An occasional bit of wit 'n' wisdom as gleaned from the wise and learned. Family fun and times to share.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Life's Ups and Downs...
Had to keep the engagement secret (NOT my place to tell everyone, Surprise!!! And not an easy task for me!). And try not to be anything but supportive of Jimmy (Yes I did cry! after I hung up the phone.)
Today he called and said he was going to get to take the test again in a month and was still working building his client base. Marianne called tonight to say they had set the wedding date...October 18, 2008.
Emotions like disappointment, excitement, hope, joy, all come to mind. In this collage of color and feelings I truly have seen and felt the hand of God. I have seen Jimmy, though disappointed, positive. Marianne joyful and excited, but just a little anxious. And ME? all the of the above!
OH! Humanity! What a wonderful creation!! Thanks be to God!!!
The Simple Women's Daybook
It's Monday and time to join The Simple Woman. It's time for The Simple Woman's Daybook. It is interesting to read other's thoughts and dreams and so again I offer mine. If any of you are interested in giving it a try visit that address above. For me this seems to be an every other Monday adventure. I enjoy it non-the-less, so join me.
~*~ OUTSIDE MY WINDOW there is a a gentle breeze and just a sliver of the moon.
~*~ I AM THINKING with all its ups and downs, life is really very good..
~*~ I AM THANKFUL Roy and Laura for their help in putting in the railing and for Roy's in helping Ron put the new window motor in his car so his window will work.
~*~ FROM THE KITCHEN I NEED to clean up the clutter!
~*~ I AM WEARING robe and slippers. (I always seem to be doing this very early in the morning!)
~*~ I AM GOING order the prints for a picture I want to share with family.
~*~ I AM READING Job. It has helped me appreciate all GOD has given me!!!
~*~ I AM HOPING the weather for the 4th of July weekend is GRAND so we can share the glory of the outdoors.
~*~ I AM HEARING "The Sound of Silence" ( one of my favorite songs, too...)
~*~ AROUND THE HOUSE all is quiet because I am the only one up, dogs, cat and DAD are still asleep
~*~ ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS is knitting...but I made an error two rows back and now I have to tear it our...will do that today.
~*~ A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK shopping for next weekend's celebration, do the laundry, and make a couple more strawberry pies.
~*~ HERE IS A PICTURE THOUGHT I AM SHARING...
Thanks be to God!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Year of Saint Paul
Brief History of Saint Paul (early years):
"Parish Life"
Saint John the Baptist Church
Newburgh, INThe first reference to Saul (as he was then known) is during the persecution of the first Christian communities, specifically, his involvement in the execution of Saint Stephen. In Acts 7:54-8: 1, we read that Saul was at the execution and approved it.
One day on the way to Damascus to fine more Christians to bring back to Jerusalem for punishment, a blinding light came from the heavens so bright as to strike Saul to the ground. The voice of God then spoke to him: "Saul, why do you persecute me?" Bewildered, Saul asked "Who are you, Lord?" The voice answered, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting."
The Lord said that he was to be "an instrument" to spread the Good News among the Gentiles and throughout Israel. Historically, some scholars have placed this event at approximately 33 AD, occurring just after the execution of Saint Stephen.
It is important to note that Paul's heavenly vision is considered to be the single most significant event in the early history of Christianity, apart from the birth and life of Jesus Christ himself.
Here is today's offering from Praying with Saint Paul: Daily Reflection on the Letters of the Apostle Paul, edited by Father Peter John Cameron, O.P.
A Generous God
by
Monsignor James Turro"For by grace you have been saved through faith,
and this is not from you; it is the gift of God."
(Ephesians 2:8)"This is not from you, it is the gift of God." Perhaps there is not a more deep-seated, urgent desire in man than the desire to be self-sufficient--not really to need anybody or anything--God included. This of course is a fond hope. Consider that though we as a race have mastered space and in large part defeated physical illness, however we have not been able to vanquish death nor have we succeeded in achieving untrammeled and unending happiness. Clearly we need God and the happiness and security he alone can confer. Humbly we must acknowledge that we are not equal to the task of acquiring much of what we require to lead a fulfilled and successful life. We have a desperate need of God and his gifts for us to lead a fulfilled life.
