Tuesday, September 30, 2008

It rained...


last night. For the first time since June we had a steady rain. So when I let Duchess out VERY early this morning I saw Sam resting on the moist ground, seemingly content and without worry.


I was reminded of the words of Isaiah.

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing from which I sent it. (Isaiah 56: 10-11)


With the vision of a cat content with the wonder of his surrounding, as I see it, I felt a calm. God is Good. God is Wonderful. God is Kind. God is Gentle. God is Father. God is LOVE. What do I have to fear?

Have a wonderful day, resting in the Love of God!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

I Have Been Blessed!


On my arrival home here at A Bit of the Blarney I find that I have been given the I Love Your Blog Award. So it is with gratitude that I accept this from Autumnrose at Christ's Rose and Kimberly and Our God Is An Awesome God. Thank you both so much. You are both dear and I do so love to visit with you


For the I Love your blog award there are rules. Here they are…you have to answer the following questions with one word answers and one word only! Then I must pass it on to seven others!

  • The questions are as follows:
    • Where is your cell phone? ~ purse
    • Where is your significant other? ~ eating
    • Your hair color? ~gray
    • Your mother? ~ alive
    • Your father? ~ deceased
    • Your favorite thing? ~ laughing
    • Your dream last night? ~ none
    • Your dream/goal? ~ retirement
    • The room you’re in? ~ office
    • Your hobby? ~ knitting
    • Your fear? ~ rejection
    • Where do you want to be in 6 years? ~ traveling
    • Where were you last night? ~ RCIA
    • What you’re not? ~ "old"
    • One of your wish-list items? ~DVD
    • Where you grew up? ~ Colorado
    • The last thing you did? ~ slept
    • What are you wearing? ~ robe
    • Your TV? ~ off
    • Your pet? ~Duchess
    • Your computer? ~well-used
    • Your mood? ~ sleepy
    • Missing someone? ~ no
    • Your car? ~ Camry
    • Something you’re not wearing But that you love to wear? ~ earrings
    • Favorite store? ~ Target
    • Your summer? ~ wonderful
    • Love someone? ~ husband
    • Your favorite color? ~green
    • When is the last time you laughed? ~ yesterday
    • Last time you cried? ~ yesterday
I now nominate Eileen at Eileen on him...at least I try!, Freddie at a friars style, Danette at A crocus in the Valley, Angie at Sonflower, The Dutchess, Isadora at Budapest Daily Photo and Joy at Made for Joy.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Well, I'm back again...



After three days, I have risen from the books and words. It has been a challenging and fruitful experience with tonight being the presentation. I just want to share one special tidbit I found along this journey.

The Christian mysteries are an indivisible
whole. If we become immersed in one, we are led
to all the others. Thus the way from Bethlehem
leads inevitably to Golgotha, from the crib to the
cross. When the blessed virgin brought the child
to the temple, Simeon prophesied that her soul
would be pierced by a sword, that this child was
set for the fall and resurrection of many, for
a sign that would be contradicted. His prophecy
announced the passion, the fight between light
and darkness that already showed itself before
the crib.

~Edith Stein~
+ Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross+


***+***

Thanks be to God!!

Monday, September 22, 2008

I'm back...

but will be spending the next 3 days completing my preparation for my first presentation in the inquiry phase of RCIA here at St. John the Baptist. I would ask you to pray and intercede for me with the Holy Spirit that the words these "young ones" hear will be the words of sincerity, wonder and understanding as I offer the "Practices of the Church" and "Mary and the Rosary." May his Spirit be what shines in these presentations and love of God be truly present to them all in the person of Jesus Christ.

~~~^j^~~~

Thank you all!!!
And thanks be to God!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Blustery Day?

I started this this movie clip as a whim, a bit of humor to add to the blog. That was about 10:00 a.m. and we didn't have any electricity. Looks like the joke was on me...Blustery day nothing!!! They were high winds, apparently up to 60 miles an hour. Whew! The storm not only took out the electricity, it took down many trees. Limbs and branches were everywhere. Little did we know we would be without electricity for three days. All because I wanted to dramatize the "Blowin' in the Wind." OH! By the way...we got not one drop of rain from this storm. Guess the wind was blowing so hard it blew the rain right on through.




At any rate it proved we had a new roof that could withstand the winds as there was no damage there and except for the inconvenience (and you know it is and inconvenience) of not having electricity for three days, we did not lose any trees and only a few small limbs. I'd have to say God had been gracious to us.

Will be going to INDY this weekend to help Wes and Annie move into their new house so if I seem gone it's because I'm movin' not cuz I'm lost.

God Bless you all for your concern!

