Sunday, April 29, 2007

National Day of Prayer


Thursday evening there will be a gathering of those coming together, in the Newburgh community, for a celebration of The National Day of Prayer. We will come together at St. John the Baptist to share a meal and then share time in prayer.

I would ask those who read this to come and share in this time of prayer for our Nation and it's leaders.
If you cannot join us, where ever you may be, seek those who will gather in prayer and join them.
Prayer is a lifeline that has in its very being hope that from it will come love, joy, and peace for all peoples and nations, especially those who live within our borders.
Prayers are answered, but only if offered.
God Bless you All!

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Pictures from Astronomy Day and some train pics

IT WAS FUN WATCHING ALL "REACHING FOR THE STARS"
Photo of with guest speaker
Nagin Cox from JPL
She worked on the Galileo Mission to Jupiter


Sun spots and solar flares
ALL ABOARD!!!















AND THIS IS THE END OF THE LINE

Weekend Adventure in Astronomy


I've just now had a chance to get to the photos and organize them from last weekend's activity at the Evansville Museum of Art, History and Science. You see they sponsored Astronomy Day. Neil and Roy have been sending rockets into the air since Christmas and Neil is really into astronomy in a big way so we spent the day with Roy and Neil at the Museum. (Lest you think the girls were avoiding us, Kellie had dance and Laura is finishing up her final papers for her MA).


At any rate there was a lot to do. Neil got to see sun spots (and so did I). Drop a raw egg, genly padded with balloons and tape off the museum's 2nd story balcony and find to his surprise it didn't break as others were not so fortunate. Ron was in "heaven" talking astronomy and meteorites ( is giving a talk at the society on them). And the guest speaker had wonderful pictures from Jupiter as she worked on the Galileo project. It was quite a day!!!


And night as Ron, Neil and Roy met with the astronomers to look at the stars and planets...


As an added attraction we spent some time at the train museum, but didn't get to see the LST anchored in the Ohio...That's for another weekend. So here are some pictures I hope you will enjoy.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Computer fatigue!

Cannot tell you how tired I am from thinking, clicking, phoning, clicking, referring, clicking and all without becoming short of breath...because it requires no physical exercise. And yet I am exhausted...Don't have a headache...a brainache (I know there is no such word...in computers there should be!!!) At any rate, I expect I will get a good nights sleep tonoc and start all over again tomorrow...Whew!!! Have LEAPED over some obstacles but when Doc told me he was meeting with the program people tonoc with 4 ( count 'em) 4 pages of questions, I feel another mind boggling experience on the horizon...

You all have a good noc...I will!!!! Tomorrow is a new DAY!!! YEAH!!!

Sunday, April 22, 2007

It's Still Time to Celebrate the Resurrection!!














Last week we received an Easter car from a young lady we have sponsored for some years in the Phillippines. Her name is Jenelyn and is now a junior in high school. I just wanted to share her talented art and her lovely picture.

May God continue to BLESS YOU during this HOLY EASTER SEASON!!!

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Interesting Response...

The other day I made comment re: Ron's favorite hamburgers and places to eat...Well, as luck would have it I called the Five Guys burger place...Five Boys and that was incorrect...At the same time however I found this interesting blog site because of that person's response to my "blooper".

Soooo...here is his blog site. What he has to say is insightful but he only has two posts... both very good...

Maybe give it a glance: http://movington.blogspot.com

A Gift from a Friend

Wanted to save this in a special place. It is a tribute to my great-aunts Mary and Rose, Great-aunt Ida & Cousin Pat and my Grandmother Lowry. To my mother, Loyce, who daily visits the sick, helps her friends and prays for us all. And finally and most recently to my dear friend Margaret who showed her strength in her battle with cancer.


A STRONG WOMAN VERSUS A WOMAN OF STRENGTH
****A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape ... but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape...
****A strong woman isn't afraid of anything ... but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear...
**** A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her ...
but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone...
**** A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future... a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them...
**** A strong woman walks sure footedly ... but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls...
**** A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face ... but a woman of strength wears grace...
**** A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey ... but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong...

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Memories!!!

These are some of the reflections on tragedies I have experienced in my life that did not impact my family immediately and some that did.

