Joy in Tea Time

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the

 comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company.

~~Author Unknown~~

I'm having...Decaf coffee with Vanilla Carmel creamer. Yummy

My teacup...is my white dinner mug.

I'm feeling... rested.  Off tomorrow for a three day weekend!

On my mind...a box of chocolate/divinity that arrived yesterday from Grandma's Fudge from Virginia City, Nevada, still packaged until Easter Sunday.

Please join Ruth at Tea Talk today.

~~~~~~~

Today I also join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.

And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as

The Wawshoe Valley, Nevada

as God's beautiful creation.  I must be open to it!

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

Cathy

Off On A Short Adventure!

I have found out that there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them. ~~Mark Twain

Will be flying to Carson City very early tomorrow.  So looking forward to the visit with Tom and Kathleen.  I'm going to miss Tea Talk and Share the Joy Thursday but hope to have some pictures to share when I return!!!   Hoping to be be back in time for Sunlit Sunday!  Wishing all a grand rest of the week and know I'll be back soon!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

The Joy in Tea Talk

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the

 comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company.

~~Author Unknown~~

I'm having...Chia Latte  I was drinking this last week! I think I hooked!!

My teacup...is my white dinner mug.

I'm feeling... I'm feeling excited about my participation in Christ Renews His Parish this weekend.  I've not made one before.  Making is will be part of my Lenten "projects."  Many who have participated before tell of the fulfillment they have felt.

On my mind... Getting the laundry done as well as packing.  There is also the upcoming trip to Carson City that I need to get organized for.  We leave on next Wednesday which doesn't leave much time to get it together with work and other meetings staring me in the face.

Please join Ruth at Tea Talk today.

~~~~~~~

Today I also join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.

And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as

as an award.  I must be open to it!

As Victor at Time for Reflections says,  "The Lobster Award is an honor given to those Bloggers who visit you regularly, no matter how feeble, tiresome, long-winded and sleep making your posts may be, and who leave a word of encouragement or good cheer in your Comments Box."  And so it is my pleasure to award this to a few comment providers to my blog.  This is more difficult that I thought because there are so many who visit and do not accept awards.  But know that you are all a treasure and your visits mean so very much to me!!!!!


Eileen

Peggy

Helen

Ruth

Proudly copy The Lobster Award logo above on your Blogs and in turn feel inspired and encouraged to nominate others who visit and leave regular messages in your Comments Box.

The rules for nominations are simple:

1   Nominate someone who regularly visits your Blog and leaves a message in the Comments Box.

2   Tell them about their nomination.

Hoping everyone is having a wonderful week and are looking forward to this weekends respite as much as I am.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

After the Storm

 

Sunlight after the Storm

Awoke this morning to sirens warning of a tornado.  Went downstairs with Duchess and waited.  Heard  nothing but heavy rain.  Got a call from Ron and he was concerned t hat there had been a tornado touched down.  Told him I didn't think so all I had heard was heavy rain and lots of wind...Turned on the television and sure enough one had touched down and not far from where we live.  It's frightening how I am so nieve that Ithought it was only high winds and heavy rain.  Whew!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!!

Cathy



Sunlit Sunday and Mosaic Monday

o

When the sun rises

There is joy and warmth in it

Wonders never cease

I looked around the house today and saw that my Valentine's Day was still here.  Bringing Spring even closer to fruition.  I love it when the wonder of God's creation lingers on.  Happy Day to you!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thaks be ot God!!!!

Cathy

Karen has invited us to join her on Sunlit Sunday.  Stop by and offer your bit of sunshine today.
And please visit Mary at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   And though I hve nothing to offer at  Macro Monday  Lisa has a wonderful time planned for you.  The pictures all are an inspiration!

Haiku My Heart

Pondering God's love
Reflections on salvation
Glory be to God

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

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Ash Wednesday, 2012

Dear ones,

I offer this letter as an inspiration to those who are preparing for the beginning of Lent as I am.  Wishing all a journey of introspection and growth in your journey to the Cross and the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lent – 2012

A Journey to the Light of Christ

My dear Providence Associates, Candidate-Associates and Companions,

A few years ago I sat in my office having just unlocked the church and school doors.  I heard the slamming of car doors more than usual as women and men dashed out of their cars to get into the Church for the 6:30 AM Mass.  It was still very dark outside and I heard the voices say, “I am here for the Ashes – what time do they give them out?” The school parking lot was full throughout the day,  another Mass and more Ashes were given to the individuals, followed by two more prayer services where everyone received their Ashes and the phone constantly kept ringing and the voices would say, “What time will Ashes be given today?”

