Paul the Parent

Photo by Luis

On the day after our newest grandchild made her entrance into the world I had a revelation. As I read this reflection from Praying with Saint Paul, I had a vision of Paul as a parent. I don't think I ever thought of him like that before ( and only now probably because parenting is an immediate and timely subject for me). And in that light I see him as a stern but loving parent. And I realized that as I read this. I have always thought of him as teacher, preacher and example, but not as a father. Amazing! And so I share it with you.

Zeal for Souls
by
Father Gary Caster

Do everything without grumbling or questioning, that you may
be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in
the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom
you shine like light in the world, as you hold onto the word of
life, so that my boast for the day of Christ may be that I did not
run in vain or labor in vain.
(Philippians 2: 14-16)

The affection Saint Paul has for the Philippians reveals the true nature of zeal for souls. He know his life to be so inextricably bound to theirs that he cannot possibly imagine "the day of Christ Jesus" apart from them. Because Paul cannot think of or envision his own relationship with God apart from the Christian community he runs his life for others, seeking to build up the children of God according to the same word of life that changed his own. Paul encourages the Philippians to do the same because he encountered this word of life in a man whose flesh and blood perfectly communicates the Presence of the Mystery that is God. Paul is pleading with them from his heart, trying to persuade them according tot he truth which is also in theirs. His singular concern and the effort of all his labors is that the Philippians will faithfully adhere to Christ, "without grumbling or questioning," because trust is the hallmark of Christian discipleship. Paul knows that if they trust, if they hold fast to Christ in the act of following him, their lives will "shine like Lights" and become beacons of hope for the rest of the world. Paul has seen for himself and can testify how the very light of the Son of God radiates from those who labor according to God's wishes, serving him with gladness and freedom of heart. Paul knows that Christ has not left the world, but remains present through his Body, the Church, in an active vital way. The hope for any generation lost in the perversions that result from the disorders of sin is to be reborn as sons and daughters of God. To remain "without blemish" is truly possible to the extent that one remains open to the Word of life and continues to explore what Christ makes possible in the act of following him.

Heavenly, father your zeal for us is revealed in the life, death and resurrection of your Son. Let my heart be consumed by this same zeal so that others may come to know and experience what I have found in you.

~~*~~*~~

It is worthwhile then, to reflect as parents and grandparents on the lessons of Saint Paul, the concerned father of children entrusted to his care. And so when we want to "grumble or question" perhaps looking to the lessons of Saint Paul, we can best be reminded that trust in the Almighty and his goodness and generosity will bring us into the Light of Christ. Maybe we should look to Saint Paul when trying to improve our parenting skills.

Father Gary Caster is a priest of the Diocese of Peoria, IL. He is Catholic chaplain of Williams College in Massachusetts and the author of Mary, in Her Own Words: The Mother of God in Scripture.

Thanks be to God!!

Announcing a NEW ARRIVAL

Madeleine Hope Keller joined the family this morning at about 2:00 a.m. EDT. We cannot tell you how pleased we are that she has arrived. Probably no more so than Kelly, her lovely mother who gave birth and Daddy, Dave. She joins a family in which there are already 4 handsome and talented brothers.

Madeline, Grandpa and I want to wish you love, joy, and happiness as you begin this journey. You are and will be loved by so many!

Congratulations David and Kelly! We know how happy you must be at the arrival of your new little treasure. How dazzling must be the light you see Madeline's eyes.

Cameron, Benjamin, Andrew and Jonathan how proud and pleased you must be today as you meet you little sister. Our wish for you is that you alway love and cherish her as she will you.

Let us adore the Lord
maker of marvelous things,
heaven bright with angels,
on earth, white waved seas.
~Anonymous: 9th century~

A Book of Old Irish Monastic Prayer Poems
translated by Malachi McCormick

~~~~~~~

My sincerest,
Thanks be to God!

Would you look at this...

Sam the Regal Cat...

...resting on his royal throne.

The irony is that Sam really appears to look like the cat on the throw...I could only laugh as he seemed entirely oblivious to the camera and me. I wasn't going to ruffle his "royal" feathers. This was my bit of humor today and it was well worth waiting for. Hope you can get a chuckle out of it, too.

