Memories of the Holy Land

I've been watching The Chosen and it brings back memories of my travel to the Holy Land, already four years ago now.  I have always marveled at John's Gospel reading regarding the marriage at Cana.  As a child it was a lesson to me in obedience.  Jesus did as Mother Mary asked.  I know now and understand that is is much more than that.  It was just the beginning of the our salvation.  That journey for us begins with the Scrutinies in two weeks and the lessons they offer us on our journey with our Savior on His journey to His death and resurrection on Easter Sunday.

The  Wedding Church of Cana

Small Chapel in the church

If you haven't watched The Chosen, please begin.  It's worth the journey.  And if you've not begun your Lenten journey, it's never too late to begin.  

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Today's Journey

When the road is rough

The journey's end uncertain

Trust is all I need

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

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

Travel Journal 7

 

Coors Field, Colorado Rockies, a photo by brandon.vincent on Flickr.

“A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints” ~Wilfred Peterson

Had a wonderful 43rd Anniversary. Had dinner at Maggiano's in Denver and then went to a Rockies baseball game. Woohoo! They won 12-3 beating the Braves!!!  Was a great day all round!

Nieces visiting today with shopping in Estes Park!  Oh the fun!!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Travel Journal 5

“A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints” ~Wilfred Peterson

~~~~~ 

What a glorious day in Billings.  The  air is crisp, the sky is a beautiful azure blue and the birds are singing.  Those who live here say it's awfully warm.  I smile inwardly and thank Go for the low humidity and the breeze.

No doubt in Newburgh right now the dew is still on the grass.  Not because it is cool and early in the morning but because the humidity is so high it can't evaporate.  The air will be heavy and there will be no breeze. 

We went for  a  brisk, three mile walk this morning.  Oh my how invigorating.  Next will be lunch with Mom, afternoon at the craft fair and a visit with Megan at her place of employment, a quilt shop!  Tis going to be a grand day.  I think I will take a few minutes to read on the deck.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Travel Journal Continued

Two nights we were able to stay with family in St. Charles, MO. There was torrential rains coming from IN through IL to MO. The temperature dropped 20 degrees, from 97 degrees to 75 degrees, in about 2 hours. The visibility was terrible and people were speeding past us like they didn't have good sense. As a matter of fact there was a horrible vehicular accident as we got to Belleville, IL. Traffic was backed up for miles.
Yesterday we made it to Sioux Falls, SD. We stopped in Hannibal, MO this morning. If you have read Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn You've been there Through the eyes of Mark Twain. We walked down to the river front and walked along the Mississippi River. At 8:00 in the morning it was very quiet and we could leisurely walk the streets and enjoy the sights.

Then we were off again with our journey's end today in today here in Sioux Falls, SD. We drove through Iowa and saw all the glorious corn fields. Iowa also has miles of Wind generators. It's really quite a sight.

We entered Minnesota and found that all the rest areas were closed because the government there is shut down. This caused me to reflect on the individuality each state in the union and how they manage their business. We do live in a most unique nation. Can't think of any place else I'd rather be!!!

Last night we arrived  here in Billings, MT.  The trip across South Dakota and Wyoming into Montana is really beautiful.  It is "Wild West!"  I was reminded of that when I tried to  make a phone call with my cell and there was no reception. 

Got to visit with Mom  for a short while and then off for nigth of restful slumber at my brother's house.  Next installment of the Travel Journal I'd like to tell you about the Wall Drug Store.  See you then!

~~~ ^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Travel Journal Day 2

“A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints” ~Wilfred Peterson 

Left this evening after work on the first leg of the journey to Mom's in Montana.  We'll be stopping in St. Louis and stay the night at Rhonda and John's house.  Family is such a treasure.  Because there ave been some highway closing along the route this year because of all the rain an flooding along the Missouri River we called to see if  they knew of any routes to take that would have less delays.  John told us of a route  he had taken recently and then invited us to leave early, spend the night there and in so doing we will arrive at Mom's a day earlier than we had anticipated.  

And to add to the days treasures I found this quote by Saint Brigid of Ireland...

