An Observation or two...

Today, I was out and about doing some errands. I stopped to get some Nyger seed for our upside-down Goldfinch feeder. Feeling thirsty, I then drove down the road to a mini mart and went inside to get a Diet Pepsi. Being a gorgeous weekend spring day, the store was busy. And as I fixed my soda and subsequently stood in line to pay, I did some people watching.

My first observation was of a young girl... she was probably about 15 or 16. She was dressed to play soccer, and as there is a large community soccer field nearby, this didn't seem unusual. She was with her family, and her Father was paying for her Soda and candy. They struck me as quite "well to do". The rest of the family was dressed very nicely... and they appeared to be financially comfortable and to "want for nothing". The girl's parents seemed to dote on their children. The girl's Father gently asked her if she'd like a banana and she snapped "no!" He then asked her if she wanted anything to eat, and she became angry and told him harshly that she was not hungry. This was accompanied with the eye-rolls and shoulder shrugs typical of an angry teenager. As the girl stomped out of the store, the father seemed a bit bewildered, and shook his head as he went to get something to drink. The girl impatiently entered the entered the store to find out what was "taking everyone so long", her frustrated sighs audible.

This took place in a period of less than a minute. I noticed that the cashier had also witnessed all of this, and she looked as embarrassed and appalled as I must have looked. It was then that I made my second observation.

As I was preparing to pay for my soda, a young boy came up to the counter. He had a five dollar bill in his hand. He spoke very softly as he handed the money to the cashier. He had found the money on the pavement outside the store. She didn't hear him so he repeated "I found this on the ground outside". He was shy and polite. He too was with his family. This family did not appear to be as affluent as the first family. Again the Cashier was confused and surprised. She took the money reluctantly, as if she couldn't understand why the boy had not kept it.

I grinned and said something about him being a good samaritan. He nodded shyly and hurried back to his Grandparent's car. It was as if he didn't want any attention or praise for doing a good deed.

As I walked to my car I was was reflecting over both incidents. On one hand, there was a young girl, who was clearly pampered and doted on... she wanted for and appreciated nothing. She behaved poorly... typical of what you might refer to as a spoiled brat. I wondered if she would even "miss" a five dollar bill. My guess is probably not. On the other hand, there is a young man... from a seemingly poor family. But he was polite and honest. He found some money, money that he could possibly use Yet as it wasn't his, he did the honorable thing and turned it in.

I drove off feeling rather sad- sad that there is such a rude and angry young girl who doesn't appreciate how good she has it. I also felt sad that anyone would be surprised that someone would turn in money, when they clearly needed it. Yet I also felt inspired and blessed to have witnessed all of this. For despite the world's problems... there is still so much good. And that is worth everything. In this time of so much negativity... finding something positive is like finding treasure!

Lilac Memories

Wow!!! Two blogs in one day! My "muses of inspiration" are clearly busy and quite inspired.

When we got home from work today, after walking and feeding the dogs, I started to get ready to go visit my Mother. I glanced outside and saw our lilac bush. And then I had an inspiration. I found a pair of scissors and went out and cut a few sprigs. I took them inside and put them into a pretty glass filled with water and left to go visit Mother.

As I was driving, I suddenly was filled with the memory of my Father. One spring day, when we were very young... we came home from school for lunch. I think I was in the 3rd grade and Lilli must have been in the first grade. We had huge lilac bushes in our back yard. I remember him going out and cutting enough springs to make two seemingly large bouquets... one for my teacher and one for Lilli's teacher.

He was very methodical in putting the bouquets together. He soaked paper towels in water and wrapped them around the stems. Then he wrapped them in aluminum foil, and finally he wrapped the stems of the bouquet in newspaper. The bouquets were huge. I can remember the excitement to give them to my teacher. I can remember the pride I felt as we walked the two blocks to school. I remember people looking at them, and commenting on how pretty they were.

Once inside the school, I remember grinning as other teachers oohed and awed over how pretty the bouquets were. And of course I remember my teacher, Mrs. Faga's reaction. She was thrilled, and was profuse in her praise and thanks. I think I must have glowed all afternoon.

So it was with all these thoughts flying through my memory that I walked in to the nursing home. And yes, people looked at my bouquet of lilacs.. they had the same appreciative looks as people all those years ago. And when I entered my Mother's room... she looked at the flowers and smiled nostalgically. "They remind me of home" she said. I smiled and said "I know...... do you remember when Daddy made those bouquets?"

