Holiday Dessert

Nectarine and Blueberry Crumble

For the filling:
2-1/2 lbs. ripe but firm nectarines, pitted and sliced
1/4 C. light brown sugar
1/2 t. ground cinnamon
1/2 t. pure vanilla extract
1 T. fresh lemon juice
1 C. blueberries

For the topping:
1/4 C. pecans
3/4 C. rolled oats
1/2 C. flour
1/4 C. firmly packed light brown sugar
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. freshly grated nutmeg
6 T. cold butter
Cream, whipped cream, or vanilla or plain yogurt for serving

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Butter a 2 to 2 1/2-quart baking dish or gratin. Toss together the ingredients for the filling in a large bowl, then turn fruit into the prepared dish.

Heat the pecans in a small dry skillet over medium heat, shaking the pan or stirring the nuts, until they begin to smell toasty. Remove from the skillet at once and chop the nuts coarsely.

Mix together the oats, flour, sugar, salt and nutmeg in a large bowl or in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Cut the butter into small pieces and work it into the flour mixture, either by taking up the mixture in handfuls and rubbing it briskly between your fingers and thumbs, or by using the pulse action in the food processor. The topping should have a crumbly consistency. Stir in the pecans.

Spoon the crumble topping over the fruit in an even layer. Bake until browned, about 45 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serves 6 generously.

~~~~~
May you all enjoy this delight!

Every Holiday needs a "crumble"~

This one is from Razzle Dazzle Recipes.

Thanks be to God!!!!!

Holiday weekend!!!!!

Thought I'd start decorating around the "house" here for the holiday weekend. What to do you think so far?

~~~~~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Five Minute Chocolate Cake!!!!

My friends Maggie and Karen both sent me this recipe. I haven't tried it yet but I intend to do so soon. Please give it a try.

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE 4 tablespoons flour 4 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa 1 egg 3 tablespoons milk 3 tablespoons oil 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) A small splash of vanilla extract 1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe) Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

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

Dedication of Mother Teresea's Treasures

Today was the dedication of the new Mother Terese's Treasures and Newburgh Food Pantry.

Eight years ago when a local neighborhood grocery decided to close, there was one who thought there was a perfect use for the store. Margaret suggested to Father Joe that it could be used to house the Newburgh Food Pantry. The food pantry had outgrown it's present location and needed a larger space to operated. She thought half of the store could be used for the food pantry while the other half could be opened as a thrift shop with the donations of those wanting to dispose of unwanted clothing, linens, toys or small appliances. The resale of these slightly used items would be what paid for the utilities, the property, and upkeep of the building to support the food pantry.

So here we are 8 years later. The thrift shop paid for itself and more. It outgrew the shop and the store was in disrepair and would cost a more to fix than to build a new shop. So it was that 6 months ago the work began and culminated today in the dedication by Bishop Gettelfinger.

We gathered in the new parking lot as a community of faith, praying for the blessing of a building that has contributed much to community of Saint John the Baptist Parish and to the community of Newburgh as a whole.

During the bishop's words I noticed a butterfly light on the pavement. As a church of signs, I saw this as an affirmation of renewal, rebirth. We have a commission to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and care for all according to their needs. I saw the butterfly as a sign during this Easter season as Christ in our midst.

And though Margaret could not be with us today, her memory will always be a treasured part of what Mother Teresa's Treasures is meant to be. This endeavor is meant to be a visible witness to all of the principle of Christian Charity. The gift of love and generosity to all through our Lord Jesus Christ. We, who were privileged to know Margaret, have her legacy to hand on to others.

For this opportunity to have been able to share in this for this eight years, I feel very privileged. Through Margaret's wisdom and diligence, we have been shown that the will of God can be carried out in the smallest corner of this world. And because of this we are able to touch the lives of many.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Bad Haiku Friday

mush (365/72)
Originally uploaded by Jordan Kiley

Bad Haiku Friday
I tried to write one today
But the brain is mush.


~~^j^~~
There's always next Friday.
Thanks be to God!

Visit Laura at Catholic Teacher Musings, the originator.



Picture by Jordan Kiley

Road to Providence

Canonization Mass Saint Mary-of-the-Woods
Picture taken
October 15, 2006

It was our privilege to attend the canonization Mass at "The Woods" the same day as Mass was celebrated in Rome. It was exhilarating and exciting. As an alumnus of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College there was also a certain amount of pride.

Mother Theodore Guerin

Born October 2, 1789, in France, Anne Therese Guerin joined the Sisters of Providence of Ruille-sur-Loire at age 25, making her vows as Sr. Theodore in 1825.