The most vivid memory I have of all the tragedies mentioned was in November, 1963. I remember being in Spanish class when the news came about the death of President Kennedy. And tears were shed for days.

But you see this is only the beginning of a long list of moments that touched me.

When the Apollo fire occurred and Gus Grissom and two other astronauts died, I was sitting at my desk in the dorm at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing writing a letter to my Grandmother. My friends and I went to the Chapel, prayed and wept.

Martin Luther King is assassinated and Bobby Kennedy killed months apart my junior year in nursing school. Again we prayed and wept...not just for their families but also for us because we all saw hope for our future in them.

Next when your husband is at officer basic course at Ft. Belvoir, VA and was asked not to wear his uniform off post because of concerns for the safety of military personnel. He is a combat engineer and the only permanent duty battalion at Ft. Ord during the Viet Nam Conflict and he has to escort for ammunition to the mortar ranges at Ft. Ord for fear of attack by those who opposed the war.

I am still touched by all the memories of Columbine because I used to live as child and young adult not far from Littleton and I cried.

911 was a day of disbelief...a group of ladies and I were china painting and could not believe what we were witnessing...there were days of tears and prayers for all who suffered.

We were in CA visiting David and Kelly when the 1st tornado went through our "neighborhood" and Laura and Roy were the last to be allowed into the neighborhood to check on the house. I'll never forget flying over the area as you could see the damage from our plane before it landed.

We were celebrating Christmas in Carson City, NV with my brother Tom and Kathleen. when the tsunami hit..and again we wept.

The next tragedy touched so many of us and again we were not at home but in St. Louis. Laura and Roy were in England this time and heard about the next tornado to go through Newburgh on the BBC. We returned home to what appeared to be a battle zone. Our home was again miraculously spared, but the sheer numbers of those who died as a result of the tornado was staggering. The next day at work one of our patients came in to see the Dr. and also told about the death of her daughter and grandson. Tears flowed with abandon.

Finally, the anxiety of Katrina and its land-fall was a concern as Marianne was in New Orleans on one of her study visits for Lilly...It was so good to hear she was home again in INDY.

But through all these events I have learned many lessons...

1. God WILL provide.
2. You will have friends you never knew you had.
3. Love abounds!!
4. Hugs are always appreciated.
5. Tears are cleansing.

This list is not a complex philosophical lesson...I (we) just need to remember that "God is LOVE" and all else falls into place, even with all the sorrow, anger, and even Hate that can and does emanate from such events...LOVE will prevail...

Thank you to Kelly for suggesting I reflect on these things. We can only grow from the way these events have touched our lives...

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Confirmation At St. John's this weekend

I had spoken to friends about Confirmation this weekend at St. John's and those being confirmed are active and very special young people. Then I was reading today's reflection by Henri J. M. Nouwen and it seemed to touch me with a reality of the anticipated celebration to come.
THE SPIRIT WILL SPEAK IN US
"When we are spiritually free, we do not have to worry about what to say or do in unexpected, difficult circumstances. When we are not concerned about what others think of us or what we will get for what we do, the right words and actions will emerge from the center of our beings because the Spirit of God, who makes us children of God and sets us free, will speak and act through us. Jesus says, "When you are handed over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes, because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you" (Matthew 10:19-20).
Let's keep trusting the Spirit of God living within us, so that we can live freely in a world that keeps handing us over to judges and evaluators."
I pray for these young Ones, that they will learn to rely on the Spirit. In him is the true source of strenght and wisdom. A true test of learning to "follow the Leader."

Treading Water

Today...the novelty of the computer is wearing out! Took me three times to fax an RX only to find out someone had put the incorrect fax number into the computer...so NOW I'm learning to tread water...Just knowing, though, that what appears to be lost can be found is a real "inspiration"!!! Yes, and there is always tomorrow...(SIGH)

Monday, April 16, 2007

Atlanta in the Spring?




The treat was having pics taken with Jimmy. Was warmer on Saturday. He nearly froze to death on Sunday at the baseball game...






We had a great visit with Jimmy. He took us to the High Museum for the Louve exhibit...Found out our IMA (Indianapolis Museum of Art) membership gave us a discount on the tickets, plus a discount in the book store...At any rate it was a fun day...and we ate well the whole time we were there.

