I want to share a link to a week-long series being published at Creative Minority Report, one of the few Catholic news-and-views kind of blog that I visit almost daily.
The Baby Gianna Story, part I
The parts are linked one into the next. It is heartbreaking, but so important for stories like this to be told. I warn you to have tissues handy, and I wouldn't suggest reading this from work or a public computer unless you want everyone around wondering what is wrong with you.
Tonight is Mardi Gras. I pray for all of us to have a blessed and fruitful Lenten season.
Showing posts with label inspirational. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspirational. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Advent Meditation 2
from today's lectionary, Saturday of the First Week of Advent:
Thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel:
O people of Zion, who dwell in Jerusalem, no more will you weep; He will be gracious to you when you cry out, as soon as he hears he will answer you. The Lord will give you the bread you need and the water for which you thirst. No longer will your Teacher hide himself, but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher, while from behind a voice shall sound in your ears: "This is the way; walk in it," when you would turn to the right or to the left.
Isaiah 30: 19-21
Come, Lord Jesus!
Thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel:
O people of Zion, who dwell in Jerusalem, no more will you weep; He will be gracious to you when you cry out, as soon as he hears he will answer you. The Lord will give you the bread you need and the water for which you thirst. No longer will your Teacher hide himself, but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher, while from behind a voice shall sound in your ears: "This is the way; walk in it," when you would turn to the right or to the left.
Isaiah 30: 19-21
Come, Lord Jesus!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
An Advent Meditation
"Small was the cave. Small and graceful the young mother. Small, against the cave, people, and animals, was the Baby. Yet, immensity, eternity, and all power and glory were contained in his smallness!
"Let this Christmas be for us a turning point. Let us kill 'self'. Let us become small enough to kneel at the crib, and big enough just to reach the level of the Baby's eyes. Let us then look into them- and catch sight of Love Incarnate! Then we shall be made whole again, and our hunger will be filled."
-Catherine Doherty
"Let this Christmas be for us a turning point. Let us kill 'self'. Let us become small enough to kneel at the crib, and big enough just to reach the level of the Baby's eyes. Let us then look into them- and catch sight of Love Incarnate! Then we shall be made whole again, and our hunger will be filled."
-Catherine Doherty
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Consider the Lilies
And why do you worry about clothes?See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
If God so clothes the grass which is here today and tomorrow is thrown in the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? Oh, you of little faith!
So, do not worry, saying, "What will we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What will we do for clothing?" For the pagans run after all these things and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Matthew 6:26
Behold the birds of the air,
for they neither sow, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns: and your heavenly Father feedeth them.
Are not you of much more value than they?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Matthew 6: 24
No one can serve two masters;
for a slave will either hate the one and love the other,
or be devoted to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve both God and wealth.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
For the Beauty of the Earth
LORD of all to Thee we raise this our hymn of thankful praise!
Click here to see more amazing satellite images of God's magnificent creation!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Bloggers, take note...
This afternoon I picked up Chuck's book, New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton. This is what I opened up to...
If you write for God, you will reach many men and bring them joy.
If you write for men- you may make some money and you may give someone a
little joy and you may make a noise in the world, for a little while.
If you write only for yourself you can read what you yourself have written
and after ten minutes you will be so disgusted you will wish that you were
dead.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Sounding Out
Just in case Danielle Bean ever visits my blog this message is for her: Thank you for this article! It made my morning brighter and my "drudgery" lighter.
God bless!
God bless!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
The message of the cross is folly to those who are on the way to ruin, but for those of us who are on the road to salvation it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18 NJB
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
1 Corinthians 1:18 NJB
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Wood, and a new favorite hymn
We have still been busy with splitting wood from the huge pile that was left behind the garage. So far, this pile has yielded about a cord of wood (full cord, not face) and we're only about halfway done. There were limbs left behind by the previous owners- some are gigantic and many of them are knobby or from the "crotch" of the tree making them pretty heavy and tough. We were hoping to get the pile done before Chuck leaves on Friday, making tomorrow our last work day. However, with rain in the forecast, we've maybe done as much as we can do for now. Chuck will be heading to Pennsylvania after spending almost two weeks working at home.
