Kellie is Fourteen

Kellie, May 17, 1994

Today Kellie is 14. She was our first grandchild and God only knows where the last 14 years have gone. Today she is a beautiful young lady who is graceful and filled with the love of music and dance. She volunteers helping with Children's Sunday School at St Joseph Church and sings in the choir. It has been a blessing for us to watch her grow and mature into the person she has become. Her birthday also happens to coincide with an appropriate reflection by Amy Welborn in A Catholic Woman's Book of Days.

Then he appeared to more than five hundred
brothers and sisters at one time, most of
whom are still alive, tough some have died.
~1 Corinthians 15:6~

When I was about thirteen years old, my previously clean-shaven father grew a handlebar mustache and took to wearing striped, bell-bottom pants (it was 1973).

I was distressed and actually a little angry. I remember thinking--although I don't know if I ever said it out loud--that he just didn't look like a Dad anymore.

The Gospels and Paul tell us that after the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to many. All who saw him had some difficulty recognizing or accepting him. Their faith had to take them a step or two beyond their previous experience and expectations in order to really see Jesus.

When I look, is there something preventing me from seeing Jesus for who he is?

Lord Jesus, bring me close to you in faith.

I would also offer for reflection this verse.

Jesus said to her," Woman why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" She thought it was a gardener and said to him, "Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" [And she recognized Jesus.]
John 20:15-16

You see there are times when I look back at the pictures of Kellie and my other grandchildren and remember with delight how they were. And because I don't get to see most of them as often as I would like, the next time I do see them they have changed in stature and maturity. I don't recognize the child as they were before and a part of me doesn't want them to change. I want them to stay a wee child and...I guess it makes me sad. Yes, indeed they must grow, change and mature. And when I see their success, I cheer and thank God (with a tear in my eye!) heartily! That's when I know I must rely the Spirit and his good judgment and once again understand who is in control.

I think the illustration above is much like that. Jesus enters our live in many ways. But am I open to his presence? I hope so, too! For he does not always appear to be the same. Well, (sigh) to be honest...I know I miss the presence more than I care to admit. The reality is, it is up to me to GROW and MATURE (though I am still mostly young) so that I can be in His presence and know it. Yep, that's it!!! And in reflecting on Kellie's birthday today and her beautiful life I too have grown-up just a little more, I hope.

SOOOO...

Happy Birthday, Kellie!
and
Thanks be to God!!

"Jehovah"

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Originally uploaded by public.resource.org

I was reading The Little Black Book today and sneaked a peak at tomorrows entry. The snippet is about "Jehovah" It was really interesting and so I'd like to share it with you if I may.

When God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, Moses asked God's name. God replied, 'This is what you shal tell the Israelites: I AM sent me to you.' Thus the phrase 'I AM' was given the divine name.

In Hebrew, 'I AM' was rendered 'Jahweh.' The word 'Jahweh' was so sacred that it was never uttered aloud. Those who proclaimed the Scriptures were taught to substitute the word 'Adonai' which meant 'Lord.' Originally, the written form of the Hebrew language did not have vowels, and so the Hebrew word 'Jahweh' would appear as JHWH (readers were supposed to know what vowels were to be supplied). Later on, written vowel signs were developed and put in the text.

Whenever the work JHWH appeared, copyists would insert the vowel sings for 'Adonai.' This would remind the reader to substitute that word. As time went by, some readers didn't realize this and simply pronounced what was in front of them--the consonants of JHWH with the vowels of 'Adonai.' This resulted in the word 'Jehovah,' a word that never existed.

It is a misreading that continues in some translations of the Bible still today.

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As an aside, it was also mentioned that "Ash Wednesday through Saturday has been called 'The Porch of Lent'-an entryway to help us get the feel of this '40 day' season." It is suggested that at this time we reflect on our Lenten goals as we step over the threshold.

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For all the blessing that have been bestowed on me this week, I say,
"Thanks be to God"