Today I attended my very first sixth grade graduation ceremony where my grand-daughter was the recipient of a document that confirmed that she had indeed graduated. On to bigger and better things for her. I could not believe how crowded it was in the auditorium. Every single person associated with a graduate was there. The girls looked beautiful in their brand new dresses - most at appropriate lengths, hair done up, make-up, and manicures. Yes, they sparkled. The boys didn't seem to have the same enthusiasm for the event. Most of them dressed like it was a normal school day but some of them wore ties. People held gifts, flowers, and balloons and clapped energetically for every single child that received their "diploma". I was impressed with the community spirit, and a little jealous that I had never been honored in that way when I was a sixth grader. Well, maybe it is all for the good. Perhaps these young people who will soon be adults feel that they should pursue higher education and become something wonderful in this world.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Hannah graduated - 6th grade
Today I attended my very first sixth grade graduation ceremony where my grand-daughter was the recipient of a document that confirmed that she had indeed graduated. On to bigger and better things for her. I could not believe how crowded it was in the auditorium. Every single person associated with a graduate was there. The girls looked beautiful in their brand new dresses - most at appropriate lengths, hair done up, make-up, and manicures. Yes, they sparkled. The boys didn't seem to have the same enthusiasm for the event. Most of them dressed like it was a normal school day but some of them wore ties. People held gifts, flowers, and balloons and clapped energetically for every single child that received their "diploma". I was impressed with the community spirit, and a little jealous that I had never been honored in that way when I was a sixth grader. Well, maybe it is all for the good. Perhaps these young people who will soon be adults feel that they should pursue higher education and become something wonderful in this world.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Joshua
I had the great privilege to watch my grandson, Joshua, this week while my beautiful daughter had her second child. What an experience it was to see him explore and figure things out - he is only 18 months old but a quick learner. My heart melted each time he gave me an unexpected and spontaneous hug or snuggle. This is a child who lives each moment, each second, to the fullest until he crashes with exhaustion. We had to take him back home yesterday, and the house seemed so empty without him -- it broke my heart to let him go.
Monday, May 28, 2012
A Dream of my Dad
Early this morning I had a lucid dream -- lucid dreams seem real at the time, as though you are really living in that particular space and time and nothing else exists. I had a dream about my father. He died in November of 2010 and not a day goes by that I don't grieve for him. I wonder when it will stop. But, God sent me a happy dream about him today and it filled me with so much joy I wanted to cry -- and I did weep in my dream (which woke me up).
In the dream I was with my Mom in her bedroom that she and Dad shared for over 50 years. We were laying on the bed and talking like we so often do or at least we did before Dad died. Suddenly I was aware that my Dad was also laying on the bed and I reached over and took his hand and stroked his hand lovingly. I looked at Mom and said to her that Dad was right here and I was holding his hand -- and asked her to hold his hand too. She looked at my hand as if she were blind and I could tell that she couldn't see Dad's hand holding mine.
As I stated earlier, I was so happy I was crying and woke up pretty quickly. I laid in bed thinking about why Mom could not see Dad and I suddenly thought "she doesn't have faith". I thought about that for a while and realized that Mom has struggled with the concept of faith for as long as I can remember. She asked me years ago if I thought heaven was real -- she genuinely wanted to know. I don't think I convinced her.
I view my dream as a confirmation from God - a gift that my Dad's soul is eternal and that I will see him again. I miss him more than one can express.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Wow, kindness abounds…
Wow, kindness abounds…
(click on the link above) I try to visit The Crescat weekly and read her blog of May 24th where she bares her soul and confesses to having two abortions. I am deeply impressed with her courage and humility when she wrote this piece on abortion - it is worth reading. One of the responses to her blog was gut wrenching -- here it is: She received a response from a reader telling her that he wished he could have helped a young man who was trying to talk his girlfriend out of having an abortion. They gave him a little plastic fetus so she could see the infant inside, but she still had the abortion anyway. The young man came out of the clinic heart-broken and asked if he could keep the little plastic fetus - it was all that he had left. Doesn't this story break your heart?
Our babies souls fly to heaven when their bodies are destroyed.
(click on the link above) I try to visit The Crescat weekly and read her blog of May 24th where she bares her soul and confesses to having two abortions. I am deeply impressed with her courage and humility when she wrote this piece on abortion - it is worth reading. One of the responses to her blog was gut wrenching -- here it is: She received a response from a reader telling her that he wished he could have helped a young man who was trying to talk his girlfriend out of having an abortion. They gave him a little plastic fetus so she could see the infant inside, but she still had the abortion anyway. The young man came out of the clinic heart-broken and asked if he could keep the little plastic fetus - it was all that he had left. Doesn't this story break your heart?
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Ryan
Today is my first sons 33rd birthday - how the time rushes by. I can remember so clearly holding him in my arms, kissing him, and snuggling. He grew faster than I could ever imagine into a beautiful and loving man. He's a strong man - not just physically; and he is able to shelter so many within his protective embrace, and take on so many burdens. I worry about him...his health, his happiness, his soul. But, whenever I think upon him, there is so much joy that fills my soul that I am sure everything will be just fine with him in this life.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
The culture of Materialism
“Since the remotest times, attention to others has moved the Church to show concrete signs of solidarity with those in need, sharing resources, promoting simpler lifestyles, going against an ephemeral culture which has disappointed many and determined a profound spiritual crisis,” Pope Benedict
. - VIS
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
To love means.....
