Blessings

It's been ages since I've posted.  As usual, life gets so busy, something's gotta give. 

The end of this summer we found out we received news of another blessing from God.  Baby #5 is due March 23, 2013 and we are all so excited.  The gender has been a bit of a wait as every time we go in for the OB appt. and ultrasound, this little one appears to be shy, covering up with either a foot or cord.  But, either way, we just hope the baby is healthy and we will welcome boy or girl into our home with open arms. 

Happy Father's Day

Today is Father's Day.  We celebrate with our Earthly fathers as well as with our Heavenly Father. 

At Mass, Fr. Mark gave a special blessing to all the fathers and we all applauded afterwards.  Clapping during Mass is not very typical, but when you think about the reason he chose to have us do this, I think it is interesting.  For Mother's day, when the mothers stand to receive the blessing, each row has several mothers standing in it.  However, today, there were not near as many fathers.  They were just sprinkled about the church.  Why is that?

Is it that the fathers have to work on weekends, such as my husband?  Is it because they are just choosing not to attend Mass with their family?  Is it because they are not Catholic?  Or is it because they are not around?  All are definite possibilities, but I still found it odd that the church would be filled with so many less fathers than mothers.  Do mother's make it more of a priority to be there with their children?  

But on the other hand, that also says something for the men who were there.  As I was looking around at many of those men that I know, I was thinking to myself, what an example they are setting for their children.  These loving men who are taking the example from our Heavenly Father and teaching their children the way of the Cross.  They are definitely to be applauded.  Rather than skipping out and going golfing, watching the game, or going fishing, they are with their family, worshiping the Lord and honoring the Sabbath.  Definitely something worth clapping about. 

Many people see God through their relationship with their own earthly father.  This can be good or bad.  God sets the example of a loving, wise, and forgiving father but unfortunately, not all men follow that example.  If you are not as lucky to have an earthly father who strives to be like our Lord, at least we can take comfort that God will love us forever.  He is patient, kind, supportive, forgiving, and will never let us down.  So even if your own relationship with your father is not good, do not judge God by that standard.  He is not abusive, hurtful, unforgiving, and unsupportive.  He is the standard that all men on earth should strive to duplicate.  

We continue to pray for our fathers, grandfathers, Godfathers, and priests; that God grants them special blessings to allow them to be a symbol of His love for us all.  Amen.

Mother's Love

Today is Mother's Day and as I look at my 4 beautiful and healthy children, I am reminded yet again about how blessed I am.  I have been a mother for 17 years now.  It'll be the longest job I ever have, the job I make the least money in, but reap the most rewards.  I have kissed many a boo boo, given millions of hugs, dried tons of tears, clapped at many accomplishments, waved goodbye as they headed to school, listened to lots of stories, tried to give advice, and smiled with my heart exploding when they have made me so proud.

I don't think there is a responsibility as important as a parent and I don't think anything compares to a Mother's love.  From the moment we find out we're expecting, we have a love for this new life, this blessing from God, living in us.  We are the first to feel the movements, little kicks and even hiccups, and even though it may  make us run to the bathroom 4 times a night, we do it all with a loving devotion.



We suffer through the toddler years, taking the good with the bad.  We take the back seat when our child discovers their friends.  We become an afterthought as they become teenagers and discover cars, jobs, and the opposite sex.  But then the tables turn.  As they move into college and adulthood and discover the struggles of life, all of a sudden they realize they need the woman who stood by all these years with such a quiet and loving devotion. 

They need her shoulder to cry on when life is hard.  They need her advice as they realize she really does know what she's talking about.  They look to her for her loving support and motivation as they find their place in the world.  This is what a Mother waits for, to be needed.  For a Mother's love is undying, unwavering, and unconditional.

Happy Mother's Day!         

Power of Prayer

We received happy news this week.  My eldest son had his Eagle board of review for Eagle Scout and passed! 

As he waited to be called in to the board, I posted in Facebook a request for prayers and within 5 minutes 10 people were already praying.  Before it was over it was at about 20. 

 

As I was saying my rosary in the van outside, I saw a beautiful butterfly land on the veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary statue that was in the grotto before me.  It just sat there, opening and closing it's wings.  It was as if it was a sign that my prayers were being heard and not to worry.

An hour and a half later, he was told he was an Eagle.  10 years worth of work finally paid off and he was so excited.  I know God heard our prayers, as my son had one of the toughest board members on the board quizzing him.  His wits and patience were tested and he passed with flying colors.   

He is such a good son, active in the community, school, and his Parish.  He is definitely a model for Eagle and I'm so glad the board agreed.  Now we get to prepare for the Court of Honor to present him with this award. 

I think God for my friends, who saw and answered my request for prayers.  I thank God for my family and especially my son.  May God bless him in everything he does and everything he attempts to do.  He will go far!