My dear friends,
I will be away for a while meeting with my brothers and sisters in the Dominican Order. While I’m away, through God’s grace, I will hopefully take my life vows within the Order. At that point, theoretically, I won’t be a Novice anymore, although I suspect I’ll always be a bit of a novice.
While I’m away, I’d ask that you keep me in your prayers. You will certainly be in mine. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and make His face to shine upon you, and keep you strong in the knowledge of His love.
This is a bit like rafting down a river in a canoe and hearing the sound of the falls grow louder and louder. A dear friend told me yesterday to put away the paddles and just enjoy the ride. I think I’ll do just that.
God watch over thee and me,
James R. Dennis, O.P.
© 2012 James R. Dennis
Domini Canes 
Our prayers are with you, Bro. James. Blessings in the name of Jesus.
Thank you, Mike. It was a great challenge, and a great blessing.
Peace on you and your house,
Br. James
My prayers are always with you my friend and especially this week. Be safe in yorur travels, be blessed by in sharing time with your brothers and sisters, and be filled with the peace of reaching another step on your journey as a servant of our Lord. Amen.
My dear Barbara,
Many thanks for the gift of your prayers and your friendship. My time with my brothers and sisters is always so short, but always so rich.
Be blessed, and be a blessing,
Br. James
Go with God!
Many thanks, Walt. Hope all’s well with you.
Pax Christi,
Br. James
Many thanks, Walt. Vaya con dios yourself.
Peace,
Br. James
“Woo-hoo!” doesn’t seem quite appropriate, but gosh golly gee whiz, James, good for you. Enjoy.
Thank you, Barbara, it was really quite wonderful!
Dear Brother James – every prayer and every blessing for this part of the journey and always. God bless xxx
Thanks so much Alex. You’re very kind to think of me, and I’m most grateful for the support!
My prayers and thoughts will be with you on this Blessed and special Journey! I hope that the Lord guides you to come back to us. With ever gratitude for all that you have given and so generously, Joy-Heartedly shared, Linda
Thank you so much, Linda. It’s a great joy to be buoyed up by friends and loved ones. Your support and concern mean a great deal to me.
Br. James
My prayers are with you. Thank you so much for your posts and encouraging words. You have been a blessing to me. May He continue to bless you and keep you. I trust you will return to your blog ministry when possible. I am looking forward to it.
Rob,
Thank you ever so much. I will be blogging for a while yet, and cannot tell you how much the grace of your friendship means to me.
God’s great peace on you and your house,
Br. James
What is next, after novice-dom? I will be praying for every step you walk with Christ.
Shalom,
Olive
After one completes one’s novitiate, one is simply a brother or a sister, under life vows, Olive.
Beautiful! I admire your devotion, and pray that you will be protected and encouraged each day.
Peace in Christ, Sister Olive
God bless you on your physical and spiritual journey, James! As your friend said, enjoy the ride!
Liz,
Many thanks for the blessing, and for the blessing of your support and friendship. It was, and I’m certain will be, a great ride.
Wishing you the peace that passes all understanding,
Br. James
Allowing yourself to be led by the Holy Spirit takes courage and has made you an inspiration to all of us who live vicariously through your journey. Safe travels, joyous times.
Pam,
I’m only able to do what I do because I have the love and support of a great parish and dear friends there (like you).
God’s great peace,
Br. James
God bless you! Really look forward to hearing your heart when you return. Be still….
Many thanks, Arlene. Still isn’t always my best side, but I will try.
Peace,
Br. James
I will be thinking of you every day as you take this giant step. With lots of love, Lana
Lana,
The glow of your love is always with me, for which I’m terribly grateful.
God’s peace on you and your house,
Br. James
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as we await your return. I’m excited for you.
Thank you, Mike. It was really quite wonderful.
Thanks for watching the neighborhood while I was gone.
Pax et bonum,
Br. James
Amen to all the prayers and good thoughts for you. Grace be yours everyday.
Charles,
Many thanks. I had a wonder-filled time with my brothers and sisters. Thank you for your prayers and support.
God watch over thee and me,
Br. James
All my best for this part of your journey. I will hold you in my thoughts and prayers as i feel so often held by the thoughts and prayers in your posts.
Thank you, Charlotte. We were blessed to be together, and I appreciate the prayers and the support.
God’s great peace,
Br. James
Wishing You all the nourishment in the world James. May the seeds within Your being continue to grow and blossom beautifully. God Bless You on Your journey Sir…………………….
Thank you, old friend. Your support and good wishes mean a great deal to me.
The peace of the Lord,
Br. James
I join the chorus, Brother James. I too am praying for you and have high hopes that you will navigate the falls and live to tell about it.
Ron
Thank you so much, Ron. I was able to come through the falls, unharmed but not unchanged. Your prayers and support mean so much to me.
It was good to be there, and it’s good to be back. God’s great peace,
Br. James
I nominated you for a few blogging awards. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you take your life vows for the Order. God Bless. http://catholibertarian.com/2012/08/04/thank-you-so-much/
Teresa,
You are so very kind to think of me. While I don’t do the awards thing much, I do the gratitude thing a lot. I hope and pray you are well and happy.
In His name,
Br. James
Whether the waters be rough or calm, you are not riding alone.
Go in peace,
Carole
Thank you, Carole, for that lovely blessing. And, you were right. I was not alone.
Grace and peace to you,
Br. James
All shall be well. All shall be well. In all manner of things shall be well. May God grant you presence to sponge up the grace and mercy of this moment.
Katie,
Thanks for your good advice and the blessing of that good saint. I hope all’s well with you.
Pax Christi,
Br. James