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!

Premio Dardos

I'm privileged to have been awarded this award by Marie at View From The Pews and Esther at A Catholic Mom in Hawaii. To them I offer my sincere thanks, for these are two grand ladies. This award acknowledges the values that every blogger shows in his/her effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary and personal values every day. Both Blogs truly exemplify these values!

The rules to follow are :1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person that has granted the award and his or her blog link.
2) Pass the award to other 15 blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment.
Remember to contact each of them to let them know they have been chosen for this award. (Sorry, but I may not have the time to do this).

This is the difficult part. Not giving 15 but finding 15 who have not already been gifted with this award. So, I will do my best.

This I Do
Made for Joy
Eileen on Him...At least I try!
Unexpected Journey
Tea Time With Melody
Sonflower
Musing at 85
Are We There Yet

The Best Nest
Catholic Teacher Musings

Christ's Rose
The Dutchess
~~A Trucker's Wife~~
A Catholic Notebook
Decrease to Increase

Congratulations to you all!

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Thanks be to God for both Marie and Esther. And Easter
who earlier granted me the Hot Blog Award I also
say Thank You! I credited her sister Esther for
that one...I have found "humility" to be my friend
and companion this week.

Again!!! Thanks be to God!!!

Give this heart to everyone you care about including me if you care. Try to collect 5. Its not easy. I may not be the most important person in your LIFE. I just hope that when you hear my name you smile and say, THAT'S MY FRIEND!

~~~^j^~~~
Know that for all of you I say,
"Thanks be to God!"

The road to recovery is sublime...

As the sun was going down this evening on my way home from work, I noticed the glow of the trees in all their glory. It seemed their color alone could light the way. That, the Glory of God.

Tonight as Duchess and I went outside for a few minutes while she sniffed the fresh air and scouted the back yard, rising was not only the moon, but also Venus and Jupiter. That, the Glory of God!

Healing has come. The throat is less sore and the cough less frequent. Today the beginning of antibiotic therapy. That, the Glory of God.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

A Simple Woman's Daybook

While it's been a 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.

So I begin.

1. I'm thinking...the trees still are in all their glory. God is allowing us to appreciate them a little longer this year..

2. From the Kitchen...and this morning it's hot oatmeal.

3. I am creating...and have nearly completed my presentation for RCIA Wednesday night.

4. I'm wearing... robe and slippers. (Some things never change.)

5. I am reading..."The Words we Pray" by Amy Welborn, again.

6. I'm hoping...I'm completely over this sore throat by Wednesday and tha I don't sound like an old fog horn. It is still sore and the cough is such a nuisance.

7. I am hearing...Duchess, the dog, snoring.

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

9. Few plans for the rest of the week...Get it readiness for my 1st meeting with Sister Dorothy and we journey the road to my becoming a Providence associate.

10. One of my favorite things is...the color of trees this time of year tha remind me that they are again preparing for a new resurrection in the Spring.

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

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

China Little Flower

This letter from Shannon at China Little Flower is just a reminder to all that we are entrusted with the care and nourishment of souls that cross our paths. In this month in which we give thanks for all our blessing. Please take time to investigate how you can personally become involved in the lives of those in most need. God will be good to you just as he has always been.

I received this gift from Esther. I am pleased she thinks this blog is HOT. So, I will pass it on to some other Hot Blogs. Thank you Esther!!!

1. Mike at This I Do
2. Angie at Sonflower
3. Joy at Norwich Daily Photo
4. Tracy at A Catholic Mom in Minnesota

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

A reason be to QUIET...

Well, wouldn't you know? The Feast of Saint Blase isn't until February 3. Can't remember the last time I had a sore throat like this. It feels like I had my tonsils removed all over again...Dr. Kris said the best thing to do is just rest my voice for the weekend as I have had this for about 4 days now and being quiet would help. (A boss's gentle way of saying,"Be still.") The cough medicine worked now if only the honey and lemon would do their part...

You all have a restful, holy weekend and perhaps by the time I am due to lector tomorrow, all will be "well."

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

Bad Haiku Friday

WHY?

It is a quandary
It's a mystery to me
Why some can't comment.

Of late I've gotten emails from friends, long-time blogging friends who tell me they are unable to leave a comment on my blog. I got another yesterday. I've worked again on the settings and tried to figure out why some can and others seem to have difficulty. As a system's check, would you just say, "Hi"? This boggles the mind, of which I seem to be missing the technical part. Thank you!

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And
Thanks be to God!

The Prayer

The topic this week...Prayer. There is much to learn and be taught about prayer. Interestingly, there is a lot written about prayer. So, while I have the chance, in preparation for my presentation I though I would share my wanderings with you.

In Catholicism for Dummies I found this.

We Are Family

In the Bible, a mother begged Jesus to drive a demon our of her daughter (Mark 7:25-30). The Church maintains that Jesus, being God and man, already knew that the daughter was plagued by a demon, so he didn't need the mother to tell him. But he allow and permitted the mother to get involved and ask for help on behalf fo her child.

Likewise, the Church believes that Jesus doesn't need the saints to tell him anything but he permits people to ask the saints to ask him for help. Why? Because humankind is all one family, all made in the image and likeness of God, all children of God, and all brothers and sisters in Christ, with Jesus being the brother. And the dead who should are with God are still part of the family of humankind and still connected to all on earth.

On the eve of a weekend when All Saints are honored and All Souls prayed for I offer this as reflection on Prayer. Wishing you all peace of mind and love of the Savior through prayer.

I would also ask for YOUR intercessory prayer for Evelyn Bethel, the is the mother of my friend Karen, as she undergoes surgery today to repair a broken hip. May God the Father , the Son and Holy Spirit be with them all especially the surgeons who perform the surgery!

~~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God

I Nearly Did It...

Yes I did. I set up another blog. Called it the Road to Providence. Worked on all the colors, fonts, gave it a "look". Then logic prevailed. (Anyone who knows me knows that that is not always the case. Usually it's emotions before logic) What in the world was I doing? I have difficulty managing this blog. What would I do with two? So I have decided if I wanted to share with you anything about my journey to becoming an associate of the Sisters of Providence I would use "Road to Providence" in the Title above...Certainly made sense to me!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to GOD!!!

OH!!!! Stop by A Catholic Mom in Minnesota today. She has a great list of Truths for "After the Election."