I talked to a lady this week whose story should help us all to persevere.  She said a friend got my CD when I spoke at Avila and passed it and the prayers on to her and her husband. 

     They decided to make the rosary novena and her husband has been listening to the CD in the car on his way to work for encouragement to help them deal with a daughter.  Then she told of the progress they saw right after they finished the novena for the first time. 

     The girl hadn't spoken to her dad in a year and right after the feast of the Assumption (when they finished the novena) the girl called, talked to her dad who said to her that he and her mom were praying for her and asked if there anything special they should pray for. 

     She said, “Yes, a good teaching job in a safe school (she's a special ed teacher in CA) and she needed it by Thursday. 

     Are you ready for this???  She called on Thursday all elated because she got the job!  The woman said the daughter wasn't back to church yet, but re-establishing communication, and hearing their daughter happy for a change, was real progress.  She's right --the relationship has to be reestablished before love can conquer anything.  Plus, think of the daughter’s opinion of  prayer now. (she may not express that opinion, but in her heart she has to consider its effect)

     Anyhow, it brought me back to that place of peace, found only in the Lord, that's for sure.  I asked the woman to do something, and I’ll ask you to do the same—TUCK THAT STORY SOMEWHERE IN YOUR HEART.  THEN, SOMETIME WHEN YOU NEED AN UPLIFT, TAKE IT OUT AND REMEMBER THAT GOD IS WITH US THROUGH IT ALL.  He WILL answer our prayers according to what is best for us and for our children.  He will give us miracle moments, and the strength to get through the tough times, no matter how long they last—if we give it all to Him. 

     Please pray for me and I'll pray for you that we can make it through our trials and rejoice together over our miracles at some time in the future.

     May God bless all of us and grant us His Peace.

Peace,

MaryAnn

    ps (I will always have time to talk to any of YOU, anytime.  Never hesitate to call me.  I have received several calls just at the time when I needed to be reminded that God cares and loves us.  I am so grateful for those calls.) 

Hi, MaryAnn,

I too have been in a vulnerable state myself.  God will take care of you.  And special needs, I discovered, will be granted in his own time. I don't mean to sound like an evangelist, but sometimes when I get an uneasy feeling or I'm feeling out of sorts, I know that a turning point will come soon and then I'll feel peace again.  Hang in there.   --Linda

Dear MaryAnn,

I'll keep you in my prayers, as I share in difficult times also.  Everyone does, there are few exceptions.  It can seem as if we are independent in our struggles, but only in the timing. Sometimes we reach out to one another at the time of our trials, and sometimes we do not or cannot. But we are united in Christ through them.  He reminds me to cast my yoke upon Him.  And having the group helps, someone else keeping us lifted up in thought and prayer before Lord throughout the day and week.  And the more often the better, so thanks for allowing me the opportunity to lift you up also.  May God give you peace and understanding, strength and courage.

     There have been things crop up, and some nights I've failed to get the rosary said, and I feel bad about it.  Bob is right.  There are others who get discouraged and stressed too - me included RIGHT NOW -  I'm grateful you shared the issue because the timing is perfect.  
        Just like God, isn't it?  He is an awesome, mighty, Father looking after his children the way he does ...!  Now, I just have to keep going.  So do you.  Let's go, shall we?        --Susan

…………………….

Dear MaryAnn

     I am attending the weekly Rosary group in Leavenworth and enjoying it very much. Jane is such a blessing to this group.  I have enjoy the internet prayer group as well and know you are busy with all that you do and still keeping us all informed of the prayers.
     I wish I could give you some great news but not yet but hopefully in the future I will report some. I am asking the Lord for a lot of requests and hopefully and eventually all prayers will be answered in time.
     And in the mean time I will be joining everyone in prayer for our prodigals.  Thank you for your time and blessing all of us with your love and hope.      --Kansas
 

Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and shield.  Yea, our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.  Psalm 33:20-21

We must pray without tiring, for the salvation of mankind does not depend on material success, but on Jesus alone.        --St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
 

NEW ON THE WEB SITE

            Prayer Groups:  Now, you can find a list of prayer groups that pray for prodigals or post the information about your prayer group on the web site.

               Back issues of The Mantle:  Previous Online Prayer Group updates have been archived on the web site.  Specific prayer requests are NOTposted for viewing by the general public.  The MM Group feels these are personal and should remain private and shared only within our online group.

"SILENT STRENGTH" PRESENTATION INFORMATION:

  "Silent Strength: Has Someone You Love Left the Church?" scheduled for February at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Overland Park, Kansas has been rescheduled for March 16, 2005.  Next presentation is October 11th at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Olathe, Kansas..

            If you would like more information about getting this talk scheduled in your parish, please email maryann@marianmantle.com.  There is no fee asked other than travel expenses.

NEWSLETTER

            We are working on the next issue of the Newsletter.  If you have something you with to include, please contact us.

"SILENT STRENGTH" NOW AVAILABLE ON TAPE AND CD

            The talk is now available on tape or cd and can be ordered from the web site.

PLEASE SHARE YOUR STORY**

--If you are seeing prayers answered, we want to hear about it.**

--Do you have a question you would like to ask the group to answer?**

**Please email maryann@marianmantle.com or phone 913-526-8977.  If no one

answers, please leave your name and phone number and a good time to return

your call and MaryAnn will call you back as soon