Rare Picture!

Sent to me today, I just had to share with one and all! Absolutely incredible!!! Another reason to Praise God!

A picture began circulating in November. It should be 'The Picture of the Year,' or perhaps, 'Picture of the Decade.' It won't be. In fact, unless you obtained a copy of the US paper which published it, you probably would never have seen it.
The picture is that of a 21-week-old unborn baby named Samuel Alexander Armas, who is being operated on by surgeon named Joseph Bruner.
The baby was diagnosed with spina bifida and would not survive if removed from his mother's womb. Little Samuel's mother, Julie Armas, is an obstetrics nurse in Atlanta. She knew of Dr. Bruner's remarkable surgical procedure. Practicing at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, he performs these special operations while the baby is still in the womb.

During the procedure, the doctor removes the uterus via C-section and makes a small incision to operate on the baby. As Dr.Bruner completed the surgery on Samuel, the little guy reached his tiny, but fully developed hand through the incision n and firmly grasped the surgeon's finger... Dr. Bruner was reported as saying that when his finger was grasped, it was the most emotional moment of his life, and that for an instant during the procedure he was just frozen, totally immobile.

The photograph captures this amazing event with perfect clarity... The editors titled the picture, 'Hand of Hope.' The text explaining the picture begins, 'The tiny hand of 21-week- old fetus Samuel Alexander Armas emerges from the mother's uterus to grasp the finger of Dr. Joseph Bruner as if thanking the doctor for the gift of life.

Little Samuel's mother said they “wept for days” when they saw the picture. She said, “The photo reminds us pregnancy isn't about disability or an illness, it's about a little person.” Samuel was born in perfect health, the operation 100 percent successful...

Now see the actual picture, and it is awesome...incredible....and hey, pass it on. The world needs to see this one!




Don't tell me our God isn't an awesome God!!!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

EDITORIAL COMMENT: This article and picture was the subject of a Snope search. All of the above did, indeed, happen except apparently the fetus reaching for and grasping the surgeon's hand. Of course the mother had probably had a spinal or general anesthesia and that, too, would have affected the "baby." I see that this really makes no difference, for if this is all true and the baby was carried to term, delivered and was healthy, in December of 1999, then Samuel will be 10 years old this year. I say again, thanks be to God! Incredible!!!! Cathy

Praise God!

It's been awhile since I took tome to consider the praises I need to offer to God in my life. So today I reflect on that.

1) I praise Him for this glorious summer. The weather has been magnificent.

2) I praise Him in the talent He allows me to see in my grandchildren.

3) I praise His holy name in the midst of all those who witness to me in my life.

4) I praise Him in the people he allows me to meet each and every day.

5) I praise Him for his generosity to me and my family.

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

Weekend of Sharing

God is watching!
July, 2009

Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope and endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality.

Romans 12:12-13

It's the weekend. But this weekend is a special weekend. The fourth Saturday is always special because it is the day Ron and I volunteer at Mother Terese's Treasures, the parish thrift shop. We offer three hours to serve in whatever capacity is needed this ministry. Ron usually runs the register (penance for him as he'd rather do lifting and toting but on Saturday there isn't much of that) and I will sort and mark clothes and other items. The time we spend there is uplifting because I SERVE, We SERVE.

Every summer the St. John the Baptist Council of the Knights of Columbus sponsor a cookout for the kids at Gibault School near Terre Haute. Tomorrow is that Sunday. It is a pleasure to meet these special kids. I never know, and don't want to know what circumstances brought them to Gibault, but this is the last stop for many of these kids before they enter the prison system. It's amazing how gracious these young people (ages 7-high school) are and how sincere their gratitude is for this simple meal of hot dogs, hamburgers, and potato chips.

I pray that no child has to suffer ever. I often wonder why they must suffer. But if by offering time with these kids, letting them know they have value and are worthy of our time, we can keep any of them out of prison I say DO IT!

This is a grand weekend. Please enjoy yours!!!!!

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

Bad Haiku Friday

It's Friday it's TRUE!
I'm glad this week is tha-rough
Grand weekend to all!!!

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

Chocolate Lesson

24223601
Originally uploaded by henkle110936

Has anyone been to Hersey PA? It's a delightful town. It is also a town INFUSED with the smell of chocolate!

"No!" you say.

If you have never been there you really don't know what I mean. It smells wonderful!!!!! A "factory town" that smells GOOD!

I probably would never have gone to Hersey had our son, Wes, not taken a position there as an athletic trainer there. We helped him move from VA to PA and though he was there only a short time I wouldn't have missed that experience for the world.