I would like to share the words for my newest favorite hymn. Just as I Am, written by Charlotte Elliott in 1835. Isn't this how we have to approach Christ? It isn't like we can get all our spritual ducks in a row and then go before Him. We cannot wait until we are perfectly loving and charitable and patient and good, and then grow closer to Him. He knows we are weak and broken. He calls us to Himself anyway, because He wants to strengthen and heal us. "It is not we who chose him, but he who chose us." Anyway, I hope the words of this hymn give you some comfort and joy.
God bless!
Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, tho' tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind-
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find-
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!
I would like to share the words for my newest favorite hymn. Just as I Am, written by Charlotte Elliott in 1835. Isn't this how we have to approach Christ? It isn't like we can get all our spritual ducks in a row and then go before Him. We cannot wait until we are perfectly loving and charitable and patient and good, and then grow closer to Him. He knows we are weak and broken. He calls us to Himself anyway, because He wants to strengthen and heal us. "It is not we who chose him, but he who chose us." Anyway, I hope the words of this hymn give you some comfort and joy.
God bless!
Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, tho' tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind-
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find-
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Widsom of St. Therese
"Do not fear. The poorer you are, the more Jesus will love you. He will go far, very far, in search of you, if at times you wander off a little."
~St. Therese
Monday, May 26, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wonderful Weekend
We were very blessed to be able to go to Marquette for the weekend and participate in Divine Mercy devotions at St. Peter's Cathedral.
We left home on Saturday and enjoyed a beautiful drive to Marquette. Part of the way took us through part of the Ottawa National Forest where we spotted (I think it was) 23 deer. At the end of that road we stopped to get a picture of a sign for a restaurant called (no kidding) "UP Chuck's". We stopped in Ishpeming to visit the St. Vincent's thrift store that our neighbor raves about. We picked up a practically new baby swing, several baby outfits, shoes for Thomas (also practically new) and a pair of jeans for me for less than $12.
When we arrived in Marquette it was still too early to check in to the hotel, so we went to the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum. It was bigger than we expected, and really more of a huge playroom rather than a "museum". There were 3 birthday parties going on at the time we were there, and the place was pretty crazy. We had a lot of fun there, but even the children were ready to go after less than two hours.
After checking in at the hotel and getting some dinner, Chuck took the older children down to the hotel pool. They had a great time swimming! They came back and had another rare "treat"- they watched some TV while Chuck and I played cards. Bedtime that Saturday night was after midnight, so we thought for sure we would all be able to sleep in. Nothin' doin'. The kids started getting up at around 7:00.
We went to Mass at the Cathedral that morning. We thought Mass was at 11:00, but it was really at 11:30 so we had some time to visit the chapel. I got separated from the family and temporarily "lost". I found myself in the crypt where Bishop Baraga is entombed. If ever I am tempted to complain that the bad weather up here is a nuisance, I ought to stop and consider the example of this man who did not let a few feet of snow prevent him from crossing the Upper Peninsula on snowshoes! Mass was lovely. We went back to the hotel to check out, and then got some groceries for a quick brunch.
There is not much I can say about the Divine Mercy service except that the whole thing was just beautiful. By this time Mary was a bit cranky, Joseph and Daniel felt really cranky, and Thomas was tired of the "long church" and kept asking if it was time to go. Normally these things would have annoyed me to no end, but I felt such a peace despite the grumbles. Eventually the little ones settled down (Joseph fell asleep) and Daniel was lifted up with the chanting of the Divine Mercy chaplet. I had to walk Mary across the floor at the back of the cathedral, but that gave me the opportunity to admire the architecture and stained glass windows while we prayed.
After the service was over I was able to pass off the baby and spend a few quiet moments in front of the Divine Mercy image. I imagined the rays from Jesus' Heart penetrating into my own. I prayed that where there was darkness, Christ would give me His light; where there was sin I asked for His strength and peace.
I pray this same prayer for all of you, my loved ones. God bless and keep you all!
We left home on Saturday and enjoyed a beautiful drive to Marquette. Part of the way took us through part of the Ottawa National Forest where we spotted (I think it was) 23 deer. At the end of that road we stopped to get a picture of a sign for a restaurant called (no kidding) "UP Chuck's". We stopped in Ishpeming to visit the St. Vincent's thrift store that our neighbor raves about. We picked up a practically new baby swing, several baby outfits, shoes for Thomas (also practically new) and a pair of jeans for me for less than $12.