~~~^j^~~~

Good evening
and
Thank be to God!!

Missing...

This was not going to be my post today. I awoke this morning and opened my blog to find that an entire days comments had been eliminated from the Cellphone Popcorn post. I was certainly dismayed to see that. I had actually enjoyed reading the comments and found. even though you can't pop corn with the cellphone, ('twould have been handy if marooned on a desert island and until the battery ran down) it was fun to read and share each comment.



Then, to my horror, it occurred to me that those who were no longer in the comment box might think that I had erased theirs. Well, please let it be known that I did not delete the comments from August 6 2008, and if anyone knows how I can retrieve them please let me know. I'd really like to have them back. It's like I lost an entire day...at my age that's risky!

Wishing you all a good day and please comment, if only to say, "Hello."

~~~~~~
Thanks be to God

Cellphone Popcorn...

Picture by lla

Okay, I know I am gullible...Anyone in my family can tell you how easy it is to "gotcha" me! Soooo, I'm asking, is this really true and can it really happen?

Cellphone Popcorn

And if it can happen, WHY?

~~~~~~~

For all I do not understand
or will never understand,
Thanks be to God!!!

It allows me to use that faith offered so freely!

Interesting Facts About the State of Colorado...

Mom sent me this in an email. It was so good that I just had to share it with you. My only regret is that I have no new pictures of my "home state."

Here are some curious things you might not know about Colorado .

Highest Climb. The highest vertical climb is not on a mountain but up the north side of the Black Canyon . Rising 1,700 feet, this sheer rock face is even higher than the famous Diamond on Longs Peak and was not conquered until 1969.

Deepest Snow. In 1899 Crested Butte recorded 254 inches of snow near the top of Kebler Pass. That year, snow buried a train near Leadville and left only stove pipes showing above cabins at many mountain towns. Usually, Wolf Creek Pass near Pagosa Springs gets the most snow in Colorado .

Oldest Hotel. The Peck House in the little town of Empire , near Berthoud Pass , is Colorado 's oldest hotel. It was built in 1859 by James Peck. Early guests included President Ulysses S. Grant and other famous people.

Highest Town. Leadville is the highest (10,200 feet) incorporated town in Colorado and the entire U.S. It has also had the highest rate of premature babies in the U.S. Researchers concluded that the altitude causes smaller babies.

Largest Nuggets. The biggest gold nugget in Colorado weighed 135 ounces and was found near Breckenridge in 1887 by miner Tom Broves. The biggest silver nugget weighed 1,840 pounds and was found at an Aspen mine in 1894.

Largest Elk Antlers. Measuring 52 inches at the widest point, the antlers of an elk: killed in 1899 near Crested Butte are still on display at that town's visitor center. In 1961, Boone and Crockett researchers declared it to be the largest elk rack in history.

Toughest Climate. No crops are grown around the town of Silverton, north of Durango . At 9,318 feet elevation, Silverton's growing season between frosts is only two weeks. San Juan County here is reportedly the only county in the U.S. without a single acre of agricultural land.

Worst Drought. About every 40 years, Colorado experiences a drought, according to tree-ring researchers. The worst was in the 1200s. It lasted 25 years and may have driven the Indians from Mesa Verde. During the Dust Bowl on the eastern plains, one cloud of dust on April 4, 1935, gathered itself to 1,000 feet high and 200 miles wide. It traveled at 60 miles an hour, suffocated hundreds of animals and damaged many people's health.

Driest Town. Delta, south of Grand Junction, gets less rain per year than Tucson, Arizona .

Musical Dunes. Winds blowing around the Great Sand Dunes near Alamosa create sounds resembling music. That's how Music Pass above the dunes got its name.

Women's Rights. Colorado was the second state in the U.S. to give women the right to vote. Wyoming was the first. You would think the eastern states would have been more progressive, but it took the frontier adventure to make men realize how strong and intelligent women were.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

One of the Deadly Sins...

Well, in the last several weeks I have been traveling from blog to blog enjoying all these wonderful homes...I must say I was "envious" of the beauty I have been finding in these places. So in my desire to be "beautiful " too, I sought a way to transfer the blog I had to a new template. I did what I could to transfer my insignificant information into the new template only to find that when I clicked "OK" I lost all my side bar information. Envy does reek havoc!

