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!

True flesh and blood

Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.”  John 6:53-58

As Catholics we take this revelation by Jesus to heart.  We believe that through transubstantiation, the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus Christ at consecration.  The Mass is not a memorial of the Last Supper, it's not a representation, it is truly our Savior in the flesh and blood.

Just as we need food to nourish our body, we need the Eucharist to nourish our soul.  We have no eternal life without Him.

Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” John 6:47-51   

Jesus is the bread of life.  We who believe will indeed have eternal life.  If you have never read the miracle of Lanciano, read this site.  http://miraclerosarymission.org/lanciano.html.  It is the miracle that was performed because a priest had doubt that the bread and wine actually became the body and blood of Christ.  This time, it physically changed into a blood type of O negative (universal blood type) and the body was tested and it is heart tissue.  It is still in it's same form today without external preservation.  What more proof is needed?  

Alexandrina Maria da Costa (1904-1955)

Blessed Alexandrina Maria da Costa lived on the Eucharist alone for 13 years, receiving no other form of nourishment.  To read about her fascinating devotion to suffering for our sins read http://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20040425_da-costa_en.html.  These mysterious and miraculous occurrences are given to us so we may see and believe.    

I write these things to you so that you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God. 1 John 5:13

Today's blessings

Seeing my teenager play in his Orchestra concert (dressed in a tux)
Getting hugs from the 4 year old and hearing him laugh when I teased him
Combing the Princess' hair and hearing her try to repeat what I was saying
Assuring my 9 year old that I would help him with subtraction because he forgot it all from last year
Joking with my husband

There are so many things I am grateful for.  Life is so short, we need to recognize the small daily blessings God has given us.  Friends and Family are priceless.  Don't take them for granted.

God bless.

Resurrection Rolls

As Catholics, we celebrate Easter longer than most people.  For us it is not just one day then we return to life as normal.  Our churches stay decorated, our homilies and songs still have the Easter theme, and our readings are related to the days following His resurrection. 

Children especially need to hear how the Lord rose from the dead.  We focus a lot on the Passion and Suffering but also need to put as much emphasis on His rising.  He beat death, something no mere mortal can do.  He is truly human and truly divine. 

To help children understand, I found a wonderful article about Resurrection Rolls.  The article can be found at http://beautyandbedlam.com/resurrection-rolls-easter-recipe/.  This is a marvelous idea to help children visually see "the tomb was empty". 

For smaller children, they are especially amazed at how when you open the “tomb,” it is empty. He has risen!
Enjoy the simple, yet profound truth that can be shared through this memorable hands on cooking tradition experience.
Share the truth of how Jesus was placed into the tomb (crescent rolls), and then explain how they prepared his body by putting oil and herbs on him (cinnamon and sugar represents the oils and spices).  As you wrap the marshmallow, you can explain how this represents the wrapping of Jesus body after His death.  Then after waiting three long day (or twelve minutes, which feels like days to the children), we know that death could not hold Him in the grave, and He was alive. (The marshmallow melts and the cresent roll is all puffed up, BUT empty!!
The tomb is empty! He is risen. He is Risen Indeed. Matthew 28:1-8

Resurrection Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
• 8 large marshmallows
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons white sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2.  Lightly grease a baking sheet.
3. Separate crescent rolls into individual triangles.If you can fin the big and flaky ones, the marshmallows will fit better)
   
4. In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and sugar.
5. Dip a marshmallow into melted butter, then roll in sugar mixture. Place marshmallow into the center of a dough triangle. Carefully wrap the dough around the marshmallow. Pinch the seams together very tightly to seal in the marshmallow as it melts (or cut a bit of the marshmallow off to fit). Place on a baking sheet. Repeat.
6. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
7. Makes Eight Resurrection Rolls
8. ** I have made these without dipping them in any butter, cinnamon/sugar mixture and they are still delicious. The butter just makes them an extra special treat.
   

Make sure you seal the seams really well. If you don’t, the marshmallow will ooze out the sides, which is just fine in our home. You have the option of making the rolls bigger by using two crescent roll, but still use one marshmallow. This way, the marshmallow won’t come out at all. Have the kids play around with making these. On some of them we wanted the empty tomb effect, so we left a little part of the roll open but made sure the side had a little lip to contain the melted mallow.

