Climbing the Ladder

Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.

~Saint Rose of Lima~



I was really struck by these words this morning. The image of the cross as a ladder is really profound. Imagine it as a ladder and at the top of the ladder our Savior offering a helping hand. Isn't that what he does every day? He continually offers that loving hand and we may choose to allow him to help or reject it because we think we can do it better...When we succeed though, did we really do it by ourselves?

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

You Broke The Reigns of Death, All Souls Day

Spiritually, I love the month of November, when the church seems to exercise a maternal concern for her suffering children and when the communion of saints seems more alive. In addition to my prayers for the church, for souls, for my loved one, and for those who have asked to be remembered, I especially like to pray for the souls in purgatory, for the dying.

~Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur

So it is that we pray for all the faithful departed this day.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Haunted House in Lights

Haunted House in Light
Originally uploaded by Norbini

I was looking for a picture of a haunted house to post today and found this much more exciting and a beautiful work of art as well!!! Have a grand day!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God

Haunted House in Light
Originally uploaded by Norbin

Gorgeous Blogger Award

Yesterday Therese of Aussie Coffee Shop gave me this award. Isn't cute? So to here I say, "Thank you very much!" And now I will continue.

Here are the rules:

By accepting this award I am required to tell you six things about myself that you don't know and then award it to six other gorgeous bloggers.

1) I have 5 children (I know you know that) born in 4 states, Colorado, California, Oklahoma ("where the wind comes sweeping down the plain) and Indiana.

2) I received my degree in Gerontology at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College at the age of 48.

3) I need to tune my harp and practice...It's getting close to the Christmas Season and even though I am NOT very good at playing, I really should try.

4) I am hoping to go on retreat to St. Meinrad early next year. It is so invigorating.

5) I wish I had a professional camera...probably not a good idea though. I'd probably not understand how to use all the gadgets!

6) Wish I could dance...but the klutz that I am enables me to stumble, fumble and generally look as "graceless" as you can imagine.

Now 6 bloggers to pass this award onto:

In Him I Live and Move and Have My Being

RoyalTLady

On My Own

The Dutchess

Made for Joy

Mrs. Pogle's World

And three for good measure

Blessings Each Day

Are We There Yet

A Journey Through His Garden

Wishing all a grand day! Will be off to INDY for Halloween with the Grand Kids and a Happy All Hallow's Eve to you. Can hardly wait! [Will be staying home...I have a cold! DRAT! That's why I'm soooo blue!]

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

So Thankful for Friends

I was given this award by Marcy at Blessings Each Day. To her I say a heartfelt Thank YOU!!! I love surprises and she is a treasure. Visiting her blog is a wonderful experience.

IF YOU COULD COME BACK AS AN ANIMAL, WHICH WOULD IT BE?

I believe if I was to come back as an animal I think it would be a kangaroo. Bouncing around seems like fun and with that pouch there's no need to carry a purse.

SOMETHING YOU COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT

The presence of God in my life and hope of a new tomorrow.

WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST IN ANOTHER PERSON

A sense of humor, compassion, tenderness and a dreamer

THE COLORS YOU TEND TO WEAR ARE

Navy and shades of brown

THREE WORDS THAT DEFINE YOU

Caring, understanding, hopeful

A PLACE YOU WOULD TRAVEL TO

Ireland again.

YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE FROM A BOOK OR MOVIE

"We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed firmly on God." Saint Francis de Sales

SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO

I'd like to spend more time with family and friends.

YOUR MAIN STRENGTH/FORTE

The ability to offer an ear for those who need an attentive ear.

You are also supposed to send this on to seven "young" blogs and seven blogs of wisdom. the nice thing about something like this is that it enables us to get to know one another just a little bit better and these 'tags, you're it' are fun and finally, if you have blogger's block, instead of walking around the block (get it...hee, hee???), you have something instant and easy to post.

Here is my list of Young and Wise Blogs (in no particular order):

1) Aussie Coffee Shop

2) Castles, Crowns and Cottages

3) Catholic Teacher's Musings

4) Cuisine Kathleen

5) Eileen on Him...At Least I Try

6) Jenny of Elefantz

7) La Dolce Vita: the sweet life with three sons

8) My Chocolate Heart

9) Umma's World

10) Tamara's Treasures

11) Scraps of Starlight

12) So...This Is The Road I Am Traveling On

13) My Wonderful Life

14) Catholic Mom in Hawaii

This was a great pleasure for me as I was able to offer to you all some blogs that Have welcomed me and offered me pleasure, insights and laughter. Please enjoy!!!

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