Joy in my heart

Gracious God, I feel such joy in my heart this day.
Somehow the sun seems brighter, the air clearer, the colors more alive.
It is as if the shadows that have kept me in the forgotten places of life have been swept away.
I pray that your grace will protect my joy so that I taste and smell it with full attention.
When the mighty feelings begin to wane, I pray that joy’s scent will remain, so that no darkness will ever be so black that I cease to believe in the light.
I ask this for the sake of your love.
Amen.

Descubriendo el Siglo 21

Discovering 21century

Fr Tomás Del Valle-Reyes

P. O. BOX 1170

New York, NY 10018

(212) 244 4778

www.descubriendoelsiglo21.com/

ANGELS EXIST

This morning when the Lord opened a window to Heaven, 
he saw me, and he asked: My child, what is your greatest wish for today?
I responded:
“Lord please; take care of my family, my friends, the person 
who is reading this message, their family and their special friends. 
They deserve it and I love them very much”.
The love of God is like the ocean, you can see its beginnings but not its end.
ANGELS EXIST, but sometimes, since they don't all have wings 
we call them FRIENDS, SUCH AS YOU.

Descubriendo el Siglo 21

Discovering 21century

Fr Tomás Del Valle-Reyes

P. O. BOX 1170

New York, NY 10018

(212) 244 4778

www.descubriendoelsiglo21.com/

THE DREAM

I always used to ask God to show me how to live faith .....
It's already a few years since I had a very significant dream, which is vividly imprinted in my mind and in my heart forevermore. 
No doubt it was an answer to my prayers and it made me feel so deeply cared for and loved!
The dream:
"I climb up a rather high mountain together with many other people. 
We walk in silence on a narrow path, in a row.
I understand that we are pilgrims, when I see a church far away high up on the mountain, beautifully “set” on the horizon. 
I am full of expectancy. I love the mountains and I enjoy the view and the peaceful climbing. When we reach the church and when everybody is inside, I immediately notice a man who shuts all the doors in what seems to me a definitive manner.  
He blocks the doors nailing pieces of wood on them. Instantly I feel claustrophobic and ask the man to please open the doors again.
I don’t like to be closed in, I feel uneasy, I want to go outside again, but there is no reply.
I look around and there I see a staircase. 
I run up the stairs and indeed I find a little door which opens to a balcony and I step out: What I see in that moment is so immensely moving! I see a beautiful green valley stretched before my eyes (it does not seem the same valley we have come from).  
At the end of this valley there is a golden city.
Everything is so extremely brilliant and beautiful that my heart fills with a longing so strong that I can hardly bear it.
I'm overwhelmed and stand there in utter awe for quite a while. Then I do not resist anymore. 
I cry out, I want to go there, I feel within my heart that the Place is like Paradise. 
It's as if from the shining town a voice called me, “come, come, here is beauty, here is love, here is peace “. ..... Then I hurry downstairs shouting “How can I reach the place I've seen from the balcony? There is a golden city! Please open the doors ...” Nobody answers and I feel deeply frustrated for being closed in. 
Then I find myself standing right in front of the Altar with a little golden Tabernacle. The Tabernacle is beautifully decorated.
While gazing at the Tabernacle I suddenly become silent and I feel at peace. In that moment I hear a beautiful voice saying "You know the way, I am the way, there is no other way to reach the place you've seen ..... come through the Tabernacle, this is the only way".
The Voice vibrated softly in my heart. My reaction to the “invitation” was strange. I thought “the Tabernacle is too small to get through, I'll never manage ........”.
The dream ended and I woke up just in that moment when I was doubting to make it “through” the Tabernacle.
I remembered vividly everything and finally, my heart strongly pounding, I understood.
JESUS had told me that HE WAS THE WAY! HE IS THE WAY to perfect joy “perfecta laetitia”! And I remembered the words He said to His disciples during the Last Supper “Do this in memory of Me…..”.
The Holy Eucharisty! …. The Tabernacle! Since I had this wonderful dream I approach the Holy Eucharisty in the Tabernacle.....

Descubriendo el Siglo 21

Discovering 21century

Fr Tomás Del Valle-Reyes

P. O. BOX 1170

New York, NY 10018

(212) 244 4778

www.descubriendoelsiglo21.com/

A Spirit of Sharing

Heavenly Father, you have flooded my life with fullness as vast as a field of wheat stretching to the horizon. 
Because life comes at me fast, and sometimes with ferocity, it is easy for me to forget the blessings you give with such liberality. 
Then when I see someone else’s need, I am suddenly aware again of the abundance in my own life. 
When I have such a moment of recognition, O God, help me realize that I may be the blessing you have brought to that person’s life. Give me courage to respond to them with love.
 Amen.