Initially, she taught, but later she studied pharmacy and medicine. Then, in the late 1830's, the new bishop of Vincennes, Indiana (which included all of Indiana and a third of Illinois), began recruiting Catholic sister from his native France to serve in his diocese.

When her mother superior asked Sr. Theodore to volunteer for this mission, the nun initially declined, citing health problems. but, after much prayer, and although her training and gifts lay in other areas, she finally said yes.

On October 22, 1840, she and five other sisters arrived at a log farmhouse in a settlement named Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. They soon opened an academy for girls which became Saint Mary-of -the Woods College.

Sr. Theodore founded the congregation of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in the United States. But her time in the United States was not easy. The territory was considered the American Frontier, and she also faced much anti-Catholic sentiment. Her efforts to begin the new congregation were opposed by the local bishop who wanted to control her congregation and the deed to the land the sisters owned. At one point, he excommunicated St. Theodore--which her bishop in France reversed.

Mother Theodore Guerin died May 14, 1856.
On October 15, 2006, she became the eighth canonized saint from the United States.

The Little White Book

~~~~~

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is a wonderful institution of learning. It offers a variety of options for a degree including the WED (Women's External Degree) program. I was my honor to have graduated in 1994. It is a glorious campus and a remarkable place to learn.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Praying with St. Paul...

As the Year of St. Paul is winding down I would like to share this reflection with you about Mother Teresa of Calcutta. It is a lesson in perseverance, courage and strength.

Be My Light
by Father James Martin, S.J.

"God who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness" has shone in our
hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on
the face of [Jesus] Christ."
(2 Cor 4:6)

The title of Mother Teresa's posthumous collection of letters is Come Be My Light. Yet ironically, her letters speak more about darkness than light. For the last fifty years of her life, the woman now called Blessed Teresa of Calcutta suffered from an intense sense of spiritual darkness. Her prayer seemed empty, futile, fruitless. God seemed absent. This "dark night" was all the more striking given the mystical experiences that she had enjoyed earlier in life. In 1946, she literally heard the voice of Jesus asking her to leave the Sisters of Loreto to found a new religious order, the Missionaries of Charity.

What was Mother Teresa's response to this long interior darkness? Fidelity, she maintained the commitment she made to God, who had asked her to "be my light" among the poor. In time, Mother Teresa realized that the darkness was one way of experiencing the abandonment that Christ faced on the cross, and that the poor face daily. And the Albanian-born nun recognized that the very longing for God is a sign of God's presence.

Many of us, when confronted with the darkness of life--spiritual, emotional, professional, or otherwise--mistakenly believe that it is punishment from God. Sometimes we even use it as an excuse not to do the hard work of the Christian life--being compassionate, loving, and merciful. Mother Teresa's arduous but ultimately joyful life shows us that following Christ depends not simply on our emotional experiences, important as they are, but on our fidelity, our trust in God's will, and our ability to surrender to the future that God has in store for us. And then, in the midst of the darkness, we are able to be God's light.

Loving God, sometimes the way is so dark and it is so hard to find you. Please help me to trust in you even when you don't seem present. And help me to see your presence in my life soon.

~~~~~

And so it is that I too must be faithful, even when I don't experience joy and satisfaction in prayer. For me it is not a matter that God is not listening. I find myself making the excuse that the prayer is too frivilous. Not so. I'm not being punished. I'm not abandoned. I must tell myself often that I am resting on the Father's lap while I am being taught the art of persevence, compassion, and love. Though I may fail at every turn, when the answer does come it will come with grace in abundance from the hands of a generous Father. I often ask myself. Why should I be less privileged to suffer, than the one who saved me, the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ? Indeed, if he could suffer death for me, why not I for him. In many ways we are spoiled by the Father and don't even acknowledge it.

~~~^j^~~~

For the opportunity to participate
in the life of the Savior,
Thanks be to God!

Praise God!

It's Monday again and another reason to Praise God. Wishing all who stop in today the very best for this day and the entire week.

Let us begin! Praise God for:

~1 Mother's Day

~2 Brisk winds and cloudy skies, that cause us to be grateful for the sunshine

~3 Family gatherings, laughter and cheer

~4 Opportunities to serve others

~5 Children's hugs.

~6 The opportunity share in the life of a small child.

If you have reason to praise God, join us at Jennifer's house, My Chocolate Heart to add to the joy, wonder and glory of God.

