tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194851612024-03-07T18:12:59.988-05:00Annie's WhirlwindMy blog is my place to unwind, and sort things out!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-67849281154224049732013-06-24T11:59:00.002-04:002013-06-25T09:37:48.177-04:00Churches I have Visited: St. Augustine Catholic Church, Minster, OhioOver the years, as we would pass through Minster, Ohio on our way to our place on Grand Lake St. Mary's, I'd notice the twin spires of town's Catholic Church. This church is part of a grouping of churches known as "The Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches". And while I had always been aware of so many churhes in this area, St. Augustine has always stood out... and has been on my list of 'churches to see'! So finally, on Saturday, as we drove home from Maria Stein, we decided to stop and attend the 5 O'Clock Mass. And I'm so glad we did. Here are the few pictures I was able to take:<br />
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I am a huge fan of artwork in churches. Some would say that it's not "good" art.. which I understand in theory. Yet, there's something about traditional art that illustrates our Catholic faith so very well. Not surprisingly, I much prefer "traditional churches" to the modern churches that have been built in recent years. The Mass was awesome, and the parish seems to be thriving and alive with families. I have to confess to feeling a bit "envious" when we left. More more information, click here: <a href="http://www.staugie.com/" target="_blank">St. Augustine Catholic Church</a> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-24984314327607549572013-06-24T11:24:00.002-04:002013-06-25T09:38:10.123-04:00Churches I have visted: The Shrine of the Holy Relics in Maria Stein, OhioRussell and I joined a pilgrimage to <a href="http://www.mariasteinshrine.org/" target="_blank">The Shrine of the Holy Relics in Maria Stein, Ohio</a> with members of the Fairborn Knights of Columbus and the Daughters of Isabella, Marian Circle 911, also from Fairborn. Our intention was to pray for Religious Freedom as mentioned in my previous blog. The Shrine is just over an hours drive. While I've always heard about the Shrine, this was my first visit. Here are a few pictures I took:<br />
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There is so much to see, and it's well worth the trip. I definitely plan on going back. What a wonderful place to come and pray.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-41093862863776562092013-06-24T10:42:00.002-04:002013-07-07T12:38:04.481-04:002013 Fortnight For Freedom<div style="text-align: center;">
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2013 Fortnight for Freedom: June 21 to July 4</div>
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The U.S. bishops have called for a Fortnight for Freedom, a two-week period of prayer and action, to address many current challenges to religious liberty, including the August 1, 2013 deadline for religious organizations to comply with the HHS mandate, Supreme Court rulings that could attempt to redefine marriage in June, and religious liberty concerns in areas such as immigration and humanitarian services.</div>
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Prayer for the Protection of Religious Liberty</div>
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O God our Creator,</div>
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from your provident hand we have received</div>
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our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.</div>
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You have called us as your people and given us</div>
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the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God,</div>
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and your Son, Jesus Christ.</div>
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Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit,</div>
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you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world,</div>
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bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel</div>
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to every corner of society.</div>
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We ask you to bless us</div>
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in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty.</div>
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Give us the strength of mind and heart</div>
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to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened;</div>
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give us courage in making our voices heard</div>
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on behalf of the rights of your Church</div>
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and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.</div>
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Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father,</div>
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a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters</div>
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gathered in your Church</div>
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in this decisive hour in the history of our nation,</div>
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so that, with every trial withstood</div>
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and every danger overcome—</div>
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for the sake of our children, our grandchildren,</div>
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and all who come after us—</div>
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this great land will always be "one nation, under God,</div>
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indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."</div>
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We ask this through Christ our Lord.</div>
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Amen.
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From more information, click here: <a href="http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnight-for-freedom/index.cfm">Fortnight for Freedom</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-48347598789113502652013-05-29T12:13:00.001-04:002013-05-29T12:14:32.640-04:00Churches I have visted: St. Joseph Catholic Church - Pittsfield, MAAs I recently shared in another blog, I traveled to Pittsfield, Massachusetts a couple of weeks ago to attend my 35th reunion at Miss Hall's School. I flew home Sunday afternoon, and being Pentecost Sunday, I wanted to attend Mass in Pittsfield. The church, St. Joseph Catholic Church - The Mother Church of the Berkshires, was a few blocks from my hotel, and so I walked! That was something new for me, and had it not been chilly and misty, I would have enjoyed the walk! Here are the three photos I took on my iPhone:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_2m_2yNjA2-c7CXYyN3jyXpaNIOweQF63LPEhY23KpUMUKmuBd1lPT7lpYW9_4E9Rl1OvBTAaFr3S7idVEFNsNY7WnGLPNcHtX6aceeInM604K2BY_hlq0u7Eicjge9Q7xDaWQ/s1600/SJPitts1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_2m_2yNjA2-c7CXYyN3jyXpaNIOweQF63LPEhY23KpUMUKmuBd1lPT7lpYW9_4E9Rl1OvBTAaFr3S7idVEFNsNY7WnGLPNcHtX6aceeInM604K2BY_hlq0u7Eicjge9Q7xDaWQ/s320/SJPitts1.jpg" width="244" yya="true" /></a></div>
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The Mass was lovely. Msgr. Shershanovich's homily was thought provoking and meaningful. I wish the day had been sunny and clear, but the church was very warm and welcoming on such a cold and dreary day. It seemed to me that Christ's light was definitely shining here.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-31876666155721993252013-05-24T15:37:00.000-04:002013-05-28T10:30:05.965-04:00Russell receiving the 2013 Marianist Service AwardLast night, Russell received one of the 2013 Marianist Service Awards. "<em>The Marianist Service Award was established in 1987 by Marianists working at the University of Dayton. Each year, this award honors two full-time staff whose behavior, over a significant number of years, is congruent with the University's Catholic and Marianist character. Nominations are made by the vowed Marianists who work on campus, members of the Rector's Council and previous award recipients"</em><br />
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<span style="color: white;">The first video is Fr. Jim Fitz, Rector of the University of Dayton, presenting Russell with the award:</span><br />
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This second video is of Dr. Joeseph Saliba, Provost of the Unviersity of Dayton, making some commentsabout Russell receiving the award: <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-79939485204574544412013-05-23T13:20:00.000-04:002013-05-24T09:24:52.540-04:00Another Stroll Down Memory Lane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWr2GASEpdUtqu004PE34uwuTpmhHOHEQHcE5-B66wE1NpNCtgEweExVSKnJ4qoeWuroSYo_PdHN8Vdb1lA45ClUkdn6cEqVar4bEOlekbbwjkVCAs9YujECRnapZbPVzier_3GA/s1600/sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWr2GASEpdUtqu004PE34uwuTpmhHOHEQHcE5-B66wE1NpNCtgEweExVSKnJ4qoeWuroSYo_PdHN8Vdb1lA45ClUkdn6cEqVar4bEOlekbbwjkVCAs9YujECRnapZbPVzier_3GA/s320/sign.jpg" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
I flew to Western Massachusetts last weekend to attend my 35th “high school” reunion. To say that both my heart and my mind were filled with sentimental nostalgia is somewhat of an understatement. Driving into Pittsfield from Boston was fun. My friend Caroline and I spent the time catching up and comparing notes as to what our expectations were. As we turned off the Mass. Turnpike and headed north towards Pittsfield, things seemed to be vaguely familiar. It was as if our memories were starting to awaken after a long slumber. <br />
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Memory is a wonderful thing… when it works. My Mother always told me that I had an incredible memory, and I would agree for the most part. Yet it is always somewhat surprising when I hear another person’s perception of a shared memory that contradicts my own memory. For example, my sister and I were recently regaling my cousin about the time she dumped a milkshake on my head. I had done something equally obnoxious to warrant such retaliation from her. We both agreed on that. We both had that same memory. Yet we differed on “where” it happened. I am certain that it happened at Wendy’s. She is certain that it happened at Arby’s. We both think we’re right, yet clearly, one of us is wrong. Which is it? Personally, I don’t really care. It’s just slightly annoying to spend time wondering who’s right and whose wrong, when I know I’m right. I’m kidding… because in reality, I have no clue, and have digressed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4u8vS-BtCEuOoh6HUg44DqaN2GSKVmL9tZZ85_nnPbMjMfubNGRZ0-nkQ2FR1R_zUA59lTwrrIbwONqJscVzW8ngXM5wDXI2fpgbH9Qc1qtSECoPEZaw1x7iBbP5TOu1BMGoXQ/s1600/MHS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4u8vS-BtCEuOoh6HUg44DqaN2GSKVmL9tZZ85_nnPbMjMfubNGRZ0-nkQ2FR1R_zUA59lTwrrIbwONqJscVzW8ngXM5wDXI2fpgbH9Qc1qtSECoPEZaw1x7iBbP5TOu1BMGoXQ/s320/MHS.jpg" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