So this lesson comes from the book I read earlier this month, The Chocolate Snowman Murders by JoAnna Carl.

The Chocolate Comes to the U.S.

The earliest chocolate manufacturer in what is today the United States is believed to have been an Irishman, John Hannon, who came to Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1765. although much information about Hannon remains unsubstantiated...he apparently had learned how to make chocolate in London. In Dorchester Hannon got financial backing from a man name James Baker.

Hannon's fate is a mystery. He was reportedly lost at sea...Leaving his company in the care of James Baker. Baker bought our Mrs. Hannon and thus was born Baker's Chocolate, a company that is still around. Today it's owned by Kraft Foods. (pg 80)

***

So now you know!

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

Editorial Comment: Proud to be Irish!

Picture originally uploaded by henkle110936

Humility

by Paul Cezanne

Walk Humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 (NRSV)

Paul Cezanne ranks among the world's greatest artists. Yet he painted for 30 years before receiving any recognition. When an art dealer finally discovered him and exhibited his painting in Paris, Cezanne was overwhelmed. Entering the exhibition with his son, he could not believe what he saw.

"Look!" he said to his son, "I can't believe it! They've even framed my paintings!"

***

The true way to humility is not to stoop until you are smaller than yourself, but to stand at your real height against some higher nature that will show you what the real smallness of your greatness is.

Phillips Brooks

(Reflection from Mission 2000, Praying Scripture in a Contemporary Way)

~~~~~

This is a tremendous reflection. I am reminded frequently and often not to be too proud.
For pride is the antithesis of humility. I once had a conversation about the sin of pride with one of our parish priests many years ago. I was bemoaning the fact that it is hard to be humble. I didn't know what to say to someone who had praised me. I told him that I just said it was nothing because I didn't want to seem too proud.

He explained to me that what I had displayed instead of humility was false pride. He said humility is accepting recognition with simple gratitude (Thank You) and giving credit to those who assisted (Thanks be to God.) Saying it was "nothing" was denying the workI had done and the talent and gifts I had been given. He said that humility should not be boasting, just simple recognition on the part of the recipient. After that it was easier for me to ground myself. And gratitude comes easier when I don't have to bear the burden of pride by myself.

And so I want to share with you a person, who in my young life, was a model of humility. My dad's cousin was a social worker for the Denver Public Schools. For years she would made home visits and counsel the kids and families at risk. Every year at Christmas she would receive gifts from the children and every year she would personally write thank you notes and mail them to their homes. I told her once that I was really proud to be her cousin because of all the good work she did to help these children. I told her she showed me how important it was to care for others. What she said still rings true and should ring true in all our lives.

"I couldn't do any of it without the grace of God. I am frightened every day when I go to work. He gives me the strength to do it."

~~~^j^~~~
And so I say,
"Thanks be to God!"

The INs and OUTs

This is what my desk looked like last Monday. It has nothing to do with a cup of coffee and everything to do with ten(10) days vacation. Today WILL be different. I've been back at week and the IN is mostly OUT!

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

Estes Park, Colorado 7/2009

Marriage has three blessings: The first is children, to be received and raised for God's service. The second is the loyal faithfulness by which each serves the other. The third is the Sacrament of Matrimony, which signifies the inseparable union of Christ with His Church.

~~Saint Thomas Aquinas

Today we are married 41 years!!!

~~~^j^~~~
THANKS be to God!!!

Sunrise Over Carter Lake

Carter Lake, Colorado, 2009

At the risk of being accused of Photo Overkill, just one more. And I wanted to share this Bit-of-Wisdom by Saint Bonaventure.

If there is anyone who is not enlightened by the sublime magnificence of created things, he is blind. If there is anyone who, seeing all these works of God, does not praise Him, he is dumb. If there is anyone who, from so many signs, cannot perceive God, that man is foolish.

~~~^j^~~~

I must admit that I totally agree with the good saint.

Thanks be to God!

The Beauty Stays With You...

The Creator's art
In wonder and majesty
We are left in awe!

The Surrey With The Fringe On Top

Granddaughter, Kellie, is in the summer production of the Warrick County musical Oklahoma!!!! This is one of my FAVORITE musicals and as a child I loved to sing this song! Just the best rhythm and lyrics and fun to sing! What's your favorite song from Oklahoma?

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

One Word Meme

Art by Mary Engelbreit

THE ONE WORD MEME!

Lisa at Are We There Yet offered this challenge...And it was a challenge! ONE WORD! I could write a book re: some of these questions. And so for a "babbling brook" this will be a challenge! Enjoy!

>> Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It’s really hard to use only one-word answers. Be sure to tag the person who sent it to you!

1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your hair? short
3. Your mother?Loyce
4. Your father? William
5. Your favorite food? spaghetti
6. Your dream last night? hamburgers
7. Your favorite drink? tea
8. Your dream/goal? retirement
9. What room you are in? office
10. Your hobby? knitting
11. Your fear? drowning
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Newburgh
13. Where were you last night? home
14. Something that you aren’t? patient
15. Muffins? blueberry
16. Wish list item? Prius
17. Where you grew up? Colorado
18. Last thing you did? read
19. What are you wearing? nightgown
20. Your TV? off
21. Your pets? two
22. Friends? dear
23. Your life? exciting
24. Your mood? sleepy
25. Missing someone? yes
26. Car? Camry
27. Something you’re not wearing? watch
28. Your favorite store? Kohls
29. Your favorite color? blue
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? good-byes
32. Who will resend this? readers
33. One place that I go to over and over? work
34. One person who emails me regularly? Kay
35. My favorite place to eat? Rafferti's

I am not passing this tag to anyone just as Lisa did not but if you feel like participating, feel free to do so. Just let me know so I can add your link and visit you.

Visit:
Marcy at Blessings Each Day
Melissa at Shabby Blue Bungalow
Lee at View from the Choir

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

Warm Hearts Blog Award

Eileen at Umma's World has generously offered me this award.

Created By Sandy at beachgirl77 this very beautiful Warm Hearts award is in memory of her son Jonny and it is a tribute to all the wonderful characteristics Jonny portrayed.

This award should be passed on to those who are bolstering, uplifting, reassuring, soothing, calming, cheering, consoling, and encouraging to those around them.

I feel privileged to have had this offered to me. It is my pleasure to offer this award to some who have touched me in every way nearly everyday.

Lisa at Are We There Yet

Bernie at On My Own

Therese at Aussie Coffee Shop

Marcie at Blessings Each Day...

Laura at Catholic Teacher Musings

Abbey at ABBEY'S ROAD

Wishing all who visit here today blessings, joy and love through God the Father, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit who guides us.

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

As an aside, I am playing I Left My Heart In San Francisco because it was one of my dad's favorite songs.

A Study in Clouds

I just could no resist the wonder of these clouds. They had such character, depth, color. I cannot paint or draw well, so I am in awe of such beauty. This is only a few of the glorious pictures on the this palate in the sky. All this took place on the 4th of July as we drove across South Dakota.

Have a grand day!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Just Got Home

Rocky Mountain National Park, July, 2009

We just arrived home from one of our most enjoyable trips to visit Mom. Usually we fly to Montana, but this year we chose to drive. As a result we got to visit with her, brother Phil and his family, Deb and Megan and Ron's family, Linda and Norm and Rhonda and John.

The route took us from Indiana through Iowa, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas and Missouri and back home. By the grace of God we had glorious weather and delightful interaction with all our family.

We went to the Little Big Horn National Battlefield (by-passed Mount Rushmore this time/really crowded for the 4th) and visited once again Rocky Mountain National Park in all its grandeur!!! Will have soooo many pics to share, but just wanted all to know I'm back and that an auto trip is still one of the best ways to see this wonderful nation!

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

Continuing The Adventure...

We're off to CO today on the next leg of our journey. Must say good-bye to Mother and the rest of the family. It's always sooo hard for I won't see them for another year. Perhaps, that is why I appreciate these gifts of family sooo much.

Wishing you all wonderful visits with your families!!!

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

Christmas In July

Melting Chocolate
Originally uploaded by oreolla

It's July. I'm on vacation. You all know that!!! What you may not know is that I am behind in my reading. For Christmas I love to read a good "Christmas Mystery." The truth is I got two books this year and only got to read one of them. So, since we are on the road and I have time to read I decided to read the one I hadn't finished. So here is a partial review of my "Christmas in July" mystery.

It's called The Chocolate Snowman Murders by JoAnna Carl. (She is also the author of The Chocolate Jewel Case.) Though it's certainly not close to the season mentioned above, there is never a season or time of year when CHOCOLATE or a GOOD mystery is not appropriate.

I will not tease you with the plot...but I will tease you with the chocolate trivia!

Really Ancient Chocolate

Among the big anthropological news of the early 2000's was the report that scientist had proved use of chocolate by humankind began five hundred years earlier that previously thought.