I have done my best to replicate the side bar, but you know I'm not just sure what all was there. So, if you don't see yourself at "Blarney Corner" right now that doesn't mean you will not return. I've just misplaced you.

You know the funny thing I realized about all this is that AGAIN the "grass is not always greener on the other side."

I do want to thank you all who have told me how much you like the new look. I really appreciate it. It was fun and I didn't lose anything. (I'd already lost it! HEHEHE!)

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Aside: Picture is of grand-daughter, Ainsley, last summer in MT. She's peeking through a hole in the fence to watch the kids next door bounce on the trampoline. Kids are so darling and innocent!

China Little Flower

It's time for the monthly update. And with the Olympic Games coming to China, I thought I would share the notes from Shannon and the pictures she sends. Please pray for her and all who assist her in her work with these lovely children of God.

~~~~~
Thank you
and
Thanks be to God!

Bad Haiku Friday

mother cradles child

she caresses her with love

that's what mothers do

Done and done...because of a double dog dare I could not resist from Bia. It was challenging to say the least and the words did not "flow." It must take a lot of practice for it seems to me these words lack the grace and tenderness of others I have read. Pretty rough around the edges, wouldn't you say?

I would also encourage you to visit Suzy Q and find out about her give-away! It will be worth your while.

~~~~~~~

It IS Friday, so for that I say,
"Thanks be to God!"

The Reunion That Never Ends...

Today's reflection in Praying with Saint Paul, edited by Father Peter John Cameron, O.P. reminded me of two things. First, family though not near, is always family. And memories of family, even after the reunion are precious and dear, if not emboldening. And then that the family of God is always near. They, too, support, encourage and support us. A family in every way!!!

Family Ties
by
Father Gary Caster

"Conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ, so
that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear news
of you, that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind
struggling together for the faith of the gospel, not intimidated in
any way by your opponents."
Philippians 1: 27-28

Saint Paul's words to the Philippians remind me of something my parents used to say to me and my brothers and sisters whenever we were going to be away from home or our on our own: "Behave yourselves." This was their simple way of reminding us to be the persons they raised us to be, and not to be "intimidated by whatever conflicting influences we might encounter. Unfortunately, there were times I failed to do so. It was then they would point out how my behavior didn't faithfully reflect the way I had been raised. Saint Paul uses similar words to encourage his spiritual children. He wants them to remember that in all ways and at all times they are members of the Christian family. Their conduct should therefore reflect "the way of the Gospel" in which they have been raised. as sons and daughters of God, their actions should depend--not on whether Paul is with them--but solely on the truth of who they are in Christ. Standing firm in this is a positive safe-guard against difficult situation and opposing voices. Saint Paul know they don't have to be told how to behave; they simply need to be reminded who they are. As Christians, our conduct, should flow naturally from the one spirit that binds us together as a family. The way of the Gospel requires a unity that goes beyond personal preferences, social bonds, or individual comfort levels. as one that draws us together in good times and in bad, In sickness and in health, in riches and in poverty. Only as a family united in mutual and loving concern, only as a family--one in mind and heart--can we live in peace undisturbed by those who fear, reject or are opposed to the way of the Gospel.

Heavenly Father, through the power of your spirit, let me alway live according to the truth of who I have become in Christ, never forgetting who I am, standing firm before the world ever confident in your love.