As I sat at the opening banquet last Friday night, filled with wonder at being back at the school that I love so much, a place where I found myself, a place that saved my life, I looked around the room, filled with fellow alumni… who all appeared to love the School as much as I did. And the stories that were told… some familiar, some “new to me” resulted in laughter and maybe a few tears. Of course there were the kind of variations that come with gossip and rumors. Laughing at our antics in days gone by, I was vaguely aware of feeling… some sort of surprise when I heard of something that had happened right under my nose. “That really happened?” I’d ask. And apparently it did. Of course, I realize that it’s impossible to know everything that happened. And it was fun to see other’s having similar reactions. Someone described it as gaps in our memories coming alive, almost like finding missing pixels from a digitized photo… one blurry, now a bit more clear.<br />
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The weekend flew by. It was a wonderful time- reconnecting with friends… connecting with new friends, who have in common a very special place called Miss Hall’s School. It's comforting to know, that we change, places change... many things stay the same. With appreciation for the many changes we discovered, there was still so much that had stayed the same. And for that, I was and am incredibly grateful.<br />
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Miss Hall's School <em>Alma Mater</em></div>
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<em>In lofty splendor, stand the Berkshires fair, </em></div>
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<em>And there we know no sorrow, pain or care,</em></div>
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<em>For there we always happy are -- and free.</em></div>
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<em>Oh loyal Gold and Blue we sing to thee.</em></div>
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<em>In after years when we are far apart,</em></div>
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<em>Thy name will always ring in every heart.</em></div>
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<em>No matter how far distant we may be,</em></div>
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<em>Oh MHS we will remember thee.</em></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-8556363450566948752013-05-09T11:44:00.001-04:002013-05-09T15:34:50.263-04:00Missing my Mother...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9xCA7pj52Y977d3tImwm93I6NlGBNlIdxTJPfNPK5ftxQ9A8PRtoOjl4sxxQbpWql2q_ZjaI6Dm-myARqTTRRiCM214Mpp8e85sNCrxdOR7tYMfcpTX3Y6pfpf6KqnNVIFXCMQ/s1600/Mother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9xCA7pj52Y977d3tImwm93I6NlGBNlIdxTJPfNPK5ftxQ9A8PRtoOjl4sxxQbpWql2q_ZjaI6Dm-myARqTTRRiCM214Mpp8e85sNCrxdOR7tYMfcpTX3Y6pfpf6KqnNVIFXCMQ/s400/Mother.jpg" width="267" /></a>Many moons have passed since my last post last October. And much has happened. I've not had the heart or energy to blog about the death of my Mother on November 11, 2012. Yet with Mother's Day approaching, and all the reminders about celebrating Mom's, I'm compelled to finally write this.</div>
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Her death was a blessing, to be sure. And it is a comfort to know that she was no longer afraid... she smiled everytime we prayed with her during those last weeks. That in itself was worth everything, because she had been so fearful. We are so thankful to Pastor Steve Becker and to the Chaplains from Hospice. They helped her so very very much. And thankfully, she is finally free from the terrible pain that she suffered from for so very long.<br />
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The staff at Oak Creek Terrace, the nurses and aides, led by Carla Becker from Hospice of Greater Dayton were fabulous. Our family is so incredibly grateful to them for the care and support they gave to Mother, and to all of us.<br />
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Watching her slip away that last day was difficult. I couldn't bear to leave her side, yet I wanted to escape. We played music for her, especially her favorite: "Somewhere" by Barbra Streisand. She adored that song, and begged us to play it for her when she was on her deathbed. And we did. It was difficult, but it's what she wanted, and we were determined to do anything for her. We planned her her memorial service, and I think she would have been pleased. Pastor Steve presided, and we had traditional readings and music. And we included some other things that I know in my heart would have pleased her very much. We played "Somewhere" by Barbra Streisand at the end of the service and there were bowls of Milky Way bars for people to enjoy. Milky Way bars were Mother's favorite, and the main staple of her diet for the last couple of years. And now that's she's free, I'm sure she's in heaven, soaring freely along the milky way!<br />
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From Mother's Funeral:<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #365f91; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">Memorial Service for Julia Chace Fisher Garretson<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-weight: normal; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">Monday, November 19th, 2012, 2:00 p.m.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-weight: normal; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">Woodland Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-weight: normal; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">Dayton, Ohio</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-weight: normal; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">Pastor Stephan E. Becker - Officiating</span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Book Antiqua','serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">Obituary<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Book Antiqua','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">Julia Garretson, age 81, died at Oak Creek Terrace in Kettering, Ohio, on Sunday, November 12, 2012. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Book Antiqua','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">Born April 30, 1931, in Dayton, Ohio, she attended Oakwood High School and graduated from The Masters School, Dobb's Ferry, New York in 1950. She also attended Mount Vernon College in Washington, DC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jack S. Garretson and her sister, Elizabeth F. Bruce. Julia is survived by her daughters, Annie G. (Russell) Milliron and Lilli G. (Philip) Lingle; grandchildren, Garretson C. Lingle and Logan D. Lingle; cousin, Anthony Haswell and many nieces and nephews.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Book Antiqua','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">The family would like to thank the staff of Oak Creek Terrace for their loving and compassionate care of Julia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420 or the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, 1661 Nicholas Rd., Dayton, OH 45417.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Book Antiqua','serif'; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">May the road rise to meet you, <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Book Antiqua','serif'; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">may the wind be ever at your back. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Book Antiqua','serif'; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">and the rains fall soft upon your fields. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Book Antiqua','serif'; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">And until we meet again, <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Book Antiqua','serif'; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">may God hold you in the palm of his hand.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Book Antiqua','serif'; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p><span style="color: #ead1dc; font-size: large;">Order of Service</span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p><span style="color: #ead1dc;"></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">Prelude……………………………………...……“Be Not Afraid” ………………………………………………....“Here I Am Lord” ……………………………………………….“On Eagle’s Wings” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">……………………………………………….“The Lord’s Prayer”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">Readings<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">……………………………….Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, Russell Milliron<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">………………………………………..Romans 5:5-11, Mary Clark<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">……………………………..Romans 8:31-39, Garretson C. Lingle<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">Gospel<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">……………………………John 14:1-6, Pastor Stephan E. Becker<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">Eulogy…………………………………Pastor Stephan E. Becker<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">Serenity Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Book Antiqua','serif'; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">God, grant me the serenity <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Book Antiqua','serif'; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">to accept the things I cannot change,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Book Antiqua','serif'; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">The courage to change the things I can,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;">Recessional……………………“Somewhere” By Barbra Streisand and “I will see you in my dreams” by Joe Brown</span></span></div>
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I miss her. I miss her desperately. Knowing this, admitting this, would make her smile, and most likely say something like "I told you so". And that's ok.. because she would be right. I don't want to be maudlin... I don't feel maudlin. There's an underlying sadness, but it doesn't consume me. When it wells up, I let it out. We're going to the cemetery this weekend with flowers. It's been awhile, and that's ok. Because she's not really there. But we'll take flowers and make it pretty... she'd like that!<br />
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I love you Mother. You are in my heart today, and always. Happy Mother's Day <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-34252595118280253702012-10-09T11:08:00.001-04:002012-10-09T11:11:25.637-04:00“Missing” Seasons....<br />
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As we were driving in to work this morning, I saw a tweet this morning that said “re-tweet if you are going to miss summer”. When I saw this, a couple of things occurred to me. <br />
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First of all, I can’t imagine missing the horrific heat, the drought, the fluctuating gas prices, the campaign slurs that have been going on for what seems like an eternity. There were definitely good things about this summer… time off, travel, festivals, time spent with family and friends, etc. <br />
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Second, it is so easy for us to lament things that are gone, and worry about the unknown future. It’s so much healthier to just focus on this day- because it’s all that we have… really. Just this very minute is all that we have. So why waste it on lamenting about days gone by, or what the future holds. <br />