We must look beyond the happiness that God confers upon us to countless other gifts and favors with which he brightens our lives. One thinks of faith--in every way, a gift of God. It is the faith of God and the things of God. It gives us to understand that just about everything short of God is limited and flimsy; only God can truly, deeply satisfy.
As one reflects on God's generosity toward oneself, a not inappropriate resolve is to emulate God's lavish generosity in our dealings with other people--an imitation of Christ.
Faith, this great gift of God, must be prized and jealously guarded. We must never jeopardize this faith in any way--not by the thoughts we think or the life we lead. It should be a hardy faith--not a faith that one possesses but a faith that possesses one. A mere profession of faith honors God because, when all is said and done, it is taking God at his word.O God, you have heaped high the graces which you have been
pleased to offer me; give me one thing more--a grateful heart.
~~~~~^j^~~~~~
Enough said, except for
THANKS BE TO GOD!!!
Friday, June 27, 2008
What better day to do an MEME...
B is for burger of choice: Been a "couple" of years ago now, but an In and Out Burger. Can only get in California and since David, Kelly and the boys have moved to Charlotte, I don't expect to get one soon...by the way the fries are wonderful too. Oh, Ron wouldn't want me to forget the Redtop Hamburger in Colorado Springs...IT IS HUGE!!!! and good to boot. (Do I get paid for this advertising?)
C is for what kind of car ou drive: 2000 Toyota Camery
D is for your dog(s)'s name: Duke and Duchess (of Keller)--Sam the Cat is the court jester.
E is for essential item you use everyday: My stethoscope, it hangs around my neck from 8-5.
F is for favorite TV show at the moment: Monk (in summer mode will return SOON)
G is for favorite game: any live-in-the-stadium/arena sport. And at this moment to play: Apples to Apples.
H is for home state: Colorado and its "Rocky Mountain High!"
I is for instruments you play: piano, though I've attempted the harp and for lack of practice and sheer motivation have not practiced in some time...perhaps this weekend would be a good time to tune her and start again.
J is for favorite juice: Cranberry, Orange Juice, and Grapefruit juice.
K is for whose butt you'd like to kick: This could take some time so will move onto the next letter.
L is for last restaurant at which you ate: HMMM, it was last Saturday night when we went to dinner with Father Jason in Vincennes. It's a new restaurant and I don't remember its name. DUH!!! My baked spaghetti was wonderful though!
M is for your favorite Muppet: Fozzy Bear...I love his hat!
N is for the number of piercings: 2, one in each ear
O is for over night hospital stays: 9, one for each child, two miscarriages, a broken foot and skin graft on the foot. Oh, for got the gall bladder surgery (10).
P is for people you're with today: Drs., NP, staff and patients
Q is for what you do with your quiet time: read, knit, pray, blog, oh and not to forget watch OLD movies.
R is for the biggest regret: Cannot say I regret anything. No, I'm not a Pollyanna but with my life and its ups and downs, there's not a thing I can say I regret. I think I am better for what I have had and experienced.
S is for status: Married 40 years this July.
T is for time you woke up today: 4:30 a.m., Ron leaves for work at 5:00 a.m. now that he is car pooling to work.
U is for what you consider unique about yourself. Hmmm, what makes me special? I've moved and lived in five states and actually moved 5 times in one year from CO to VA to CA while we were in the Army. I've visited most of the continental US states. I think I've only missed traveling to Washington, Oregon, Idaho, North Dakaota, South Carolina, Florida, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. (Gee that's not so unique, I've still got to visit 9 states not including Hawaii and Alaska!) HUM
V is for vegetable you love: Asparagus, fresh tomatoes, and SWEET corn-on-the-cob
W is for worst habit: Nagging...(I hate it when I do that! It's not part of my thought process, I just do it!)
X is for x-rays you've had: Let's see. Dental, hip, foot, kidneys, and the one I deem most important is the MRI of the brain...Now I can PROVE to my children I have ONE!
Y is for yummy food you ate today: Fresh strawberry pie I made! YES!
Z is for Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
Now I will tag Tricia, Kelly and Laura
Thanks be to God!!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The feast of the Birth of John the Baptist
~~~+~~~
Thanks be to God!
Monday, June 23, 2008
It Came...