Descubriendo el Siglo 21

Discovering 21century

Fr Tomás Del Valle-Reyes

P. O. BOX 1170

New York, NY 10018

(212) 244 4778

www.descubriendoelsiglo21.com/

God's Pharmacy

It's been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish... all before making a human.
He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. 
These are best  more powerful when eaten raw.
We're such slow learners...
God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body!
God's Pharmacy! Amazing!

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. 
The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.
Tomato has four chambers and is red. 
The heart has four chambers and is red. 
All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. 
Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. 
Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. 
We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. 
Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.
Avocados, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs.  
Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. 
And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. 
There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs a re full o f seeds and hang in twos when they grow. 
Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.
Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries
Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.
Onions look like t he body's cells. 
Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. 
They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. 
A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

Descubriendo el Siglo 21

Discovering 21century

Fr Tomás Del Valle-Reyes

P. O. BOX 1170

New York, NY 10018

(212) 244 4778

www.descubriendoelsiglo21.com/

Thank you Lord...

Gracious God, in the busyness of my day, I sometimes forget to stop to thank You for all that is good in my life.
My blessings are many and my heart is filled with gratefulness for the gift of living, for the ability to love and be loved, for the opportunity to see the everyday wonders of creation, for sleep and water, for a mind that thinks and a body that feels.
I thank you, too, for those things in my life that are less than I would hope them to be. 

Things that seem challenging, unfair, or difficult. 
When my heart feels stretched and empty and pools of tears form in my weary eyes, still I rejoice that you are as near to me as my next breath and that in the midst of turbulence, I am growing and learning.
In the silence of my soul, I thank you most of all for your unconditional and eternal love.
Amen.

Descubriendo el Siglo 21

Discovering 21century

Fr Tomás Del Valle-Reyes

P. O. BOX 1170

New York, NY 10018

(212) 244 4778

www.descubriendoelsiglo21.com/

Lord, I have Doubts

Gracious God, I feel so uncertain, so unsure.
I want to trust that you are real and present, that you are acting on my behalf, that you hear and will answer my prayers.
Yet, my confidence is spent, my faith flat. 
You speak in my heart and tell me to seek your face, and I am seeking -- longing for the sureness of your presence, the touch of your breath, the warmth of your love.
In my doubt, O God, let your Spirit hover over me with the gentleness of angel’s wings, until I am opened to faith and once again recognize the pattern of your face.
I ask this for the sake of your love. 
Amen.

Descubriendo el Siglo 21

Discovering 21century

Fr Tomás Del Valle-Reyes

P. O. BOX 1170

New York, NY 10018

(212) 244 4778

www.descubriendoelsiglo21.com/

Almighty Father

Almighty Father, grant me to greet the coming day in peace, help me in all things to rely upon your holy will. 
Guide me with your wisdom, in every hour of the day reveal your spirit to me.
 Bless my dealings with all who encircle me. 
Teach me to treat all that comes to throughout the day with peace of soul and with firm assurance that your will governs all.
In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings. 
In unpredictably events, let me not forget that all are sent by you. 
Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. 
Give me strength to bear the exhaustion of the coming day with all that it shall bring. 
Direct my will, teach me to pray, and be humble to others and you. 
 Amen.

Descubriendo el Siglo 21

Discovering 21century

Fr Tomás Del Valle-Reyes

P. O. BOX 1170

New York, NY 10018

(212) 244 4778

www.descubriendoelsiglo21.com/

Lord, My Cross is too heavy

Just remember, God never send us a cross that our shoulders cannot carry it… Please read till the end.
Fr. Tomas

We all carry our own crosses in life….

Sometimes it seems so heavy

It is easier to complaint!

And choose what seems to be convenient

Always looking for the easiest way out!

Very soon we get tire of it and keep complaining!

We think, we can cheat and go choose to our convenience

Unfortunately, sometimes we choose wrongly

If your cross is too heavy, don’t complaint! Your Heavenly Father is always at your side, always!!