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I realize that this is easier said than done! We can look back, and smile at the happy memories, take lessons from our struggles and failures, and try and move on. And that’s all well and good, but what got me about that tweet was a sort of rigid stubbornness, a determination to miss summer and miss out on the season that is now surrounding us. Autumn! Autumn is a glorious time. Yes, I realize the days are shorter, and the nights are Cold. Frost will soon cover our yards, our plants. We’ll have to make extra time to scrape our windows each morning. Yet instead of focusing on the negatives of the changing season, why not embrace the day? Why don’t we try to find the good in things rather than the bad? It’s so easy to be negative. Lord knows, I am guilty of this. And I guess that’s why that tweet caught my attention this morning! Summer is gone… it had its highs and lows, but it’s gone. It’s time to move on… to make the most of each day. And most of all, to count our blessings!<br />
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<strong>As for us…</strong><br />
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As with everyone, life has been full of challenges and blessings… and by the grace of God, we’re doing well. <br />
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<strong>In closing,</strong> I’d like to share a lovely prayer I found on another blog. The link to that blog is below.<br />
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O God of Creation, you have blessed us with the changing of the seasons. </div>
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As we embrace these autumn months,</div>
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May the earlier setting of the sun</div>
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remind us to take time to rest. </div>
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May the crunch of the leaves beneath our feet</div>
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remind us of the brevity of this earthly life. </div>
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May the steam of our breath in the cool air</div>
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remind us that it is you who give us your breath of life. </div>
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May the scurrying of the squirrels and the migration of the birds</div>
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remind us that you call us to follow your will. </div>
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We praise you for your goodness forever and ever. Amen</div>
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http://www.catholicfamilyfaith.com/2009/11/autumn-prayer.html<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-43120620424269458732012-08-10T11:56:00.000-04:002013-05-29T12:17:33.938-04:00Churches I have visited: St. Barbara Catholic Chuch - Dearborn, MichiganI traveled to Dearborn, Michigan in August of 2012 to attend the Daughters of Isabella International Convention. Both the opening Mass and the closing Mass were held at St. Barbara's Catholic Church which is incredibly beautiful. Here are some pictures I took with my iPhone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI-XRlCJINMNzfasi2vXuZQuthiEdwkBCb3tYlYs0_ECs7NW3bvZvHj6d8RfAakXs4wxVmpU0xUwXEbMr-Oz4EAhvisuhbuzdbWAIU4a9ckOjGmdJiQIcRxtWBfZiMnTNRa4OLg/s1600/St.BarDearborn5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI-XRlCJINMNzfasi2vXuZQuthiEdwkBCb3tYlYs0_ECs7NW3bvZvHj6d8RfAakXs4wxVmpU0xUwXEbMr-Oz4EAhvisuhbuzdbWAIU4a9ckOjGmdJiQIcRxtWBfZiMnTNRa4OLg/s320/St.BarDearborn5.jpg" width="239" yya="true" /></a></div>
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A Parish of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit MI, St. Barbara's parish was founded in 1924. The churent church was built in 1955, and has Masses in english and in polish. I particularly loved the state of the Baptism of Jesus, which also serves as the Baptismal Font. As you walk around to the back, you will find Jesus in his tomb. My photos do not do it justice. I could have spent hours here. Sadly, as we were leaving after the closing Mass, we were told that this church was possibly going to be closed. I pray that's not the case.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-33179824145116662822012-04-06T01:07:00.000-04:002012-04-06T09:35:47.485-04:00Stay here and keep watch with me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lSisyW_ldN5TzcZ-D1yrvixHXVnma9sw5G24m1XvyCiO49pcj2Q0KcoyzTvvPFXlt3y4YJThQi6njq11fJMh_EXq2ByuW9vYnhnm7w13FG_8rpOJ2sEiSs3RYWth0F3IqynaKQ/s1600/spagna-agony-garden-NG1032-fm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lSisyW_ldN5TzcZ-D1yrvixHXVnma9sw5G24m1XvyCiO49pcj2Q0KcoyzTvvPFXlt3y4YJThQi6njq11fJMh_EXq2ByuW9vYnhnm7w13FG_8rpOJ2sEiSs3RYWth0F3IqynaKQ/s320/spagna-agony-garden-NG1032-fm.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lo Spagna</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today is Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday. And tonight, I attended the Mass of the Lords Supper. The bulletin reads "<i>On this most Holy Night, we enter the three days of the Paschal Triduum, celebrating the Paschal Mystery of the Lord's passion, death and resurrection... This evening, the primary symbols of our celebration are the washing of the feet and the sharing of the Eucharist</i>".</div><br />
Jesus gives us so much. He never lets us down. He loves us so much that he died for us on the cross. He asks very little of us... other than: <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">“<b><i>You shall love the Lord, your God, </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>with all your heart, with all your being, </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>with all your strength, and with all your mind, </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>and your neighbor as yourself</i>.</b>” </div><div style="text-align: center;">Luke 10:27</div><br />
So after he had washed the feet of the disciples, knowing that one would betray him and that another would deny him three times, after he shared his Last Supper with his disciples, and introduced them to the Eucharist.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Take this, all of you, and eat of it:</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>for this is my body which will be given up for you.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Take this, all of you, and drink from it:</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>for this is the chalice of my blood,</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>the blood of the new and eternal covenant.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>which will be poured out for you and for many</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>for the forgiveness of sins .</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Do this in memory of me</b></i>.</div><br />
The music at tonight's Mass was breathtakingly beautiful. The last hymn of the Mass was "Stay Here and Keep Watch" After they finished their Passover dinner, Jesus and his disciples adjourned to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus was anxious and distraught and needed to prepare himself for his impending death. He asked his disciples to <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>"Stay, here, and keep watch with me. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>The hour has come. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Stay, here, and keep watch with me. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Watch and Pray."</b></i></div><br />
Yet they slept. Most likely they didn't understand what was about to happen. Discovering that they had fallen asleep, Jesus called to them, trying to wake them but they could not stay awake. They let him down... in his greatest time of need. I have to wonder how many times, I've failed a family member or a friend in their time of need. I'm sure I have, as I'm sure most of us have. We get so caught up with our own needs and wants... our own problems, that there are times we neglect a friend. It doesn't mean that they didn't care, or they didn't love them. It just means that they were weak... just as we are weak. And yet Jesus loved them, despite their failing him, he loved them still. Alone, He turned to his Father and prayed alone. An Angel came to him and comforted him. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3yv6a52D9Kc4rHUuY_MwvY5I7cMUt_D3HuQ_CiIqBhDEq4roY9TVyt3QsCK39vcHEGVKPndV68fadbepCKiD2eTcAOsP1ALjo3GShLF8Rni3DHT_6KwAlKQE-CxuYgXBfHRepQ/s1600/agony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3yv6a52D9Kc4rHUuY_MwvY5I7cMUt_D3HuQ_CiIqBhDEq4roY9TVyt3QsCK39vcHEGVKPndV68fadbepCKiD2eTcAOsP1ALjo3GShLF8Rni3DHT_6KwAlKQE-CxuYgXBfHRepQ/s1600/agony.jpg" /></a></div><br />
After the closing hymn, "Stay Here and Keep Watch", there is no formal dismissal. The altar is quietly stripped and people slowly leave. Yet there are others who remain, staying and keeping watch with Jesus. I stayed for awhile, and thought about the Agony I the Garden.<br />
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I have this holy card in my Missal. I am drawn to it. It makes me uncomfortable (in a good way). It reminds of of how much Jesus loves us, how much he suffered for us. And most importantly, it reminds me that even though we fail Jesus every day, just as the Disciples failed Him in the garden... that He loves us, He forgives us... and He is with us always. And when we suffer, He understands our pain and sorrow, because he suffered so for us. It makes me want to strive to be better... to not fail Him... to be their for my loved ones, because in doing so, I'm there for Him.<br />
<br />