~~~~~

It was our intention to go to Ainsley and Lindsey's soccer games this weekend, but as luck would have it the fields were too muddy from the recent rains so we didn't get to see them play. We did get a fashion show. We got see Eric and Marianne's adventure in remodeling in preparation for the arrival of wee one. Will be a very nice place to rest and relax. God truly is GOOD!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Bad Haiku Friday

art work by
Mary Engelbreit



Laughing out loud is
More fun when you have someone
Someone to laugh with

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Felt I had to be poetic! Ever felt that way? Not much skill here yet...I'll keep trying.

What do you think?

Strawberry and Milk
Originally uploaded by Nate Flickinger

"He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." ~Luke 3:3~





A Priest once told me that, in his experience, people have felt more guilt for violating their diets than they have in committing sins.

Hmm.

~~~

Forgiving God, I admit my wrongdoing before you, hopeful for your mercy.

by Amy Welborn
A Catholic Woman's Book of Days

~~~~

I think I, too, might fall into that category...Falling prey to how I look on the outside is more important than the way my soul looks on the inside. Vanity!!! However, how I behave on the outside mirrors my soul on the inside. That should be cause to pause.

~~^j^~~

Thanks be to God

Today is our NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER. Please take time to participate! God is Good! Give Him a few minutes of your time.


Picture by Nate Flickenger

National Day of Prayer

Tomorrow it National Day of Prayer. It is most important that we take time out to pray for this country of ours. If your church is offering a prayer service please plan to attend. If there is an opportunity for you to pray with others wherever it may be please avail yourself of this opportunity.

My parish of St. John the Baptist here in Newburgh is having a small meal and then we adjourn to the church for our prayer service and for a homily by our guest, Father Alex Zenthoefer. It's a real opportunity as a community to offer our petitions for this nation to the God who watches over us.

God has been so good to us! We have been blessed in so many ways. Though we certainly are not perfect and we have our faults this nation is built on a foundation of prayer. Though some would like to think otherwise, I truly believe that we are obliged by our giftedness to offer thanksgiving for what we have and ask for the Creator's intervention in all our needs. We have an obligation to serve this country in many ways. One of those ways is through communal prayer.

~~~^j^~~~

For the the freedom to
participate in communal prayer,
Thanks be to God!

Today a Prayer

Picture by Lawrence, OP

Mary, Mother of Christ, teach us to pray your rosary as it should be prayed, for these ordinary beads, strung on threads, hold within themselves all the mysteries of our holy faith and all the main ways of prayer. Mary, Queen of the Rosary, open to us its holy secrets. Let is be our door to the heart of your Son, his Father, and the Holy Spirit.

Catherine de Hueck Doherty

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God.

Glory and Praise To Our God is a song that comes to mind every time I do this. The tune runs in the back of my mind as I process the word Praise and the act of praising God. So I will praise Him.

~1 For the Sacrament of Matrimony. The covenant between God and man in the cooperation of creation.

~2 For the love between a man and a woman and families that support, lift up and nurture.

~3 For the opportunity to serve.

~4 For this week of prayer as we prepare to celebrate The National Day of Prayer on May 7.

~5 For the gift of worship and the opportunity to do so.

~6 For his Providence, the hand that guides.



If you have reason to praise God, join us at Jennifer's house, My Chocolate Heart to add to the joy, wonder and glory of God.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks Be To GOD!!

A New Religion

I found this morning, during my reflection, that this is a question I had never asked. Strangely, for whatever reason, the question was not asked because this was the lesson taught. Let me share this with you.

~~~~~

The question of whether Jesus intended to found a Church is a false question because it is unhistorical. The only proper way to phrase the question would be to ask whether Jesus intended to abolish the People of God or to renew it. The answer...is plain: Jesus made the old People of God into a new people by adopting those who believe in him into the community of his own self (of his "body"). ~Pope Benedict XVI in his book, Behold the Pierced One~

A New Religion

The earliest disciples were Jewish and they practiced the Jewish religion. It was only after they had fully observed the Sabbath and the Sabbath was over, that these Christians would gather to celebrate their special belief that Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God.

Late Saturday night or early Sunday morning, they came together to celebrate what Jesus did on the night before he died--the Eucharist.

That is ow it came to be that Christians have celebrated the Eucharist on Sunday

It wasn't until about 70 AD (some 40 years after the death of Jesus) that there fully emerged from Judaism a religion that was separate--Christianity (though its roots still flowed from the Jewish religion.

This separation happened because by then, those who believed that Jesus was the Messiah and Son of God, were no longer allowed in the synagogues.