Descubriendo el Siglo 21

Discovering 21century

Fr Tomás Del Valle-Reyes

P. O. BOX 1170

New York, NY 10018

(212) 244 4778

www.descubriendoelsiglo21.com/

We Give Your Thanks ! ! !

Our Father in Heaven,
We give thanks for the pleasure
Of gathering together for this occasion.
We give thanks for this food
Prepared by loving hands.
We give thanks for life,
The freedom to enjoy it all
And all other blessings.
As we partake of this food,
We pray for health and strength
To carry on and try to live as You would have us.
This we ask in the name of Christ,
Our Heavenly Father.

Descubriendo el Siglo 21

Discovering 21century

Fr Tomás Del Valle-Reyes

P. O. BOX 1170

New York, NY 10018

(212) 244 4778

www.descubriendoelsiglo21.com/

Facts of Life 2

If you are ill you may say, "I did not want to be sick," if you are poor, "I did not want to be poor," or if you are unloved, "I did not want to be lonely."
Yet for your own reasons you began to believe in illness more than health, in poverty more than abundance, in loneliness rather than affection.
It seems that we are never happy with ourselves.
God created us free and equal but at the same time, He want us to take charge of our lives:
Take responsibility for ALL that is now in your life.
Yes, ALL. 
That does mean that you take responsibility for what would seem to be negative or bad things in your life. 
Perhaps it would be helpful to list all of the current situations in your life.
Once you have your life's list, evaluate those items that you would like to change.
Even if you feel that a situation is discouraging, take the time to list what you want your life to be. Try to create this list using action words and keeping a positive focus.
Each morning review your list and then go throughout your day knowing that you are creating your reality. Be aware of your personality.
Be truthful with yourself. Refrain from judging either yourself or others.

Descubriendo el Siglo 21

Discovering 21century

Fr Tomás Del Valle-Reyes

P. O. BOX 1170

New York, NY 10018

(212) 244 4778

www.descubriendoelsiglo21.com/

The Facts of Life:

1: At least 5 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.
2: At least 15 people in this world love you, in some way.
3: The only reason anyone would ever hate you, is because they want to be just like you.
4: A smile from you, can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5: Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6: You mean the world to someone.
7: Without you, someone may not be living.
8: You are special and unique, in your own way.
9: Someone that you don't know even exists, loves you.
10: When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

11: When you think the world has turned it's back on you, take a
look, you most likely turned your back on the world.

12: When you think you have no chance at getting what you want, you
probably won't get it, but if you believe in yourself, you
probably sooner or later will get it.
13: Always remember complements you received, forget about the rude remarks.
14: Always tell someone how you feel about them, you will feel much
better when they know.

15: If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that
they are great. Send this letter to people you care about, you'll
brighten up someone's day, and might change their perspective on life,
for the better!
~Author Unknown But To God~

Descubriendo el Siglo 21

Discovering 21century

Fr Tomás Del Valle-Reyes

P. O. BOX 1170

New York, NY 10018

(212) 244 4778

www.descubriendoelsiglo21.com/

TOO BUSY TO STUDY AND PRAY?

Does your schedule keep growing beyond control
Till you're just running around day after day?
And you know you need to, but you just can't see how
To take time to study and pray.

For you take kids to school five days a week
With appointments and deadlines to keep.
Then you have club activities and baseball practices
With barely enough time to sleep.

Most of the time, you feel like you are "running on empty"
Or on "fumes" from the last sermon you heard.
But the God who loves you wants to energize you each day
From the pages of His Holy Word.

And if you'd make time each day to seek Him and pray
He'd grant a peace when you're frazzled and sore.
For He wants you to grow in the midst of your busyness
And to hunger for Him even more.

So if your life is that hectic, you need to shift gears
And make time with Him a priority each day.
Then you'll be so blessed, convinced and refreshed
That you can't afford not to study and pray.

Descubriendo el Siglo 21

Discovering 21century

Fr Tomás Del Valle-Reyes

P. O. BOX 1170

New York, NY 10018

(212) 244 4778

www.descubriendoelsiglo21.com/

Dancing With God

When I meditated on the word Guidance
I kept seeing 'dance' at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,
both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge
to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. 
My eyes drew back to the word Guidance. 
When I saw 'G: I thought of God, followed by 'u' and 'i'. 
'God, 'u' and 'i' dance' God, you, and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. 
Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies be upon you on this day and everyday. 
May you abide in God as God abides in you.
Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life. 
This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached.
If God has done anything for you in your life, please share this message with someone else, for prayer is one of the best gifts we can receive.
There is no cost but a lot of rewards; so let's continue to pray for one another ! And I Hope You Dance Have a Good Day!