Amen<br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-88125090948651521512012-04-04T10:23:00.004-04:002012-04-04T10:33:52.169-04:00Springtime Blessings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeQJGe8iKK5yJzkRz4hFJ-6TV8u1NkR4zFk8G884BZeFC93-7T_jasGx_sAv3wjBcnLCbCaGx5qrExpwMpmaF7OiKoI1Q5ruoDuuP6Z8FZZp1yRJPkdPpXmFt76KEwyCZdFry4Q/s1600/giotto_crucifixion.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 187px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727553367263934050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqeQJGe8iKK5yJzkRz4hFJ-6TV8u1NkR4zFk8G884BZeFC93-7T_jasGx_sAv3wjBcnLCbCaGx5qrExpwMpmaF7OiKoI1Q5ruoDuuP6Z8FZZp1yRJPkdPpXmFt76KEwyCZdFry4Q/s200/giotto_crucifixion.jpg" /></a> <strong>Springtime Greetings!</strong><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Hi everyone, it’s been awhile! I guess you could say that I’ve been in hibernation over the last couple of months! Things are well. We’ve been enjoying a beautiful spring here in this part of the country. Blossoms and their sweet fragrances are abundant. Because we had such a mild winter, everything bloomed early and seemingly, all at once! This gave us dazzling displays of color!</div><br /><br /><div>Not to be out done, the night skies have been amazing. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been treated to awesome views of the planets Venus and Jupiter. Russell got out our spotting scoping and we were even able to see the 4 Galilean moons of Jupiter!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This abundant spring, all the glory of God’s earth is a good reminder of what this Easter season is all about. New life is blooming and seems to herald something greater than the just the cacophony of birdsong and blossoms- most certainly the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We are in the midst of Holy Week and will soon be celebrating the Easter Triduum (the summit of the liturgical year, to celebrate the central mystery of faith: the passion, death and resurrection of Christ). </div><br /><br /><div><strong>Unconditional love...</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This new life, this new beginning, enables us to start over, to act differently. We are loved passionately by Jesus. By suffering and dying on the cross, He took away our sins. Knowing this, makes me want to act better… to grow and be a better person. This is definitely easier said than done, because we are human, and we make mistakes. The good news is… is that we are loved by God the Father, who is a gracious and merciful God!<br /><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Confession is good for the soul….</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Just yesterday, I saw a funny picture on Facebook with the saying: “Your beliefs don’t make you a better person, your behavior does!” Immediately, I grinned and thought of several of people that I would like to show this to- people whose behavior grates on my nerves… people who I think need to realize the error of their ways. I was on my high horse, and it wasn’t until several hours later, that I realized what a pompous arse I was for even thinking that. I was guilty of bad behavior and was not being a good person. Instead of focusing on others, it’s evident that I need to focus on my own behavior. I felt so ashamed, and rightly so. </div><br /><br /><div>This is such a good reminder that even those with the best of intentions can go astray in a heartbeat. Focus and diligence is necessary, as is the knowledge that when we mess up, it’s not the end of the world. There is always the possibility of a new beginning… a new day… rebirth. All because Jesus Christ died on the cross for us, so that our sins would be forgiven. In closing, I’d like to share this Lenten prayer that I found. And even though Lent is almost over, it’s good food for thought for the entire year:</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><em>A Lenten Prayer<br /><br />Fast from judging others; feast on Christ in them.<br />Fast from wanting more; feast on being thankful.<br />Fast from anger; feast on patience.<br />Fast from worry; feast on trust.<br />Fast from complaining; feast on enjoyment.<br />Fast from negatives; feast on positives.<br />Fast from stress; feast on prayer.<br />Fast from anger; feast on forgiveness.<br />Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.<br />Fast from fear; feast on truth.<br />Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.<br />Fast from gossip; feast on silence.<br />Fast from fighting; feast on peace.<br /><br />Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feasting, gift us with your presence<br />so we can be a gift to others in carrying out your work. Amen.<br /></em><br /><em>--Adapted from A Lenten Prayer by William Arthur Ward</em></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><div align="left">It is my wish for each of you that you have a blessed and joyous Easter. May God bless one and all. Amen</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-37303678599645334412011-12-13T11:00:00.006-05:002011-12-13T11:17:04.390-05:00Like Snowflakes Falling from the sky....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamAp1O9h-_QFAu0sNVl_cMhGutbVZlnWSytXjgwRkoPZxI5N_aFBGONONboZaxJkYbay1KzSV0gghggzgFBQr1O72DwkC-3m-8S1s1knPaUj6wXaNfZbcIlvkC_e9Qsqc4PLarQ/s1600/quilt_snowfall.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamAp1O9h-_QFAu0sNVl_cMhGutbVZlnWSytXjgwRkoPZxI5N_aFBGONONboZaxJkYbay1KzSV0gghggzgFBQr1O72DwkC-3m-8S1s1knPaUj6wXaNfZbcIlvkC_e9Qsqc4PLarQ/s200/quilt_snowfall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685647251440560738" /></a><p class="MsoNormal">So when you are having a crabby day, and feel at odds with the entire world, doesn’t it drive you batty when someone cheerfully chirps something like “you should count your blessings” or “every cloud has a silver lining”? There are times when I don’t want to be cheered up… when I just want to wallow in self-pity. Admittedly, as I write this, I am in a good mood. So I’m looking at things from a “glass half full” view rather than a “glass half empty”. This year has not been without its challenges. Yet even during the worst moments, it wasn't hard to recognize that despite all the anxiety and troubles, there were many blessings as well. In realizing that, I have become much more aware of every day blessings… and am getting much better in counting them and being grateful for them!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Some of my recent blessings:<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our upcoming office move- something that nobody is happy about or looking forward to and have been somewhat resentful of! The reality is, however, that we’re not moving out of our building… we’re merely moving across the hall! Other colleagues have recently moved to another building on campus, and after visiting them, it was very apparent that we were very lucky to be able to stay in the building we’re currently in!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With Christmas just around the corner, my church has adopted several families. In order to make sure that the children in these families received things that they needed and would be happy with, volunteers call each family and usually speak to the Mom. Hearing the tearful relief, joy and gratitude from each Mom was incredible. Several told me that if it wasn’t for the members our church, their children wouldn’t have a Christmas. They went on to say how blessed they were to have been adopted by our church. Yet I felt that we were the ones who were blessed… because this entire experience made it very apparent that we are blessed to have the resources and ability to reach out and help others.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Then there are the tidbits of time spent with my Mother… whose dementia is taking her from us. Yet periodically she can be quite clear, proving that she still is with us! I loving making her laugh, and sharing with her about my day. She can still comfort… and sometimes she is clear enough to remember that we were upset or worried about something… and in her maternal way still offers us loving support and concern. This means more now than ever. I could spend time wishing that I had appreciated her more “back in the day”. Instead, these moments are gifts… and they pack quite a meaningful punch!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The holidays bring with them frantic, frenzied schedules which we are apt to complain about. We have to be here, we have to be there; there is so much to get done and it seems never ending and at times impossible. It can be overwhelming. Yet hearing about others who have no one to spend Christmas with… or others whose families are spread around the globe, making it impossible to be together, make it very obvious that the fact that we can be with our families is a huge blessing that should not be taken for granted.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our washing machine has been broken for some time. Eventually we’ll get around to repairing it… but I've learned that even though it’s a nuisance, going to the Laundromat and getting 4 loads of laundry done in less than two hours is pretty awesome!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This doesn't even cover the myriad of blessings that cross our paths every day, <span class="Apple-style-span"><b>like snowflakes falling from the sky</b></span>… too many to count, too many to recognize. Blessings like:<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The wave of a friend from across the street * The snoring of three peacefully sleeping Newfs * The laughter of a baby in a restaurant * A message from a long lost friend on Facebook *A smile from a stranger * A student holding the door open when you have your hands full * Find gas for a ridiculously low price * Heat * Electricity * A good boss * A job * Driving around a night looking at Christmas lights * Chickadees greeting me each morning * The hoot of an owl at night * Starry Skies *<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Again, there are so many that it’s impossible to list them all. No matter how big or how little a blessing may seem, the impact is the same. To know that we are blessed means so much. The important thing is awareness. Look for them. It’s not really that hard. And when you come across one, cherish it and then be sure to give thanks!<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in">In closing, here is a prayer of thanksgiving that I found online (<a href="http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=738">click here</a>) :</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i>For all You have given,</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i>Thank You God.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i> </i><i>For all You have withheld,</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i>Thank You God.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i> </i><i>For all You have withdrawn,</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i>Thank You God.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i> </i><i>For all You have permitted,</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i>Thank You God.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i> </i><i>For all You have prevented,</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i>Thank You God.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i> </i><i>For all You have forgiven me,</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i>Thank You God.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i> </i><i>For all You have prepared for me,</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i>Thank You God.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i> </i><i>For the death You have chosen for me,</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i>Thank you God.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i> </i><i>For the place you are keeping for me in heaven,</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i>Thank You God.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i> </i><i>For having created me to love You for eternity,</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i>Thank You God.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i>Amen</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in; "><i> <o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><br /></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-37545838680352206012011-12-12T09:53:00.003-05:002011-12-12T10:33:22.310-05:00Gaudete Sunday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsSeVPC3Vdgm8GQQL8ws11Ie6xgEdMxDWNunMfY7sa9nVInpvCn_TouPhYn6PofgmJ6x4y5-tbaWWb-Y_0UkGqvLQxpx88A-OJte9R9x75q7SinaFEkEpNY4QveOEdne7DSqsDA/s1600/advent3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 182px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsSeVPC3Vdgm8GQQL8ws11Ie6xgEdMxDWNunMfY7sa9nVInpvCn_TouPhYn6PofgmJ6x4y5-tbaWWb-Y_0UkGqvLQxpx88A-OJte9R9x75q7SinaFEkEpNY4QveOEdne7DSqsDA/s200/advent3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685256472862750658" /></a><div>Happy Third Week of Advent, also known as "Gaudete Sunday". On this day, we are to Rejoice, because the Lord is Near! Our hearts should be filled with Joy as we prepare for the coming of the Lord!