And she smiled and said yes. It was a lovely moment filled with love and shared memories.

Divine Mercy

It's during the night, when I am tossing and turning, that the demons of fear, anxiety and worry really do a number on me. I have vague haunting dreams that torment me until I awake distraught and traumatized. Usually, by the light of day, these "monsters" fade back in to their more "reasonable reality" and become manageable.

I have always had the horrible habit of "stuffing" things when I am worried or troubled. I avoid thinking about them during waking hours. So when I am sleeping, I am relaxed and unguarded, leaving the door wide open for these tormenting demons. I realize that I am not alone in this. And when I say that I am "not alone" I mean two entirely different things: 1) Most people are haunted at night by things that are bothering them; and 2) I am not alone because I have Jesus Christ in my heart, because I am a child of God.

With this past Sunday having been "Divine Mercy Sunday" I was very aware and curious to learn more about what this means. From EWTN's website (click here for a link) Divine Mercy is explained as:

During the course of Jesus' revelations to Saint Faustina on the Divine Mercy He asked on numerous occasions that a feast day be dedicated to the Divine Mercy and that this feast be celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. The liturgical texts of that day, the 2nd Sunday of Easter, concern the institution of the Sacrament of Penance, the Tribunal of the Divine Mercy, and are thus already suited to the request of Our Lord. This Feast, which had already been granted to the nation of Poland and been celebrated within Vatican City, was granted to the Universal Church by Pope John Paul II on the occasion of the canonization of Sr. Faustina on 30 April 2000. In a decree dated 23 May 2000, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments stated that "throughout the world the Second Sunday of Easter will receive the name Divine Mercy Sunday, a perennial invitation to the Christian world to face, with confidence in divine benevolence, the difficulties and trials that mankind will experience in the years to come." These papal acts represent the highest endorsement that the Church can give to a private revelation, an act of papal infallibility proclaiming the certain sanctity of the mystic, and the granting of a universal feast, as requested by Our Lord to St. Faustina.

After learning about Divine Mercy Sunday, I had a much greater appreciation for what this wonderful feast means for all of us who love Jesus with all our hearts, and accept Him as their Lord and Saviour. And then I went on with my day. It was full, and great fun. We were with good friends on Sunday, celebrating the awesome achievements of one of their sons. The next day was my birthday. Having been raised in a family that makes a big deal over birthdays, I've always looked forward to my day. All in all, it was a good day. However there were disappointments along the day... and looking back now, a few days later... they were not worth the energy that I used in getting upset. During the course of the day, a few "worrisome" things occurred, but being determined to 'enjoy my day', I tried hard to pay them no mind.

So it is not surprising, that my dreams were troubled, and my sleep disturbed. And then, "it" happened. I saw an image of Jesus, very similar to the image at the beginning of this blog. It was the image of Divine Mercy. And I knew that it was meant for me. It was more than a picture... it was Jesus standing before me. The love in his eyes was amazing... the love and light coming from His body was dazzling.

I do not know if this is a vision, or a dream, or a both. I do know, however that the message was very real. It came through, loud and clear. It told me that I was not to fear.. that I was to trust in Jesus. It told me that Jesus was with me... walking with me through the valleys of despair and angst... as well as the peaks of joy and jubilation. And I recall feeling an amazing sense of peace. My dreams ceased to torment, and I slept a peaceful and nourishing sleep. Waking the next morning... I gave this no mind. I went on with my morning chores... and got ready for work. I was still vaguely bothered by things, but I somehow knew that they would "all work out".

It was not until later in the day when I suddenly remembered. And then I knew. I had, had a vision... or a dream. Jesus had come to me. I have friends who have told me stories of dreams they've had... where Jesus comes to them. And I've felt envy and awe upon hearing their stories. The awe at my own experience is incredible. The joy is amazing.

I am a child of God. I love Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ loves me. He is always with me... He walks with me on my path. He walks with all of us who have our hearts open to Him, and have accepted him.

Thanks be to God!