Yes, that is the exterior sign of Ash Wednesday!  But what about our interior, what about our heart and soul, can we calm our mind down to simply Be Still and Listen?  That is the challenge for me this Lent! It would be much easier to go to the desert filled with quiet, filled with solitude and simply wait to hear what God has to say to us.  Wouldn’t it be nice if life were that easy?

Most of us do not live in the desert; we live in the middle of the chaos of busyness, noise, running to this meeting, hurrying up to make dinner, going off to work, carrying for children, carrying for parents, carrying for a loved one and it just doesn’t stop. 

As this Ash Wednesday approaches, perhaps we can take a little time to think of ourselves, to think of the sacred vessel that Christ has made us to be.  Think of the interior gifts that lie deep within each of us.  As each day begins, take something positive from within yourself – in your running make time to see your beauty.  Name it and thank God for that wonderful gift.  As each day passes by, Lent comes to the glorious moment of the new light and new life we see within each of us.  We will truly be the sacred vessel Christ made us to BE.

I don’t sit in that office anymore – you all know where I am today!  It is not about the exterior we long to see – it is the interior, the real humanity that Christ himself took on to show us the way. Our own St. Mother Theodore did not have time to sit in the desert; she plowed through the dense forest of the unknown, just as we plow through our busy days of the unknown.  Let us open our hearts and souls to these days of Lent and honor and recognize the beautiful gifts that Christ has given us.  On Easter morning there will be a transformation within you.

Together, let us hold one another in prayer as we walk these 40 days of seeking the positive within ourselves.  Please know that Debbie Dillow, PA and I will be walking with each of you as together we seek the brightness within each of us.  What an Awesome Gift!

In God’s Providence,

Sister Diane Mason. SP

This is an opportunity for me to travel with the Savior from his temptation in the desert to  his crucifixion.  And then we can really feel the exultation of His resurrection and our salvation!  

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy 

The Joy In Tea Talk

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the

 comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company.

~~Author Unknown~~

I'm having...Chia Latte  Oh my how tasty!

My teacup...is really my favorite pot and mug duo.

I'm feeling... I'm feeling excitement in the anticipation of what has become for me an annual get-away.  Tomorrow I begin retreat at Saint Meinrad Archabbey with fellow friends and "companions on the journey!!!"

On my mind... preparation for tonight's Bible Study.  I still need to pack too.

Please join Ruth at Tea Talk today.

~~~~~~~

Today I also join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.

And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as

as a winter sunrise.  I must be open to it!

