Glorious Pansies

Glorious pansies

Happiness, beauty of spring

Hardy in the sun

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When you are blessed with a weekend on retreat, time for reflection is offered in many ways.  For me the pansy is a gorgeous and hardy plant.  It survives in cold and heat and yet it maintains its beauty!  For that I am truly grateful.  Lasting through the summer and fall the pansy is a lesson in perserverence.

~~~^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!!!

 

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...Hot Chocolate on this morning after a full moon.

My teacup...is nothing special but it certainly holds the hot chocolate well!


I'm feeling... embarrassed still...I missed a luncheon date yesterday with a dear friend and I have to excuse except that I was so absorbed in what I was doing that I didn't even check the time.  What is truly embarrassing is that I didn't realize it until 4:00 p.m.

On my mind...making sure I am checking my calendar 1st think in the morning so that what happened yesterday doesn't happen again!!!!!!  This lady is a dear friend and that is what makes it so painful!

Please join Ruth at Tea Talk today.

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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.

This day has the potential of being just as grand as this rose.

 I must be open to it!

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

~~Tea Talk~~

Come, let us have some tea and continue to talk about happy things.

Chaim Potok

I'm having...my favorite Good Earth Tea.  It's a cloudy dreary morning, with snow in the forecast.

My teacup...is my Norman Rockwell Christmas mug.  Probably one of the last times I will use it until next Christmas.

I'm feeling...a bit anxious as one does when they are beginning a grand adventure with all the twists and turns, hills and valleys it will surely have.

On my mind...taking down and putting away Christmas decoration.  Will begin the process Saturday.  And them beginning to empty all the cabinets in the kitchen in preparation for its remodeling.  Oh what a chore that will be!!

Christmas Day in Newaburgh on the Ohio, 2010

We had a wonderful walk with Jimmy and Kelly.

Has become a tradition when they come to visit 

at Christmas.

 ~~~^j^~~~

 Thanks be to God!

Now won't you join me and visit Ruth at Celebrate Friendship is hosting Tea Talk at her house?  Share a cup of tea or a cool refreshing drink with us.

Feeling Reflecltive

The Sacredness of God's Handiwork

How do we live in creation?  Do we relate to it as a place full of "things" we can use for whatever need we want to fulfill and whatever goal we wish to acomplish?  Or do we see creation first of all as a sacramental reality, a sacred space where God reveals to us the immense bearty of the Divine?

As long as we only use creation, we cannot recognize its sacredness because we are approaching it as if we were its owners.  But when we relate to all that surrounds us as created by the same God who created us and as the place where God appears to us and calls us to worship and adoration, then we are able to recognize the sacredness of all God's handiwork.

Bread for the Journey

A Day book of Wisdom and Faith

by Henri J. M. Nouwen

I must spend time today in reflection and gratitude for all I am privileged to know and see, love and cherish.  For all are the gifts of the creator and I must come to know its real worth!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

~~Tea Talk~~

Iced tea may not have as much wisdom as hot tea,
but in the summer better a cool and refreshed 
dullard than a steamy sweat-drenched sage -
leave sagacity to the autumn!
  ~Linda Solegato

I'm having...My standard on an early morning like this, Good Earth Original tea.

My teacup is...plain white.

I'm feeling...adrift.  When my children hurt, for whatever reason, and I can't fix the hurt or make it feel better I feel I have no control.  I'm in a rudderless boat.

On my mind...Prayers to the Holy spirit for his wise intervention.  Praying he has salve for the wounds.

Full Moon

9/21/2010

It is good that Ron took this picture.  It has allowed me to realize that the power and the will of God is greater than I am and though it is not what I want I have to continue to pray and relinquish to him the anxiety and pain of my child.  I have to allow her to experience it and know that God is always in control and he will offer the remedy! 

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Now won't you join me and visit Ruth at Celebrate Friendship is hosting Tea Talk at her house?  Share a cup of tea or a cool refreshing drink with us.

MEME Fun

 

I was tagged by NC Sue at In Him I Live and Have My Being last week for this MEME.  I have tried and tried to think of the top 10 most surprising things I've done.  Well it has been a struggle.  So here is my meager attempt and in no particular order, certainly not in chronological order.

 1.   I have been a nurse for 42 years and continue to work.
 2.   With the aid of a wonderful husband I have raised 5 children.
 3.  Co-chaired and parish overnight retreat.
 4.  Got my BA in gerontology at the age of48.  Told by my husband that I would be in the forefront  of my field my field.
 5.  I learned to ice skate at the age of 16.
 6.  Married my best friend 42 years ago!
 7.  I have 10 lovely grandchildren and another on the way.
 8.  Made my Cursillo in 1976 when I was 8 months pregnant with my 4th child.  That is an entirely    different story.
 9.  Have found that photography is a pleasure and I enjoy making photo books for family and friends.
10.  Having become an Associate of the Sisters of Providence has been a fulfilling experience.