Good Friday

Today is Good Friday. When I was a child, I had a vague understand of what Good Friday was all about. We were always on Spring Vacation during Good Friday. I vaguely was aware that this was the day that Jesus died on the cross. However my main focus was that our Spring break would soon be over.. and that Easter was right around the corner. This mean Easter Baskets filled with candy and toys, and dinner with family... which was always a wonderful time. I had no clue really... of what Good Friday really meant. Little did I know how I would come to cherish this day... not for the Easter Baskets and family celebrations... but for the true meaning of this amazing day. Click here to be taken to a a webpage that describes in detail the Good Friday Celebration.

I will never forget my first "Good Friday" celebration. I knew that it would not be a Mass, yet I had no idea of what to expect. I recall sitting in awe, taking everything in. It was one of the most moving church celebrations that I have ever been to. As I listened to the Passion, I thought of the sorrow and anguish Jesus went through, FOR EACH ONE OF US; he suffered for us. He carried our burdens as he carried the cross. He endured the torture, the humiliation... the ridicule and hatred. He defied the devil once again. All for us... all for us so that our sins could be forgiven. And then there was Mary... the Blessed Mother. She stood by her son and witnessed all of this. I cannot even begin to comprehend her pain and sorrow.

When it came time for The Veneration of the Cross, I remember being vaguely aware of tears streaming down my cheeks. As I knelt before the cross and kissed it, I thought... how have I missed out on this before? And despite the fact that the Chapel was full, it was incredibly intimate. The solemn silence... speaks volumes... and reaches me deep inside the core of my being.

And now, grasping the true meaning of this day, I feel very blessed. It saddens me that so many spend the day not really knowing... or understanding.... the amazing gifts that this day brings. I can only hope and pray that they too will someday realize the true meaning of this day, and cherish it as much as I do.

Good Friday Prayer

O Jesus, Who by reason of Thy burning love for us
hast willed to be crucified
and to shed Thy Most Precious Blood
for the redemption and salvation of our souls,
look down upon us here gathered together
in remembrance of Thy most sorrowful Passion and Death,
fully trusting in Thy mercy;
cleanse us from sin by Thy grace,
sanctify our toil,
give unto us and unto all those who are dear to us our
daily bread,
sweeten our sufferings,
bless our families,
and to the nations so sorely afflicted,
grant Thy peace,
which is the only true peace,
so that by obeying Thy commandments
we may come at last to the glory of heaven.

Amen.

Today I learned...

Today, I learned many things- some things that I have known before but forgotten, some things that I knew but have seen in a different light, and things that are brand new. Yet each of them is valuable.. insight... a tool that I can use to continue to grow, and to learn about myself as well as things that influence my life. All of these are things that I have learned while in retreat.... a Lenten retreat to be specific... and it's been a joyous and insightful journey. And I want to give thanks to God... for guiding me on this path... for walking with me every step, for loving me as only He can do. I want to thank those who have organized this retreat, special Sr. Linda.. for being my mentor. I will treasure our times together forever.

So getting back to the original intent of this particular blog, I would like to share a bit of what I have learned today! So here goes:

*Today I have learned that God loves me... this is something that I have known for sometime, but what is new is that profound feeling of how He really does.. despite my flaws and imperfections, all the "stuff" that covers me, and hides me.. masks me and has altered from the person He created in me, He loves me. He me how I was, He loves me now. He loves me no matter what!

*Today I learned that I need to stay where my feet are! I need to not run ahead of God's Grace. I need to focus on staying in today, in the moment. It's all we really have. I can't do anything about the past, and the future hasn't happened yet.

*Today I learned that I need to breathe.

*Today I learned that I need to have quiet time, to just be!

*Today I learned that there's no right or wrong way to pray. I can find what works for me.. I can write my own recipe for praying, so that I can have my own "tools and ingredients" that help me to pray.

*Today I learned that sometimes it's good and necessary, to clear my head.

*I learned that the Mother I was so closed to "back in the day" is still there.... she's hard to see under all the "stuff" but she is there... and that is the person that I need to focus on when I visit.

And last, but not least, Today I learned that I have choice in everything. I can choose how I react, I can plan. I can choose to do something rather than do something because "I have to". And in doing that, what ever the task is that I am choosing to do, the outcome will be much more positive.

Thank you God, Thank you Jesus, and Thank you Holy Spirit... for being with me on this Journey. I love you.