I finally ordered Praying with Saint Paul: Daily Reflections on the Letter of the Apostle Paul, Edited by Father Peter John Cameron, O.P. It is printed by Magnificat. I don't know why I put it off, but it is here none-the-less. Please let me share with you tomorrow's reflection...It is really wonderfully thought provoking.
The Purpose Driven Life"In (Christ) we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ."
Monsignor James Turro
(Ephesians 2:11-12)"In Christ we were also chosen...so that we might exist for the praise of his glory." How many times are people left wondering at the meaning of it all. What is the point of our existence? How bleak and gross even is the answer the world gives back to that question. It maintains that we have no particular role to play at all in the world. We are simply pointless--we just are, period. If that be so , is there any wonder that some people under severe pressure from grave illness or from the sheer routine of day-to-day living decide to end it all? The purposeless life is not worth living.
But as God first chose the Hebrews to spread the good news about him and to praise him, so God expects no less of us--that we do just that--"that we might exist for the praise of his glory." What an exalted goal to have in life: the glorification of God in all we say and do and are. A backward look at our live--and examination of conscience--may sadly reveal that we have been quite negligent in this regard, that is, in making Christ better known within our family , our circle of friends, our co-workers. One's life cannot have more exalted thrust than that--to first understand and then to proclaim to all and sundry that God made us to know, to love, and to serve him is this life and to be happy with him for ever in the next."God give me the sharpness of mind and the force and clarity of speech to witness to you in every venue in which I may find myself.
~~~^j^~~~
"...God made us to know, to love, and o serve him
in this life and to be happy with him for ever in the next."
I have a reason for being here. I have value and that's because God made me. And to realize that value I will make every effort to "know, love and serve Him."
Thanks be to God!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Short and Sweet
Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As may as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times."~Matthew 18: 21-22~
~~~
I've been hurt, and I've been wronged. Is refusing to forgive really going to help?
What have I got to lose?
~~~
Jesus, you forgave. Live in me so that I might forgive as well.A Catholic Woman's Book of Days by Amy Welbor
Thanks be to God!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Right Living and Right Speaking
To be a witness for God is to be a living sign of God's presence in the world. What we live is more important than what we say, because the right way of living always leads to the right way of speaking. When we forgive our neighbors from our hearts, our hearts will speak grateful words, and when we are hopeful and joyful we will speak hopeful and joyful words.
When our words come too soon and we are not yet living what we are saying, we easily give double messages. Giving double messages--one with our words and another with our actions--makes us hypocrites. May our live give us the right words, and may our words lead us to the right lives.
from Bread for the Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith
Thanks be to God!!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Prayer of Humility
I share it because I have been called to "swallow my pride" a couple of times this week. I find when I begin to take my gifts seriously and think of myself as GRAND, rather that good, I am brought to my knees first in humility. Then, I am called to gratitude to my Lord for reminding me that my success is a gift given not something I MADE.
So I offer you this simple prayer:
"I asked for strength that I might achieve,
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness that I might feel my need for God."
~An Anonymous Confederate Soldier~
~*~*~*~*~
Thanks be to God!!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
I have an announcement to make...
Oh! Had to go back to the GreeN...Didn't realize how accustomed to it I had become. Everyone please have a grand evening!!!
Thanks be to God!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
A Bit of the Blarney: The Gift of Friendship
From A Bit of the Blarney |
I just got off the phone with my dear friend, Martha. We chatted for over an hour. Yes, over an hour. Martha now lives in New Jersey and so these chats are cherished. The only thing missing was the cup of tea and the kitchen table.
Then last week I spoke with another of my dearest "sisters." She's having extensive nasal surgery tomorrow (please pray for her). And like always we laughed and talked and talked and laughed. Yes, and she now lives in Texas. So I revisited a post I wrote over a year ago The Gift of Friendship and thought I would share it again. You see, now many of you have become visitors to THIS front porch and you are all very special to me.
Thanks be to God!!!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The Seasons...
I remember the earlier picture as I took just before I left on retreat to St. Meinrad Archabbey. It was cold and icy. Miserable. Just the other day we worked to make the yard presentable for the summer. I thought to myself, we did a fine job.