Now I must tag some others.

Queenmothermama at daylily
Mighty Mom at My Wonderful Life
Laura at Catholic Teacher Musings
Pat at Mille Fiori Favoriti

So thanks to Sue for challenging me to reflect on my accomplishments.  And thank you to those I have tagged for playing along.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

The Simple Women's Daybook

While it's been a long while since I've done this I do visit those who contribute. So after you visit here please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman and journey along the path of life we all share The Simple Woman's Daybook.

1. I'm thinking...that it has been so long since I've done this. Had not realized how long until I started looking at the ones done earlier...

2. From the Kitchen...there is the smell of cinnamon toast. I do love a good piece of cinnamon toast. I'm considering a Crockpot meal today but don't know which one to fix.

3. I am creating...(knitting) a lap afghan!

4. I'm wearing...my red long sleeved nightgown...It's still cold outside!

5. I am reading..."Her Royal Spyness," a mystery by Rhys Bowen. I'm really enjoying it.

6. I'm hoping...I can get shopping done for birthdays and graduations done today!

7. I am hearing...glorious silence.

8. Around the house...There are signs that Thanksgiving is just around the corner.

9. Few plans for the rest of the week...to finish the Reunion Cookbook (I know I've been saying that for weeks.), prepare the house for our absence while on vacation, and purchase flower for the boxes.

10. One of my favorite things is...watching Master Piece Mystery on PBS. Miss Marple returns on Sunday.

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

Sammy Cat nesting and resting.

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

Retreat at Saint Mainrad Archabbey

St. Meinrad

St. Meinrad, martyr is venerated as the patron and in some sense the founder of the Benedictine abbey of Einsiedeln in Switzerland which has kept an unbroken continuity since Carolingian times. He settled as a hermit at Einsiedeln, where he was murdered by two ruffians to whom he had given hospitality in 861. His feast day is January 21st. (Catholic Online)

Feast Day: January 21

I'm off to a time of prayer, instruction and community. May God bless you all most abundantly this weekend.

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Thanks be to God!

++Today's reflection is at Provident God++

A Day with Providence

I'm off to Saint Meinrad Archabbey today for gathering of Providence Associates. We will pray and have reflection together. Share a meal and then return to our homes knowing that God was in our midst and we have the support of others on the journey.

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

Training of Children, Job Description

The Keller Kids

I never fail to be surprised when I have been lead to a reflection. One that draws on so many memories, that there just doesn't seem to be enough time to take it all in. My children have been and still are a tremendous source of pride. I am surprised this time by a quote by Bishop Fulton Sheen.

Home life is the God-appointed training ground of human character, for from the home life of the child springs the maturity of manhood, either for good or for evil.

The Quotable Fulton Sheen

What is he saying? What he says to me is most important. My children have been given to me for the purpose of bringing them home to the Father. I have been charged with the training of these "special deliveries." Their father and I are charged with their care, nurturing and training. We are to be guides in the path of right and wrong.

These children are treasures! They have given us at times disappointment, anxiety, happiness, and joy. They are a never ending source of growth for me. They have brought me to maturity. I can only hope that the path we have traveled will bring us all to the same generous, compassionate, loving Father.

Now I have grandchildren. They, too are a source of pride and joy. But this time, I can only counsel, not mold or teach...Oh, my how difficult it is for me to keep my observations to myself sometimes. But step back I must for I am not the MOTHER this time.

I know you all have similar stories. Take time to reflect on those memories. They can be fulfilling. They may cause us to regret decisions we have made in the past. But if we can REALLY reflect on those times I truly believe you will be aware of the Holy Spirit's guidance. Though things don't always work out for us and our children the way we'd like, I know the source of strength of parenthood comes straight from the Wisdom of the Spirit!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Please visit NC Sue at IN HIM WE LIVE AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING. She has a wonderful story about a "Cracked Pot." It is grand!!!

Mini-reflection

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Washington, DC, 2006

There are some emails that cause one to reflect on the words. There are others that cause one to ask how someone could have thought of the words written. This one caused me to do both.

