27

The sparks will surely fly during this well deserved get away.  Who would have imagined a romantic stay in paradise while being so close to home?

This package includes King Superior Room for 1 night 2 days Stay at Naples Bay Resort  (Expires 3/ 16/14); $50.00 Gift Certificate for Bonefish Grill.

Russell's Clambakes Luau for 50 - Lot #4

Don't just stand there; go get 50 of your closest friends to join you at your Hawaiian Luau catered by one of Naples' finest caterers Russell's Clambakes.  Grass Skirts a must. This package includes a Hawaiian Luau for 50 guests at your home. Catered by Russell's Clambakes.

Trey Radel - Lot #30

Enjoy a delightful lunch at 5th Avenue Bellini's Italian Restaurant with our very own 19th Congressional District United States House of Representative Trey Radel. (Dates to subject to Trey Radel's availability)

Total Wine Tasting - Lot#3

Treat your friends, family and fellow wine lovers to a private wine tasteing for up to 20 people.  Total Wine & More can fashion a private wine tasting which is certain to impress you and your guests with 8 hand-selected wines.

Ultimate Naples Weekend- Lot #28

Surround yourself in luxury with a 2 night stay at the Inn on Fifth- in the heart of Old Naples just blocks from the white-sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.  Eat drink and be merry! This package includes 2 nights Club Level Suite accommodations (Expires 12/20/13);$200 gift Certificate to La Lafayette Restaurant;$100 Gift Certificate for Randy Fishmarket (expires 4/1/14)

Vineyards Country Club Lifetime Full Golf Membership- Lot#14

The Vineyards Country Club is a privately owned and debt free country club with a diverse membership, vital sense of community and full year-round membership.  This is a family membership that covers your household including both spouses & children under the age of 24. Retail value $35,000.00 - minimum bid $10,000.00.  Member is responsible for the annual dues. See board and auction specialist for additional information.

VIP Tour at the Metropolitan Opera in NYC- Lot #48

See the Metropolitan Opera backstage during season at Lincoln Center.  This is a private tour not offered at any time to the public led by principle tenor, Mr. Tony Stevenson, a 20 year veteran of the Met. (Sundays not available)

We Do It Again- Lot #15

This package includes:  Renewal of vows on the beach by Dr. Ron Patterson of  the United Church of Christ; $50 gift Certificate to Stonewood; monogrammed plush Robes provided by EmbroidMe; a bottle of Champagne; one night stay at the Naples Staybridge Suites (expires 12/20/14) not valid Feb - March

Wild for Braces - Lot #46

See Auction Item for specific details on orthodontia

We can't wait to see you on March 23rd! Grapes & Apes event tickets are $100 per person.

We appreciate your support. People like you make it possible to help our neighbors both here in Naples and around the world.