~~~^j^~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Mosaic Monday

Love and hearts abound
With the cooing of love birds
It's Valentine's Day!

~~~^j^~~~
Cathy

And please visit Mary at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   And though I have nothing to offer at  Macro Monday  Lisa has a wonderful time planned for you.  The pictures all are an inspiration!

Haiku My Heart

Clear Creek Canyon, Colorado

Spring in the Canyon

The waters from the High Country

Renewing our hope.

Hope in all beauty

Hope in all things mystical

Holy and divine.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Mosaic Monday

Ice skating birthday
Twas a grand celebration
Oh what fun we had!!!

Happy Ninth Birthday, Ainsley!

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

Cathy

And please visit Mary at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   And though I hve nothing to offer at  Macro Monday  Lisa has a wonderful time planned for you.  The pictures all are an inspiration!

Sunlit Sunday

Roses are beauty
With the sunlight reflecting
Its untold beauty!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Karen has invited us to join her on Sunlit Sunday.  Stop by and offer your bit of sunshine today.

Haiku My Heart

Friday happiness

Happy anticipation

Birthday party fun!!

Ainsley turns 9 years old and we will be off to INDY, not for the Super Bowl, to celebrate her birthday.  Mom and Dad plan an ice skating party.  will have camera in tow!!!  No I won't be putting on the ice skates though I did love to skate when younger.  A broken hip has no appeal to me!  Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!!

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Picture Puzzle Wednesday

Wednesday, the middle of the week.  For me it is a day of catch-up.  You know, laundry, shopping, errands.  That way the weekends, in most instances, are free to play with family and friends and especially our best friend and Creator.  So during the day taking a break is usually sitting down to do a word game or play with a puzzle.  Loved this when the kids were all at home and in the winter when they couldn't play outside we'd gather round the card table and try to find "that piece."  We did  that at Thanksgiving when we visited David and Kelly!  It was such fun!!! 

So join me today in a little diversion.  Maybe you would even like to try your hand at making your own puzzle.  Just visit Jigzone and there you can play with your own pictures.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

 If you like you can share a puzzle and we can all play along...Make Wednesday a play day!!!

Sunlit Sunday and Mosaic Monday

Karen has invited us to join her on Sunlit Sunday.  Stop by and offer your bit of sunshine today.
And please visit Mary at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   And though I hve nothing to offer at  Macro Monday  Lisa has a wonderful time planned for you.  The pictures all are an inspiration!

Haiku My Heart for Rebecca

Bouquet of flowers

Healing is the aroma

Healed by the Spirit

Sending you my prayers and best wishes, Rebecca.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!  

Cathy

Please visit recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. 

Sunlit Sunday and Mosaic Monday

Sunlight in the smiles of the ones you love!
There is nothing in the world so inspiring 
as a laugh or smile.  Nothing more healing.


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


Cathy

Karen has invited us to join her on Sunlit Sunday.  Stop by and offer your bit of sunshine today.
And please visit Mary at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   And though I hve nothing to offer at  Macro Monday  Lisa has a wonderful time planned for you.  The pictures all are an inspiration!

~~Sunlit Sunday~~

My Favorite Chair

If you invoke the Holy Spirit with a humble and trusting heart, filled with good desires, he will descend with his blessed light and inflaming fire.  He will come and penetrate into the very center of your heart, purifying it, changing it, enlightening it, inflaming it, and consuming it with the flames of his holy and divine love.  ~Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini~

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Karen has invited us to join her on Sunlit Sunday.  Stop by and offer your bit of sunshine today.

Haiku My Heart

God alone can give you the courage to overcome
nature and to make to him all the sacrifices he has
requires of you this year.
~Saint Mother Theodore Guerin~

~~~^J^~~~
Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Please visit recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart.

Mosaic Monday

In December we gathered at Saint Meinrad Archabbey for the recommissioning of five Providence Associates.  There is never a time when the beauty of this holy ground does not inspire.  This day it was strange to be only wearing a jacket and finding it so mild here in Indiana.  Twas a grand day!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Now please visit Mary at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   Please visit Lisa at  Macro Monday  for she also has much to offer.  The pictures are grand.

~~Sunlit Sunday~~

When Karen invited us to join her on Sunlit Sunday I was thinking what a neat idea.  As a matter of fact, I have something to offer.  This post happens to be a copy today's posting at my other blog, Provident God.  It's like sharing the radiance of God in more that one place.  I think we should continue to pass it on.  So thank you to Karen for offering us this opportunity!  This, too, is providence.

Southern Illinois, 12/30/2011

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.  ~~2Peter 3: 18~~

~~~~~

You can never say

Thank you to God too often

God is generous

All that I receive 

Is generously given

I reply, thank you

~~~^j^~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Note: This picture has not been enhanced, only cropped.  This is the glory of God!

Haiku My Heart

Though hidden by clouds
So amazing is our God
His grace is poured forth.

So we must say, "Yes"
Listen to his beckoning
Accept his summons.


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

Cathy

Please visit recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart.

The Joy in Tea Tea Talk

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the

 comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company.

~~Author Unknown~~

I'm having...Irish breakfast tea.

My teacup...is a one of my festive colored mugs!   It's cheerful and pleasant to the eye early in the morning!

I'm feeling... better.  Yesterday I had some "bug" but it has since moved on!!!

On my mind... preparation for tonight's Bible Study.  Will begin the study of the Letter to the Hebrews.  

Please join Ruth at Tea Talk today.

~~~~~~~

Today I also join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.

And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as

the tulips in Spring.  I must be open to it!

~~~~~~~

Finally, take a moment to relax and play at putting together this simple jigsaw puzzle.  Be a kid again for just a little while!

Grandma Stubb's Music Box


~~~^j^~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Mosaic Monday

Turn trustingly to the Lord who is my God. Put your faith in 

him with all your heart, because nothing is impossible to him. 

 ~~Saint Patrick~~

The year in review is a grand time for me!  I can review the collages and reflect on all the wonderful times had during the year.  Also the times when disappointment and sadness have touched this house.  And now in this new year, 2012, I begin a new journey!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy 

Now please visit Mary at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   Please visit Lisa at  Macro Monday  for she also has much to offer.  The pictures are grand.