Descubriendo el Siglo 21

Discovering 21century

Fr Tomás Del Valle-Reyes

P. O. BOX 1170

New York, NY 10018

(212) 244 4778

www.descubriendoelsiglo21.com/

It is not easy to say NOOOOOO

When the going gets tough
the tough get going.
It is easy to say 'No'
to take the easy way out easy to play safe
and live to fight another day.
Like Peter, who loved you
with such a passion, Lord filled with such energy
so impetuous ready to speak first
and ask questions later.
Except when asked if he was with you, Lord
except when his faith was seriously challenged
when the road to the cross became dangerous.
You knew Peter
knew the caliber of the man what would happen
before the cock crowed twice
But it didn't stop you choosing him
the rock upon which
your Church would be built.
There is comfort for us, Lord
in Peter's frailty
reassurance that your love
and confidence extends
to both strong and frail
as you look to our potential
and in your love forget
our momentary weakness
How often when weary do we sigh 'The spirit is willing,
but the body is weak.'
How often when in prayer are thoughts distracted by
sounds or circumstance or prayers diverted
by trivial concerns? Baggage carried with us
rather than left at your feet.
How often do we find ourselves
apologizing to you for our abbreviated prayer life.
And yet you draw us still to be in your presence
as you did the disciples at Gethsemane
You want us to share in your life
to play our part.
You told your disciples to watch and pray
so that they might not fall into temptation
Do you ask the same of us
and do we also fail you
each time we whisper
'The spirit is willing,
but the body is weak.'
Grant us the strength, Lord
of body and of spirit
to offer you the sacrifice
of our lives

Descubriendo el Siglo 21

Discovering 21century

Fr Tomás Del Valle-Reyes

P. O. BOX 1170

New York, NY 10018

(212) 244 4778

www.descubriendoelsiglo21.com/

Give Your Life To Jesus

When Jesus comes into your life,
and dwells within your heart,
You'll never be the same again,
and that's the greatest part.
For man is weak and sinful,
and he struggles to survive,
But when Jesus isn't in his life,
he's only just alive.

Material wealth is not enough,
this he'll find is true,
The reason he'll not understand,
and he'll know not what to do.

For happiness and peace of mind,
are elusive as the breeze,
His heart and soul are restless,
like the ever endless seas.

But Jesus is the savior
of man's sick and troubled soul,
And He can take a broken life,
and make it new and whole.

So give your life to Jesus,
let Him cleanse your heart and soul,
And eternal life in heaven
will be your life's new goal.