Resurrection Eggs

One Wednesday evening a month I meet with a group of Catholic mom's for our small faith group.  We have a wonderful time discussing our faith and getting ideas off each other.  This week, one of the girls asked how you instill a love of our faith into your children.  There were several answers and one of the girls mentioned Resurrection Eggs at Easter time. 

I had never heard of Resurrection Eggs and she described to us how you take regular plastic eggs and insert into each one something related to the passion of Jesus and a scripture.  Here is the info. I found on  http://www.creativebiblestudy.com/resurrection-eggs.html. 

RESURRECTION EGGS

(1) a small plastic branch or leaf
Mark 11:8-10 “Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"

(2) a dime
Matthew 26:14-15 “Then one of the Twelve--the one called Judas Iscariot--went to the chief priests and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.”
 

(3) small bite size saltines sealed with shalaque or something similar
Matthew 26:17-19 “On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?" He replied, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.' So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.”
 
(4) a small piece of wash cloth
John 13:4-5 “so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
 
(5) a small plastic communion cup or let children form small cups from clay
Matthew 26:39 “And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this b>cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”
 
(6) a small strip of leather like they use to make bracelets
Matthew 27: 2, 26 “They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.” (26) “Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.”
 

(7) a small thorn or piece of a small rose bush stem
Matthew 27:29 “and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said.”
 
(8) hot glue two small twigs together to make a cross that will fit into the egg
John 17:18-19 “Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him, and with him two others--one on each side and Jesus in the middle. 
 

(9) a die (can be purchased in boxes of six by decks of cards at most stores)
Matthew 27:35 “When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”
 
(10) a small piece of linen cloth or gauze
Matthew 27:59 “Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.”
 
(11) a stone (you can purchase pretty ones in bags in the craft section of stores)
Matthew 27:66 “So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.”
 
(12) leave this egg empty
Matthew 28:5-6 “The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”

What a wonderful way to teach children about the Passion and Resurrection of our Lord.   

Peace be with you

Fr.'s homily on Thursday was about the words Jesus spoke to his beloved ones, "Peace be with you".  As Catholics we say it in Mass.  When the Priest says it, we respond "And with your spirit".  But do we really ever stop to think about what it means?

Fr.'s question to us was, "Do you really know what peace is?".  Have you ever truly experienced peace?  Most of us have had a peaceful moment or two, but it unfortunately seems to be short lived.  With all the stresses of family, work, finances, and relationships, it is often hard to find even a moment of true peace.

Countries don't seem to know peace either.  Between countries there is war, tension, fear and threats, and many countries never experience peace.  Even within the country itself there can be civil unrest and corrupt politics.  Look at our own parties within our own country.  No one is truly trying to promote peace.  It is all greed and who can win the most toys.  My husband says there is no money in peace.  I think he's right.  If there was, can you imagine our world? 

Back to families.  With divorce rates up, single parents, unemployment, underemployment, murders, hunger, and homelessness, it's no wonder families can't catch a break.  But there is one place to find true peace.  One Person can offer true peace and that is Jesus.  His peace is the true peace, not the one that is temporary and fleeting.  Families who know Jesus and ask for His peace find this world more tolerable.  He helps us cope with our daily struggles and offers refuge.   

I love this verse. 
"Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:31

Wow, where else in this world can you find such a hopeful promise of peace and strength?  And can anyone in this world deliver on that promise.  I think not.  Only our Lord can deliver something that amazing.  We have to continue to pray; asking the Lord for peace for ourselves, our Church, and our world.  

 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is darkness, light.

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

 

Amen.

Importance of Women

The homily at daily Mass today really struck me as poignant.  The Gospel was about Mary Magdalene finding that the Lord was no longer in the tomb and she was distressed.  She asked who she thought was the "gardener", but who in fact was the risen Jesus, where her Lord was taken.  He responds with "Why are you weeping?"  Then, all Jesus had to do with say her name and she immediately recognized Him.

Back to why I was so intrigued by the homily.  Father asked the congregation if we knew why Mary was the one who discovered the empty tomb and was the first to encounter the risen Lord rather than a blessed Disciple such as Peter. 

He mentioned, think back to the Gospel from Holy Week speaking to her using a jar of expensive perfumed oil on Jesus.  She was chastised by Judas, who would later betray Jesus.  He scolded her saying that she wasted the oil and it could have been sold for almost a year's wages and given to the poor.  We all know that is not what he would have intended for the money as he controlled the purse strings and was motivated by greed. 