An Irish Blessing for Saint Patrick's Day:


"A sunbeam to warm you, A moonbeam to charm you, A sheltering angel so nothing can harm you"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

While driving home from work today, I tuned in a program on our local Catholic Radio station. The program was on Ireland in honor of St. Patrick's day. The show host talked about St. Patrick of course, which I missed... but I did hear the following two prayers, honoring two of Ireland's Saints:

St Brendan's Prayer

Shall I abandon, O King of mysteries, the soft comforts of home? Shall I turn my back on my native land, and turn my face towards the sea?

Shall I put myself wholly at your mercy, without silver, without a horse, without fame, without honour? Shall I throw myself wholly upon You, without sword and shield, without food and drink, without a bed to lie on? Shall I say farewell to my beautiful land, placing myself under Your yoke?

Shall I pour out my heart to You, confessing my manifold sins and begging forgiveness, tears streaming down my cheeks? Shall I leave the prints of my knees on the sandy beach, a record of my final prayer in my native land?

Shall I then suffer every kind of wound that the sea can inflict? Shall I take my tiny boat across the wide sparkling ocean? O King of the Glorious Heaven, shall I go of my own choice upon the sea?

O Christ, will You help me on the wild waves?

PRAYER OF SAINT BRIGID OF KILDARE
For A Heavenly Feast

I wish I had a great lake of ale for the King of kings,
and the family of heaven
to drink it through time eternal.
I wish I had the meats of belief and genuine piety,
the flails of penance,
and the men of heaven in my house.
I would like keeves of peace to be at their disposal,
vessels of charity for distribution,
caves of mercy for their company,
and cheerfulness to be in their drinking.
I would want Jesus also to be in their midst,
together with the three Marys of illustrious renown,
and the pople of heaven from all parts.
I would like to be a tenant to the Lord,
so if I should suffer distress,
He would confer on me a blessing.

Amen.

A Lenten Observation...

Today is the first Sunday of Lent. Since early last week, it's been virtually impossible to not notice that restaurants and groceries are poised to have a variety seafood and fish to offer to those who are observing Lent! To get a better look at thw picture, click on it.

I snapped these pictures this weekend as I was out and about doing errands.

Need some ideas for Lent? We’ve got a few.

From the St. Michael Society.... awesome ideas. Take a look:

Need some ideas for Lent? We’ve got a few.

Mardi Gras Today, Ash Wednesday tomorrow....

Today is Mardi Gras a.k.a. Fat Tuesday. We're buried in snow, yet there are promos on the radio and the news about Mardi Gras events locally, and even in New Orleans. It's interesting to me that while schools and many businesses are closed here in Ohio due to another huge snow storm... that by tonight, people, determined to celebrate and party will make their way to bars and restaurants to celebrate. I have to wonder, however, exactly how many understand the significance of Mardi Gras. I'm sure that many do, but for others, it's just another reason to party.

AmericanCatholic.org defines Mardi Gras as

Mardi Gras, literally "Fat Tuesday," has grown in popularity in recent years as a raucous, sometimes hedonistic event. But its roots lie in the Christian calendar, as the "last hurrah" before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. That's why the enormous party in New Orleans, for example, ends abruptly at midnight on Tuesday, with battalions of streetsweepers pushing the crowds out of the French Quarter towards home.

What is less known about Mardi Gras is its relation to the Christmas season, through the ordinary-time interlude known in many Catholic cultures as Carnival. (Ordinary time, in the Christian calendar, refers to the normal "ordering" of time outside of the Advent/Christmas or Lent/Easter seasons. There is a fine Scripture From Scratch article on that topic if you want to learn more.)

Carnival comes from the Latin words carne vale, meaning "farewell to the flesh." Like many Catholic holidays and seasonal celebrations, it likely has its roots in pre-Christian traditions based on the seasons. Some believe the festival represented the few days added to the lunar calendar to make it coincide with the solar calendar; since these days were outside the calendar, rules and customs were not obeyed. Others see it as a late-winter celebration designed to welcome the coming spring. As early as the middle of the second century, the Romans observed a Fast of 40 Days, which was preceded by a brief season of feasting, costumes and merrymaking.

In years past, I've always had a vague idea of the significance of Mardi Gras. My parents called it Fat Tuesday... and it's a day where people party hearty one more time before the beginning of Lent. As a child, I was fascinated by my Catholic friends giving something up for Lent. Yet I didn't understand why.

