LOAF TIDINGS
Joy of Love in Family
I am sharing a small experience of my life here.
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me" I am a person who has been through many stages of life holding on to this Word of God. In the early post-marriage days, my studies had not reached any stage. For me, children are one of the greatest assets in my life. So after marriage, I never thought about studying again until my two children went to school. When my second son was studying at UKG and I was thinking of another bout of higher education. When thinking about what to study and where to start, the study of music is an area that has come to mind through prayer. My husband wanted it to be a turning point in my life while preparing for a study. A music degree is a field of study that has been sought after by many. So I passed my music degree from Madras University. I completed music degree under Fr. Dr. Paul Poovathinkal, Deshamangalam Narayanan Mash and Geetha Teacher. Then, in the last year of music studies, a vacancy for a music teacher in CMC Nirmala Province Kantassankadav School comes open unexpectedly. I was a person who wanted to learn music and start my own institution more than becoming a teacher but the Lord's plans were beyond that. So I joined Kandassankadavu school. I joined the school in 2015. I am someone who has never worked in any school before. My field before marriage was Diploma in Electronics Engineering. I was often at a loss as to what to do when the Lord brought my degree into a completely different field. Every time I did something in school, I was very scared. I didn't know how to work in such a big school. During the youth festival days, I had to take much mental pressure and I was always guided by being with the Lord. The Lord was with me while I went to study, to protect the children while in the school. He was with me every step of the way, to guide me, to hold me by the hand. My husband, family and parents also stood by me throughout this period.
The Lord has given me success in my profession at all this time. My Lord has guided me more than I could have wished for. The Lord's hand supported me in this last youth festival as well. If I am teaching in an aided school, it is purely His Blessing.
The Word of God, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. All the rest will be added” is very relevant. I have been given the opportunity to be very active in the church choir. Every opportunity that I get to preach the Word of God is never wasted. As we go through each stage of life, God blesses us to move forward holding the hand of the Lord. At every stage of my life, my guardian angel runs ahead of me. Thank you so much for all the blessings God has given us!
Hima Biju
Music Teacher
Catholic families can take several steps to ensure a culture of life in their homes and communities. Here are some suggestions:
Catholic families can take several steps to ensure a culture of life in their homes and communities. Here are some suggestions:
1. Embrace the Church's teachings on the sanctity of life: Catholic families can start by educating themselves and their children about the Church's teachings on the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. This includes valuing and respecting the dignity of every human person, regardless of age, race, ability, or circumstance.
2. Foster a culture of love and respect: Catholic families can cultivate a culture of love, respect, and compassion within their homes. This includes treating each family member with kindness, patience, and understanding, and modeling healthy relationships based on mutual respect and care.
3. Pray together: Prayer is a powerful tool for building a culture of life within a family. Catholic families can pray together regularly, asking for God's guidance, protection, and grace in upholding the sanctity of life in all its forms.
4. Engage in acts of service and charity: Catholic families can actively engage in acts of service and charity to support and uplift those in need. This can include volunteering at local charities, supporting pro-life organizations, advocating for the vulnerable, and reaching out to those who are marginalized or in crisis.
5. Educate and advocate: Catholic families can educate themselves and others about issues related to the sanctity of life, such as abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, and social justice. They can also advocate for policies and practices that promote and protect life at all stages.
6. Support pro-life initiatives: Catholic families can support pro-life initiatives within their communities, such as pregnancy resource centers, adoption agencies, and organizations that provide support to families in need. They can also participate in pro-life events, marches, and campaigns to raise awareness and promote a culture of life.
7. Be open to life: Catholic families can embrace the Church's teachings on openness to life and the gift of children. This includes being open to the possibility of welcoming new life into their families through natural means and being supportive of families who are struggling with infertility or other challenges related to family planning.
By taking these steps, Catholic families can contribute to building a culture of life within their homes, communities, and society at large. Through prayer,education, advocacy, and acts of service, families can uphold the dignity and sanctity of every human person and promote a culture that values and protects life in all its forms.
Sony & Roopa