Descubriendo el Siglo 21

Discovering 21century

Fr Tomás Del Valle-Reyes

P. O. BOX 1170

New York, NY 10018

(212) 244 4778

www.descubriendoelsiglo21.com/

COME AS YOU ARE

I shook my head in disbelief. This couldn't be the right place. After all, I couldn't possibly be welcome here
I had been given an invitation several times, by several different people, and I had finally decided to see what this place was all about.
But, this just couldn't be the right place. 
Quickly, I glanced down at the invitation that I clutched in my hand. 
I scanned past the words, "Come as you are. No jacket required," and found the location. 
Yes, I was at the right place.
I peered through the window again and saw a room of people whose faces seemed to glow with joy. All were neatly dressed, adorned in fine garments and appeared strangely clean as they dined at this exquisite restaurant.  
Ashamed, I looked down at my own tattered and torn clothing, covered in stains. 
I was dirty, in fact, filthy. 
A foul smell seemed to consume me and I couldn't shake the grime that clung to my body. 
As I turned around to leave, the words from the invitation seemed to leap out at me...
"Come as you are. No jacket required."
I decided to give it a shot. 
Mustering up every bit of courage I could find, I opened the door to this restaurant and walked up to a man standing behind a podium. 
 "Your name, sir?" he asked me with a smile. "Jimmy D. Brown,"
I mumbled without looking up. I thrust my hands deep into my pockets, hoping to conceal their stains.
He didn't seem to notice the filth that I was covered in and he continued, "Very good, sir. A table is reserved in your name. 
Would you like to be seated?" I couldn't believe what I heard! A grin broke out on my face and I said, "Yes, of course!"
He lead me to a table, and sure enough, there was a place-card with my name written on it in a deep, dark red. As I browsed over a menu, I saw many delightful items listed. 
There were things like, "peace," "joy," "blessings," "confidence," "assurance," "hope," "love," "faith," and "mercy." 
I realized that this was no ordinary restaurant! I flipped the menu back to the front in order to see where I was at... "God's Grace," was the name of this place.
The man returned and said, "I recommend the 'Special of the Day'. 
With it you are entitled to heaping portions of everything on this menu."
You've got to be kidding! I thought to myself. You mean, I can have ALL of this?! 
"What is the 'Special of the Day'?"
I asked with excitement ringing in my voice.
 "Salvation," was his reply.
"I'll take it," I practically cried out. 
Then, as quickly as I made that statement, the joy left my body. 
A sick painful ache jerked through my stomach and tears filled my eyes. 
Between my sobs I said... "Mister, look at me. I'm dirty and nasty. 
I am unclean and unworthy of such things. 
I'd love to have all of this, but, but, I just can't afford it."
Undaunted, the man smiled again.  
"Sir, your check has already been taken care of by that Gentleman over there," he said as he pointed to the front of the room.  
"His name is Jesus." Turning, I saw a man whose very presence seemed to light the room. 
He was almost too much to look at.  
I found myself walking towards Him and in a shaking voice I whispered, 
 "Sir, I'll wash the dishes or sweep the floors or take out the trash. I'll do anything I can do to repay You for all this."
 He opened His arms and said with a smile, "Son, all of this is yours if you just come unto me. Ask me to clean you up and I will. Ask me to allow you to feast at my table and you will eat. Remember, the table is reserved in your name. All you must do is accept this gift that I offer you."  
Astonished, I fell at his feet and said, "Please, Jesus. Please clean up my life. 
Please change me and sit me at your table and give me this new life."  
Immediately, I heard the words, "It is finished." 
I looked down and white robes adorned my body. 
Something strange and wonderful had happened. 
I felt new, like a weight had been lifted and I found myself seated at His table.
"The 'Special of the Day' has been served," The Lord said to me.  
"Salvation is yours."
We sat and talked for a great while and I so enjoyed the time that I spent with Him. 
He told me, me of all people, that He would like for me to come back as often as I liked for another helping from God's Grace. 
He made it clear that He wanted me to spend as much time with Him as possible.
As it drew near time for me to go back outside into the "real world," He whispered to me softly, "And Son, I am with you always." 
And then, He said something to me that I will never forget. He said...
"My child, do you see these empty tables?" "Yes, Lord. I see them. What do they mean?" I replied.
"These are reserved tables...but the individuals whose names are on each place-card have not accepted their invitation yet. Would you be so kind as to hand out these invitations to those who have not joined us as yet?" Jesus asked. "Of course,"
I said with excitement as I picked up the invitations.  
"Go ye therefore into all nations." He said as I turned to leave.
I walked into God's Grace dirty and hungry. Stained in sin. My righteousness as filthy rags. And Jesus cleaned me up. I walked out a brand new man...robed in white, His righteousness. And so, I'll keep my promise to my Lord. I'll go. I'll spread the Word.
I'll share the Gospel... I'll hand out the invitations. And I'll start with you. Have you been to God's Grace? There's a table reserved in your name, and here's your invitation... "Come as you are. No jacket required."- AUTHOR UNKNOWN -

Descubriendo el Siglo 21

Discovering 21century

Fr Tomás Del Valle-Reyes

P. O. BOX 1170

New York, NY 10018

(212) 244 4778

www.descubriendoelsiglo21.com/

IF YOU HAVE A DREAM

Don't wait for some distant day to come, it may be too late before you've even begun.
Not everyone will agree with all you decide.
Be true to yourself first and foremost.
The only important thing in life is what you do with the time you spend here on earth.
Don't cloud today with things that can't be undone.
You have no more control over yesterday or tomorrow, than you do the raging of your passions.
Do not quiet these dreams nor quench your desires.
For if you do, your journey is ended.
You have only today to begin anew and follow your dreams.
For in the end all we have are our memories.
When the twilight comes to us, let there be, no excuses, no explanations, no regrets!
~~ Author Unknown ~~

Descubriendo el Siglo 21

Discovering 21century

Fr Tomás Del Valle-Reyes

P. O. BOX 1170

New York, NY 10018

(212) 244 4778

www.descubriendoelsiglo21.com/