Dad's top five Best Hamburgers ( in no particular order)are now:
Fudruckers, In and Out Burgers, Zestos, Five Boys Burgers, and Red Top Hamburgers ( Colorado Springs)
Five Boys Burgers draw back is they have no T-shirts!!!!

All in all it was a GREAT visit!!!!!












Sunday, April 15, 2007

Perseverence Pays Off...

Whew...Thought I'd never get back in here! But...by accident I found out where I was supposed to be...So as Willie ( and GrandpaK) would say "I'm on the Road Again"!!!

Thursday, April 12, 2007

It's Never Too Late...


I just read about the legend of the Easter eggs.

"Early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalen when to the tomb to annoint the body of Jesus.
Because she expected it to be a long day, she brought with her a basket of eggs for her lunch.
But, when she arrived at the tomb, Mary Magdalen discovered it was empty, the body of Jesus was gone?
Shocked, she started to set her basket down so that she could better explore the tomb.
But then something caught her eye.

Her white eggs had miraculously turned the colors of the rainbow."

(A legend or a fable is a story that doesn't pretend to be historical, but simply teaches a lesson. The events surrounding the resurrection of Christ gave rise to many legends.)

Knee Deep in the Water

Sounds like the title of a song...Not really, but after a weeks adventure in computers that's about how far I am in the process, knee deep in the water. I don't think I'm "in over my head"yet. I've managed to learn a LOT of tasks in a short time, but there is a LOT more to learn. I heard Professor Higgins (My Fair Lady) singing "She did it. She did it. . .All the time I knew she could (paraphrased) each time is did a task "all by myself". Dr. Kris has nearly all his templates replicated and so far so good. I just have to remember to check my "mail boxes", for lack of a better term, so that I get referrals made and labs done...But still not a bad week.

Thanks for the prayers. All seems well!!!!!

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

My Dear Friend Is At Peace.