I will give the seasonal rain to your land, the early rain and the late rain, that you may have your grain, wine and oil to gather in, and I will bring forth grass in your fields for your animals.Thus you will eat your fill.Deuteronomy 11: 14-15
Then the rains did come and the tornadoes lashed out at the land and it's people. Not the gentle rain, but the harsh thunderous rain. We have friends who were evacuated from their homes because of high water. There are farmers here finally got their crops in only to find them under water. I was thinking about all those in the part of the country that have been suffering from too much water, just as those in California are suffering from the lack there of. All this concern about my flowers seems so frivolous. Grooming a garden seems so trivial, when others are suffering because they have no "garden."
In admiration, I look to the farmers and their families who yearly trust that their crops will be fruitful. When they are not they don't give up. These are hard working, faith filled people who have the courage to go on in the face of crop failure for whatever reason. These are good and honorable people. I pray that they will continue to be courageous and know that we are grateful for their sacrifice so that we might be "full."
And so I pray:
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
For everyone and all God's graces I say,
"Thanks be to God."
and
enjoy the weekend!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The Navajo Rug
The Navajo RugIn a Navajo rug there is always an imperfection woven into the corner. And interestingly enough, it's where "the Spirit moves in and out of the rug." The pattern is perfect and then there's one part of it that clearly looks like a mistake. The Semite mind, the Eastern mind (which, by the way, Jesus would have been much closer to) understands perfection in precisely that way.
Perfection is not the elimination of imperfection. that's our Western either/or, need-to-control thinking. Perfection, rather, is the ability to incorporate imperfection! There's no other way to live: You either incorporate imperfection, or you fall into denial. That's how the Spirit moves in or out of our lives.From Breathing Under Water:Spirituality and the 12 Steps
I believe I learned today that my life is a Navajo rug. It has it's flaws. But God made me. The flaws that occur are mine. The flaws are there because I "live." Though the ones who love me have long tried to mend and repair me in their own ways, I am the only one, with my God, who can truly make it right. It is consoling to know that the Creator's "Spirit moves in and out" of me.
Just as when I have completed a project and am most pleased with its outcome, some one will/would come to me and point out an error/errors. It used to embarrass me or make me angry with myself because I failed to find the mistake. But I soon learned that when this error was pointed out to me, someone had really paid attention to my work. Now, whether intentional or not, I get a certain amount of satisfaction in hearing about them as that means they READ it, noticed the work. Now, there are times I even do it do it on purpose. So, too, I can continue on the road to perfection without carrying most the old baggage by which I have been heavy laden. I can let go of it and start anew. Then the Spirit becomes the proof-reader of the next chapter of my "book."
So, feel free to proof read and make corrections!!
Thanks be to God!
Monday, June 09, 2008
The Simple Women's Daybook
It's Monday and time to join The Simple Woman. It's time for The Simple Woman's Daybook. It is interesting to read other's thoughts and dreams and so again I offer mine. If any of you are interested in giving it a try visit that address above.
~*~ I AM THINKING it's such a glorious day to be alive.
~*~ I AM THANKFUL for Ron, who worked so hard to get some nasty grass out of the garden so we can continue to plant some more flowers.
~*~ FROM THE KITCHEN I've been wondering if it is too warm to fix chicken and dumplings. am having one of those cravings.
~*~ I AM WEARING robe and slippers.
~*~ I AM GOING to work today. It's the first day back from vacation for the Dr.s and it should be very busy.
~*~ I AM READING Esther and Murder on K Street by Margaret Truman.
~*~ I AM HOPING to get shopping done for the "Basket Bonanza" for the Summer Social at church.
~*~ I AM HEARING the birds singing outside and Freddie the Frog.
~*~ AROUND THE HOUSE there are signs of beautiful blooming flowers and the gardens are finally starting to take shape.
~*~ ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS is getting ready for a trip.
~*~ A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK are getting ready to travel to INDY for Lindsey's birthday.
~*~ HERE IS A PICTURE THOUGHT IAM SHARING...
we took to MT last summer. This is
Ainsely and Lindsey in downtown
Rapid City, SD. It is a lovely town!
Thanks be to God!