Without God our week would be

Sinday
Mournday
Tearsday
Wasteday
Thristday
Fightday
and
Shatterday

~~~^j^~~~

So it is that today I say,
"Thanks be to God~"

Holy Wednesday~~Be Not Afraid~~

Music that touches the heart as we begin the journey into the Three Days of Ultimate Sacrifice, Salvation and Glory!

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Thanks be to God!

God's Self-revelation

The Self-revelation of God

The dialogue between God and humanity is the give-and-take of self-revelation and response. That's what's happening in every relationship, you can't understand the rules of prayer.
In prayer God is gradually disclosing himself, revealing herself. So revelation and faith are correlative. There cannot be faith without revelation. We cannot believe in a person who has not shared himself or herself with us. To the degree that person has shared with us, we can believe in that person.

It's the same way with God. When we waste time with the Lord and listen, we're allowing
God to reveal not information but Self. This is what's symbolized on the cross: God is totally disclosed, God is the totally given God. But it takes us a lot of scraping and converting to open ourselves up to that disclosure. If we are filled with ourselves, there is, quite simply, no room for the other, and surely not The Other.

excerpt from The Price of Peoplehood
Radical Grace, Daily Meditations
By Richard Rohr, O.F. M.

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And so it is, as I read this, thatmy prayertime this morning came to mind. Though I seemed focused on the prayers I was saying and the words upon which I was reflecting, I was doing all the talking...MY prayer should be, "Lord keep me QUIET." Perhaps my concern is that if I'm not talking, he won't be listening. Well, I couldn't be more WRONG. Can you sit and be quiet? Can you simply just SIT and be quiet. There are no lessons for this. There is no text with a lesson plan. I have to teach myself the art of QUIET! Will I ever learn!?! The funny thing is, only God will know!

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Thanks be to God!

Road to Providence

Saint Therese of Lisieux
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods

I am working on my next presentation to share with Sr. Dorothy and find it is difficult to grasp the words I am reading. So I took a break and visited Br. Charles at A Minor Friar. It will be well worth your time.

Have a grand day!

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Thanks be to God!

Quiet

Today I was off work. Usually I'm off Wednesday afternoon anyway but I was caught up at work and chose to take it off. Haven't had an Ash Wednesday off in about10 years and found it the most wonderful day I have had in some time.

It was QUIET. I said my morning prayers in QUIET. Reflected at leisure in QUIET. Did my Bible Study in QUIET. Took Duchess out side and SHE was QUIET (usually barking at someone or something). God had gifted me with a real QUIET that I had not experienced in some time. It was refreshing, inspiring, and hard to relinquish.

Then it was time to offer my Mass and receive the Ashes in the evening. It is wonderful to look back on the day and see how I had been prepared for the glory of the evening.

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Thanks be to God!

Tagged Once More

I was tagged by Tracy and RoyalTLady some time ago to do two different MEME's but very much the same in some respects. Catch up is what this is called and I think I can combine them without offending anyone, because they ask me to consider things about who I am.

So, dear friends, these are the rules slightly altered to condense time and space.

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself and things that make you happy.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they've been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.

6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

So here it is. I will tell you what makes me happy and tie it to that random thing that brings our that happiness.

1. My faith. I am privileged to be lector in my parish of St. John the Baptist.

2. My family. I love family reunions. Laughing, loving and telling stories.

3. Sharing my faith. I am in awe of those I meet each year who wish to enter our faith community, as I am privileged to work in the RCIA process at St John's.

4. My grandchildren. From oldest to youngest they make me so happy. Happy because I can see the love and warmth with which they are nourished by their parents.

5. Bible Study. I've always been curious about the Bible and its wealth of instruction. Now I belong to two groups that are nourishing me.

6. My job. I cannot think of a time when I didn't want to help someone. When I was little I would read the monthly Maryknoll Magazine and tell Mom I wanted to be a missionary. Well, Providence led me to nursing. And in a way I'm a missionary as I must help and aid others daily, even to the point of prayer.

I hope this works and no one is offended by this combination but for me this was a wonderful time for reflection on how these two topics really are one. Thank you!

I choose to tag:

CY

ANN

PIA

ABBY

JOY

MARIE & GINNY

~~~^J^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Picture is by tomate d'spingles with thanx!

The Year In Review MEME

Saw on Therese's site Aussie Coffee Shop and will give it a try.

How to Play. 1) Look back to your archives for 2008.) Collect the first sentence you wrote every month for the whole year. (This doesn't have to be the literal first day of the month--just the first post.)3) Entertain us on your blog, link back here, and post a comment here with the link to your blog. (And if you're blogless, just remember the first sentence you spoke every month for the whole year and post it here.

Here Is my contribution.