Margaret Stepenson Wallace
September 21, 1931-April 6, 2007

Last night we shared in Margaret memorial service. There was singing and family tales and beautiful scripture readings. I particularly enjoyed "Swing \Low Sweet Chariot." Today though was her final farewell. The funeral Mass was really beautiful. I am reminded of the Lady and Gentleman who first asked Ron and me to help with the Couple's Night Out by helping to serve the dinner. Then followed the Christ Child Ball for the Right to Life. The weekends we work at Mother Teresa's. The week we spent on the road with Margaret and Bill to and from Quebec...Laugh and then laugh so hard you cried. My goodness how I will miss her...especially on those Tuesday nights when we gathered to pray and share our week's experiences in our attempt to be faithful followers of Christ. She is an example to me, much as my mother is, a model of perseverance and faith. Thank you, Margaret!

~~~~~
Thanks be to God!

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Easter Picture Gallery

Wally and Duchess waiting for Aunt Mimi's return.

Neil decorating the cookies.


Duchess wants to help color eggs...

You can never have too much help when coloring Easter Eggs...

so everybody pitched in!

Ainsley and Lindsey in their Sunday Best!

He Is Risen! Alleluia!! Alleluia!!


Easter Vigil was as always glorious and awe-inspiring! As we hear the readings in the dark of the church with only candle lit from the newly blessed Easter candle, there is comfort in the midst of my worshipping family.

The time comes when the lights come up and the Gospel is proclaimed..."Peter got up and ran to the tomb, bent down, and saw the burial cloths and; then he went home amazed at what had happened." Luke 24:12

The baptisms, the blessing, the confirmation of my baptismal vows...Glory be to God, Alleluia!!! The Liturgy of the Eucharist sung, the incense, all the senses experiencing to blessedness of the moment, fill me with a longing to be more Christ-like, more compassionate, more caring and loving. A prayer sincerely prayed.

This morning I was privileged to participate in the proclamation of the Word. To see the community of faith up and singing at 7:00 a.m. is in itself a wonderful experience. I always pray that the spirit will guide His words through me to the community. The privilege is in being "used". How often can that be said.

Yes, indeed Christ is risen, Our Lord is truly risen!!!

Happiest of all Easters!!! And the may the Blessings of the Almighty be on you all!!!

Thursday, April 05, 2007

An Email Gift

I believe that things happen in God's good time...I was meant to read the reflection by Pope John Paul II today. I was not supposed to read an e-mail my mother sent me until today (I passed over it yesterday). And this is why...I really love these "God given surprises"!!!

Psalm 55:2 -- you really need to read this.
"Friends are God's way of taking care of us."

This was written by a Metro Denver Hospice Physician:

I just had one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and wanted to share it with my family and dearest friends.

I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die - I barely managed to coast, cursing, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the "quickie mart" building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a Gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay.

When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel.

At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95.

I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying " don't want my kids to see me crying," so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked, "And you were praying?" That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, "He heard you, and He sent me."

I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling, walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the
Car, who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little.

She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan 1, and finally in desperation had finally called her parents, with whom she had not spoken in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there.

So she packed up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there.

I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, "So, are you like an angel or something?"

This definitely made me cry. I said, "Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people."

It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.

Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings...

Psalms 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."

Be Artisans of the Charity of Christ

As I enter the final days of my journey this year through Lent I have been call to reflect on the writings of Pope John Paul II. He has given me tremendous insights and lesson upon which I have been called to reflect. An this one I share with you.




"Those who believed shared all things in common; they would sell their property and goods, dividing everything on the basis of each one's need' (Acts 2:44-45)

These words of St. Luke arouse a great echo in my heart, in this liturgical season of Lent. Lent is a period of precious weeks, offered by the Church to all Christians, to help them to reflect on their profound identity as children of the Heavenly Father and brethren of all mankind, and to find new vigor for concrete, generous sharing, because God himself has called upon us to base our lives on charity.

Our relationships with our neighbor are of capital importance. And when I say 'neighbor,' I obvously mean those who live beside us, in the family, in the neighborhood, in the town or village, in the city. But it also means those with whom we work, those who are suffering, are sick, know lonliness, are really poor. My neighbor is also all those who are geographically quite distant, or who are exiled from their own countries, are without, lack food and clothing, often lack liberty.

My neighbor is all those unfortunates who have been completely or almost ruined by unforseeable and dramatic catastrophes, which have thrown them into physical and moral want, often enough also into the sadness of losing their dearest ones. Lent is truly a pressing apeal from the Lord for personal and communitarian interior renewal, prayer and return to the sacraments, but in acts of charity as well,through personal and collective sacrifaices of time, money and goods of all kinds, so as to meet the needs and succor the troubles of our brethren in the world.

Sharing is a duty which no one of good will, above all no disciple of Christ, can evade." (November, 1981,Insegnimente di Giovanni Paolo II)

And so I reflect on what I have done as this Holy Season comes to Glorious celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I must remind myself, though Lent is a season only once a year...I am called upon by the Gospel to PRACTICE as if Lent were all year long...I often fail to do that!!!

Resolve: I will make every effort to "give" at all times.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Lesson Learned


If there is one thing I have learned since I started my Blogging Trek it's that I must PROOF READ my material...OUCH!!!

Regarding the "The Great Adventure": It can be said that it started with a long day in which the DR's were trained on the computers and I continued the task of recording referring physician's NPI #'s...Certainly not a dramatic beginning, but soon I'm sure the challenges will appear...

Grand Day to all

Monday, April 02, 2007

The Beginning of a New Adventure

As Ann Cochanour would say,Tthere is nothing like a brand new adventure in your life." And so today I will begin one along with the Dr.'s, NP's, and the rest of the staff at Newburgh Family Physicians. Today we start training in electronic charting. From this day forward there will be no "paper charts" at the office.

Last week I spent 2 1/2 days putting NPI and UPIN #'s in the computer and have only scratched the surface of the surface of all the phycsican and their facilities in the area...It's not complicated just time consuming.

So if you would keep the entire office in your prayers we would greatly appreciate it...

You All have a GRAND day...

Sunday, April 01, 2007

A Gallery of the "hunt"

Linsey was on her own
"Off you go, Ainsley!"
Neil's filling his basket!
We gather to empty the eggs...Lots of Tootsie Rolls!!

Toyota Easter Egg Hunt, 1007


The annual Toyota Easter Egg Hunt was yesterday and we all had a great time...
There was no SHORTAGE of eggs and all had a grand time...Miss Kelly was the escort for all the kid when it came time for the games and she is such a delight as she matures into a pretty young lady.