<br /><div><br /></div><div>"<i>Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.</i>" 1 Thes.5: 16 - 24<div><br /></div><div>Some may say "easier said than done...". And considering all the hustle and bustle of the season, that's understandable. Yet to have joyous, meaningful Christmas celebration, it's imperative to prepare for the way of the lord. It's imperative to set aside time for reflection and thanksgiving... for contrition, and yes, for rejoicing that the Lord is near! It is for this reason that the candle for the 3rd week of Advent is rose colored. This symbolizes joy in anticipation of the coming of Christ.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course this isn't always easy to do! We're all under an immense amount of pressure at this time of year. I am blessed in that I love being with my families. Yet there is still stress. For me the stress is the lack of time. It seems that we are always rushing. We hurry up to get somewhere, only to start watching the clock so that we're not late to the next place on our schedule. This is ridiculous! It's more important to be "present" and enjoy the company of the people we're with. Everything will get done... it always does. So stressing about it is a waste of time.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have an 'app' on my Facebook page called "Message from God". Each day I receive a different message. Yesterday's message read:<i> </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"On this day of your life, Annie, we believe God wants you to know ... that a soft answer turns away wrath. When everyone around you seems to be in bad spirits, bickering and complaining, take a step back. It's so easy to answer in kind, but instead feel into your heart and answer gently. Let peace radiate from you." </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>What a beautiful reminder of 'how to be'. Practicing this in times of stress and clock-watching would be so awesome.. and would enable me to have a much nicer, peaceful celebration with my loved ones. After all, this is a season to Rejoice and not a season for anxiety and strife!</div><div><br /></div><div>In closing, I'd like to share with you this wonderful video about the 3rd week of Advent:</div></div></div><div><br /></div><iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IdlKvTP3W5A?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div>May God bless each and every one of you. It is my prayer that all who read this have a joyous and blessed Christmas season. </div><div><br /></div><div>Amen</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-81716532073840624032011-12-05T13:25:00.007-05:002011-12-06T09:02:33.333-05:00Happy St. Nicholas Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNXQT3IeJ3ceVBwaRKfMDety5nvHEQ3qb7oMbehECsdSBj0mj84Md-SevfpbrxXEVD7f5WlzwR3GOMxSXFOaPlrR_5qiEWk00fVQFNOdc6ePYM60iDo-lEYplRYVESX268QRqsg/s1600/st.nick-shoes.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNXQT3IeJ3ceVBwaRKfMDety5nvHEQ3qb7oMbehECsdSBj0mj84Md-SevfpbrxXEVD7f5WlzwR3GOMxSXFOaPlrR_5qiEWk00fVQFNOdc6ePYM60iDo-lEYplRYVESX268QRqsg/s200/st.nick-shoes.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683011501036039218" /></a><div>Today is the feast of St. Nicholas! As a child, my family never celebrated St. Nicholas day. I remember hearing about some of our friends who did, and feeling envious of them. And in childlike wisdom, who wouldn't want to wake up to a stocking full of goodies on the morning? It was like a preview to all the toys and gifts we were going to receive on Christmas morning! I thought that St. Nicholas Day seemed to be a good idea! It would be a way to "tide us over"! Of course, in reflecting on the absence of participation in the Feast of St. Nicholas traditions, it's obvious at how secular my family's celebration has always been! After boldly suggesting that perhaps we should celebrate this, my Mother replied that it was a "Catholic thing", and since we weren't Catholic, then we didn't "do" St. Nicholas day.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_52ZyG8ONt5PO9LeGOAK9KMWCGpf2fQ8GnKB0Jz93rvVPMQRMexdSTUyoNapjnSAL7PMxYcjudhV5CwRl5-leB0z33bzQCFJq_AXAVx0pMK6trc5_Ie9FY8X4ro0tRiH-0gRzA/s200/st.-nick-icon2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683011863207205938" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 200px; " /></div><div>So, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ok</span>. We weren't Catholic, and in reality I was probably past the age of believing that Santa really came down our chimney. Yet I still embraced the magic of Christmas. Curiously, when I learned that sad truth, my Mother sat me on her lap and explained about "the spirit of Santa</div><div><br /> Claus" and how he really did exist, but that Mommy's and Daddy's helped him out. And once Christmas morning came, and there were still presents under the tree, any anxiety I felt evaporated. And while these are warm memories... and this time of my life was filled with joy, love and laughter, I see now that I missed out on so much... missed out on celebrating the birth of the Christ Child- the true reason for celebrating!</div><div><br /></div><div>I discovered that there are many different customs for St. Nicholas Day. I read on the <a href="http://www.fisheaters.com/customsadvent3.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Fisheater's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Websit</span></a>e that</div><div><br /></div><div><i>"Today is, for many Catholics, the day for gift-giving (some do this on Christmas, some do this on the Feast of the Epiphany in memory of the gifts the 3 Kings gave to Baby Jesus, and some spread the gift-giving out on all these days). In some places, especially in the Eastern Catholic churches, "St. Nicholas," dressed as a Bishop, will show up and hand out presents to the little ones, and children put their shoes in front of the fireplace to be filled with candy and presents by morning. Because coins are one of the many symbols of St. Nicholas, chocolate coins are a perfect thing to put in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">childrens</span>' shoes. One can use Christmas stockings instead of shoes, or one can buy adult-sized wooden shoes, paint and decorate them, and bring them out for use just on St. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nicholas's</span> Day. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>In any case, an icon -- even a nice Holy Card -- of St. Nicholas should be visible today if at all possible. Surround it with greenery and candles, and tell your children the story of the Saint Nicholas behind the "Santa Claus."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>On St. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Nicholas's</span> Feast Day, it is customary to serve <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Speculaas</span> cookies, a spicy Dutch cookie, cut into shapes relevant to the life of St. Nicholas (coins, mitres, ships, balls, money bags), and painted with colorful icing"</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I also found an compelling blog, written by Father Steve <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Grunow</span> which examines the constant struggle between Christians and Secularists. Click here to read: <a href="http://www.wordonfire.org/WoF-Blog/WoF-Blog/December-2010/Culture-Saint-Nicholas-and-the-War-against-Christ.aspx">St. Nicholas and the War against Christmas</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>And finally, just who was St. Nicholas? Check out this video that tells the true story of Santa Claus:</div><div><br /></div><iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dgBCXHmSmYY?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-16977242732427744032011-12-05T11:31:00.003-05:002011-12-05T11:44:29.036-05:002nd Week of Advent<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWye92Qt2lspyrcc91SkhaATIaoIFBzvyFiFd_O2UirLLBynvFk_0C5xLN_s2zSTKm3K2-MgPyQHADv0tDZtzAeTAn3GLKwqogqfAxfmqatKX9rxacDwWdi7ug2t9GcJ8WpKEbsA/s1600/advent+Wreat+2nd+week.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 103px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWye92Qt2lspyrcc91SkhaATIaoIFBzvyFiFd_O2UirLLBynvFk_0C5xLN_s2zSTKm3K2-MgPyQHADv0tDZtzAeTAn3GLKwqogqfAxfmqatKX9rxacDwWdi7ug2t9GcJ8WpKEbsA/s200/advent+Wreat+2nd+week.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682682980528548530" /></a>Happy 2nd Week of Advent. The Gospel from this week:<div><br /></div><div><div><i>Gospel Mk 1:1-8</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:</i></div><div><i>Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;</i></div><div><i>he will prepare your way.</i></div><div><i>A voice of one crying out in the desert:</i></div><div><i>"Prepare the way of the Lord,</i></div><div><i>make straight his paths."</i></div><div><i>John the Baptist appeared in the desert</i></div><div><i>proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.</i></div><div><i>People of the whole Judean countryside</i></div><div><i>and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem</i></div><div><i>were going out to him</i></div><div><i>and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River</i></div><div><i>as they acknowledged their sins.</i></div><div><i>John was clothed in camel's hair,</i></div><div><i>with a leather belt around his waist.</i></div><div><i>He fed on locusts and wild honey.</i></div><div><i>And this is what he proclaimed:</i></div><div><i>"One mightier than I is coming after me.</i></div><div><i>I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.</i></div><div><i>I have baptized you with water;</i></div><div><i>he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.</i>" Amen</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Pope Benedict as asked: “<i>As we prepare for Christmas, it is important that we find time for self-contemplation and carry out an honest assessment of our lives.</i>" </div><div><br /></div><div>I know in my heart of hearts that this is always a good thing to do... it's cleansing, it's uplifting and it's healthy. So with all these wonderful benefits, why does it make me uncomfortable? Just the fact that it does tells me that I need to get busy!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-3646037089985271722011-12-02T12:44:00.006-05:002011-12-02T12:58:27.267-05:00Be Not Afraid - St. Louis Jesuits & Bob Dufford, S.J.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR94Cnf06XeBP64arxk1cRdr0YMevDhwiqsUoxEqjRrpQwxMR5rWpNkKH1JsPUbu6A238GMzgWmnBhYsog1iq6Pw1tSKegq4eO1dNoiUur6dP06XkulZ7tdjuQ6sbnBT5Z8jHDOA/s1600/678500_gods_spendor.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR94Cnf06XeBP64arxk1cRdr0YMevDhwiqsUoxEqjRrpQwxMR5rWpNkKH1JsPUbu6A238GMzgWmnBhYsog1iq6Pw1tSKegq4eO1dNoiUur6dP06XkulZ7tdjuQ6sbnBT5Z8jHDOA/s200/678500_gods_spendor.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681590013383796770" /></a><div><i>Praying thanks for this Morning, turning my back on the darkness of night towards the light of day, the light of hope, the light of life and love.... All of which are the light of God! </i><br /><div><i><br /></i></div><div>It amuses me at times when I realize what a slow learner I am! I'm not necessarily slow all the time, but it seems that when learning some of life's important lessons, I'm horrifically slow! I've even blogged about this before, so one would think that I'd get it.... that I wouldn't continue to fail. The failure I'm speaking of is not epic... it's merely a result of being human, of being weak.