I recall one friend giving up all meat for Lent. She went so far as to inquire as to whether or not the school's doughnuts had been fried in animal fat. At the time I thought that was a little "overkill". Today however, I respect her dedication and diligence! As for my "Mardi Gras" celebration, I'll eat plenty of chocolate, prepare for the next 40 days of Lent, and look forward to Spring and the beauty and renewal of the Easter season... specially after all this snow.

More Snow? Really? Ugh....

Time will tell what Mother Nature has in mind. This will be the third storm in the last 10 days. Certainly, we haven't gotten near the amount of snow that the mid-atlantic regions have. But we currently have approximately 10-12 inches on the ground.. and we're all growing weary. Well, I should say... "most" are growing weary. Our dogs, how ever, are loving it. Here are some pictures I took of Yelda this morning, as she jubilantly romped and frolicked in the snow:






It was a fun romp, and I managed to stay on my feet the entire time. And that was quite a "feet"... pun intended! All three of our newfs, Ben, Kira and Yelda are currently asleep in their beds. The forecasted weather has not yet begun to fall... but when we wake up tomorrow morning, it should have begun, and as we make our morning trek outside, I'm sure they will have a blast!

Hope that Spring will soon be here!

After back to back snow storms, from both of which left significant accumulations on the ground (12-16 inches total), it's been pointed out to me that this picture is proof of the hope that spring will eventually get here! I took this yesterday as I was going to lunch at Kennedy Union, on the University of Dayton campus. Let's pray that this is true! Click on the picture to get a better look!

Feeding Frenzy

I was out walking our dogs this morning... it was a bit foggy with the sun trying to peak through. The air was filled with birdsong, and I could see them diving down from the sky to our bird feeders. They were in a frenzy.. eating like crazy.

Looking out our kitchen window, I could see some sort of wren foraging on the ground looking for food. All of this makes me think that we are going to get a significant snowfall this weekend. Time will tell as to what Mother Nature has in store for us! I do know that I'm going to need to get more bird-cakes and suet. I'm reminded of one of my favorite poems:

All Things Bright and Beautiful
by Cecil Frances Alexander

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors,
He made their tiny wings.

The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning,
That brightens up the sky;

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.

And in closing, I can't help but think of the lyrics from a song from one of my favorite movies, "Mary Poppins", called "Feed The Birds"! Click here to see a Video Clip! As far as the impending weather, stay tuned!

The Manning Family "gets it"... Family FIRST!

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not into Sports. I have always enjoyed Auto Racing... have attended several runnings of the Indianapolis 500. In addition to auto racing, I've attended several Cincinnat Reds games, a few Ohio State Football games and a handful of UD Flyer Basketball games. I also attended several high school football and basketball games "in the day". That said, for some reason, I've really gotten into the NFL this year. I have long admired the Indianapolis Colts, predominantly because of Peyton Manning.

As far as I can tell, Peyton Manning is a true "good guy".... a "what you see is what you get kind of guy". He doesn't show up in the tabloids, he is involved in many philanthropic activities. He gives back. His family roots have always been important. I have enjoyed the camrarderie between his younger brother Eli, also a pro football player. I've enjoyed seening them support each other... being there when the other had a big game (supporting each other in their recent Superbowl Victories for example).

And Eli was there again lastnight, when Peyton lead the Indianapolis Colts to win the AFC Championship. In fact, the entire family was there. The Manning Family's history with the NFL did not begin with Peyton or with Eli. Rather, it began with their Father, Archie, who played for 16 years with the New Orleans Saints. This is ironic, because the Colts, will play the Saints in the upcoming superbowl. And people have speculated who Archie would root for- his old team or his own son.

And others felt that Eli should root for the NY Jets rather than the Colts. Because, afterall, the Jets are from New York... and Eli plays for the other New York team, the New York Giants.

And those who are wondering really don't get what family is all about!!! But the Manning family does get it! Of course they do for they have always exemplified the ideal Family. Family comes first for the Mannings. No matter what! God Bless them, and I hope that people can learn something from the expample the set.

Click here to read story

Pope Pius XII - overdue praise

I tuned into the Michael Savage show on the way home.... and was surprised to hear him talking about the Vatican's involvement during the holocaust.

In recent history, it's been a common suggestion that Pope Pius XII did not do enough to help the Jews plight.