So I am encouraged, in many ways, to thank my family for the love, support, encouragement and loyalty. I can say I have never doubted their love. Then I thank my family in Christ through which this very same love, support, encouragement and loyalty has been shown to me. Through these loving people I have been guided in a mutual love of God and would be lost without them.

~~~~~

Finally, I say heartfelt and sincere,
"Thanks be to God!"

Who'd have thought...

First Class

Ron and I have traveled some in our 40 years of marriage, though not extensively and it has mostly been to visit family. So when this summer's vacation itinerary was adopted we knew it would be exciting and challenging...

The first trip to MT started off a little rocky with a storm delay in INDY that caused us to miss our scheduled flight out of Minneapolis. Northwest took great care to make sure our flight and plans were not disrupted to dramatically. As a matter of fact, when we got off the plane in Minneapolis they already had our tickets to Billings available to us and much to our surprise we were up-graded to 1st Class.

The next trip was to the Stubbs Family Reunion in Santa Fe. All went well in our travels until our flight home. It seems the American Airlines plane that arrived the night before from LA had smoke in the cabin and it needed to be test flown to make sure it was safe to carry passengers. We were going to be late leaving Albuquerque by about 1 1/2 hours. American was great and had our flight to INDY scheduled without too much delay. When we arrived in Dallas, Marianne noticed that there was an earlier flight to INDY and so we decided that since we would not lose our seats if we chose to fly stand-by we'd give it a shot...Well, we made the stand-by flight and much to our surprise and delight we were again seated in...YES, 1st Class.

Knowing this may never happen again, Ron and I have laughed and shaken our heads in delight. It will be known as the Summer of 2008 Keller's Great Travel Adventure that began and ended in FIRST CLASS!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

The Unspectacular Quirk MEME

My daughter-in-law, Kelly, tagged me. And it's only fair that I respond because I have tagged her so many times...

So, here goes...

1. I always have cold hands...Mother said the only reason I got into nursing school was because I passed "the cold hands test."

2. I was reminded this last week just how much I dislike hominy. It was served with every Mexican food dish I ordered this weekend. (Ron was in "hog heaven" because he got to eat all of mine!)

3. I hate to iron...Thank goodness for Downy Wrinkle Release Spray.

4. I love to travel but darned if I know why I clean the house before I leave. I'm not going to enjoy this while I'm gone.

5. I realllllly hate good-byes!

6. I become distraught when newscasters and reporters cannot use proper grammar. I throw my hands up in despair and frustration. Does that bother anyone else?

~~~~~~~

So, there they are, and now I will charge 6 others to do the same, including, but not limited to , No Body Said Life Was Fair..., Crocus in the Valley, A Truckers Wife, Aussie Coffee Shop, Made for Joy, and A World of Beauty.

It's so good to be back. When I get the pictures all sorted and ready to show from the wonderful travels I have enjoyed, you'll be the first to share them!

~~~^*^*^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Feel free to check my grammar...I usually need help, too.

VAGABOND MOTEL

VAGABOND MOTEL
Originally uploaded by dudaleite67

The vagabonds are off again this week to Santa Fe. It is Ron's family reunion so I'll be gone a short time once again...

REALITY CHECK...This is the last "trip" until Thanksgiving! Better enjoy it while I can! Know you will all be thought of often and will be in my prayers!!

For all of you I say! Thanks be to God!!!

Feast of St. Mary Magdalen

When he had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.
~Mark 16:9-11~

The Magdalene, most of all, is the model I like to follow. That boldness of hers, which would be so amazing if it weren't the boldness of a lover, won the heart of Jesus and how it fascinates mine!

~Saint Therese of Lisieux~

~~~~~

Oh, to have the faith of such a woman. The humility to say I have sinned and then to repent of our sins with such determination as to follow Jesus with a "bold" heart as Saint Therese suggests. I can only pray that the Holy Spirit will embolden me in much the same way!

For all the graces granted to me,
in so many ways,
Thanks be to God!

Funny Squirrels

Because of the diligence of Lisa at Are We There Yet I found out that when I first posted this it was routed through G-mail. I have found it and am trying again.