Thus, they began to develop as a separate group that would try to live the message Jesus preached.

~~~~~~~

So it is that we live this Life in Christ
An identity truly Catholic, universal.
Thanks be to God!

I'ts May...

Yes, the month of Mary, Mother's Day and at least four glorious birthdays. Not only are they glorious, they were apparently all well planned by the creator, for they are all 6 days apart. And on the 7th we all rested.

My mother is 84 on May ll, Kellie turns 15 on the 17th, Laura is [umhum] 40 on the 23rd and Neil will be 9 on the 29th. That is my month of May in a nutshell...Isn't it GRAND!?! Mother, daughter and grandchildren. I am so blessed!

~~^j^~~

And with that is say a Hearty.
Thanks be to God!

After the Rain

The many shades of green from the Master's palette.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Patron Saint's Day

Saint Catherine of Siena
Photo by Lawrence, OP

I have the privilege of being named after Saint Catherine of Siena. Today is her feast day and every year I am again pleased to remember this woman of God was chosen for me by my parents. She was gifted in many ways. I'm proud to be "Catherine."

"Your neighbors are the channel
through which your virtues are tested
and come to birth...just as those
who are evil give birth to all their vices
through their neighbors."

Catherine, born in 1347, was 23rd child (a twin) of Jacopo and Lapa Benicasa of siena. When she came of age, her parents wanted her to marry but she insisted that she was betrothed to Christ. In anger, her parents insisted that she act as a servant to the rest of the family. Finally, her father relented and she was allowed to follow her mystic calling. She did not become a nun but joined the Third Order of St Dominic.

Catherine is famous for her Dialogues (written accounts of her revelations from God) and her Letters which initially gave spiritual instruction and encouragement, but gradually began to deal with public matters. Many of her letters were directed to popes, kings and othe public leaders.

These were the days of the Avignon Papacy, when the pope and his staff had moved from Rome to sourthern France. Catherine not only wrote to Pope Gregory XI, respectfully chiding him for leaving Rome, but in 1376 (she was 29 years old) visited him in Avignon and did the same.

Catherine died on this date in 1380 at the age of 33. In 1970, Pope Paul VI declared her a doctor of the Church.

The Little White Book

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Praise God!

Iris
April 26, 2009

For the Praise and Glory of God!

~1 Praise him for all thing bright and beautiful

~2 Praise him in the laughter of the children.

~3 Praise him in the dignity of the elderly.

~4 Praise him in thanksgiving for the opportunity to serve.

~5 Praise him for the ministers at his alter.

~6 Praise him in all things for he made all things.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

If you have reason to praise God, join us at Jennifer's house, My Chocolate Heart to add to the joy, wonder and glory of God.

ET First Look: 'Monsters vs. Aliens'!

This was just soooo much fun. We went to see it last night and had a grand time. It was entertaining and I was awed by the realism. Thank you, Neil. Grandpa and Grandma were glad you came to stay, because we got to see this movie.

Crazy Eight

I was challenged by Sarah at Journey of Truth to Jump in with both feet. Well, here is my """Splash"""

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:

*1 Watching Neil play soccer today.
*2 Going to INDY to see Ainsley and Lindsey play soccer (do you see a pattern here?)
*3 Going to Charlotte in June to visit David, Kelly, The Boys and Maddie.
*4 Visiting my mother, Phil, Deb and Megan in July
*5 Visiting Linda and Norm in July, too. We're not flying this year. We're driving from here to MT and home through CO or.....maybe the other way.
*6 Finishing Laura's birthday present.......4 years in the making a Counted x-stitch (red faced!!!!)
*7 The CAJE (Congregations Acting For Justice and Empowerment) Annual Assembly meeting 4/30 at St Benedict's Cathedral.
*8 OH! Watching Kellie perform in OKLAHOMA in July...(July is a busy month!)

8 Things I Did Yesterday:

*1 Played Scrabble with Dot
*2 Worked
*3 Worked on the Laura's counted x-stitch
*4 Watched Murder She Wrote rerun
*5 Had lunch with girls at work
*6 Said "good-bye" to Christine, the office manager, who was leaving us after 10 years. [sadness]
*7 Visited my blog neighborhood.
*8 Thanked God for the opportunity to share time with others.

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:

*1 Swim
*2 Play the harp with skill...and motivation to do so.
*3 Visit Ireland again soon.
*4 Add subtract, multiply and divide.
*5 Volunteer more time in service
*6 Meet Jenelyn our sponsored child through CFCA
*7 Visit all the kids more often
*8 Sew. My mother is a gifted seamstress and I was passed over with that gene.

8 Shows I Watch:
*1 NCIS
*2 MONK
*3 Journey Home (EWTN)
*4 Masterpiece Theater
*5 Numbers
*6 Murder She Wrote [reruns]
*7 Matlock [reruns]
*8 TCM


8 I name to carry on the tradition:

*1 Lisa at Are We There Yet
*2 Suzy at Sailing by Starlight
*3 Lisa at Unexpected Journey
*4 Marcy at Blessings Each Day
*5 Danette at A Crocus in the Valley
*6 Tracy at Catholic Mom in Minnesota
*7 Eileen at Eileen on Him...at least, I try!
*8 Kelly at Musings


I would add here that if any of the above have already done these please link so we can read them. And all others who wish to jump in the water with us, know the water is fine!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Must Reads For All Mothers...

As a young mother and recently graduated nurse I felt that mothering was right up my alley. Snuggle, nurtured, bathe, babble, reprimand, educate, snuggle, hug, read, play, snuggle, nap, color, teach, cuddle, it was all in the texts I had read. What I failed to read or chose not to grasp when I read these books about mothering was the anger, sadness, frustration, self-pity, and used feelings that "mothering" can manifest. Then I "met" Erma Bombeck in her books. As the saying goes, "Laugh, I thought I'd die!" I needed to be told that a mother needs, AT THE TOP OF HER LIST OF SKILLS, is a Sense of Humor. Erma Bombeck offered me that! It was a lesson that has given me strength on many occasions and helped me to realize that life it too short not to laugh at every opportunity!


DID YOU KNOW...

When Erma Bombeck graduated from high school in 1944, she was determined to go to college and become a successful writer. She enrolled at Ohio University, but her future as a writer seemed bleak. Articles for the college newspaper were rejected, and she struggled to pass freshman composition. Discouraged, she enrolled at the University of Dayton.

Brother Tom Price, faculty advisor for the university magazine, invited here to do some humor pieces. Erma gave it a try and one day Brother Tom turned to her and said three key words which changed her live: "You can write."

Upon her 1940 graduation. Erma got a job at the Dayton Journal-Herald where she launched the career that would make her famous. Her column, based on her experience as a wife and mother, eventually spread to 900 newspapers.

While at the University of Dayton, Erma converted to Catholicism.

The Little White Book

