Kellie is Fourteen

Kellie, May 17, 1994

Today Kellie is 14. She was our first grandchild and God only knows where the last 14 years have gone. Today she is a beautiful young lady who is graceful and filled with the love of music and dance. She volunteers helping with Children's Sunday School at St Joseph Church and sings in the choir. It has been a blessing for us to watch her grow and mature into the person she has become. Her birthday also happens to coincide with an appropriate reflection by Amy Welborn in A Catholic Woman's Book of Days.

Then he appeared to more than five hundred
brothers and sisters at one time, most of
whom are still alive, tough some have died.
~1 Corinthians 15:6~

When I was about thirteen years old, my previously clean-shaven father grew a handlebar mustache and took to wearing striped, bell-bottom pants (it was 1973).

I was distressed and actually a little angry. I remember thinking--although I don't know if I ever said it out loud--that he just didn't look like a Dad anymore.

The Gospels and Paul tell us that after the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to many. All who saw him had some difficulty recognizing or accepting him. Their faith had to take them a step or two beyond their previous experience and expectations in order to really see Jesus.

When I look, is there something preventing me from seeing Jesus for who he is?

Lord Jesus, bring me close to you in faith.

I would also offer for reflection this verse.

Jesus said to her," Woman why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" She thought it was a gardener and said to him, "Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" [And she recognized Jesus.]
John 20:15-16

You see there are times when I look back at the pictures of Kellie and my other grandchildren and remember with delight how they were. And because I don't get to see most of them as often as I would like, the next time I do see them they have changed in stature and maturity. I don't recognize the child as they were before and a part of me doesn't want them to change. I want them to stay a wee child and...I guess it makes me sad. Yes, indeed they must grow, change and mature. And when I see their success, I cheer and thank God (with a tear in my eye!) heartily! That's when I know I must rely the Spirit and his good judgment and once again understand who is in control.

I think the illustration above is much like that. Jesus enters our live in many ways. But am I open to his presence? I hope so, too! For he does not always appear to be the same. Well, (sigh) to be honest...I know I miss the presence more than I care to admit. The reality is, it is up to me to GROW and MATURE (though I am still mostly young) so that I can be in His presence and know it. Yep, that's it!!! And in reflecting on Kellie's birthday today and her beautiful life I too have grown-up just a little more, I hope.

SOOOO...

Happy Birthday, Kellie!
and
Thanks be to God!!

Simple Devotion

As she often does Suzy at Sailing by Starlight has guided me to a new and interesting site called The Simple Woman. There I have been challenged to THINK and REFLECT on scripture. I share this as part of her reflection.

Relish in the moment, the here and now. We know that times are hard and they will be...the end is written and the world is in travail, but we also know that we are never alone. Take comfort in this...

Philippians 4:8 (which is the "blueprint” verse for my life) it says “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” I just love this scripture and find the words very simple to understand. I find them healing to a burdened spirit that is hurting.

And you know I can. She reminded me that when things are burdensome I find myself singing or humming one of my favorite hymns, You Are Near. It becomes a prayer and then I appreciate the consolation derived from the nearness of God. What a grand opportunity to say Thank You and give praise to the Almighty.

I would ask you to visit The Simple Woman for she has a great deal to offer. Thank you to Suzy for leading me there.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks to be to God, always!!

Feast of Saint Isadore the Farmer

I'm sharing this today because I have friends who are farmers. They are hard workers and diligent in their work and their love of the Lord. Farming is in itself HARD work and risky! A farmer knows not from year to year what will come of his efforts. He is at the mercy of the elements over which he as no control. And they pray.

When I shop for groceries, eat out, or spend time fixing meals I fear I don't spend time thanking these men and women who tend the soil. I take them for granted until the prices in the store rises and then I complain. I forget that they are the ones up early feeding the cattle, sheep, chickens, turkeys. They are the ones praying for rain so that the crops will yield a good harvest. Or for the farmers here praying the rain will subside long enough to get into the fields to plant.

Today I would ask you to take time our to pray for these very special people who feed the world!!!

Patron of National Rural Conference in the United States

St. Isidore, the Farmer

St. Isidore was born at Madrid, Spain, in the latter half of the 12th century. For the greater part of his life he was employed as a laborer on a farm outside the city. Many marvelous happenings accompanied his lifelong work in the fields and continued long after his holy death. He was favored with celestial visions and, it is said, the angels sometimes helped him in his work in the fields. St. Isidore was canonized in 1622.

In 1947, he was proclaimed the patron of the National Rural Conference in the United States. He is the patron of farmers, and his feast day is May 15th.

Prayer : God, through the intercession of St. Isidore, the holy Farmer, grant that we may overcome all feelings of pride. May we always serve You with that humility which pleases You, through his merits and example.

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Thanks be to God and to
those who till His earth!

Astonomy Day, 2008

In the beginning...God created the heavens and the earth...
Genesis 1:1

This year's Astronomy Day wasn't quite as exciting as last year's
Adventures in Astronomy. But it was family time together none-the-less. Neil is an astronomer in training and must be what his Grandpa Keller was like when he was 8 years old. Neil has his telescope and time spent with his dad at Grandpa Ackerman's farm firing his rockets is what he really enjoys. Kids!!! Don't you love it?!

Neil really enjoyed the games while sister, Kellie and Mom looked on.

But while Mom and Neil made HIS constellation, Kellie and Grandma went to see the Rodin exhibition. The truth is Mom was quick to see the exhibition, too, as she is one of the art teaches at Memorial High School.

I was pretty pleased with my camera play as the picture actually looks like I'm looking at the earth and the Big Dipper from outer space...Right?

The last picture of the moon, though, was taken Monday night by Ron through his telescope and though it is not perfect it is really a wonderful picture of God's creation!!! That night the moon was not only clear but Saturn was displayed in all his glory!!!

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Thanks be to Go!

Feast of Our Lady of Fatima

I must give credit where credit is due. I was lead to this by someone who visited this blog and offered this as a comment. I am embarrassed to say that my two years of Spanish did me no good as I visited this sight, La opinion de ciudadano. But the gift that was offered was tremendous and a wonderful witness to the youth of the world and their love of Our Lady. To this person I say, "Thank you."

I would also like to offer a word of encouragement by St. Bernard of Clairvaux :

If the hurricanes of temptation rise against you, or you are running upon the rocks of trouble, look to the star--call on Mary!

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And Thanks be to God!