An analysis of ancient pottery from Honduras found traced of chocolate at least three thousand years old. This is five hundred years earlier than any earlier evidence of the use of the heavenly substance.

A professor of anthropology at Cornell University, John Henderson, and his colleagues made chemical analyses of residue on bits of broken pottery dating from 1100 B.C., pottery found in the Ulua Valley of Northern Honduras. The scientists discovered theobroma, and alkaloid present only in cacao.

Scientists speculate that the vessels had been used to drink a fermented 'beer' made from the pulp that surrounds the cacao beans used to produce chocolate.

The pottery was of the type used for important ceremonies, the researchers said."
So there you have it.

Today have your chocolate and PARTY! Perhaps more trivia tomorrow!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

If you love a good mystery and chocolate Diane Mott Davidson has also written a book called Dying for Chocolate.

The lovely picture is by oreolla.

Montana Sky, Nature's Summer Best

Montana Sky, Nature's Summer Best
Originally uploaded by moonjazz

Arrived in Glorious Montana and found it cool and the clouds have character. There is so much glory o be seen in the work of the creator is only we would only take time to reflect on the beauty. Stop and look! It is truly grand!!!!! I have so much I want to share and soon I will be able to do so!

Thanks be to God!!!

Montana Sky, Nature's Summer Best
Originally uploaded by moonjazz

I fear my pictures are still in the camera. Will share mine when I get home. But the sky is glorious here!!!!!

4th of July

Maxine says it all!!! Please have a safe and Happy 4th of July!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

