The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
 the courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next. Amen.

A Story of Humility

     I found this story in a sermon called: "A Call to Humility" by Rev. Dr. Robert M. Bowman; Presiding Bishop, United Catholic Church 1998. I don't know where it originated, but it was sent to him by his eldest Son Rob. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

     Ruth was an elderly woman, alone in the world and living on social security. Like many seniors, she often found that there were too many days in a month. She ran out of money before she ran out of month. Sometimes it came down to choosing between medicines and food. But by carefully eliminating unnecessary expenses (like a car, movies, and the daily paper), she had learned to get by.Ruth’s mail usually came around ten thirty in the morning, and she looked forward to receiving it, even though it was mostly junk mail and bills. One Saturday morning, she went out to her mailbox about eleven (as was her custom). In it there was only one envelope. She thought it strange, because there was no stamp and no postmark, only her name and address, carefully handwritten on the envelope. She opened it and read:

Anthony Brogan

     Hello my name is Anthony. I am 23 months old. I have a big birthday coming up!! When I was only 19 months old the Doctors told my family I have Brain Cancer. The tumor the doctors took out has a big name Medulloblastoma. My Doctor's have a plan to get me all better! I have a long road ahead of me, treatments for the next 18 months. The plan is for chemotherapy, 3 stem cell transplants, proton radiation, and some more chemotherapy. The first phase (about 6 months) is going to be the hardest. I am getting the best care possible at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. I'm a tough guy and such a fighter. But I still have a big fight ahead of me, I need lots of the prayers and support to make it! I know with God's love and prayers I AM going to WIN!!