"I would like the angels of heaven to be among us.  I would like an abundance of peace.  I would like full vessels of charity.  I would like rich treasures of mercy.  I would like cheerfulness to preside over all.  I would like Jesus to be present."

And so I wish all these things on this journey!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God

Travel Journel Day 1

“A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints” ~Wilfred Peterson

I'm going to try something new.  I'm going to try to keep a journal of the trip this time.  All I will have available to me is a small notebook computer that does not seem to be compatible with the new blogger format.  So my pictures will be coming later.  You'll only get my travels documented in words instead of pictures.  It's been a long time since I have written a journal so lets just see how well I do painting pictures with words instead of letting the photos I take do all the talking.  Should be interesting.  Don't you agree?  I mean, I'm really out of practice so bear with me as we journey together.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

~~Baton Rouge~~

So the 12-hour trip to Baton Rough waw uneventful except for the torrential rain.  The rain was so heavy at pointswe couldn't see the car in front of us.  Rain forcasted for the rest of the week so we'll be running between th rain drops.  Makes no difference.  It's a time for family and celebration!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God

Cathy

The Day Before the Lenten Journey Begins

You know the day before Lent is like getting ready for a trip.  Before I travel I organize all sorts of things.  I make sure I have the sitter for Duchess and that Sam has someone to come in and check in on him (you know how independent cats are.)  I do that last bit of laundry so there is none to come home to.  The house is made tidier than when we are home (why is that?).  I pack all the bags making sure I have clothes for all kinds of weather (even snow when we go to Colorado), my make-up, medication, books and camera.

Today is the day before my Lenten journey begins this year.  In preparation I have resolved to relax, rest, read and fast from those treats I saver the rest of the year.  May God give me the grace to do so. Another resolution is this.  I, too, will try to keep Provident God up to date.  I have become lax and so this is the real challenge for me this year.  I will make every effort to keep this Journal of my journey up-to-date.

Wishing you all a grand "day before."

~~~^j^~~~

Joining the Journey...

I would ask you to visit Kim at a new blog Falling On His Grace. She is a precious neophyte and I think she has a sincere heart and a story to tell just like all of us. I enjoyed my visit. You will, too. She has just joined us on the journey. Welcome, Kim!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

What's My Line?

I had my first meeting with Sr. Dorothy on Wednesday. We meet once a month as companions on the journey in my discernment in becoming a Provident Associate. This month's topic for discussion was "The Story." I read the story of St. Mother Theodore Gueren and the Sisters of Providence. Then I was asked to write my "story." And so I did.

Sr. and I met for lunch and then discussion. She asked me to read the story, instead of reading it herself. I thought I was being cute when I titled it "What's My Line?" after the old TV show of the 50's and 60's. Well, it soon became apparent that what I had written was not as humorous has I had tried to make it out to be. When I really "heard" the words I wrote, I couldn't hold back the tears. They flowed freely. After a bit she asked me why I thought I was crying. And as I reflected I told her it seemed I was crying because I missed the people and times I have already lived. Though not always perfect and without some ordeal, they were not bad times and the people who are now gone were good and had a profound impact on my life. They help mold me into who I am. They are the one's who lead me and guided in my faith. They loved me and cared not just for my physical well-being but also my spiritual health. It was truly a growing experience and I learned that my story really is important, if to no one but me.

Taking time to write your story is a worthwhile endeavor. It's not important that it be an in depth memoir. Certainly after the initial attempt you might want to write an autobiography. It's a worthwhile endeavor because it opens your soul and mind. It allows you to see the value in your life and how other have molded you into the person you are. Think about it and then do it.

On that note, because I see this as a gift to ME, I would direct you to the story Sojourner has to tell about her incredible life at A Journey Through His Garden. Please visit and read her essay. Thank you!

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

A Train Ride...

I was wondering what I was going to say after I had posted The Last Lecture. It almost felt like the end of blogging for me as I had nothing else to say. Then a friend sent us the most wonderful email and I just have to share it. See? There's still a lot in me...What was I thinking?!

So along with the picture by Norman Rockwell and the help of Myles Towne, I can continue on this "train ride".

The Train Ride


~~~^j~~~

Thanks be to God!!!