However, what did Jesus say?  We would always have the poor with us but He would not be with us for long?  "Let her do it".  She showed tremendous love of our Lord and wanted to show her love in a very special way.  She was raised up by Jesus.  Given forgiveness and a second chance, she showed her appreciation in a most loving way.   
Father went on to say that Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Jesus were both perfect examples of the importance that God has placed on women.  There were other strong or important women in the Bible but these two played such a special role.  Mary the mother of Jesus, conceived without sin and saying "Yes" to God's wishes without question.  Mary Magdalene, a sinner, receiving forgiveness and changing her life for the Lord.    

Let us pray that we may be as open hearted as these two women to hear God's call and accept the Lord's forgiveness and special blessings He has in store for us.

"He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."

                                                                                        ~Matthew 28:6

Confirmation Retreat

I spent the day at a retreat with a group of High School Juniors who are going to be receiving their Confirmation.  The guest speaker was Chris Padgett, who is amazing and we had a wonderful day filled with prayer, games, good food, and ending with adoration, confession, and Palm Sunday Mass. 

Chris Padgett

As I was sitting in adoration, I really felt blessed for so many things.  To be able to share this experience with these kids, to be lucky to be born into a family with faith, and to have such a blessed life.  I could really feel God's blessings upon me. 

It's an awesome feeling to know that these kids who are about to be confirmed will be going out in the world not only defending but preaching our faith.  They will then be spreading the Word of God by becoming part of a Ministry and teaching our faith to their own families.  It's an amazing feeling to see God's love grow and spread.

God is an awesome God!  

Prayer and social media

A friend of mine who I've known for over 15 years is going through some major health issues and has been for several years now.  She's had surgeries and pain but has kept strong and confident throughout her ordeal, rarely speaking of it to anyone.  To see her casually, you'd never know anything was wrong. 

Today when I was checking updates on Facebook, I noticed a beautiful post from her mother asking for prayer for her daughter, who was on a flight from Tulsa to another city to undergo yet another surgery.  It was a beautiful yet simple plea for prayers for her daughter's healing and so she will not need to suffer through more surgeries.  It was short but touched me that her mother thought to spread the word through social media asking for prayers for her daughter.

This simple request showed so much.  It showed her faith in God, knowing He will hear the prayers.  It showed her faith in her family and friends, that if she asked for prayers, people would offer them up.  And they were.  The comments following her request were beautiful.  It showed her faith in miracles. 

Some people criticize social media, pointing out it's flaws.  Skeptics say it is encouraging an almost voyeuristic type behavior, people telling everything they are doing at all times.  But I have seen the positive influence it has had.  This is a way for us to spread our faith to masses of people.  This can be from positive postings asking for prayers, spreading the word about faith in our politics, to invitations to know Jesus.


While we must be leery and careful with technology, we can also embrace it as a new way to reach people, especially the younger generation.  Previously prayer chains were used, people calling each other to spread the word prayers were needed, notices were put in bulletins, or just word of mouth at coffee and donuts after Mass.  But welcome to the future.  Through social media, whether it be Twitter, Facebook, or even blogs, many people can receive all sorts of information quickly.  Why not use this to our advantage? 

So I will monitor Facebook, watching for updates on my friend's surgery and recovery, while keeping her in my prayers.   

Praise God

Happy Moments, Praise God
Difficult Moments, Praise God
Quiet Moments, Praise God
Painful Moments, Praise God
Every Moment, Praise God 

  Saw this online and thought, how true it is that we should Praise God in everything we do.  It's easy to sing His praises when everything is going our way, but how often do we stop to think that we should also sing His praise even when life gets rough?  He never deserts us and sometimes allows us to travel rough road to teach us something we may have missed otherwise.   

The times I've learned the most are the times I've struggled.  The times I've drawn closest to my family are times of emergency or we having a rough time.  The times I have felt the most joy and appreciation are the times I have just made it through a struggle.  

God is with us and will see us through the rough and turbulent times if we only rely on Him.  We need to let go of the wheel and trust in His navigation.  We must put our faith in Him and allow Him to guide us through the rough patches.  They never last, thank goodness and when you come out on the other side, you have such an immense relief and happiness. 

We are all here for a reason and we all travel our own path for a reason.  We each have to learn different lessons and serve different purposes.  Some of us are destined to live on this Earth a long time, others for a very short period.  But we ALL have a purpose and God wants us each to discover it.    

Every Moment, Praise God!   