Think Green
It should be easy for us, of Irish descent, to think green. Green bein' the color we/I most prize. So I thought it appropriate to consider how we can all consider the "greenin' of the environment." My dad had a phrase, when it came to conserving heat in the house, when we failed to close the front or back doors securely in the winter..."Were ya born in a barn?!" We knew what it meant immediately. CLOSE THE DOOR!
Then I married an environmentalist. Yes, Ron was collecting aluminum/steel cans 4o years ago. He even worked in aluminum recycling for nearly 25 years before he went to work for Toyota. He even started a small business by which he would but scrap aluminum, melt it down and resell the product. (It helped put 5 of us through college.)
I remember when plastic bags replaced the paper grocery bags. What a deal I thought! But then what do you do with them when you are finished with them. Well, of late I have started using grocery bags that are reusable. The Schuncks here supplies reusable bag (for a price, $1.00). Wesselman's uses paper grocery bags with handles. If I were smart I could have just gone back to the store the next time and handed them the plastic bags they had given me at the last visit and reused them that way. At any rate, what I am trying to say, is I hope by starting in little ways I can help make us green at the Keller house. Oh! and before I forget! Target had a red bag that zips up small enough to fit in your purse...I love it!!!
Enough preaching! Will show you the recycling center in my kitchen sometime. It was a birthday present about 5 years ago. Have a Good day!!!
Thanks be to God!
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Ten Minute MEME
10 People You'd Like to Spend 10 Minutes With:
~~Jesus
~~Pope Benedict XVI
~~Mary Higgins Clark
~~Scott Hahn
~~Martin Sheen
~~Madeline Albright
~~Matthew Kelly
~~Amy Welborn
~~Sister Julie from A Nun's Life
~~Richard Rohr, O.F.M.
Finally, I would like to do lunch with all those at Blarney Corner!
*Eileen on Him...At least I try!
*Prayer, Poetry and Praise
*Beyond Horizan3
*Christ's Rose
*La Dulce Vita: The Sweet Life With Three Sons
*Decrease to Increase
*Unexpected Journey
*Daily Grotto
*Contemplative Haven
*UOK's Place
Enjoy
and
Thanks be to God!
What are friends for?
Could not resist putting this on the blog...My friend, Margaret, sent this to me and now I offer it to you. Everyone have a GRAND Weekend!
'Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.'
GOOD DAY TO ALL MY 'NUTTY' FRIENDS
Have a fabulous STRESS FREE day!!!!
Thanks Be to God!!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
First Things First
- The first thing I thought today: If I could only sleep in
- The first thing I ate today: a bowl of granola cereal
- The first thing I drank today: a cup of Good Earth tea
- The first thing I said today: my morning prayers
- The first action I did today: gave Duchess her treat when we came into the house
- The first thing I read today: My Daily Catholic Bible reading...I'm still behind but I'm catching up
- The first item of clothing I put on today:my robe ans slippers (to take Duchess outside)
- The first person I spoke to today (apart from God, of course): my husband
- The first chore I did today: I put the dishes away
- The first blog I visited today: A Catholic Mom in Hawaii. I went to visit and found I had been tagged for another MEME
Add some more if you want to!
I tag:
Have at it all anyone else...takes so little time and even less thought. Doesn't use up too many gray cells. Have a grand day!!!
~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!
Aside: I mailed my application for Provident Associates, please pray. Thank you!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
A Train Ride...
So along with the picture by Norman Rockwell and the help of Myles Towne, I can continue on this "train ride".
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams
Quick story as how this post came to be. I had breakfast with my friend, Tricia, yesterday, and she was sharing her experience this semester following a hospice nurse and how this video was part of her death and dying class. Ron wanted to order a book so we stopped at Borders on the way to Neil's birthday party. When I walked through the door, Randy's book was IN MY FACE. You all know how I feel about miracles. This was no accident, and before we got to the other side of Evansville I was completely engrossed in his book.
This is an incredible story by an incredible man. The book is much like this video. But both (yes, I read the book before I watched this)gave me, again, model of great humility in the way of dying. My friend, Margaret, did much the same. She continued to "live" in the light of her dying.
May God give me the strength to carry myself in life as they LIVED their life in dying. Please read the book too. Thank you, Tricia!!! This is remarkable!!! You may not want to or have the time to listen to the entire lecture, but please give it a try! It's worth every minute!!