It is so funny, yet awesome, that this animal could learn these feats.

~~~^j^~~~

So I ask you all to enjoy

and

Thanks be to God for humor!!!

Simply Amazing...

Ron and I are married 40 years today! Through the years we have had our ups, downs, saddness and joys, yet there is no one with whom I would rather spend my time and my life. He is my very best friend!

So it is on this morning I began my reflection from Praying With Saint Paul, edited by Father Peter John Cameron, O.P. Actually, I was reading ahead, when much to my delight I found what I was reading must have been written for just Ron and me. And it brings comfort and joy, knowing that all these years the "Light" of Christ is the beacon by which we have been guided and secure. So it is, to family and friends, I say thank you, too.

Love and Service
John Janaro

"Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ."
(Ephesians 5: 21)

This text establishes the ultimate contrast not only for most intimate human relationships (those within the family , and especially those between husband and wife) but also for all human relationships. Human beings are called to live in communion with one another with a unity that comes from God and reflects his glory. Thus human relationships witness to the mystery of God insofar as they are constituted by love. Love is simple, and yet in this life it seems to complicated even for Christians. We are commanded to "love one another" and yet this love seems like an ideal to strive for rather than an established reality among us (thus we are exhorted to "forgive one another" continually). The "new law" of life in the Spirit is, indeed, a law of love. What is the real mystery of love? The law of love is self-giving. It is affirmation of the other person in a way that made the lover transcend himself and place himself "at the disposal" of the beloved. The radical nature of love in any relationship consists in each person giving himself to the other in love, and divesting himself of self-centeredness in order to "make space" for the one who is loved. Thus each person becomes capable of giving himself fully and receiving the gift of the other person by "emptying" himself. Christian "subordination" is defined ultimately by the self-giving love of Jesus Christ. The One who created all things freely took the lowest place in order to give himself to everyone and made space withing himself for everyone. Human being find themselves in a variety of relationships that imply different kinds and different levels of "authority" and "obedience." Christian love transforms both into self-surrendering love of Jesus, in whom we discover that "to server is to reign."

Almighty God, transform all our relationships according to the pattern of Jesus ' obedience to you and to the gift of himself to us

__________________________________________________________

Thanks Be to God!!!

~~^j^~~

"Back Home Again in Indiana..."

What a trip!! We had adventure, magnificent weather, and family fun! Montana is a great place to visit! It started off a little bumpy in INDY as we were delayed for over an hour because of severe thunder storms. So, we missed our first flight to Billings. When we landed in Minneapolis Northwest Airways already had us booked on the next flight and we were up-graded to 1st class...Have never flown 1st class and probably never will again, but it was GRAND!


There is so much to tell you and so little time (I'm doing the laundry as we speak), so I thought I would share one of the unique sandwich places to which my brother, Phil, took us. Actually, he and Ron ate at the same place in Bozman the day before...Ron just had to have another sub so they took Mom and me the next day.

It is from the Pickle Barrel...

This is just 1/2 of the Cougar Sandwich and Mom and I only ate 1/3 of it...
Whew!!! But is was good!!
~~~~^^~~~

To which we all said after lunch,
"Thanks be to God!"

Off to Visit Mom...

My Mom

Will be leaving Saturday to visit Mom, Phil, Deb and Megan in MT for a few days. As a result I'm posting today as I will be busy getting organized...

I am still amazed how I am guided to appropriate offerings for this post. I am reminded of my mother and how we were taught. Many evenings while helping with the dishes. I remember her patience when she would remind us that one does not end a sentence with a preposition. (Question: "Where is the milk at?" Answer: "Behind the 'at'") Spelling was a game we would play and Scrabble, the ultimate game and time with Mom, was played with vigor and intensity.

I want to leave you with the reflection from Praying With Saint Paul, edited by Father Peter John Cameron, O.P.

A Mother's "Word-Box"

"And [Christ] gave [...] teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ, so that we may no loner be infants,tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery, from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming."
~Ephesians 4:11-14~

I had always considered by sister-in-law toe an outstanding Christian mother, lovingly attentive to the needs of her children. On day I noticed something that helped me to understand a deeper dimension of the vocation of motherhood. as her elder daughter was soon approaching school age, my sister-in-law decided to begin teaching her reading and vocabulary skills. Not willing to allow the television to do such important work, this loving and attentive mother developed her won word game (she called it the "word-box.")

In his 1988 encyclical letter Mulieris dignitatum, Pope John Paul II described the uniqueness of the vocation of the mother as one who "is filled with wonder at this mystery of life and understands with unique intuition what is happening inside her." Indeed, my sister-in-law was responding to the graces of Christ in nourishing and educating her children, ever attentive to their particular needs.