Gifts and Talents

The other day in the Confirmation class I'm assisting in we discussed  recognizing gifts and talents that God has given us as well as other.  Every one of us is given special gifts that God wishes us to discover and use in this life.  Some of us are blessed with the ability to speak in front of others, teach children, make quick medical decisions under pressure, sing, dance, play an instrument, help others recognize and solve problems, or care for the elderly.

Our talents can change over time and some may not actually be discovered until we are much older.  Our life experiences can help us to realize we have a special gift that had previously remained hidden.  Maybe a daughter has to care for her aging parents and realized though this experience that she has a gift of making the elderly feel comfortable.  She could use this gift by visiting those who are in nursing homes or who are home bound.  Working in the ministry of Pastoral Care could be an opportunity she has to use this talent.  Or maybe she is being called to be a nurse or doctor. 

It was not until my son was in cub scouts that I realized that I enjoyed teaching children.  I started by volunteering with scouts and it has grown into a love of teaching.  I've been teaching religious education for several years now to 3rd graders.  Their awe and wonder when learning about our Lord is uplifting and inspiring.  I love teaching them.  I've also taught boy scout religious awards to the older boys.  To hear their thoughts on their future and see how they've matured over the years is amazing.   

Each person has to discern on what their true vocation is.  What it is that God wants them to do with the gifts and talents He has bestowed on them.  You never know when something will happen in your life and it's sole intention is to cause you to be aware of a possible vocation you never knew existed.  God works in mysterious ways.  Keep a prayerful watch for where He is leading you and trust in Him.  Pray you are open to receive whatever gift He gives you and you have the passion to use it.       

Lazy weekend

I had a wonderful weekend with the kids and it reminded me of the simple pleasures in life.

Snuggling with the kids on the bed.
Receiving kisses and squeezes from the Princess.
Getting quick hug from the busy 3 year old man as he runs through the house.

Watching one of the boys help another without being asked.
Laughing at the Princess as she digs in her ravioli and ends up with sauce all over her face, hands, arms, etc.

Watching the two middle boys play computer games without fighting.  
Seeing Princess wave bye bye and blow kisses to Daddy as he leaves for work.
Seeing the 9 year old follow along in the missalette during Mass by himself.
 Witnessing the 3 year old giving the Princess a hug when he thought no one was looking. 


Seeing the reverence the eldest has for the Lord as he assists during the Mass.
Feeling the courage the 9 year old had while learning to horseback ride.  Seeing him feed the horses with a big smile on his face. 


Look back on your weekend and see if you can find some beautiful moments you might have overlooked. 

These are just some of the enjoyments I was able to experience this beautiful weekend.  The Lord has truly blessed me through these beautiful souls He as given me the responsibility and privilege of caring for here on Earth. 
 

Gone too soon

Losing a child due to a miscarriage is devastating no matter how early or late it happens.  For a woman, as soon as she finds out she is expecting, her whole being is devoted to this little miracle in her.  Lots of questions and feelings go through her mind when she loses the child.

Was it something I did, was something wrong, why did it happen?  But there are no answers, just grief.  It is a painful process to go through, grieving.  I lost a baby very early on 5 years ago this month.  I had a horrible time going through the process and I think I pushed the feelings out of the way and tried to go on as normal.  However, the grief and anguish came flooding back a year later in a college class I was in.  We had to paint a picture and explain it.  Without any planning, I drew something that represented the soul I lost. 

I broke down in class when I had to explain it and it was then that I realized I had not finished the grieving process.  I had another 2 babies and kept the feelings of the lost baby suppressed.  My husband and I never spoke about it again.  Then yesterday I was browsing Facebook and noticed a beautiful picture with a title Gone too soon.  It's dedicated to children lost to miscarriage.  I immediately felt drawn to it.  While such a sad topic, the colors were anything but sad.  I mentioned it to my husband and he was surprised I still thought about the baby we lost. 

Gone too soon - Beyond Words Designs

 

 

 

 

He confessed he had put it out of his mind because it was so sad.  He held me while we talked and he thought it was a great idea to get something that would represent the lost baby.  The next day I immediately purchased this print from http://www.storenvy.com/products/285219-gone-too-soon-8x10-print?fb_ref=storefront-product-page&fb_source=home_multiline. 

We're going to put it up in the bedroom with the pictures of our other children to remind us of the one we lost.  Bittersweet knowing that the child is with our Lord in Heaven but we will one day meet him/her.  I like to think that they are looking down on us, praying and protecting us. 