When we arrived in Marquette it was still too early to check in to the hotel, so we went to the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum. It was bigger than we expected, and really more of a huge playroom rather than a "museum". There were 3 birthday parties going on at the time we were there, and the place was pretty crazy. We had a lot of fun there, but even the children were ready to go after less than two hours.
After checking in at the hotel and getting some dinner, Chuck took the older children down to the hotel pool. They had a great time swimming! They came back and had another rare "treat"- they watched some TV while Chuck and I played cards. Bedtime that Saturday night was after midnight, so we thought for sure we would all be able to sleep in. Nothin' doin'. The kids started getting up at around 7:00.
We went to Mass at the Cathedral that morning. We thought Mass was at 11:00, but it was really at 11:30 so we had some time to visit the chapel. I got separated from the family and temporarily "lost". I found myself in the crypt where Bishop Baraga is entombed. If ever I am tempted to complain that the bad weather up here is a nuisance, I ought to stop and consider the example of this man who did not let a few feet of snow prevent him from crossing the Upper Peninsula on snowshoes! Mass was lovely. We went back to the hotel to check out, and then got some groceries for a quick brunch.
There is not much I can say about the Divine Mercy service except that the whole thing was just beautiful. By this time Mary was a bit cranky, Joseph and Daniel felt really cranky, and Thomas was tired of the "long church" and kept asking if it was time to go. Normally these things would have annoyed me to no end, but I felt such a peace despite the grumbles. Eventually the little ones settled down (Joseph fell asleep) and Daniel was lifted up with the chanting of the Divine Mercy chaplet. I had to walk Mary across the floor at the back of the cathedral, but that gave me the opportunity to admire the architecture and stained glass windows while we prayed.
After the service was over I was able to pass off the baby and spend a few quiet moments in front of the Divine Mercy image. I imagined the rays from Jesus' Heart penetrating into my own. I prayed that where there was darkness, Christ would give me His light; where there was sin I asked for His strength and peace.
I pray this same prayer for all of you, my loved ones. God bless and keep you all!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Jesus, I Trust In You
the official image, found at the altar of St. Faustina's monastery in Poland. Information regarding Divine Mercy Devotion
The Last Hope of Salvation by Mark Mallett
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Good Words
It is funny how mothering a family works. The more I try to teach the children, the more I realize they help me to learn and grow.
I am using some of the activities for Lent from a book called A Year With God, and I believe I will gain at least as much as they will from these simple exercises. The focus for this first full week of Lent is "Good Words". Tonight we read how good fruit comes of good words, but angry or thoughtless words (or voices!) serve only to tear another person down.
As I was reading these thoughts to them, my mind recalled all the times when I snap impatiently. When I yell at them to be quiet. (Yeah, I know...) When I use sarcasm instead of encouragement. When I interrupt. After I finished reading I did something that was very hard for me to do; I told them I knew I had a problem with using bad words, I apologized to them, and asked for them to help me.
We decided that "Remember good words!" will be our code to remind each other. So, we'll see how it goes for me this week. What will I do when they catch me raising my voice? How will I react the first time one of them smiles at me and says, "Remember good words, Mama!" With God's grace, I will smile and thank them for the encouragement. Please pray for me to have that grace! If anybody can share recommendations or personal experience with this, feel free to leave a comment or e-mail me. And remember- good words this week!
God bless!
I am using some of the activities for Lent from a book called A Year With God, and I believe I will gain at least as much as they will from these simple exercises. The focus for this first full week of Lent is "Good Words". Tonight we read how good fruit comes of good words, but angry or thoughtless words (or voices!) serve only to tear another person down.
As I was reading these thoughts to them, my mind recalled all the times when I snap impatiently. When I yell at them to be quiet. (Yeah, I know...) When I use sarcasm instead of encouragement. When I interrupt. After I finished reading I did something that was very hard for me to do; I told them I knew I had a problem with using bad words, I apologized to them, and asked for them to help me.