Saint Paul reminds us that Christ gives his holy one the graces to build up his Body, the Church. When we participate in the building up of the spiritual edifice which is the Church, we are preserved from the emptiness that the world offers. When parents respond to the graces of their vocation, their children grow in knowledge and love so that they can resist worldly deceptions. My sister-in-law was building up both her own family and the whole Body of Christ in knowledge and love.

~~~~~~~

Lord Jesus, giver of the gift of motherhood, grant that all mothers may respond to your wondrous graces as they care for their children.

And so, dear mothers and friends, I leave you for several days to ponder, pray, and give thanks for your gifts of motherhood. Christ has indeed blessed us with his graces in so many ways. And you have all blessed me! Indeed, I thank you!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Sorting and Cleaning...

One cannot sort and clean without being distracted by magazines once read but somehow forgotten. Such was the case of the St. Anthony Messenger, February, 2008, sitting on my desk, lo these many months. So I thumbed through it and what a surprise...

And so it is with a brain mushy from the humidity and eyes watering and itching from allergies that I send you this bit of humor! I wondered how the "little buggers" survived in the off season. (Who would have thought, mosquitoes in February? Ingenious!)

Wishing all a grand and glorious day!!!

~~~~~~~
Thanks be to God!

How do you decide who to marry...

I hope you will laugh as heartily as I did after I received this as an email...Whew!!! Kleenex anyone?


HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY? (written by kids)

-You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
-- Alan, age 10

-No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
-- Kristen, age 10

2. WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
-- Camille, age 10

3. HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
-- Derrick, age 8

4. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
Both don't want any more kids.
-- Lori, age 8

5. WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
-Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
-- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)

-On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
-- Martin, age 10

6. WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
-When they're rich.
-- Pam, age 7

-The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
- - Curt, age 7

-The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
- - Howard, age 8

7. IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
-- Anita, age 9 (bless you child )

8. HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?
There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
-- Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 Favorite is ..........

9. HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck .

-- Ricky, age 10

~~~~~~~^j^~~~~~~~

For children and their veritable
wealth of knowledge I say,

"Thanks be to God!"
And to my friend, Karen!

Twas a Grand 4th of July...

The Keller Clan was on a mission...So much so they wouldn't stop to have a picture taken.
We gathered at the Ohio River here in Newburgh.

Marianne and fiancé, Eric.

Kellie...

Laura, Neil and Roy. (Grandpa is in the background) for a magnificent evening of fireworks.
Early in the day we shared a meal in the cool breeze of an Indiana 4th...not always so cool.

I had a difficult time deciding which of the movies I
took that would be the best. It was a GRAND
show. So here is the one I thought you might like
the best.

And so I say, God bless America, the Flag and...
Motherhood!!!

~~~~~~~/*/*/*~~~~~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Celebrate!

We have much to celebrate this 4th of July Weekend. Perhaps, taking time out to take stock of our lives is a good start to that celebration. And then thanking the Author of this celebration is essential. After offering words of gratitude, then turn our prayers to others.

This is not a lesson on prayer as, I for one, have difficulty expressing how to pray. But I have found another's lesson I'd like to share with you.

Pray for One Another

We often wonder what we can do for others, especially for those in great need. It is not a sign of powerlessness when we say: "we must pray for one another." To pray for one another is, first of all, to acknowledge, in the presence of God, that we belong to each other as children of the same God. Without this acknowledgment of human solidarity, what we do for one another does ot flow from who we truly are. We are brothers and sisters, not competitors or rivals. We are children of one God, not partisans of different gods.

To pray, that is, to listen to the voice of the One who calls us the "Beloved," is to learn that that voice excludes no one. Where I dwell, God dwells with me and where God dwells with me I find all my sisters and brothers. And so intimacy with God and solidarity with all people are two aspects of swelling in the present moment that can never be separated.

~~Here and Now
The Only Necessary Thing: Living a Prayerful Life
by Henri J. M. Nouwen
compiled and edited by Wendy Wilson Greer

So it is that on this weekend when we Americans have so much for which to be grateful, I encourage you all to stop and pray for each other. Pray for me! I will pray for you. Pray for peace and understanding. When we do this we know we have a captive audience, an attentive ear. Why not take advantage of it?!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

FOUR, FOUR, FOUR, FOUR MeMe

I've been tagged again. This time by Lisa. The daunting FOUR, FOUR, FOUR,FOUR! It was a lot of fun and now you know even more about me...I'm also learning more about me with each new MEME. Please feel free to laugh and make comments!

A. Four places that I go to over and over:

1. Church
2. Work
3. Target/Kohls
4. To the Ackerman House because we are lucky they live so near, otherwise I'd be at all the kids houses all the time.