However, the link below demonstrates that this was not the case! On the contrary, the Vatican and Pope Pius did quite a lot. Here are some of the notable quotes on this page (link below):

"Only the Church protested against the Hitlerian onslaught on liberty. Up till then I had not been interested in the Church, but today I feel a great admiration for the Church, which alone has had the courage to struggle for spiritual truth and moral liberty."
-Albert Einstein in Time Magazine 1940, quoted in Three Popes and the Jews by Pinchas E. Lapide (New York: Hawthorn, 1967), p. 251.

"The people of Israel will never forget what His Holiness and his illustrious delegates, inspired by the eternal principles of religion, which form the very foundation of true civilization, are doing for our unfortunate brothers and sisters in the most tragic hour of our history, which is living proof of Divine Providence in this world."
-Rabbi Isaac Herzog, chief rabbi of the British Mandate of Palestine, March 1945.

"The Church and the papacy have saved Jews as much and in as far as they could save Christians.... Six million of my co-religionists have been murdered by the Nazis, but there could have been many more victims, had it not been for the efficacious intervention of Pius XII."
-Dr. Raphael Cantoni, director of the Italian Jewish Assistance Committee, American Jewish Yearbook 1944-1945, 233.

"We share in the grief of humanity at the passing away of His Holiness Pope Pius XII. In a generation affected by wars and discords, he upheld the highest ideals of peace and compassion. When fearful martyrdom came to our people in the decade of Nazi terror, the voice of the Pope was raised for the victims. The life of our times was enriched by a voice speaking out on the great moral truths above the tumult of daily conflict. We mourn a great servant of peace."
-Golda Meir, Israeli Prime Minister, message of condolence to the Vatican, sent 1958

Click here to view Michael Savage's webpage: Praise For The Holy Father, Pope Pius XII

Time FLIES

Well, I realize that I am quite delinquent in posting here. My last blog was in regards to the importance of Thanksgiving! I have skipped over holidays completely and we're almost three weeks into 2010. So belated New Years Greetings to one and all. Thanksgiving came and went. It was spent with family and friends, and we had a good time. Our van decided to "give up the ghost" and I now have a "new" Subaru Forester. I'm tickled with it. We could just have done with out a 2nd car payment, but in the scheme of things, we're blessed to be able to afford it at all!

Christmas was insanely busy. Our only decorations this year were two Nativity Scenes... one outdoors and one in our den. I didn't miss the tree. I loved looking at the Holy Family. It was nice to focus on the true reason for the season, when everything else is so secular. One of the highlights of the holidays was spending time with Family and Friends. Many of my cousins were in town from Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta and even Connecticut. We attended a beautiful Midnight Mass at Holy Trinity, which is a gorgeous old church in downtown Dayton.

New Years Eve was spent with our very good friends at their home. Life continues to move on. I've found a great group of Catholic Women on Facebook, and I'm going to join them in reading "The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas a Kempis. I mention this here because I will be sharing some of my thoughts here as I read this amazing book.

So that, in a nutshell brings this blog up to date! At least for now, as time really does fly!

What About Thanksgiving?!?!?!?

The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth by Brownscombe


For those of us living in the states, the Holiday season seems to begin with Halloween, which, as most know, falls at the end of October. Halloween has always been one of my favorite times of year, and it seems that it is popular with many others as well. In fact, Halloween has become big business.

The next holiday is Veterans Day, and there is a healthy focus on that, and rightly so. Following Veterans day is "Thanksgiving" which is perhaps my most favorite holiday. And then, on the day after Thanksgiving, we celebrate the beginning of the "Christmas Holidays" with "Black Friday, the unofficial beginning of the "commercial" Christmas Holidays.

Last week, Halloween decorations were every where. This week, people have taken them down and are slowly replacing them with Christmas decorations. I was driving through downtown Fairborn, Ohio this morning, and wreaths are adorning the lampposts on Main Street and the City Christmas tree was being placed in it's traditional place. And it's only the 7th of November! On Facebook, many of the Halloween related "apps" have been replaced by Christmas related "apps". One even went as far to say: "first there's Halloween, then there's Christmas"! Flabbergasted and annoyed, I kept thinking: WHAT ABOUT THANKSGIVING?????

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday! It's the time of year when we gather together to give Thanks for our blessings. There is historical significance to this Holiday. In the United States, the First Thanksgiving was celebrated in the Autumn of 1621 by the surviving pilgrims who were celebrating their successful harvest. Thanksgiving was considered a religious holiday, where people gathered to worship and give thanks to God for their blessings. Over time there is less emphasis on the religious aspect of the Holiday. Yet it is still a time where families gather together around a table and share a meal. The focus is on the meal, and on the fellowship with family. Some families have small gatherings and others have large gatherings.