</div><div><br /></div><div>I recently heard or read (and Lord knows I wish I could remember the exact words) that to worry, is to sin. Those words made me sit up and take notice. Upon closer look however, I wonder... at these times, and I really worrying... or is my conscience speaking to me? My gut tells me the right answer is a combination of the two. </div><div><br /></div><div>When my conscience is bothering me, I often wake up in the darkest point of night and begin to fret. The darkness of the night seems to nurture the anxiety, and I am soon in the clutches of panic and fear. At these times it's hard for me to remember to as God for help. I do pray... and usually fall into a restless sleep, relieved to hear the alarm and to "get away" from my anxious thoughts. And during these times, when I'm out with the dogs... I find comfort in looking to the eastern skies, where a beautiful pink glow is forming. The sun is rising... and soon the darkness has faded and the light of a new day gives me hope. The symbolism is obvious... the relief and comfort are real.</div><div><br /></div><div>I recently read: "The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us the need to trust in God in our troubles, to pray humbly, without presumption but with hope, and not to give up when the answer doesn't seem to come." </div><div><br /></div><div>From "The Catechism of the Catholic Church 2830 "Our bread": The Father who gives us life cannot not but give us the nourishment life requires - all appropriate goods and blessings, both material and spiritual. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus insists on the filial trust that cooperates with our Father's providence. He is not inviting us to idleness, but wants to relieve us from nagging worry and preoccupation. Such is the filial surrender of the children of God: To those who seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness, he has promised to give all else besides. Since everything indeed belongs to God, he who possesses God wants for nothing, if he himself is not found wanting before God."</div><div><br /></div><div>From the New Testament: Matthew 6:25-27 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"</div><div><br /></div><div>Gary Zimak writes in "Does God Want Us To Worry?": "One of the most difficult problems that we must deal with in our earthly life is fear. We are anxious about many things and spend a lot of time worrying, often about events over which we have no control. In his initial speech as Holy Father, Pope John Paul II repeated the phrase “Be Not Afraid” three times. "</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Which reminds me of one of my favorite hymns: "Be Not Afraid". Here are the lyrics of "Be Not Afraid" followed by a video:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>You shall cross the barren desert,</i></div><div><i>but you shall not die of thirst.</i></div><div><i>You shall wander far in safety,</i></div><div><i>though you do not know the way.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>You shall speak your words in foreign lands,</i></div><div><i>and all will understand,</i></div><div><i>You shall see the face of God and live.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Be not afraid,</i></div><div><i>I go before you always,</i></div><div><i>Come follow Me,</i></div><div><i>and I shall give you rest.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>If you pass through raging waters</i></div><div><i>in the sea, you shall not drown.</i></div><div><i>If you walk amidst the burning flames,</i></div><div><i>you shall not be harmed.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>If you stand before the pow’r of hell</i></div><div><i>and death is at your side,</i></div><div><i>know that I am with you, through it all</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Be not afraid,</i></div><div><i>I go before you always,</i></div><div><i>Come follow Me,</i></div><div><i>and I shall give you rest.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Blessed are your poor,</i></div><div><i>for the Kingdom shall be theirs.</i></div><div><i>Blest are you that weep and mourn,</i></div><div><i>for one day you shall laugh.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>And if wicked men insult and hate you, all because of Me,</i></div><div><i>blessed, blessed are you!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Be not afraid,</i></div><div><i>I go before you always,</i></div><div><i>Come follow Me,</i></div><div><i>and I shall give you rest.</i></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><iframe width="480" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/snmwD6d9Xo4?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Father, </div><div><br /></div><div>Forgive me for my weaknesses... for my propensity for worry. Please lift me up, make me stronger so that I can be a better child of God...</div><div><br /></div><div>Amen!</div><div><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-62471905149716807682011-12-01T11:51:00.001-05:002011-12-01T11:51:27.554-05:00Silent Monks Singing Halleluia<div>Someone just sent me a link to this video, and it's wonderful. I wanted to share with you on my blog!</div><div><br /></div><iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZCFCeJTEzNU?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-51185702416055071792011-12-01T11:35:00.004-05:002011-12-01T11:42:55.466-05:00Happy First Week of Advent!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq87OE6xDtAead0-6Mu_oshNNsH-ardp7XkQi2zLacZEj6zi-nNtyQoEVtgQtWKIbtEz-bYlU3VPIcfciyW-QB_BLgsTsXAOVX7ombQOFGtK9CAlZP12IVPPSiSO39D1jBwSiCzg/s1600/advent_wreath-week-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq87OE6xDtAead0-6Mu_oshNNsH-ardp7XkQi2zLacZEj6zi-nNtyQoEVtgQtWKIbtEz-bYlU3VPIcfciyW-QB_BLgsTsXAOVX7ombQOFGtK9CAlZP12IVPPSiSO39D1jBwSiCzg/s200/advent_wreath-week-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681199547922576578" /></a><div>Advent has arrived.... along with the long awaited and often dreaded changes to the Roman Missal! I wondered to myself if Advent would get lost in the midst of big change. Our parish prepared us, and my impression, happily, was that the arrival was not lost. We had cards in our pews to help us along with the changes to the Mass. The Advent wreath was set up, and beautifully so on the altar. There was another beautiful outdoor Advent wreath, in front of the church, its first candle lighted! We had set up the giving tree in the front vestibule of the lobby early Saturday morning. So yes, Advent is here. And with it comes the question, what are we to do next?</div><div><br /></div><div>We are to watch and wait, and prepare for the coming of the Christ Child! I love Advent. Until my faith journey began 5 years or so ago, I never understood the significance of Advent. After learning about Advent, and taking time each day for prayer, and reading of the Scriptures, and for reflection, I have been spiritually ready for Christmas. I have been able to embrace the true spirit of Christmas! Of course, the secular hoopla still exists, and still demands my time. And while I used to embrace that side of Christmas, it pales in comparison to the true reason of the season... the coming of the Christ Child... the coming of our Salvation!</div><div><br /></div><div>Below are excerpts from an article entitled "History of the Advent Wreath by Fr. William Sanders." (<b><a href="http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0132.html">Click here to read the entire article</a></b>) </div><div><br /></div><div><i>"The Advent wreath is part of our long-standing Catholic tradition. However, the actual origins are uncertain. There is evidence of pre-Christian Germanic peoples using wreathes with lit candles during the cold and dark December days as a sign of hope in the future warm and extended-sunlight days of Spring. In Scandinavia during Winter, lighted candles were placed around a wheel, and prayers were offered to the god of light to turn “the wheel of the earth” back toward the sun to lengthen the days and restore warmth.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>By the Middle Ages, the Christians adapted this tradition and used Advent wreathes as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas. After all, Christ is “the Light that came into the world” to dispel the darkness of sin and to radiate the truth and love of God (cf. John 3:19-21). By 1600, both Catholics and Lutherans had more formal practices surrounding the Advent wreath.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The symbolism of the Advent wreath is beautiful. The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifying continuous life. Even these evergreens have a traditional meaning which can be adapted to our faith: The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering; pine, holly, and yew, immortality; and cedar, strength and healing. Holly also has a special Christian symbolism: The prickly leaves remind us of the crown of thorns, and one English legend tells of how the cross was made of holly. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life found in Christ. Any pine cones, nuts, or seedpods used to decorate the wreath also symbolize life and resurrection. All together, the wreath of evergreens depicts the immortality of our soul and the new, everlasting life promised to us through Christ, the eternal Word of the Father, who entered our world becoming true man and who was victorious over sin and death through His own passion, death, and resurrection.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent. A tradition is that each week represents one thousand years, to sum to the 4,000 years from Adam and Eve until the Birth of the Savior. Three candles are purple and one is rose. The purple candles in particular symbolize the prayer, penance, and preparatory sacrifices and goods works undertaken at this time. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, when the priest also wears rose vestments at Mass; Gaudete Sunday is the Sunday of rejoicing, because the faithful have arrived at the midpoint of Advent, when their preparation is now half over and they are close to Christmas. The progressive lighting of the candles symbolizes the expectation and hope surrounding our Lord’s first coming into the world and the anticipation of His second coming to judge the living and the dead."</i></div><div><br /></div><div>In closing, I'd like to share with you this prayer I found: </div><div><br /></div><div><i>"Advent Wreath Prayer for the First Week of Advent”</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Bestir, O Lord, Thy might, we pray thee and come; that, defended by Thee, we may deserve rescue from approaching dangers brought on by our sins, and being set free by Thee, obtain our salvation. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Amen.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Have a glorious Advent!</div><div><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-4600654411736022722011-11-24T15:13:00.000-05:002011-11-28T15:26:40.053-05:00Thanksgiving Grace<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6LfgWv6c19q-Mf_dG8yLypoTVXA0YqhITR8efKvqwKoXNGq3R94mbEtXjruU202NvUu-d6SkTyibCQfyYo4QAIsXSwBNT6KQEGA_JmwH-8CjklkX4TxaTmOhFBQ-T98dupRG_w/s1600/Norman-Rockwell-thanksgiving.