~~~^j^~~~

And
Thanks be to God!!!


Just a brief post...

We had a storm Sunday, three days ago with high winds. Knocked out the electricity in the city of Evansville and Newburgh. Today there are some who still have no electricity. The Kellers being among those. Will post more when MY computer is up an running again. All have a good day!

~~~~~~~
And thanks be to God!!!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Praying with St. Paul...

The Keller Kids

Again, I am touched by the words of St. Paul. I become more grateful each day that our Pope has designated a year to him. I find those with the wisdom and knowledge teaching me through his words the ways of Christianity and reinforcing what I already believe.

The example for today is from Praying With St. Paul, edited by Father Peter John Cameron, O.P. So let us begin.

PEACE BEGINS AT HOME
by
Sister Genevieve Glen, O.S. B.

"Let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which
you were also called in only body [...] be thankful. Let the
word of Christ dwell in your richly, as in all wisdom you teach and
admonish one another, singing, psalms, hymns, and spiritual
songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."
(Colossians 3: 15-16)

"Please go away and leave me in peace!" pleasds the weary mother beset by a gorde of toddlers, all clammoring for her attnetion. She echoes the cry of all those who seek relief from demands they cannot meet from attentions they do nto want, from hostility they cannont withstand. In fact, all of us tend to imagine peace as the cessation of something--demand, disturbance,suffering. However, peace is not an absence but a presence. Real and lasting peace is the gruit of disorder put fight. The peace of Christ is the gruit of the cross throught which Christ righted the order of a sorld gond mad in sin. To enter into Christ's peace, we must seek out that right order. Saint Paul tess us here to seek it by allowing Christ's word to dwell in us richly. Taught by those entrusted with the ministry of the Word, admonished by one another as we share in one another's wisdom, formed by worship--"singing psalms, hyms, and spiritual songs"--, shaped by the Eucharist, whose name means "thanksgiving," our hearts will gradually abandon all the sources of disorder that tear us apart, and will grow into right order of the Gospel. as the peace of Christ, born of a life of selfles strengthen the bonds that unite us to one another as members o Christ's Body. Thus individuals and Body confirm one antoher mutually in a growing peace which can spread outward to embrace family, neighborhood, workplace, and world. The work is slow. The disorder is deep. Individually, and together we will fall out of peace again and again as we struggle. But god is faithful, the promise is sure, and one day Christ's peace will prevail. Our task in the meantime is simple and humble: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you."

God of all peace, you have called me to live Christ's peace in a troubled world. Strengthen your peace within me and in those with whom I share my faith, worship, and life, so that I may be a living sign of hope amid violence and despair.


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

As I reflected on this reading I was astonished at its timing. First, on the grand scale with all the campaigning and political bantering. Most importantly, though, today of all days it impresses on me the wealth of love that can be administered if we only choose to participate in it. Let me explain. Today is the Envoy Conference at Gibault School in Terre Haute. It is a school for those children that come from painful and/or violent environments who are being offered their last chance to participate in this human family with order and dignity. It is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus of Indiana. Please learn more about this endeavor. These young people have left Gibault knowing what it means to have been cared for, loved, nurtured and affirmed. Some fail to make it, but more do because of the care, family atmosphere, and help with the "disorder" in their lives that is often still there when they leave.

I pray you all have the opportunity to offer your services to places like this. If not by your physical presence, then perhaps by financial offerings. God is GOOD all the time and we can prove it by DOING!!!

Please, have a grand weekend. Spend quality time with family and friends and above all, when at church tomorrow, SING your hearts out!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!!

Friday, September 12, 2008

Thanks for the Generous Gift...


It is with humility that I accept this award. It has been offered to me by two very good and dedicated blogging friends. I thank Kimberly at Our God Is an Awesome God and Lisa at Unexpected Journey.

I think these awards though gratifying to me instill in me the obligation to continue to be the best and most responsible member of the blogging community I can be. With every privilege there is obligation. I truly believe that. I hope you will all hold me to that. My sincerest thanks to these two gracious ladies as "humility" continues to be my by-word this week!


I will pass this award on to:

1. Bia at La Dolce Vita: The Sweet Life With Three Sons

2. Suzy at Made for Joy

3. Autumnrose at Christ's Rose

4. Jackie Parkes at catholicmomof10revisited

5. The Dutchess

~~~~~^j^~~~~~

To all at Blarney Corner
and everyone else that has
touched my life here, I say,
"THANKS BE TO GOD!!!"

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Humility

I am inspired today to write about humility. There is a reason for this. And this reason has brought me closer to the realization that God is truly working in our lives and though we do not see it all the time there is no where he cannot be found!