“To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.” G.K.Chesterton
Monday, May 7, 2012
St Louis de Montfort said to sinners:
If you say faithfully the Rosary until death, I assure you, despite the gravity of your sins you will receive a “never fading crown of glory” [1 Pet 5:4]. Even if you are on the brink of damnation, even if you have one foot in hell, even if you have sold your soul to the devil as sorcerers do, and even if you are a heretic as obstinate as a devil, sooner or later you will be converted. You will amend your life and save your soul if you say the Holy Rosary devoutly, every day until death for the purpose of knowing the truth; and obtaining contrition and pardon for your sins. - St Louis de Montfort, “The Secret of the Rosary”
source from Abbey-Roads blog
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
May Crowning of Our Lady
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Favorite Quote of the Day
Stupidity is also a gift of God, but one mustn't misuse it.
Pope John Paul II
Our Lady of Knock
While visiting Ireland a few years back, we made the pilgrimage to Knock. The Story of Knock began on the 21st August 1879 when Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. The apparition was witnessed by fifteen people, young and old. From this miraculous Apparition Knock has grown to the status of an internationally recognised Marian Shrine.
http://www.knock-shrine.ie/
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Mary Undoer of Knots
My daughter-in-law, Julie, shared this beautiful jewel of a novena with me:
http://www.theholyrosary.org/maryundoerknots
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Solemnity of the Baptism of our Lord
The Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from Christ's side, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee.
From the malicious enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me.
And bid me come unto Thee.
That I may praise Thee with Thy saints and with Thy angels.
Forever and ever
Amen
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Madonna and Child
Gazing at this beautiful mother and precious child, knowing that they represent the mother of God and God Incarnate, fills me with such joy and tenderness and sorrow all wrapped up together. I am so thankful for Mary's "yes" - for her "Fiat".
Friday, December 2, 2011
Celebration of Life
I attended one of these yesterday and was shocked - really! I didn't know the person who was being lauded and lampooned but he sounded like someone it would have been fun to know. The church was packed. I was amazed at how many people knew this guy -- Wow is all I can say about that. The only person missing at the party was the poor dead guy. The eulogies lasted for an hour and a half - I kid you not. This was not a sad event. Perhaps a few women shed a tear now and then but for the most part it was...."Happy"; however, I haven't been to very many funerals in my life having avoided them "like the plague". Perhaps I got the idea from my Mom that attending funerals was just too sad. I cannot ever remember attending one when I was a child.
The minister spoke a few times and led in prayer a time or two. One thing he said stuck with me - he said that our religion and expression of our faith is a "private matter". Woah...What? Private? These are Christians I'm talking about here (albeit separated brethren). If there is anything I know about Christianity, being a Catholic, it is NOT private, hidden, or secret. What did Jesus say about hiding your light under a bushel? or the virgins who ran out of oil?
I haven't been to a protestant church for decades (except Anglican) - but I was amazed at the changes - not only in the sanctuary er I mean building where they worship but in the attitude of the people themselves. They seemed like "nice" people. Very inclusive since there were women there who made it obvious regarding their life orientation. I cannot put my finger on what was missing for me. Maybe it was because there was no cross, no holy pictures to draw one's eye or perhaps it was because there was no altar. I don't know..but, I did not feel God's presence in the midst of them. For me this was the saddest thing of all.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
St. Mary's, Virginia City, NV
Virginia City, NV has an old catholic church, St. Mary's, that keeps its old statues in the basement; they have a sort of museum down there that one can visit. I took pics of the beautiful statues and lamented that no one will see these unless you know where to go. They are so inspiring and lovely...it's such a shame they are in the basement.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
When the Frost is on the Punkin
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock,
And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin' turkey-cock,
And the clackin' of the guineys, and the cluckin' of the hens,
And the rooster's hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence;
O, it's then's the times a feller is a-feelin' at his best,
With the risin' sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest,
As he leaves the house, bareheaded, and goes out to feed the stock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.
They's something kindo' harty-like about the atmusfere
When the heat of summer's over and the coolin' fall is here --
Of course we miss the flowers, and the blossums on the trees,
And the mumble of the hummin'-birds and buzzin' of the bees;
But the air's so appetizin'; and the landscape through the haze
Of a crisp and sunny morning of the airly autumn days
Is a pictur' that no painter has the colorin' to mock --
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.
The husky, rusty russel of the tossels of the corn,
And the raspin' of the tangled leaves, as golden as the morn;
The stubble in the furries -- kindo' lonesome-like, but still
A-preachin' sermuns to us of the barns they growed to fill;
The strawstack in the medder, and the reaper in the shed;
The hosses in theyr stalls below -- the clover over-head! --
O, it sets my hart a-clickin' like the tickin' of a clock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock!
Then your apples all is gethered, and the ones a feller keeps
Is poured around the celler-floor in red and yeller heaps;
And your cider-makin' 's over, and your wimmern-folks is through
With their mince and apple-butter, and theyr souse and saussage, too! ...
I don't know how to tell it -- but ef sich a thing could be
As the Angels wantin' boardin', and they'd call around on me --
I'd want to 'commodate 'em -- all the whole-indurin' flock --
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock!
James Whitcomb Riley
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Life of Cistercian Nuns
This post from one of the Nuns: "We wear the cuculla normally in Choir. However as it was 95 degrees and we have a small space and low ceiling, we do not wear it at those times. Also it was an altar bread baking day and so some of the sisters were in work smocks and hoods. I am a member of this community and happened upon this video made by a photographer who visited here several years ago."
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Prayer For Purity
Obtain for me a deep sense of modesty, which will be reflected in my external conduct. Protect my eyes, the windows of my soul, from anything that might dim the luster of a heart that must mirror only Christ-like purity.
And when the "Bread of Angels" becomes my food in Holy Communion, seal my heart forever against the suggestion of sinful pleasures.
May I be among the number of those of whom Jesus spoke: "Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God". Amen
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)