~~~~~

In her humor she taught me a lot about mothering. And LAUGHING is so good for one's health. I learned not to take myself so seriously! Please. If you don't do another thing, go to your local library and get one of her books. Look for: If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits?; Family--The Ties That Bind and Gag; The Grass Is Always Greener over the Septic Tank. These books were passed around from mother to mother and when I got my copy back it was warn and tattered, but all of us mothers greeted each other with smiles and could say, "I've been there." And then laugh heartily!

~~^j^~~

Thank you, Erma Bombeck
and especially
Thanks be to God!

Imagine My Surprise!

The Pieta
Basilica of Saint Anne de Beaupre
Quebec, Canada-2003

"Christ delivers us from death;
come let us give thanks, alleluia!"

As I read my morning prayers this morning before Mass in the Magnificat the first words I read were "Christ delivers..."

My goodness, indeed he does deliver. Everyday he is delivering. But are we there to receive the delivery?

This delivery from death takes many forms. Ten years ago I was "dying" in my job. I had a very difficult employer. I, however, in my imminent wisdom was NOT going to allow her to defeat me. I kept this stance for 18 months. I was in a constant state of "alert" never quite knowing what each day would bring. One day I was the best nurse she had ever had or or the next day I would be reprimanded for something she considered I had done wrong. I lost 15 pounds, but I would not surrender to her.

I believe the Holy Spirit intervened, however. I found there was a position available in another clinic for a half-time nursing position. Did the math and found that taking a 50% cut in pay could be managed. I applied and was offered the position. This was only the 1st step in that Special Delivery, for I had only been at work there a shore two weeks when one of the nurses came to me as said she had found a position elsewhere, would I consider taking her position if it was offered to me. IMMEDIATELY I was immersed in a wash of serenity and giddiness that I cannot even begin to describe in words. When she left me I wept for joy! You see, without even asking Christ had delivered! He probably would have delivered sooner if I had just swallowed that silly pride I had, but I suspect this is where has wanted me all the time.

He is a God of Providence. A God who delivers! I have been in this position now for 10 years. As in any place of employment there are ups and downs, but there is no other place I would rather be.