We decided that "Remember good words!" will be our code to remind each other. So, we'll see how it goes for me this week. What will I do when they catch me raising my voice? How will I react the first time one of them smiles at me and says, "Remember good words, Mama!" With God's grace, I will smile and thank them for the encouragement. Please pray for me to have that grace! If anybody can share recommendations or personal experience with this, feel free to leave a comment or e-mail me. And remember- good words this week!
God bless!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
A Lenten Resource
I have changed my homepage to this Lenten calendar on EWTN. My thank you to one of the ladies at the Catholic Parenting board on JM for posting a link that lead me to this!
I always have approached each Lent full of expectations and plans for what I will accomplish. Not this year. This year I am approaching this Lent with hope and expectation for what He will accomplish in me. I still plan to do my part. But I will also strive to step aside; allow Jesus to do the work He needs to do, and let Him heal me where He knows I need to be healed.
Please pray for me. I will pray daily for all of you as well. May this Lent be for each of us a journey to the foot of the cross.
God bless!
I always have approached each Lent full of expectations and plans for what I will accomplish. Not this year. This year I am approaching this Lent with hope and expectation for what He will accomplish in me. I still plan to do my part. But I will also strive to step aside; allow Jesus to do the work He needs to do, and let Him heal me where He knows I need to be healed.
Please pray for me. I will pray daily for all of you as well. May this Lent be for each of us a journey to the foot of the cross.
God bless!
Monday, August 6, 2007
Sunrise
This morning I was woken up early; at about 5:40, after fighting for an hour to go back to sleep, I got out of bed, put on my robe, and went outside. It was the best thing that happened to me today.
It was so dark that I could only see things clearly by not looking straight at them. I could barely make out the sheep pen, not 50 yards away. The half moon was high in the sky and bright enough to cast a short shadow nearly underneath me. I do not know the names of the stars and planets that still lingered around her. A blanket of fog covered the field and crept between the trunks of the trees. The air was so still and silent that I could hear the occasional dripping of dew collecting on the grass, the trees, and the roof of the house. The only other sound was the final movement of the nightly concert of a cricket not to far from me. The tiniest move I made caused him to stop again. Clouds hanging low in the north-east were just beginning to pale. The fog gradually turned lighter and lighter shades of grey and the sky brightened long before the sun made his actual appearance over the tops of the tall pines.
It was the most wonderful thing.
Sunsets are always spectacular here, but those happen across the street, and so, in a sense, they belong to someone else. The sunrise seems to be more subdued, somehow, less showy. But when I watch the morning sky I am looking over the back of our property, and so I feel they "belong" to me. Every time I am up early enough to see the dark turn to dawn I am reminded of how good God is to us.
I know; a picture is worth a thousand words, especially on a blog. I tried to get one this morning. If I were a better photographer I might have captured the beauty of this morning. I might have done an even better job if I were a painter with talent, time, and proper materials at my command. But, not being a photographer or a painter, I write. I'm not sure if it took a thousand words, but I hope I have at least managed to express the simplicity and peace of that beautiful morning I will always remember.
God bless!
It was so dark that I could only see things clearly by not looking straight at them. I could barely make out the sheep pen, not 50 yards away. The half moon was high in the sky and bright enough to cast a short shadow nearly underneath me. I do not know the names of the stars and planets that still lingered around her. A blanket of fog covered the field and crept between the trunks of the trees. The air was so still and silent that I could hear the occasional dripping of dew collecting on the grass, the trees, and the roof of the house. The only other sound was the final movement of the nightly concert of a cricket not to far from me. The tiniest move I made caused him to stop again. Clouds hanging low in the north-east were just beginning to pale. The fog gradually turned lighter and lighter shades of grey and the sky brightened long before the sun made his actual appearance over the tops of the tall pines.
It was the most wonderful thing.
Sunsets are always spectacular here, but those happen across the street, and so, in a sense, they belong to someone else. The sunrise seems to be more subdued, somehow, less showy. But when I watch the morning sky I am looking over the back of our property, and so I feel they "belong" to me. Every time I am up early enough to see the dark turn to dawn I am reminded of how good God is to us.