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 156px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6LfgWv6c19q-Mf_dG8yLypoTVXA0YqhITR8efKvqwKoXNGq3R94mbEtXjruU202NvUu-d6SkTyibCQfyYo4QAIsXSwBNT6KQEGA_JmwH-8CjklkX4TxaTmOhFBQ-T98dupRG_w/s200/Norman-Rockwell-thanksgiving.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680143447779777682" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; ">Freedom from Want by Norman Rockwell</span><br /><div><br /></div><div>I found this lovely prayer online. I would love to give credit where credit is due, but I can't locate where I found it originally. When I read it to Russell, he agreed that it is, perfect!<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Lord, bless this gathering of our family, a circle of strength and love. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We are a close-knit group of fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and more. With every birth and every union, the circle grows. Every joy shared adds more love. Every crisis faced together makes the circle stronger. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Help us realize how much we mean to each other each and every day and guide us so that our bond of love lasts eternally. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Look down on us Lord and surround us all with your divine guidance and love so that we may continue to be blessed by our children. Grant us the wisdom to embrace their innocence and see the world through their eyes with simple wonder so that we might not take for granted one single moment of the miracle that is life. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We thank you for the many blessings and great abundance in our lives. As we gather to celebrate this Thanksgiving, let us remember to share with others and keep the spirit of giving ongoing throughout the year. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We Thank Thee, Heavenly Father, for all things bright and good. Please bless this loving family… our lives, our health, our food. We ask these things in Jesus’ name. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Amen. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-78053713971006868092011-11-22T22:53:00.002-05:002011-11-22T23:27:28.320-05:00It's all about the stuffing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaK3vg2Iz1GwS8zvXYH52WQXKTUju48cj2fTG3msX75YschyXzacXviOTitUol_UM6hlCb2pVqlolovACB-R3p3u1QlYQ50j9O79-xbRxGPKkRqa8A9d3YkIfOGfdguXSYymhAfQ/s1600/turkey+stuffing.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaK3vg2Iz1GwS8zvXYH52WQXKTUju48cj2fTG3msX75YschyXzacXviOTitUol_UM6hlCb2pVqlolovACB-R3p3u1QlYQ50j9O79-xbRxGPKkRqa8A9d3YkIfOGfdguXSYymhAfQ/s200/turkey+stuffing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678042984207375266" /></a>One of the hot topics of discussion before and after thanksgiving is stuffing. Newspapers are stuffed with Grocery store ads the week before Thanksgiving. On Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving, newspapers are stuffed with ads for "black Friday". When it comes to the actual Thanksgiving feast there is talk of stuffing the turkey an of being stuffed ourselves. This brings me to my main point.<div><br /></div><div>You would think that the stuffing we use to stuff our turkey would be a fairly basic. However, it seems, that (myself included) are often passionate about what kind of stuffing they prefer. There are all sorts of varieties of stuffing! Many people shudder at the thought of actually stuffing a turkey, and they make it completely separate from their turkey! Others stuff the turkey, and then even make extra. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are many varieties of stuffing:</div><div><br /></div><div>Oyster Stuffing</div><div>Cornbread Stuffing</div><div>Box Stuffing</div><div>Box Stuffing doctored so that it is absolutely delicious</div><div>Bread Stuffing</div><div>Sausage Stuffing</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This list expands significantly when you realize that there are dozens of recipes an varieties of each kind listed. People are passionate about their favorite stuffing. Those who are "traditionalists" are often emphatic about "what is the best stuffing". I know I am! After marrying, I rarely have been able to enjoy the stuffing from my childhood... my family's "recipe" has been use for decades. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's gotten to the point that my Mother, sister and I refer to it with a sort of reverence that can only be compared fans of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NASCAR</span>, or Fans of the NFL, NBA or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MLB</span>. My sister brings a dish of stuffing to my Mother every year. My Mother is in a nursing home, and when asked if she would like us to bring her a plate, she says... just bring me some stuffing. I totally get that, an always feel a bit petulant when I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">on't</span> get any!</div><div><br /></div><div>So this year, I'm gonna stuff a turkey and save it for myself. My husband's family will have their traditional stuffing, which is delicious in it's own right. And I'll have mine.... and maybe I'll share!</div><div><br /></div><div>What kind of stuffing do you like?</div><div><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-2703824542128642532011-11-21T09:07:00.006-05:002011-11-21T09:18:29.331-05:00Thanksgiving Blessings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23OdIm6U4HfUJ3dtNzOm-OZbdFacSCrO-D__SG2Vgy27DgfaunHX74o48ThZGPQErE9igoC1zGKlGxonWxJrHl6KRjE4stWFNvPIj4YErfwf77_ZIW_58vFG7mqR-6PPUxwL9fQ/s1600/Thanksgiving_cornucopia_sunrise.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23OdIm6U4HfUJ3dtNzOm-OZbdFacSCrO-D__SG2Vgy27DgfaunHX74o48ThZGPQErE9igoC1zGKlGxonWxJrHl6KRjE4stWFNvPIj4YErfwf77_ZIW_58vFG7mqR-6PPUxwL9fQ/s200/Thanksgiving_cornucopia_sunrise.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677452545377333858" /></a>After a tumultuous year, filled with a broad spectrum of emotions, blessings and fears... we are incredibly blessed. God is loving and merciful, and in the spirit of true Thanksgiving, I came across this Thanksgiving Prayer (author unknown) online. I feel that it is absolutely perfect:<div><div><br /></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Lord, bless this gathering of our family, a circle of strength and love. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>We are a close-knit group of fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and more. With every birth and every union, the circle grows. Every joy shared adds more love. Every crisis faced together makes the circle stronger. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Help us realize how much we mean to each other each and every day and guide us so that our bond of love lasts eternally. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Look down on us Lord and surround us all with your divine guidance and love so that we may continue to be blessed by our children. Grant us the wisdom to embrace their innocence and see the world through their eyes with simple wonder so that we might not take for granted one single moment of the miracle that is life. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>We thank you for the many blessings and great abundance in our lives. As we gather to celebrate this Thanksgiving, let us remember to share with others and keep the spirit of giving ongoing throughout the year. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>We Thank Thee, Heavenly Father, for all things bright and good. Please bless this loving family… our lives, our health, our food. We ask these things in Jesus’ name. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Amen</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I share this with you, your loved ones and not so loved ones.... in the spirit of true Thanksgiving. Love one another.. no matter what. Cherish each day. Keep the faith. </div><div><br /></div><div>God Bless each and every one of you....</div><div><br /></div><div>Annie</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-45425608092332674322011-07-11T09:30:00.004-04:002011-07-11T09:40:25.750-04:00Blogging from my iPhone!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTM3jW-lMGBHg0AYrO66xtAtkIdENoRvllKm2_fb_mNeso7uBubKk0N5snkdfVVVtx_FeSujXgUBpjtctcMSOpgHQQKbKbiJD5Zi6e8XLz2_0L60dGjJWC6pMzkp6apDCtcxI-g/s1600/dovesLT.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 89px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTM3jW-lMGBHg0AYrO66xtAtkIdENoRvllKm2_fb_mNeso7uBubKk0N5snkdfVVVtx_FeSujXgUBpjtctcMSOpgHQQKbKbiJD5Zi6e8XLz2_0L60dGjJWC6pMzkp6apDCtcxI-g/s200/dovesLT.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628088762260850578" /></a><br />Blogging from my iPhone!<div><br /></div><div>Wow technology is amazing... I can't believe it. I got an iPhone a few months ago, for my birthday. Due to a series of events, I've not been blogging lately... and that has made me feel guilty in a way. Russell was diagnosed with colon cancer in mid may, and we've been sucked into a vacuum of activity since then.</div><div><br /></div><div>He had surgery in June, and will begin chemotherapy in a couple of weeks. Things are looking very positive and we have been blessed by the grace of a loving God, by the prayers and wonderful support from all of our family, friends and co-workers. </div><div><br /></div><div>We have both felt the love and power of God. During the darkest of times, I have felt Jesus with me. When I thought I would collapse from fear and anxiety, I was lifted up and stood strong. I can only credit this to Jesus. He was and is with both of us. And we are both so very thankful.</div><div> to start blogging again.</div><div>I have avoided blogging about this. And perhaps finding this feature is a little nudge</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-79069571087833608202011-04-12T22:58:00.003-04:002011-04-13T10:52:09.262-04:00As Aunt Jo would have said... "Day of Days"....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuD20xOiZjlMuHmF7UuuZqM6W-3BGZ1A6UH7z6Uxv1eDW8KUjwcc1LmcmhJ6GagIQGmc7lx5J9U0CKKv9QLCR4SV_2-OGFyQvrEvP38ejxzvtyx6jvkD6pByJoqLgkGv3z5B3R9g/s1600/pty-candles1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuD20xOiZjlMuHmF7UuuZqM6W-3BGZ1A6UH7z6Uxv1eDW8KUjwcc1LmcmhJ6GagIQGmc7lx5J9U0CKKv9QLCR4SV_2-OGFyQvrEvP38ejxzvtyx6jvkD6pByJoqLgkGv3z5B3R9g/s200/pty-candles1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595052047254147538" border="0" /></a><br />Aunt Jo, who lived to the ripe old age of 97 used to journal... alot! She would use spiral bound notebooks that you could buy at the corner drug store. She had multitudes of them. And each page began with "I was born on May 6, 1893, and my Father from in his Diary "Day of Days"! We always had a good chuckle about that, bless her heart. Her birthday, clearly was very important to her. And rightly so! My family has always made a big deal about birthdays.... a birthday is a person's unique day where they can celebrate and be celebrated. After moving away from home, we could always count on the phone ringing at midnight. It would be my Mom calling. She wanted to be the first one to say happy birthday.<br /><br />However this year, the phone was silent. Mother is still able to make calls but she has a broken leg, and has been pretty heavily medicated to keep the pain away. And while I certainly understood why she didn't or couldn't call, it still made me sad. So I went to bed feeling a bit melancholy, and more than a little sorry for myself. Silly I know. I wrote in my journal yesterday:<br /><br /><blockquote>My birthday... lots of expectations... lots of doubts. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Lord, I pray to you for help with this. For some reason, I always have unattainable expectations on this day, and am always disappointed. I know in my heart that this is nobody’s fault but my own. Help me Lord, to appreciate the many blessings I have and to find joy and celebration in them. Amen.</span></blockquote><br />And as it turned out, as I should have known, my prayers were answered. I had a truly wonderful day! Thank you Lord! I truly am very blessed to have good friends, loving family and caring co-workers.<br /><br /><ul><li>Laura, my boss brought in flowers, a lovely cake and sand-tarts... she said that a little birdie, who I knew was my former boss Alan, had told her that they were my favorites.</li><li>Barbara my cousin took me out to lunch to the Sidebar in the Oregon District and we had an awesome lunch. She gave me a gift of a necklace she made for me and a lovely beaded flower. This was truly unexpected (the gift) and I will cherish them.</li><li>Russell, knowing that I was out to lunch with Barbara, stopped by and left a pot of violet colored hyacinths on my desk, with a little note that said "Happy Birthday Dork, Love Harley"! That was very unexpected, and of course I cried.</li><li>Alan, my old boss stopped by with a card, chocolates and tickets to the Dayton Philharmonic Designers Showhouse!<br /></li><li>Emails, cards and hundreds of messages from friends around the globe filled my mailboxes at home, work and on Facebook. That was an incredible feeling.</li><li>Dinner last night with Russell, Lilli, Phil and Logan was a blast. Lots of laughter and good times. We ate at EO (Extra Ordinary Burger) at the Greene.</li></ul>The day was lovely. The fact that I was feeling blue and melancholy just 24 hours before makes me feel very silly. I will take a small birthday cake to Mother's tomorrow night and we'll have our own little celebration. So again, thank you God for helping me to have a wonderful Birthday. It truly was a "Day of Days"!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-21510129710075784132011-03-23T16:21:00.003-04:002011-03-24T10:04:38.487-04:00Last night’s lullaby<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLPmK7i61tiDRmfR-7nuVKIOo1qih49n6IrjLeAr5JMDF1SDp2sc7S6jfaZY0WJCmEMUPSw_wvAs0Usg11KrZ4binKZUu68ZJPged4JImZu7qJV9h6969fUgSy_yxKBU8J2eSsQ/s1600/Angel-Blessing-at-Bedtime.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLPmK7i61tiDRmfR-7nuVKIOo1qih49n6IrjLeAr5JMDF1SDp2sc7S6jfaZY0WJCmEMUPSw_wvAs0Usg11KrZ4binKZUu68ZJPged4JImZu7qJV9h6969fUgSy_yxKBU8J2eSsQ/s200/Angel-Blessing-at-Bedtime.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587377920973985858" border="0" /></a>Normally, I read all of my meditational readings during the day… one in the morning and the other two sometime in the middle of the afternoon… when I can catch a few peaceful moments. However, as luck would have it, I wasn’t able to find any time yesterday because happenings in the office were so hectic. I caught myself gazing at them from time to time, feeling like I was missing something. I kept reminding myself that I would get to them, even perhaps right before bed! And it wasn’t until bedtime that I was able to get to them. Russell had gone to bed, the dogs were all settled for the night, and the house was quiet. So I turned off the tv, and read quietly form both books, which other than being about Lent, are in no way connected.<br /><br />I picked up the first book, titled “The Little Black Book – Six-minute meditations on the Sunday Gospels of Lent (Cycle A)” which is based on the writings of Bishop Ken Untener and published by The Diocese of Saginaw. There website is http://littlbooks.org . The date of yesterday’s reading was March 22, 2011 and is based on “And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. (Mt. 17:3)” Bishop Untener wrote:<br /><br /><blockquote>“On that mountain, the disciples got a glimpse of how human beings look with God’s spirit running through them.<br /><br />That’s what Peter, James and John saw: A human being when seen with the eyes that see the whole person.<br /><br />The astounding thing is that if people could see me with the same eyes, they could see a similar sight.<br /><br />I am a daughter, a son of God. I have the Holy Spirit running through me. I am the beloved of God. I was immersed (figuratively, at least) in the waters of baptism which symbolize being immersed in God. I received confirmation, with holy oil soaking into me as a sign of the Spirit running, coursing through my whole being.<br /><br />I am shaped by the Word of God, which Jesus calls the “Bread of Life” and which forms me, nurtures me.<br /><br />When I receive Holy Communion, the Lord Jesus and with him the whole Trinity enter within me.<br /><br />Lent is a time when my fasting, prayers and good works help me to sink deep within the Spirit so that I can see myself, others, and God as they truly are.<br /><br />What an awesome sight.”<br /></blockquote><br />At this point, readers are asked to spend some quiet time with the Lord.<br /><br />As I sat there, thinking about this moving passage, I was consumed with the feeling of great peace. I’ve always known I was loved… but at this moment, the power of these words… that I was a <span style="font-weight: bold;">BELOVED DAUGHTER OF GOD</span> filled my consciousness! What a glorious feeling. What a wonderful lullaby to fill my heart as I climbed in to bed and fell into a restful sleep.<br /><br />And with that in mind, I am reminded of the Bedtime prayer I said every night, many years ago:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">Now I lay me down to sleep<br />I pray the Lord my soul to keep<br />if I shall die before I wake<br />I pray the Lord my soul to take<br />if I shall live another day<br />I pray the Lord to guide my way.<br /><br />Amen<br /></div><br />And of course, I am reminded of Brahms Lullaby, which my my Mother would sing and hum as she put us to bed:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">Lullaby, and good night, with pink roses bedight,<br />With lilies o'er spread, is my baby's sweet head.<br />Lay thee down now, and rest, may thy slumber be blessed!<br />Lay thee down now, and rest, may thy slumber be blessed!<br /><br />Lullaby, and good night, your mother's delight,<br />Shining angels beside my darling abide.<br />Soft and warm is your bed, close your eyes and rest your head.<br />Soft and warm is your bed, close your eyes and rest your head.<br /><br />Sleepyhead, close your eyes. mother's right here beside you.<br />I'll protect you from harm, you will wake in my arms.<br />Guardian angels are near, so sleep on, with no fear.<br />Guardian angels are near, so sleep on, with no fear.<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19485161.post-87935531432722284252011-03-18T16:31:00.005-04:002011-03-24T10:05:25.555-04:00Stations of the Cross<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVG1zrnIYxeET74_dXU3MmaVwwA25sRtJ4OglqDrRyGt3Pd1rN2ich6FjEmqHekrE8tSK-iWB2dYi8O4KyGTJlarcJPQm0XTWcAKgmMRs6kA83xGPbDaZ9NIr-iYUKPYf6SWP0Sg/s1600/via_crucis.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVG1zrnIYxeET74_dXU3MmaVwwA25sRtJ4OglqDrRyGt3Pd1rN2ich6FjEmqHekrE8tSK-iWB2dYi8O4KyGTJlarcJPQm0XTWcAKgmMRs6kA83xGPbDaZ9NIr-iYUKPYf6SWP0Sg/s200/via_crucis.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585520703151903234" border="0" /></a>Just prior to Ash Wednesday, I contemplated on Lent and what my own intentions were for Lent. This is what I came up with:<br /><br />My intentions for this Lent are:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">To be more prayerful</span>-<br />*by saying the Rosary at least once, preferably twice<br />*to say the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at least once<br />*to attend Mass and/or Eucharistic Adoration as much as possible<br />*to attend the Stations of the Cross every Friday<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">To be lest wasteful</span><br />*to eat at home more often<br />*to not take snoozes in the morning.. to not waste time<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">To be a better friend </span><br />*by writing a letter or email every day to one person who has made a difference in my life<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">To give up candy during Lent, and Meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays.</span><br /><br />I am keeping a journal this Lenten, and writing about each day, and things that happen during prayer and throughout the day. To date, this experience has been very powerful. I am so motivated and inspired, that it surprised me when today at lunch I was feeling lethargic and blah. I explained to a friend that I had planned on going to go to the Chapel for the Stations of the Cross at 3, but that I was not sure I have the energy to do so.<br /><br />How quickly we can be tempted away from our good intentions! I never saw it coming!<br /><br />Truth be told, my lethargy is nothing more than laziness. My conscience spoke to me, loud and clear. This is a commitment you made to yourself and to God. And of course, my conscience was right. So I flew out of the office shortly before 3 and rushed to the Chapel. Breathless, I opened the door and there was Fr. Jerry and one other person, who was not staying. So, it was just the two of us… and we prayed the Stations of the Cross. Talk about a one on one audience with God. I’m so thankful that I went. It was awesome.<br /><br />For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Stations of the Cross, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stations_of_the_Cross">Wikipedia defines the Stations of the cross as</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote>Stations of the Cross (or Way of the Cross; in Latin, Via Crucis; also called the Via Dolorosa or Way of Sorrows, or simply, The Way) refers to the depiction of the final hours (or Passion) of Jesus, and the devotion commemorating the Passion. The tradition as chapel devotion began with St. Francis of Assisi and extended throughout the Roman Catholic Church in the medieval period.</blockquote><blockquote>The object of the Stations is to help the faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage of prayer, through meditating upon the chief scenes of Christ's sufferings and death. It has become one of the most popular devotions for Roman Catholics.<br /><blockquote><br />The traditional form of The Stations themselves are usually a series of 14 pictures or sculptures depicting the following scenes:<br /><br /> 1. Jesus is condemned to death<br /> 2. Jesus is given his cross<br /> 3. Jesus falls the first time<br /> 4. Jesus meets His Mother<br /> 5. Simon of Cyrene carries the cross<br /> 6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus<br /> 7. Jesus falls the second time<br /> 8. Jesus meets the daughters of Jerusalem<br /> 9. Jesus falls the third time<br /> 10. Jesus is stripped of His garments<br /> 11. Crucifixion: Jesus is nailed to the cross<br /> 12. Jesus dies on the cross<br /> 13. Jesus' body is removed from the cross (Deposition or Lamentation)<br /> 14. Jesus is laid in the tomb and covered in incense.<br /><br /></blockquote></blockquote>I find participating in the Stations of the Cross to be a very moving reminder of how Christ suffered for all of our sins.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10419388491397541832noreply@blogger.com1