From my death through pride he brought me to life in a place where I could be of value to others without fear of reprisal or self-doubt.

~~~~~

How has Christ delivered for you?

~~^j^~~

Thanks be to God
and
Christ who delivers!!!

Covenent Reminder

My first rainbow of the year! Isn't it glorious. God is good all the time...Yeah!!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to GOD!

Praise God!

All the things I have to praise the glory of God for today. And it's only 5:45 a.m. Imagine what the day can bring!

~~1. The beauty of the shades of green this spring day brings.

~~2. For Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal as they were out gathering to build their nest.

~~3. For Kellie as she begins her new adventure in the genre of the high school musical to be performed this summer, Oklahoma.

~~4. For the power of prayer in my life.

~~5. For friends who gather weekly to share the wonder of God's word in Bible study.

~~5. For the support of a wonderful husband and helpmate.

~~6. In PRAISE of this Glorious Day!

If you have reason to praise God, join us at Jennifer's house, My Chocolate Heart to add to the joy, wonder and glory of God.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks Be To GOD!!

Praying with St. Paul...

One of my favorite Scripture verses is the topic of the reflection in Praying With Saint Paul edited by Father Peter John Cameron, O.P. There is comfort in this and reassurance in the workings of the Living God.

Baby Talk

by Father William M. Joensen

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;
there are different forms of service, but the same Lord; there are
different workings but the same God who produces all of them
in everyone.
[1Cor 12: 4-6]

Good babysitters and daycare personnel come at a premium these days. There is something gifted about the person who can overcome the sadness and fear experienced when mom or dad drops a child off and steps away. Part of the task is to redirect the child's attention to something colorful, curious,entertaining in that moment--some partial good that can distract the child from his or her own sadness, the awareness of the absent good. There is something charismatic about the manner of a worthy babysitter, the creativity of a devoted daycare provider. Who they are is not a diversion, a surrogate, but a participation in--a reference to--the love and presence of the parent. Trust and peace are engendered not simply in the learned awareness that mom or dad will return at the end of the day; rather, because the caretaker allows the longing for reunion to be a source of expectation, hope, and joy.

The Spirit is no surrogate, but the alter ego for Christ's activity of mutual service, secure belonging, and enduring presence. The Spirit does not level difference into an uninflected monotone, but parses and punctuates gifts for the good of everyone who is to produce and partake in the varied activity of Spirit.

The one who seek to fill himself first ends up only being full of oneself. In contrast, our primary work is to be an ongoing refraction of the Spirit's sufficiency. We communicate the tenderness of God who is always present as parent, lover, friend. We realize that no one is meant to be more that a heartbeat away from the cadence of God's compassion, the embrace of mercy. Child of God care is the consecrated service produced in everyone generated by god--the God whose sameness is not something profane, but the point of departure for diverse gifts to be expressed.

Spirit of the living God, your presence wells up in me as I will to witness on your behalf. Endow me with strength; counsel me with creativity and insight; grace my gestures and speech with your gentleness and love. do not abandon me, but draw me ceaselessly into the company of the Father and the son, the same God now and always.

~~~~~

And the reassurance of a Loving Father that God is the same now and always. For what more could we ask?

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Glory Be To God, It's Saturday!

Alleluia, Alleluia

This is the Day the Lord has made
Let us be glad and rejoice in it.
[Psalm 118:24]

Alleluia, alleluia.