On my roof at this time, even as we speak, there are 7 men and Ron putting on the new roof. Ron has spent all day with our friend, Bill Wallace, taking off shingles from the front half of the roof. The story really begins when Ron asked Chris , whose family works in building contracting, at Bible study last spring if buying shingles would be wise with the rise in gasoline prices. Chris said it would be well to do that, and when was Ron going to put the roof on. Well, Ron told him not soon, but we would have the shingles when we could budget the roofers. Chris came back a week or two later and told us if we could get the shingles off he, his dad, and brothers would put the roof on sometime in the fall. Right now in Christian charity and kindness these men and Ron are putting shingles on the roof. Well, Ron is still removing shingles from the other half of the roof. Twenty years ago Ron was part of a work crew that helped put a roof on another parishioners house. Perhaps a work repaid.

I feel certain when James was writing his letter he was speaking of such things as this (James 2: 14-26). These are faith filled men who by their works, honest and good, witness to their faith. It causes my heart to swell to be the recipient of such agape love. Tears well in my eyes as I realize the wealth we have in the goodness of God and our fellow pilgrims.

May we always be blessed with charity and faith. And the hope that we will be worthy stewards of the gifts offered and received. The three virtues are all integral to the life of a Christian!

~~~~~^j^~~~~~

My heart is so full, all I can say is,
"Thanks be to God!"

Knights of Columbus World Day of Prayer for Peace

At the 122nd annual meeting in 2004, the Supreme Council resolved that September 11 be observed each year as a World Day of Prayer for Peace. So please join me in praying:

God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world:
peace in the hearts of all men and women
and peace among the nations of the earth.
Turn to your way of love
those whose hearts and minds
are consumed with hatred.

God of understanding,
overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy,
we seek your light and guidance
as we confront such terrible events.
Grant that those whose lives were spared
may live so that the lives lost. . .
may not have been lost in vain.
Comfort and console us,
strengthen us in hope, and give us the wisdom and courage
to work tirelessly for a world
where true peace and love reign
among nations and in the hearts of all.

~Pope Benedict XVI~
Prayer service at Ground Zero
April 20, 2008


~~~~~
Amen
and
Thanks be to God.

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Sharing...


I received a couple of things this week from my email neighborhood that I would like to share with your. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

First:

Humor for Lexophiles


1. I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.

2. Police were called to a daycare where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

3. Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now.
4. To write with a broken pencil is pointless. 5. The short fortune teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large. 6. A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.

7. When the smog lifts in
Los Angeles , U.C.L.A

8. The math professor went crazy with the blackboard. He did a
number on it!

9. The professor discovered that her theory of earthqu
akes was on
sh
aky ground.

10. The dead batteries were given out free of charge.

11. A dentist and a manicurist fought tooth and nail.

12. A bicycle can't stand alone; it is just two-tired.

13. A will is a dead giveaway.

14. A backward poet writes inverse.

15. A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion.

16. With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.

17. A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in
France , resulted in
linoleum blownapart.

18. He broke into song because he couldn't find the key.

19. A calendar's days are numbered.

20. A boiled egg is hard to beat.

21. If you jump off a
Paris bridge, you are in Seine .

22. When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd
dye.

23. B
ak
ers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.

24. Acupuncture: a jab well done



Next:

Greaser Babies, a video destined for greatness?


All have a grand day!!!

~~~~~~~^j^~~~~~~
Thanks be to God!

Monday, September 08, 2008

A Simple Woman




I've remembered it is Monday. It's been weeks since I've done this but what a nice time for reflection. Please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman and journey along the path of life we all share.

So I begin.

1. I'm thinking...what a wonderfully cool morning.

2. From the Kitchen...I have water on to boil for my cup of tea.

3. I am creating...a special gift for Marianne's wedding. Will have to share later as it is a surprise.

4. I'm wearing... my nightgown, robe and slippers. It's 5:00 a.m. CDT

5. I am reading...still The Apostles by Pope Benedict XVI

6. I'm hoping...to mail birthday/baby gifts to David and Kelly this week for Jonathan and Maddie.

7. I am hearing...Duchess snoring. She's asleep on the floor here in the office.

8. Around the house...we are slowly getting the family room arranged. But not too much as we will have to move furniture again when the windows are put in and the carpet is laid.

9. Few plans for the rest of the week...Fr. Joe and Fr. Ron are coming for dinner Wednesday so will continue to plan and re-plan the meal. Can't make up my mind yet what to fix.

10. One of my favorite things is...sitting outside in the fall and smelling the crisp cool air.

11. Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

The elegance of carved marbel.
The High Museum, Atlanta Georgia
April, 2007


~~~~~~~
And for this day,
Thanks be to God!