The Columbine

Columbine
Salvation
the flower of the Savior
Wisdom and Strength

The columbine is said to have grown at Adam's feet in the
Garden of Eden. Through the Middle Ages. Monasteries and castle
gardens featured this flower. Originally blossoms were thought
to represent the eagle's claws but those with gentler natures said the
petals looked like a dove. Presenting the Columbine to a
loved one shows a great deal of respect. Salvation is implied, ranging
from the salvation of the soul to an attempt to ward off an evil
eye, which could otherwise sap a beloved's wisdom and strength.
~Loves Me, Loves Me Not~
The Hidden Language of Flowers
by Peter Loewer

~~~~~~~

Soon and very soon we will be going to the land of the Columbine. We're off tomorrow evening for MT to visit Mom and brother Phil and family for several days. Then on the way home we will visit Ron's sister in CO. I can hardly wait. John Denver had it right!!! It's a "Rocky Mountain High!"

I'm not sure how much access I will have to a computer. I will make every effort to post and visit. Know that I will be thinking of all of you! Will be gone for about 10 days all told but do hope to visit with you all soon.

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

True Heart Award

"Those who receive this award are of the sweetest nature. They are kind, friendly, funny, loving, eager to share their love for Jesus with others, and brave in their efforts to reflect Him to this darkened world. They are the kind of folks you're blessed to know, even if it's only in the bloggy-sphere."

I am sincerely humbled by this gift given by Jennifer at My Chocolate Heart. And so I offer this award to those who have been models for me along this Blogging Journey. This is only a few of those who have touched my life.


1) Esther at Catholic Mom in Hawaii
2) Ann at Poetry, Prayer and Praise
3) SuzyQ at Sailing by Starlight
4) Lisa at Are We There Yet
5) Mrs. Pogle's World
6) Bia at La Dolce Vita: my life with three sons
7) Abbey at Abbey's Road
8) Deb at UKOK's Place
9) Sojourner at A Catholic Notebook
10) Tracy at a Catholic Mom in Minnesota

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

Friendly Accolades

In the last week I have been privileged to be awarded distinguieshed awards. I will continue with the award that Abbey at Abbey's Road extended to me.

"This is how the award works: This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

The award also asks that I tell 7 "random" things about myself. There probably isn't much I haven't already said about myself but I will do my best.

They are:

!) I dislike summer in IN. It's HOT and HUMID. Having been born and raised in CO where the altitude is high and the air is dry, this is AWFUL! (It was 59 in Denver this early a.m. It was 72 here!)

2) I like the music of CCR, the Beach Boys, Jim Croche, Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, and Billy Joel.

3) My favorite old movies are mysteries like Charlie Chan, Sherlock Holmes and the Thin Man. (Kellie, my grand daughter has spent enough time with me that she likes to watch them too.)

3) My favorite television show is on PBS. It's Mystery and this next few weeks they are airing newly produced Agatha Christi movies.

4) My youngest son will be married in December, 2009. And my 10th grandchild will be born in October, 2009.

5) 41 years ago in July Ron I were married and our honeymoon was overnight in Aspen. Wish we could go back again, but in 1969 none of the celebrities had found it yet and is was much less expensive to stay there.

6) Seeing the Grand Canyon was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. If you don't believe in God before you visit there, surely you will find Him while you are there.

7) This year on our numerous travels we hope to have visited everyone in the family including our brothers and sisters as well as all the kids. Thanks be to God!!!!

To those who have who touch my life nearly daily I offer this award:

1) Marcy at Blessing Each Day

2) Bernie at On My Own

3) Sue at In Him We Live and Move and Have Our Being

4) Cathy at From the Field of Blue Children

5) Sue at Made for Joy

6) Angie at Sonflower

7) Kim at Falling On His Grace

8) Laura at Catholic Teacher's Musings

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Wash Day

My friend Maggie has gifted me with this "little ditty." Please enjoy as I did!

~*~

Monday Wash Day

Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and
Vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility
through the week ahead.

Tuesday Ironing Day

Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles
of prejudice I have collected through the years
So that I may see the beauty in others.

Wednesday Mending Day

O God, help me mend my ways so I will not
Set a bad example for others.

Thursday Cleaning Day

Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults
I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.

Friday Shopping Day

O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase
eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love.

Saturday Cooking Day

Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly
Love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.

Sunday The Lord's Day
O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please
come into my heart so I may spend the day and the
Rest of my life in your presence.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Trek to the Biltmore

We had some more fun last weekend. We took a trip to Ashville, NC to visit Biltmore House

Grandpa and Dad get the kids
settled in the car.

Then we follow the leader.

It's a really good picture of the Clan.

The boys are off to get their hands wet in the fountain

And as we drove to the winery
we passed the garden.

Will have to return just to do the garden walk.
It was a lovely experience and a grand way
to celebrate
Father's Day!

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

Honest Scrap Award

My sincere thanks to Lisa at Are We There Yet and Eileen at Umma's World for this delightful award. Both of these ladies offer me a place to go and enjoy the environment and down home friendliness. I will try to do justice by them in accepting this award and sharing a bit of who I am.

Rules:

1) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award.
2) Share "ten honest things" about myself.
3) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me.
4) Tell those 7 people that they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving it.

Ten Insights I may not have shared before:

1) I knit, crochet, embroider, and do counted x-stitch (not all at the same time) but cannot skillfully use a sewing machine. My poor mother really tried, but I am totally inept!

2) I played the organ at church for 5 years, but found it to be the most difficult thing I ever had to do. I felt as if I never celebrated Mass on Sunday because I was so concerned about "getting it right." I am grateful I was able to assist in this ministry, but am most grateful to have passed it on to another.

3) I take real pleasure in being a part of the RCIA process here at St. John the Baptist Church. Being "used" in the preparation of those entering the Catholic faith has been one of my great joys. Witnessing the work of the Spirit in the lives of those choosing to enter is a thrill!

4) I love to travel. Will spend a good deal of this summer on the road! YEAH!

5) I have 5 children born in four different states, Colorado, California, Oklahoma and Indiana.

6) When in nursing school I found that the worst patients in the hospital were the Dr. and nurse. I was determined that when I was in the hospital I would not be demanding and bad humored. I hope I was successful.

7) Giving birth in a military hospital is an interesting experience. One is not allowed to lie around and feel sorry for oneself. The next day the corpsman comes in with your sheets and towels and gives them to you so you can get ready for breakfast. You shower, change your sheets and then get breakfast. (That was 30 years ago so I'm not sure if it has changed.) Not much time to develop postpartum blues.

8) I enjoyed Forensic and Debate in high school. There's a lot to be said for being able to stand in front of a group, perform, and take the criticism...Like American Idol?

9) Would much rather watch a live sporting event than watch it on TV...No on can hear me yell when I'm home alone watching!

10) One of my favorite flowers is the day lily! When we were in NC this last weekend I saw BLANKETS of day lilies on the highway medians!!!! It was glorious. I just wish I could have gotten a picture to show you all!!!!!

Now for the hand-off (football term)!

Abbey at Abbey's Road

Anita at Castles, Crown and Cottages

Eileen at Eileen on Him...at least I try!

Dorothy at Musing at 85

Jennifer at My Chocolate Heart

Sarah at Ora et Labora--Journey of Truth

Esther at A Catholic Mom in Hawaii

It just occurred to me that two of the women above are in Hawaii! INTERESTING!

~~~^j^~~~

For all this fun and ecxcitment I say,
"Thanks again
and
Thanks be to God!!!"