(From this day's Liturgy of the Word)

~~~^j^~~~

Indeed, thanks be to God!!!

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers-Ch 1 Main Title

One of my favorite movies was on TCM. Love the music. It's hard to say which of all the many musicals ever written are my truly favorites but this one is so much fun to watch! A couple others that have the same theme that come to mind are Oklahoma, The Unsinkable Molly Brown and Paint Your Wagon! What are your favorites?

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

The Empty Tomb

I was gifted with is from a dear friend, Juliene! I share it with you now because it is not just a wonderful story, but gives us, me in particular, better insights into Jewish tradition. Please read and enjoy. And to Juliene, I say, "Thank you very much!"

Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection?
I never noticed this.

The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed
over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.

The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly
folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to
the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.

She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom
Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb,
and I don't know where they have put him!'

Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.

Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.

Was that important? Absolutely!

Is it really significant? Yes!

In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin,
you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.

The folded napkin had to do with the Master and servant
and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.

When the servant set the dinner table for the Master,
he made sure that it was exactly the way the Master wanted it.

The table was furnished perfectly and then the servant would wait,
just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the Master was finished.

Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.

The servant would then know to clear the table.
For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'.

But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table.

Because..........

The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'

He is Coming Back!! Be Blessed!!!

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Thanks be to God!

Tax Day!!!

A BIT OF TAX DAY HUMOR
by Maxine

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Thanks be to God!
I'm on the mend!
Much better today!

As a matter of fact, I'm off to tackle the dreaded, "Oh, my gosh, what's under the kitchen sink!" Have a grand day!

Sniff!!! Sniff!!!

I appear to have caught some kind of "Spring Bug" unlike the much awaited "Spring Fever." Will be [sniff] back here [cough] as soon as I can [sniff, sniff]. I'm sorry to be missing all your wonderful posts. [cough, cough, cough...cough]. You all have a grand day!

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

The Glory of the Resurrection...

From the solemnity
of the
Cross on Calvary,

to the joy of the
Empty Tomb

All Glory and Praise to God our Father
through His risen son, Our Lord Jesus Christ
with the working of the Holy Spirit,

I wish you all the blessings and graces
of the Holy Easter!

Alleluia! Alleluia!!!

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Thanks be to God!

Good Friday

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister,
Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his
mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother
"Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother."
(John 18:1-19; 42)

None of the other three Gospels mention that any of the family of Jesus--or any of the disciples--were near the cross

But the Gospel of John has two family members there--Jesus' mother and his aunt. We seldom think of his aunt at the cross. She was probably there mostly for her sister, Mary, who she knew was having a hard time.

There they are. His mother, his aunt, the beloved disciple, Mary, the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Each of them concerned about Jesus and about each other.

At Christmas, we are touched by the crib scene. On Good Friday, we should let ourselves be touched by the cross scene. The wood of the crib has become the wood of the cross.

Put yourself in the scene. Spend some time with the Lord...and with his mother, her sister, Mary Magdalene and the beloved disciple.

The Little Black Book

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Thanks be to God!

Holy Thursday

Descending to Feet

The Last Supper picture of Jesus washing feet describes the process of incarnation, of spirit becoming flesh.

Jesus is aware "that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God" (John 13:2). This is his interior God-consciousness, in common with God and ready, in his very next action, to manifest God in whatever he does. All things are in his hands. He takes off his outer garment to reveal the inner self and, behold, he wraps a towel around his waist. The one whom the disciples know as Lord and Teacher is, in truth, a servant. Then he pours water into a basin. "Pouring" is how Spirit feels as it becomes flesh. It flows, coming from the inside to the outside. Then Jesus completes the action by washing and drying his disciple's feet. In other words, he refreshes their feet so that they might continue the journey of life.

What Jesus does, we can also do. We can share in his incarnation dynamics. First, we must realize that we are in communion with God and commissioned to manifest God's love in everything we do. Second, we must choose acts that have this revelatory potential, acts that get people back on the path to living the gospel. third, we must do in the flesh what we have conceived in the Spirit.

This may sound like drudgery and sacrifice, but it is not. Once you know you are a spiritual being becoming flesh through special acts of service, you will have found the joy that cannot be taken from you.

Daybreaks, Daily Reflections for Lent and Easter
by John Shea

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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!

Holy Tuesday

Peep Hole 2
Originally uploaded by suzy33

Reflections from two whom I admire.

Like the air I breathe
this Divine Presence
is all around me and
within me
but never separate from me.
Thomas Merton

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Try today then to deliver into the hands of our Jesus all the care of the future, as well as all the anxiety about the past, and be assured that in leaving the past to the mercy of God and the future to [God's] Providence you will derive from your offering very great peace and very great consolation. ~Saint Mother Theodore Guerin~

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Thanks be to God!

An Understanding...

"An Understanding"

If it is almost dark
(or almost light)
and I bump into you
in living out becoming...
mistake me,
as only a friend can,
for what I intend to be.

Continue toward
what I should most want to say,
taking as realities
these boundless bewildering capacities.
Let your love rain down
to my parched places
and stay
shining through my muddled seasons
in presence to insure
an actual awakening
from laughing potential.
See tomorrow in me today
with quiet patience