Personally, we have two Thanksgivings. I love this day. I love being with Family, and sharing a meal. I love gathering around the table and telling stories and sharing news. I love being with people who are dear to me. And I love the fact that there is know emphasis on gifts. Our Gatherings are about being together with loved ones. And that is precious. And since becoming Catholic, I love going to church for Thanksgiving.. be cause "it is right to give Thanks and Praise"!!!!

This brings me to the point of this blog. During this month of November, my focus is going to be on Thanksgiving, and giving thanks for things that matter to me.

Today, I would like to give thanks to God for my loved ones. I'd like to give Thanks for the glorious day I've had.. for the wonderful visit with my Uncle, who came to visit all the way from Arizona. I'd like to give Thanks for the wonderful visit with my Mother. I'd like to give Thanks for the awesome tour we had of the Wright Brother's Home. What a treat that ways... I lived in the same neighborhood as this house when I was growing up, and I've always wanted to see it.

In closing... I'd like to encourage anyone reading this to stop and think about the blessings in their lives... and to stop and take time to "Give Thanks" for them.

God Bless....

Come, Creator, Spirit

I adore this prayer and just wanted to share. Click on the graphic to see it more clearly. God Bless.....

Snapshot: The missing keys

Keeping keys in a place where I can find them is not one of my strong suits. I am notorious for losing keys, and when I travel, I carry at least two extra sets "just in case"! I go through periods of extraordinary diligence, where I dutifully take my keys and put them in my purse. House keys, car keys.... and work keys fill my purse. I do not worry so much about my house and car keys because Russell always has a set, and we have extras at home. My "work" keys are another matter.

Tuesday morning found me standing outside my office door rifling through my purse. No keys. So I went across the hall, where I know there is a spare... but everyone was tied up behind closed doors. At this point I decided that rather than calling public safety, I'd run across to the student union and grab some breakfast, hoping that when I returned I'd be able to find someone with a key.

This plan didn't quite work out, but I was able to find someone to let me in. I looked high and low in my office... and could not find my keys. I was a bit perplexed but this soon slipped my mind as I got on with the business of the day. Later in the evening, I started looking at home. I checked every conceivable place I could think of, but did not find any keys. I was getting quite concerned, because the task of getting replacement keys is daunting to say the least.

And then, as I was getting ready for bed, I stopped and said a prayer to St. Anthony. I prayed that he helped me find my keys as they were quite important. And no sooner had I said Amen, when I suddenly had a very strong urge to go out to our truck. I went outside... it was about 1:00 a.m. and opened the back passenger door. I had looked here once before, but suddenly "I JUST KNEW" that they were there. And sure enough, upon checking the pocket of my rain jacket, I found them!

I then profusely gave thanks to Saint Anthony for his help. Never ever underestimate St. Anthony. I've heard story upon story about him helping people find the most amazing thing, or helping them to find there way out of something that was seemingly impossible.

So once again, I'd like to give my thanks and praise to St. Anthony, for all of his help during my lifetime.

Snapshot: Oh, but to be a good daughter......

Today's snapshot has to do with being a good daughter!Sadly, I am not always what I would consider to be a "good daughter". My Mother is in a nursing home, and she is at times confused. She does spend a good deal of time on her computer however, which we encourage. Yet, the there are many times when she can't remember passwords, or gets her computer locked up... and then the calls arrive, and she demands immediate attention. And I usually become cross and impatient. Shame on me.

It was during one of these incidents that I frantically cried out to Mary, in complete earnestness, asking for her help in helping me to be more patient, more tolerant.... and simply.... kind. I was in my car a the time (where I seem to do my best praying, oddly enough) driving to my Mothers. Of course, she was again stuck... and after taking a deep breath... I went in and managed to be upbeat and positive. My Mother commented as I was leaving: "Thank you for not getting mad.". I smiled at her but cringed inwardly. Am I that much of a jerk?

I'm afraid that the answer is at times, yes.