Aside: I would ask you to remember those candidates and catechemen who begin the RCIA process this autumn. Pray also for us who will be presenting the Way to them. Thank you!

Sunday, September 07, 2008

Another "Lost Book"


You know when you remodel, clean (really deep clean) or make changes, it's amazing what you find you don't need, want or have lost sight of. Yesterday I found my book The One Year Book of Personal Prayer from Tyndale House Publishers.

Today, I opened it for reflection and found that my favorite Psalm and accompanying thoughts really have touched me. It seems today I am emotionally in tune. I was brought to tears a number of times this morning at Mass. So today is, for me, a God-feeling day. These times don't often happen to me but when they do I cherish them.

This is my offering, then to you all, who share this world with me.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51: 10-12

Change me,
God
Please change me.
Though I cringe

Kick
Resist and resent
Pay no attention to me whatever.
When I run to hide
Drag me out of my safe little shelter.
Change me totally
Whatever it takes
However long You must work at the job.
Change me--and save me
From spiritual self-destruction
Ruth Harms Calkin


Prayer is not simply getting things from God, that is a most initial form of prayer; prayer is getting into perfect communion with God.

Oswald Chambers


You see what I mean? Today is the day He opened the window again and I have been refreshed by His presence. He was there in my tears at Mass and He is with me now as I converse with you! Whew!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Saturday, September 06, 2008

NOT A Lost Weekend!!!!!

Well, will you look at this!


Even though we're not in INDY this weekend we have lots to do. It's best to get things done at home.

1. Finish setting up computer accounts for Indiana Meteorite Lab (have put this off as long as I can. Woe to those who procrastinate!)

2. Get the car washed and cleaned. We will be picking up family and friends at the INDY airport for Marianne and Eric's wedding in October...

3. Work on some photo projects, especially pictures of the Women's Ice Cream Social at church.

4. Of course, there is still the laundry. It never goes away for the weekend.

5. And preparation for Bible Study tomorrow night at the DeCastr's.

Well, from my corner of the world, have a great weekend. Mine already is!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Friday, September 05, 2008

You know how it is...

This is one of those weekends when plans made become unmade. All in the matter of hours last night plans changed.

A broken arm of two weeks ago has not healed correctly so surgery is required tomorrow. The loan on the new house is coming due and it requires an extension from the bank as the house is not completed yet. The meeting is at the bank tomorrow.

The Penrod Art Fair is only one day. So rather than drive 4 hours to visit with no one and go to a fair we attend because it is family time, Ron and I are staying home to do things in the family room and other parts of the house here. Soon we will be in INDY again to help Wes and Annie move and yet again in October for Marianne and Eric's wedding.

Twas not meant to be...Best weekend ever to you all.

~~~***~~~

Thanks be to God.

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Penrod Arts Fair

We were actually at this one...had to miss last years shows but NOT this year. It is a really wonderful opportunity to see the work of the gifted and talented. So we're off tomorrow for INDY and the Penrod Arts Fair, as well as, celebrating Wes' 36th birthday. You all have a grand weekend! We will!

~~~~~~~
Thanks be to God!!

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Holy Card MEME



It never occurred to me that I would ever be considered for sainthood. That being said, I continue with this MEME with a great deal of trepidation. Therese at Aussie Coffee Shop tagged me for this two weeks ago...I'm still a little anxious about taking this step. So I begin. Heaven help me!

Here's the question: What picture would I use for my holy card, should I make it to sainthood, and of what cause(s) would I want to be patroness of?

I think I would like to be known as the Patron Saint of Music Lovers Who Wish They Had the Talent to Play,( not play-at whatever instrument they would like to play). I LOVE music...and like to play, alone. I'm not as gifted as many and therefore, it is a lot of hard work and practice to just play a song on the instrument with mediocrity. St. Cecelia has nothing to worry about in this area.

Tagging for this will be most difficult. I don't know who has been tagged and who has not. If you have already been so sainted please forgive me.

I would tag:

Bia

Suzyq

Marie

Gabrielle

~~~~~~~

Thanks Be To God!!

Monday, September 01, 2008

China Little Flower



It time for the most recent newsletter for China Little Flower. Shannon is home for a short 10 days then she returns to China to care for her wee ones. It's especially important that we all pray for Shannon, the caregivers and the children in their care as they have to move yet again.

Please visit Prayer, Poetry and Praise and see how you can contribute to China Little Flower and get a lovely book of poetry at the same time. Ann is generously donating her proceeds to Shannon's cause.

~~~^j^~~~
Thank you all
and
Thanks be to God!