until time and times merge as one
and I am grown up
into a full child
of God,
And we are one.

~~Gilchrist Conway, S.P.~~
+1984

From Gilchrist Revisited-for Hers is the Kingdom
By Betty Rysdon Moebs, Editor

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Thanks be to God!

Palm Sunday

Seeking Peace

A poem by G. K. Chesterton tells the story of the donkey Christ rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The lowly and misshapen donkey speaks the entire poem and, after three stanzas of self-flagellation, brags that he had his hour:

One far fierce hour and sweet
There was a shout about my ears,
And palms before my feet.

However, the glory of the donkey is not only his privileged role in salvation histroy. The irony goes much deeper. The lowly donkey is an unimposing ride, a symbol of peace. It is contrated with the horse. Triumphal entries were usually the stuff of generals who rode their warhorses through the gate of the conquered city. Jesus' entry in Jerusalem is a mock of military might.

"Peace" summarized Jesus' whole life and message and sets the tone for his passion. death, and resurrection. At his birth the angels sang about peace on earth, during his life Jesus promised his follower a peace the world could not give, and "Peace" was the first word of the resurrected Christ of his disciples. also, when Christian missionaries visited homes, they were supposed to say, "Peace." Many think if the Christian faith could be expressed in one word, it would be "peace."

But personal and collective peace is as elusive as it is prized. We find ourselves interiorly anxious and fearful. We watch as our world continues old wars and begins new wars. Peace is what we hunger for more that what we feed on. But the desire to be at peace--with ourselve, with others, with the universe, with God--never leaves our heart.

Daybreaks, Daily Reflections for Lent and Easter
John Shea

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As we begin this Holy Week, please know I offer you all the the peace our Savior can give. I wish you peace at home, at work, and in your community.

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Thanks be to God!

Join GoPoem at Weaving the Hours It's an opportunity to share your gifts with others and meet new friends.

Friendship...

Ten years. Yes, ten years. Can you believe it? We have met for breakfast once a month for ten years. The friendship began in the clinic at which we worked. As we went our separate ways, Lisa to dialysis, Rhonda to OB, I stayed, we chose to stay in touch over breakfast. It's worked. We have grown in compassion, thoughtfulness, humor and sincere concern for one another. I don't know where the last 10 years have gone. We are wiser...so we think. We are more beautiful...so we think. Our lives are fuller...so we think. Our laughter is more contagious and are tears more sincere. We are sisters. Amazing!!!

Friend ship
Loving, caring
Requires give and take
Heart and mind unified
Companion.

It's truly a grand day! I'm wishing you the same!

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Thanks be to God!

Join GoPoem at Weaving the Hours It's an opportunity to share your gifts with others and meet new friends.

Taking Up the Cross

Take a walk with me as we journey through this last Friday before Holy Week begins. The last day before the mundane days of Lent take on the true celebration of who we are as Catholic Christians. The reason we are who we are, the reason we endeavor to walk and live this life of holiness, though it be fraught with pot holes, road blocks, greed, and selfishness. Please reflect on the words of John Shea.

Taking Up the Cross

Taking up the cross comes with the territory of discipleship. Once we begin to be as compassionate and inclusive as Jesus, we rankle other people. They make moves against us and we begin to suffer.

At this moment, we are invited to adopt an attitude toward our suffering. Here is a teenager's rendition of how Jesus suggests we should act:

Jesus was no dummy. He sees the cross coming. Look at what he was doing! He's touching qll the unclean people, eating with outcasts, breaking up the temple money game, criticizing corruption. He wants a better world, but a lot of people are doing real well in the world as it is. They are not going to give up and fade away. This is notnew.

Now Peter--there's a dummy. Jesus lays it out for yim--the cross, the resurrection, the whoe thing--and he says, "No way."

Jesus is not happy.

So Jesus says to him, "Not only for me but you too, Peter."

So now Peter is not happy.

So Jesus tells him--and here's the thing I like--Jesus tells him, "Don't let them lay the cross on you, Peter. Take it up. Don't let them lay it on you. Take it up."

Wow! You gotta love Jesus for that.

When we know the price of following Jesus and are willing to pay it, the inevitable sufferings do not make us victims. We become provocative, taking into ourselves the cost of discipleship.

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Engage the struggle for a better world;
embrace the suffering that comes with it.

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Enough said!! Have a blessed and holy Friday!

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Thanks be to GOD!!!

Saint Teresa of the Andes and Carmelites of Chile

Juanita Fernandez Solar was born to a wealthy family on July 10 1900, in Santiago, Chile. Devoted to her faith and inspired by the autobiography of Saint Therese of Lisieux, she entered the cloistered community of the Discalced Carmelites ... She was given the name of Sister Therea of Jesus. Her deep spiritual life was revealed in the many letters she wrote while in the convent.

But Teresa's life as a religious was to be short. She died...less than a year later during Holy Week, on April 12, 1920, a few months before her 20th birthday.

She was canonized in 1993.

The Little Black Book
Lent, 2009

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Thanks be to God!

April Fools Day Humor

Art by Mary Engelbreit

With all the jokes and pranks yet to be pulled today, I thought I would offer this one. Sent me by a friend, I hope you will enjoy it and chuckle a bit.

FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY

In Florida, an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days.

The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, "Case dismissed!"

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays."

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant."

The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists."

The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.'

Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned."

So it is that we are grateful for a sense of humor. Laughter is healing and beneficial, so today do not loose that sense of humor and be sure and laugh at yourself. Don't take yourself too seriously. Frown lines will develop if you do!

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THANKS BE TO GOD!!

It's My Anniversary!

Today I have been blogging for two years. Come celebrate with me, friends! Have a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of banana nut bread. We can chat and share old memories! It's been a grand journey and I want to thank you all for sharing it with me!

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Thanks be to God!