Days passed... and once again I was at my Mothers bedside, working on her computer. I have been able to be more patient... and less grumbly. My Mother was explaining to me that she couldn't remember how to get to this one game she enjoys playing. I told her how, and she argued that she had never done it that way before. So, taking a deep breath, I said "Mother, I've told you this dozens of times." She said "Annie, I know, but I just can't always remember."

I then replied "I'm so sorry, and I'm so sorry that I get mad." She shared that she didn't like when I got mad, and who can blame her? At this point I was stroking her hair and she shared that it felt good.

I smiled, and said "it does?". She looked at me, very solemnly and said "Yes, and nobody touches me anymore."

Tears filled my eyes and remorse filled my heart. I knew I was so guilty of this. Touching her has been such a harsh reminder of how frail she has become, and I have been avoiding doing so.

"Oh Mother," I said.... "I'm so sorry". We just looked at each other... connected so deeply for the first time in ages. I whispered "I love you so much" and she said "I know". I held her hand for the rest of my visit.

I've not been able to stop thinking about this since that visit a few days ago. I have felt so terrible. And then, today, in sharing this with another colleague who has elderly parents, I came to realize something quite inspiring.

This knowledge was a gift... from Mary and from God. I do believe that through Mary's intercession that I have learned so much about my Mother in the last few days. I will be able to give her something so important that I have been failing to do. I can rectify my mistakes... I can be kinder, more patient and more tolerant. I can hug her and hold her hand, and I can love her. And most of all, I can talk to her... and try and connect.

So thank you Mother Mary, for your gentle and loving intercession.

**************************************************************************

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is
the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

SNAPSHOT: Family "always behind you"

Family is essential. "Family" makes us who we are... for better and for worse. In my experience, that has always been for the better. Yes, there have been trials and tribulations, yet even those tribulations have been woven in to the fabric of who and what we are. There are two pictures in this blog. They were taken this weekend and are quite different. Yet when you look at them, and understand what is happening in them, they deliver the same message.



This first picture is of my husband Russell and his cousin Jim. After being on the market for over a year, Russell's Mother has finally sold the family homestead and we spent the day on Saturday loading up the last of Russell's things that have been in the house since his childhood. Of course this was a bit bittersweet because we also said goodbye to the house where he grew up... where he became the man he is. The most "important" item we picked up was a tool chest that Russell had inherited from his paternal Grandfather many years ago. It's been stored away in the garage for 25+ years, and his Grandfather used it every day at work. It's the size of a steamer trunk, and being made of wood and filled with iron and steel tools. Needless to say, it is incredibly heavy, and Russell's cousin Jim was on hand to help load it into our truck.

After the trunk was loaded onto the truck, Russell opened it. He and Jim were like two kids exploring a treasure chest. And indeed, it was a treasure. Tools mean nothing to me... but there were so many little things that caught my eye... a couple of photographs, several little booklets and notepads. Tins of band aids, that someone would likely pay a lot for on EBay. There were a pair of safety glasses... Harry Potter type glasses... that were from the 20's. I never knew Russell's grandfather, but his presence was definitely felt. This was his world that we opened up... and there was an amazing connection to who he was. I watched Russell's face, and took the picture (against his wishes of course). Russell was a child when his Grandpa died, and now he's a grown man. I have heard stories of what a wonderful man he was... and I could see the love on Russell's face as he went through his Grandfather's things. It was a truly poignant moment. And in the "theme" of family, to have a cousin from the other side of your family present, offering help merely underlines the importance and specialness of family.



At first glance, the second picture may seem quite odd. I took it the next day as we were driving to Cincinnati to take my sister and her husband to brunch at "The Grand Finale"
in honor of her upcoming 50th birthday. We drove separately and I was feeling silly, and snapped this picture of the side mirror on our truck. If you look in the reflection of the mirror, you'll see my sister's vehicle following behind. Chuckling after I took the picture, I sent her a text saying "there you are!". She couldn't really see the picture on her phone, but in thinking about it, I realized that yes...she is always there, standing behind me, holding me up. And I am there for her in the same regard. And we are blessed because we have the same relationship with our extended families. And that is how it should be! In days gone by, families looked out for each other. It's too bad that not everyone is blessed. And when I look at this picture... originally taken to make a joke, I realize just how blessed we are. And in realizing this, I am going to take more snapshots... and then look at them for perhaps a deeper meaning.

And I thank God, for all of His blessings. When you open your eyes, and really pay attention, it's amazing how often you will notice His presence in all things!