"The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others safety on the road, at sea, or in the air." (CCC 2290) I like to say, "too much of one thing is bad for you". For instance, too much sugar could transition to diabetes. It's important to voluntarily self-restraint yourself. In general, too much of anything is not good for anybody. As well as eating excessive amount of fiber like apple sauce- This will present a different problem. A small portion diet may be a good fit. Unfortunately, it takes time to develop a small stomach, but it is possible. My favorite thing to do is to be active. I like to stay busy with more important things like spending time with my child or working in the garden. Life is so much simpler if we focus on other things, more productive things. We need to come back to healthy living.

31 “Then the Lord removed the veil from Balaam’s eyes, so that he too saw the angel of the LORD standing on the road with sword drawn; and he fell on his knees and bowed to the ground.” 32 “But the angel of the LORD said to him, “Why have you beaten your ass these three times? It is I who have come armed to hinder you because this rash journey of yours is directly opposed to me.” 33 “When the ass saw me, she turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away from me, I would have killed you; her I would have spared.”

“To reunite all his children, scattered and led astray by sin, the Father willed to call the whole of humanity together into his Son’s Church. The Church is the place where humanity must rediscover its unity and salvation. The Church is “the world reconciled.” She is that bark which “in the full sail of the Lord’s cross, by the breath of the Holy Spirit, navigates safely in this world.” According to another image dear to the Church Fathers, she is prefigured by Noah’s ark, which alone saves from the flood.” (CCC 845) “Outside the Church there is no salvation”

I have a friend who is so nice, considerate, kind, and a hard worker but likes to drink. Not the kind that drinks a cup of wine with dinner. He prefers to drink all night it is stressful and always seems to be the same problems every year. It’s not just hard on my friend but to everyone around him. The unsettling thought is if he will be okay? Will he live to see another day? This is when I really pray for him every day and ask for guidance. I pray that he reads the bible and gets closer to God. The Bible is the only thing that could save him now. Many people who had addiction problems were able to avoid temptation by the words of God. James1 1:21 “Therefore, put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.”

When Moses saved the Israelites from bondage it was a fresh start. As soon as they crossed the Red Sea they were baptized away from slavery and renewed as Gods children. They were in Egypt for four hundred and thirty years. They lost all knowledge about God. After they crossed the Red Sea, it was a new adventure through the dessert finding God all over again. Exodus 3:14 “God replied, “I am who am.” Then he added, “This is what you shall tell the Israelites: I AM sent me to you.”

God told Moses to go back to Egypt because all the people who wanted to kill him were dead. Moses was afraid but he did as he was told. Moses was brave and courageous. His bravery allowed him to free four hundred and thirty slaves. He did the impossible for Freedom and allowed them to be Gods children.

Nothing is perfect, if we were perfect someone will have to be imperfect. But if the perfect subject could be perfected by someone else than we all remain imperfect. Just the way God made us.

9 “This is how you are to pray: Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name," 10"Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” 11 "Give us this day our daily bread;” 12 “and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us;” 13 "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” "Amen” 14 “If you forgive others their transgressions, your Heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 “But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

Mardi Gras is such a fun day. Things seems lighter only today. They wear the colors purple green and gold. We celebrate with parties, parades and much more. For all to enjoy the fun colors today. Wearing colorful masks before lent arrives the next day. The fun begins with paczki and king cake oh my! But it will all end as Lent arrives. So enjoy the colors of faith, justice and power, touché. The parade in New Orleans if you are lucky to devour- Because Lent arrives the next following day. Lent is the start of fourth days. Jesus dies on the cross for our sins to go away- so we could all find forgiveness for a greater day. So let the troubling thoughts stay behind because tomorrow is Lent and our savior will soon arrive.

A friend is there in your time of need. When things gets tough for all to see. Those moments that shows- who our true friends will be. Not the ones who says “see you later and let me be.” But the one who offers you help without reward. The kind of help that will give us relief is so much more- than anything we could keep. For theirs are few we could consider very unique. The ones who hold the immaculate heart. We can proclaim they are worth much more than art- For only a true friend with an immaculate heart could only be the greatest treasure from us all. The kingdom of heaven will shine from above singing “Glory Glory” to the one who holds the treasure inside their heart.

13 “Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me. “ 14 “He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” 15 “Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” Material objects come and go. Nothing really stays here forever eventually everything goes back into the dirt. New things eventually become old. But with age the majority of these things end up being sold or thrown away. Antiques eventually disappear. Fortunately for me, my fashion is simple, and my priority goes to God.

5 “A kind mouth multiplies friends, and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings.” 6 “Let your acquaintances be many, but one in a thousand your confidant.” 7 “When you gain a friend, first test him, and be not too ready to trust him.” 8 “For one sort of friend is a friend when it suits him, but he will not be with you in time of distress.” 9 “Another is a friend who becomes an enemy, and tells of the quarrel to your shame.” 10 “Another is a friend, a boon companion, who will not be with you when sorrow comes.” 11 “When things go well, he is your other self, and lords it over your servants;” 12 “But if you are brought low, he turns against you and avoids meeting you.” 13 “Keep away from your enemies; be on your guard with your friend.” 14 “A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure.” 15 “A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth.” 16 “A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds;” 17 “For he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself.”