B. Four people who email me regularly:

1. Kay
2. John (Ron's brother-in-law)
3. Karen
4. Catherine

C. My favorite 4 places to eat:

1. Rafferty's

2. Texas Roadhouse

3. Cracker Barrel
4. Olive Garden

D. Four places I would rather be right now:

1. Visiting all my kids wherever they may be.
2. Visiting Mom in Montana
3. The mountains of Colorado
4. On the road with Ron to wherever the travel takes us.

E. Four people I think will respond:

1. Bia
2. Cy
3. Tracy
4. Linda

F. Four TV shows I watch all the time:

1. Masterpiece (Mystery) Theater
2. NCIS
3. Monk
4. Journey Home (EWTN)

G. Four words that describe you:

1. inquisitive
2. considerate
3. gullible
4. funny (well, I think I am)

H. Four favorite "old school" Hollywood actors/actresses:

1. Jimmy Stewart
2. Paul Newman
3. Katherine Hepburn/Audrey Hepburn
4. William Powell/Myrna Loy

I. Four favorite "old school" television game shows (since I went back to work 22 years ago I not sure if some of these are still on TV:

1. The Price Is Right
2. Concentration
3. Hollywood Squares
4. Password

J. Four favorite "old school" television shows:

1. Perry Mason
2. That Girl
3. Alfred Hitchcock Presents
4. Bonanza

K. List four things you liked best about Christmas when you were a child:

1. The decorations
2. Putting up the Nativity set
3. Christmas music
4. My birthday and dinner out with Pat, my dad's cousin.

L. List four things you liked best about Halloween when you were a child:

1. The school Halloween Party
2. Candy (though it was never very much because we were only allowed to Trick-or-Treat in our neighborhood.)
3. Answering the door to see the "scary costumes" and give the candy
4. Listening to everyone's tales and adventures the next day at school

M. List four things you did not like about growing up:

1. Ironing
2. Tennis lessons (I wasn't very good and I can be too competitive)
3. Practicing the piano when my siblings got to play outside
4. Having to walk to school when friends were driven to school

N. List 4 events that impacted your life:

1. The assassinations of John Kennedy/Martin Luther King/ Bobby Kennedy
2. My marriage
3. Wes' diagnosis of diabetes at age 9

4. The privilege of being the mother of 5 children, who cause me to thank God daily for each and the treasure they are to me.

The Five Little Kellers And How They Grew
(adapted from the book, The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew)

I tag those listed in letter E.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Life's Ups and Downs...

Denver - Elitch Gardens
Originally uploaded by thegabester

The last couple of days have been like a roller coaster for me...Marianne called Saturday morning to say she and Eric are officially engaged. Jimmy called later that afternoon to say he missed passing his S66 test by one point. He got a 70%, needed 71%.

Had to keep the engagement secret (NOT my place to tell everyone, Surprise!!! And not an easy task for me!). And try not to be anything but supportive of Jimmy (Yes I did cry! after I hung up the phone.)

Today he called and said he was going to get to take the test again in a month and was still working building his client base. Marianne called tonight to say they had set the wedding date...October 18, 2008.

Emotions like disappointment, excitement, hope, joy, all come to mind. In this collage of color and feelings I truly have seen and felt the hand of God. I have seen Jimmy, though disappointed, positive. Marianne joyful and excited, but just a little anxious. And ME? all the of the above!

OH! Humanity! What a wonderful creation!! Thanks be to God!!!