I know; a picture is worth a thousand words, especially on a blog. I tried to get one this morning. If I were a better photographer I might have captured the beauty of this morning. I might have done an even better job if I were a painter with talent, time, and proper materials at my command. But, not being a photographer or a painter, I write. I'm not sure if it took a thousand words, but I hope I have at least managed to express the simplicity and peace of that beautiful morning I will always remember.
God bless!
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Less than 50 days now!
It seems just a short time ago that I posted pointing out that my ticker box (upper right side) had less than 100 days to go until Baby's due date. Well, now we have less than 50 days!
I've heard comments over the years to the effect that expecting your sixth, seventh, etc. can't possibly be as exciting as expecting your first or second. I can't speak for every mom of many, but I can say in my case that is certainly not true! If anything, the anticipation is sweeter because I have fewer questions and (for the most part) less anxiety. I'm not worried about whether or not every little twinge or discomfort is "normal". I can savor these last weeks without fear of whether or not I am prepared to take care of a newborn. In fact, although this pregnancy has been physcially demanding, I think I am enjoying it more than I have enjoyed any of the others.
I am more aware than ever of just how precious this time is. My pregnancy with Hope flew by in a whirlwind of life changes. I don't remember taking much time to talk to her or feel her position within me or smile at her hiccups. And then she was gone, just like that. I think four healthy and uneventful pregnancies made me complacent. Our daughter's short life taught me many lessons. One of those is that I must learn to cherish every moment; even the difficult and painful times are a gift that, once spent, can never be returned.
I am sure that in a few more weeks I will reach a point of wanting this pregnancy to be OVER. It happens every time! But for now, I am feeling well, enjoying "the glow", and relishing every day that brings us closer to Baby's birth.
God bless!
I've heard comments over the years to the effect that expecting your sixth, seventh, etc. can't possibly be as exciting as expecting your first or second. I can't speak for every mom of many, but I can say in my case that is certainly not true! If anything, the anticipation is sweeter because I have fewer questions and (for the most part) less anxiety. I'm not worried about whether or not every little twinge or discomfort is "normal". I can savor these last weeks without fear of whether or not I am prepared to take care of a newborn. In fact, although this pregnancy has been physcially demanding, I think I am enjoying it more than I have enjoyed any of the others.
I am more aware than ever of just how precious this time is. My pregnancy with Hope flew by in a whirlwind of life changes. I don't remember taking much time to talk to her or feel her position within me or smile at her hiccups. And then she was gone, just like that. I think four healthy and uneventful pregnancies made me complacent. Our daughter's short life taught me many lessons. One of those is that I must learn to cherish every moment; even the difficult and painful times are a gift that, once spent, can never be returned.
I am sure that in a few more weeks I will reach a point of wanting this pregnancy to be OVER. It happens every time! But for now, I am feeling well, enjoying "the glow", and relishing every day that brings us closer to Baby's birth.
God bless!
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Already July!
I really can't believe it is already July and that 2007 is half over.
I got a rude awakening this morning- cramps in both calves that were so bad I couldn't even stand up! Somebody hasn't always been remembering to take her mineral supplement, but will from now on. Yikes!
It was a blessing, though, because it happened at 5:37. It was too close to my wake-up time to go back to bed, but earlier than I usually get up, so I was treated to a gorgeous sunrise. The entire northern sky was blushed with the first touch of the sun. It made me think, as I stood there at the kitchen window waiting for water to boil, that God has brought us to the most beautiful place left in the country. So many people live day after day without ever having an unobstructed view of the sky. I feel so fortunate to live in the country where I can see "the skies proclaim the work of his hands".
I pray that all of us will have a beautiful and grace-filled week.
God bless!
I got a rude awakening this morning- cramps in both calves that were so bad I couldn't even stand up! Somebody hasn't always been remembering to take her mineral supplement, but will from now on. Yikes!
It was a blessing, though, because it happened at 5:37. It was too close to my wake-up time to go back to bed, but earlier than I usually get up, so I was treated to a gorgeous sunrise. The entire northern sky was blushed with the first touch of the sun. It made me think, as I stood there at the kitchen window waiting for water to boil, that God has brought us to the most beautiful place left in the country. So many people live day after day without ever having an unobstructed view of the sky. I feel so fortunate to live in the country where I can see "the skies proclaim the work of his hands".
I pray that all of us will have a beautiful and grace-filled week.
God bless!
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