Do unto others

I've noticed more and more recently that respect, manners, and politeness seems to be a thing of the past.  Just this morning, I was driving in to work and due to construction 3 lanes have to merge into one.  Someone in a blue car decided to wait until the last minute and then squeeze right in front of me causing me to have to break fast.  Then in the parking garage after I got to work, I waited for someone who was coming toward the stairwell and held the door for her.  She just looked at me and walked right in with not as much as a thank you or good morning.  Then as I'm making it into the building and heading toward the elevator, a lady sees me coming and hurries in and almost lets me get squished by the elevator doors.  Then on the way home I'm talking on the phone to a family member and she comments that I've "really packed on the pounds lately".

Wow, what is happening to our society that we forget to say thank you, don't hold open doors, and make rude comments?  We've become an "every man for himself" society and common courtesy has become a faint memory.  We don't teach and demand respect from our children, we expect others to follow the Golden Rule but it doesn't apply to us, and we have just gotten downright rude.


But, at the end of the work day, just when I thought all was lost and chivalry was dead,a male co worker let me off the elevator first, another co worker texted that the highway was backed up due to a wreck and to avoid taking it, and my 2 little boys helped set the table without complaining. Even my 23 month old said "thank you" (her new word she learned last week) when I picked up her overturned little car she rides around the house in.   

So I guess there is hope for our society after all. :)   

End of the world

I was reading a story on CNN.com about a preacher who was pretty embarrassed when his doomsday predictions didn't come true (twice).  So many people have tried to read the Bible to predict when the end of the world will be.  But while they are trying to pull information out of the Bible to come up with a calculation to the world's end, they unfortunately are missing the point. 

We are not meant to know the exact day of Jesus' return.  We are just told to be prepared by staying watch.  We need to continue to be diligent in following God's Commandments and living as He wishes us to.  Loving and caring for our neighbor, especially the least of His people pleases God.  I'm reminded of Matthew 25

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous^­_ will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?  When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?  And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ 

There are always those in society who will need to be cared for.  There will always be the poor, mentally ill, homeless, and those who seem to struggle more.  When we show caring and support for these people we show love to God.  People can see God through our good deeds.  His light shines through us and we can lead others to Him.  

So rather than being hung up on the end of the world, let's focus on pleasing God and living our life as He wishes.  So when our time has come we will hear Him say "Well done good and faithful servant."  

Modesty and Virtue

http://www.totally-catholic.com/

I was shopping online for some Catholic t-shirts for my 17 year old son.  I have bought him several over the years and always like to see him make the choice to wear one out in public.  I think it makes a statement that he is proud of his faith and is not afraid or ashamed to broadcast it.  They have come a long way in the styles of these T-shirts and I found a great site which has a good variety.  http://www.totally-catholic.com/

While shopping on their site, I clicked on the link Girlie T-shirts and went to a sister site that I thought had a wonderful message to the young Catholic women of today.  http://catholicgirlapparel.com/
Females today are being bombarded with messages from society that they have to dress "sexy", revealing their body in order to be thought of as beautiful.  This in fact is quite the opposite.  A women's body is her temple and a gift from God, not to be put on public display but to be kept modest. 

This doesn't mean you have to dress from neck to wrist, completely covered.  However, girls today need to have virtue and represent themselves in a respectful way, thus commanding respect back.  I loved this quote from the site, "The goal of dressing modestly is to emphasize your unique beauty to glorify God, not glorify yourself as an object of someone else's desires." 
Wow, what a perfect statement!  Glorify God, not yourself.

From TV shows, movies, magazines, and peer pressure, girls have a false sense of what is beautiful.  They are being shown images of what a beautiful woman is and unless we monitor what they are seeing and believing, they will feel they must conform in order to be beautiful and fit in.  If you doubt that, watch a Victoria Secret commercial.  I cringe when those come on and can't change the channel fast enough.     

As my little Princess gets older, I am sure we will be having numerous conversations about proper dress and having virtue.  I see the stores in the Mall and the girls that shop there and shudder to think of what society is turning our ladies in to.  We as parents have the responsibility to instill these virtues into our daughters.  They must know they are beautiful in the eyes of God and should not forgo that for earthly desires of men. We also must teach our boys that they are not to covet females but respect them.  

We must protect our children.   

whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, THINK ABOUT these things."
  - Philippians 4:8