The Simple Women's Daybook

It's Monday and time to join The Simple Woman. It's time for The Simple Woman's Daybook. It is interesting to read other's thoughts and dreams and so again I offer mine. If any of you are interested in giving it a try visit that address above. For me this seems to be an every other Monday adventure. I enjoy it non-the-less, so join me.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~ OUTSIDE MY WINDOW there is a a gentle breeze and just a sliver of the moon.
~*~ I AM THINKING with all its ups and downs, life is really very good..
~*~ I AM THANKFUL Roy and Laura for their help in putting in the railing and for Roy's in helping Ron put the new window motor in his car so his window will work.
~*~ FROM THE KITCHEN I NEED to clean up the clutter!
~*~ I AM WEARING robe and slippers. (I always seem to be doing this very early in the morning!)
~*~ I AM GOING order the prints for a picture I want to share with family.
~*~ I AM READING Job. It has helped me appreciate all GOD has given me!!!
~*~ I AM HOPING the weather for the 4th of July weekend is GRAND so we can share the glory of the outdoors.
~*~ I AM HEARING "The Sound of Silence" ( one of my favorite songs, too...)
~*~ AROUND THE HOUSE all is quiet because I am the only one up, dogs, cat and DAD are still asleep
~*~ ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS is knitting...but I made an error two rows back and now I have to tear it our...will do that today.
~*~ A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK shopping for next weekend's celebration, do the laundry, and make a couple more strawberry pies.
~*~ HERE IS A PICTURE THOUGHT I AM SHARING...

Daisies in the garden. They are especially pretty this year!

~~~

Please be sure and drop by the Simple Women and enjoy the day in the life of other fellow travelers.

~~~^j^~~

Thanks be to God!

Aside...I was struck by the quote today and how it was speaking to me...Please reflect on it. It makes a great deal of sense! Again! Thanks be to God!

The Year of Saint Paul

Photo by Luiz

When, as members of the Catholic Church we are blessed with a Jubilee Year, it is a time of celebration and jubilation of who we are and from where we are rooted. It is a source of pride, and in my case, a reason for continuing to reflect even more diligently on who I am and continue to listen to the call, in whatever form it might take.

Brief History of Saint Paul (early years):
"Parish Life"
Saint John the Baptist Church
Newburgh, IN

The first reference to Saul (as he was then known) is during the persecution of the first Christian communities, specifically, his involvement in the execution of Saint Stephen. In Acts 7:54-8: 1, we read that Saul was at the execution and approved it.
One day on the way to Damascus to fine more Christians to bring back to Jerusalem for punishment, a blinding light came from the heavens so bright as to strike Saul to the ground. The voice of God then spoke to him: "Saul, why do you persecute me?" Bewildered, Saul asked "Who are you, Lord?" The voice answered, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting."

The Lord said that he was to be "an instrument" to spread the Good News among the Gentiles and throughout Israel. Historically, some scholars have placed this event at approximately 33 AD, occurring just after the execution of Saint Stephen.

It is important to note that Paul's heavenly vision is considered to be the single most significant event in the early history of Christianity, apart from the birth and life of Jesus Christ himself.

Here is today's offering from Praying with Saint Paul: Daily Reflection on the Letters of the Apostle Paul, edited by Father Peter John Cameron, O.P.

A Generous God
by
Monsignor James Turro

"For by grace you have been saved through faith,
and this is not from you; it is the gift of God."
(Ephesians 2:8)

"This is not from you, it is the gift of God." Perhaps there is not a more deep-seated, urgent desire in man than the desire to be self-sufficient--not really to need anybody or anything--God included. This of course is a fond hope. Consider that though we as a race have mastered space and in large part defeated physical illness, however we have not been able to vanquish death nor have we succeeded in achieving untrammeled and unending happiness. Clearly we need God and the happiness and security he alone can confer. Humbly we must acknowledge that we are not equal to the task of acquiring much of what we require to lead a fulfilled and successful life. We have a desperate need of God and his gifts for us to lead a fulfilled life.

We must look beyond the happiness that God confers upon us to countless other gifts and favors with which he brightens our lives. One thinks of faith--in every way, a gift of God. It is the faith of God and the things of God. It gives us to understand that just about everything short of God is limited and flimsy; only God can truly, deeply satisfy.

As one reflects on God's generosity toward oneself, a not inappropriate resolve is to emulate God's lavish generosity in our dealings with other people--an imitation of Christ.

Faith, this great gift of God, must be prized and jealously guarded. We must never jeopardize this faith in any way--not by the thoughts we think or the life we lead. It should be a hardy faith--not a faith that one possesses but a faith that possesses one. A mere profession of faith honors God because, when all is said and done, it is taking God at his word.

O God, you have heaped high the graces which you have been
pleased to offer me; give me one thing more--a grateful heart.

~~~~~^j^~~~~~

Enough said, except for

THANKS BE TO GOD!!!