January Do you remember this picture, those "neolithic-looking" rocks, that I thought were so ugly,The Traveler is Home? Link

February I would ask you all to visit Kathleen at The Daily Grotto for the entire story but needless to say this young lady, Melissa, is in need of our prayers. Link

March By e-mail I got an update from China Little Flower and the work Shannon Walsh is doing for those unfortunate children she works with. Link

April We sometimes forget that there is more to Easter than the celebration of our Lord's Resurrection Day. Link

May Simply put, this is a day in which we can all come together in communion with all faiths to pray for the "health" of our nation. Link

June I was wondering what I was going to say after I had posted The Last Lecture. Link

July I've been tagged again. Link

August mother cradles child,,, she caresses her with love...that's what mothers do. Link

September It time for the most recent newsletter for China Little Flower. Link

October When it's your one of your namesakes feast day you find ways to celebrate. Link

November Well, wouldn't you know? Link

December Even with viruses going around everywhere, it seems that one never expects the one you rely on heavily to get one. Link


Well, as you can see. I had quite a year. The blessing about doing this MEME is that I had the time to reflect on the year by not only going to the 1st post of the month, but also stopping by to read some of the others and read the comments of those generous friends who came by to pay a visit.

I say thank you to Therese for this MEME opportunity and I encourage others to do it too. It is a wonderful tool for reflection. If you choose to do this MEME please let me know so that I can come and reflect with you!!

*The MEME started here at Amy's Word from the Herd
*Visit also Linda at ~~A Truckers Wife~~, Peggy at A Catholic Notebook

~~~*~*~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

There Is no significance attributed to the picture I just wanted to use it because I like it. It's called The Cherry Tree, Cherry Willingham, Lincolnshire by Lincolnian

New Year Reflection

St. Meinrad Archabbey
Originally uploaded by cindy47452

Notice I didn't title this "New Year Resolutions." I make them and break them just as readily. For several years now I have not even attempted any. When the kids were still small and living at home I would set a goal. That, I think, is different than a "resolution."

At any rate here is my reflection by Archabbot Lambert Reilly , O.S.B. from his book Latin Sayings for Spiritual Growth.

Maria montisque polliceri
("The promise of the seas and the mountains")

There is a German saying, "Big in the head and little in the follow-up." Some promises, made in moments of excitement or offered as an extension of our pride, are impossible to keep. Such promises as these are simply beyond the power of the speaker. Do we recall Peter's promises of faithfulness to Christ and his failure to keep them?

God's promises seem the most extreme of all: A child will be born of a virgin. our sins, no matter how great,are forgiven. Spend your days on earth loving God first, and death will not really be the end.

Wild fantasies? Impossible visions? Not with Good, the One who can do a thing, the One who can do all things.

With that same God, we can do some impossible things, too. We can be at peace with life as it is, rather than striving for more. We can forgive. We can even love our enemies.

It's all because of faith. I faith, we take on the mind of God, open our hearts to His strength, and live within the peace of His promises.

~~~~~

This New Year brings we again to, NOT a new beginning, but an extension of the years gone by. It does offer us possibilities to live as God's chosen. As Fr. C wrote in his blog about the Inner Light, we can be mirrors of Christ to those we encounter along our way. I hope to recognize Christ as my companion this year. My hope is that all will recognize Christ as their companion this year.

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Thanks be to God

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!

Simple Woman's Day Book

This looked interesting from The Simple Woman. It's called The Simple Woman's Daybook. It has been interesting to read other's thoughts and dreams and so I thought I would give it a try. So if you are interested in giving it a try visit that address above.

~^j^~

FOR TODAY May 19, 2008...

Outside My Window...The light breeze blows through the trees in the neighborhood.
I am thinking...I wish we weren't so busy today. I could spend time in the garden.
I am thankful for...friends who share their dreams with me.
From the kitchen...I'm considering what to do this week for meals. A busy week it is. Tonight will be left overs, tomorrow dinner out with my Cursillo group. Perhaps Brunswick stew in the Crockpot for Wednesday as it is Kellie's 8th grade graduation and we will be scurrying hither and yon to get ready. MMMM leftover Brunswick stew Thursday (even better then) and out to dinner and graduation parties all weekend to come.
I am wearing...my uniform for work.
I am creating...still the baby afghan for "little miss muffett."
I am going...come home from work this afternoon and start potting my outdoor petunias.
I am reading...2 Chronicles, which is a real challenge, Buckingham Palace Gardens, a mystery by Diane Perry.
I am hoping...to start a Philadelphia Catholic in King James Court, by Martin De Porres Kennedy
I am hearing...silence.
Around the house...the cat is curled up on the blanket in the back bedroom, Duke and Duchess are napping.
One of my favorite things...listening to old radio programs.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Meet with Father Gene for Spiritual Direction, and work with a friend on planning some changes in our gardens.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Mary Engelbrecht

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God Bless you today
and
Thanks be to God!