Simple Woman's Day Book

This looked interesting from The Simple Woman. It's called The Simple Woman's Daybook. It has been interesting to read other's thoughts and dreams and so I thought I would give it a try. So if you are interested in giving it a try visit that address above.

~^j^~

FOR TODAY May 19, 2008...

Outside My Window...The light breeze blows through the trees in the neighborhood.
I am thinking...I wish we weren't so busy today. I could spend time in the garden.
I am thankful for...friends who share their dreams with me.
From the kitchen...I'm considering what to do this week for meals. A busy week it is. Tonight will be left overs, tomorrow dinner out with my Cursillo group. Perhaps Brunswick stew in the Crockpot for Wednesday as it is Kellie's 8th grade graduation and we will be scurrying hither and yon to get ready. MMMM leftover Brunswick stew Thursday (even better then) and out to dinner and graduation parties all weekend to come.
I am wearing...my uniform for work.
I am creating...still the baby afghan for "little miss muffett."
I am going...come home from work this afternoon and start potting my outdoor petunias.
I am reading...2 Chronicles, which is a real challenge, Buckingham Palace Gardens, a mystery by Diane Perry.
I am hoping...to start a Philadelphia Catholic in King James Court, by Martin De Porres Kennedy
I am hearing...silence.
Around the house...the cat is curled up on the blanket in the back bedroom, Duke and Duchess are napping.
One of my favorite things...listening to old radio programs.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Meet with Father Gene for Spiritual Direction, and work with a friend on planning some changes in our gardens.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Mary Engelbrecht

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God Bless you today
and
Thanks be to God!

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

The Blessed Trinity

How often have we made the sign of the cross, invoking without really adverting to it, the name of the triune God? In its original meaning the sign of the Cross was, each time it was made, a renewal of our baptism, a repetition of the words by which we became Christians, and the assimilation into our personal life what was given us in baptism without our cooperation or reflection. Water was poured over us and at the same time, the words were spoken: "I baptize you in the name of the Father , and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." The Church makes us Christians by calling on the name of the the Trinitarian God. From her beginning, she has expressed in this way what she regards as the truly definitive mark of our Christianity: faith in the triune God. We find that disappointing. It seems so remote from our life. It seems so useless and so hard to understand. If there must be short formulas for expressing the tenets of our faith, then they should at least be attractive, exciting, something whose importance for men and for our live is immediately apparent. Yet, in the last analysis, this is what we are saying here: Christianity is not primarily concerned with the Church or with men, but with God. Its proper orientation is not to our hope, our fears, or our wishes, but to God, to his majesty and his power: The first article of Christian faith, the basic orientation of Christian conversion, is that God exists. We must, therefore, learn again to understand from God's perspective what being a Christian really means--that is, believing that he is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If he is that in himself he must be I and You and so he must be one God in three Persons

Pope Benedict XVI
from Magnificat Magazine, May, 2008

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Enough said...

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Thanks be to God!

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.

~~~+~~~

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!

Discernment

Church of the Immaculate Conception
St Mary-of-the-Woods College

It seems like just yesterday when I had spent a wonderful week witnessing the work of God in my midst and felt that there must be something I was being called to do because of this experience. I wrote about it in the post This Week Ends. Last Sunday after Mass, I was approached by the head of the Adult Formation Commission, to which Ron and I belong, and asked me if I would consider becoming a Providence Associate.

To quote the information about the Sisters of Providence:

The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods are women of faith committed to effecting positive change in the world.

Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, foundress of the Sisters of Providence, was canonized on October 15, 2005 and Ron and I were privileged to attend the Mass of Canonization at the Woods the same day Pope John Paul II conferred her sainthood in Rome.

I have been blessed by the friendship of the Sisters over the years and am proud to call Sister Dorothy Rasche a dear friend. I have had the privilege of being educated at The Woods and received my degree from there in 1994.

Now, I have been called again. I want to be sure this is not my "Irish zeal" that is urging me on but a serious discernement of the will of God. Right now I am praying that this is the answer to those urgings I was feeling those few weeks ago. The preparation for becoming an Associate takes a year and I will journey with a companion through this period of discernment. I will not travel alone.

Please, I would ask that you would pray that this is the place God wants me to be right now and if it is indeed, I will be worthy of the call. I pray the Holy Spirit will endow me with the wisdom to know this is the call and the courage to follow His lead.

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

Doggie Wisdom

Duchess and Taco Bell

Duchess is so funny sometimes. She begs and begs and begs for something until we relent and she gets what she wants. The other night she wanted the empty can of refried beans. She barked. She whined...She whined, barked and jumped on our lap. Finally, just so we could have some peace and quiet, Ron gave her the can. Instead of devouring the dregs of the can, she painstakingly licked and savored its contents. Savored the contents!

This became a lesson in perseverance in prayer to me. If we pray diligently without wavering, in time the answer will come. Before joyfully proclaiming the answer to a prayer to one and all, take time to savor the goodness and love of the Lord. Thank him first. Cherish the moment with him, be enveloped by that moment. Boasting in our success at prayer will only leave us empty, if we have not first spent time in gratitude with the one who makes all things possible.

The soul of the sluggard craves in vain,
but the diligent soul is amply satisfied.
Proverbs 13:4

And so it is. Lazy prayer yields nothing but complaints from those who say their prayers are not answered. Because I have times of "lazy prayer" I have heard myself make that same complaint. But when I pray in diligence the rewards become so much more apparent and clearly visible. But prayer is HARD work, and when results don't seem to be forthcoming we get lazy. So, today commit to diligence. It won't be easy but then nothing worthwhile ever comes "easy." My dad always said, "Nothing is free. There's a price to pay somewhere or to someone."

So to Duchess, "Thank you for your lesson on prayer where even your empty can of refried beans did not come free to you. It came in your diligence."

~~~^j^~~~

God bless you all
And
Thanks be to God!

"The Light That Lifts Us Up"

Washington Monument at Night
September, 2006

There are some books that are good to read from cover to cover and then there is the book that once read, you pick up to read in bits and pieces. And so it was that I returned to one of my favorite books today and read this from Living the Mysteries, A Guide for Unfinished Christians by Scott Hahn and Mike Aquilina. So I would like to share this with you.

Eustathia, Ambrosia, and Basilissa were three women who had consecrated their lives to God. St Gregory wrote to give them advise and encouragement in the ways of prayer. In one brief passage, he sums up the difference God made by becoming human. He enlightened our lives. He made us divine. This is what it means to be saved.

"When the sun plunges his beam into the gloom, he doesn't dim the beam's brightness. Instead, the beam changes the darkness into light. So also the true Light, shining in our gloom, was not overshadowed, but rather enlightened the gloom by means of itself.

Our humanity was in darkness. As Scripture says: 'They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness' (Ps 82:5). Then the Illuminator of this darkened world darted the beam of His divinity through our whole composite nature, through both soul and body, and so He took all humanity by means of His own light, and He lifted it up and made it just what He is Himself. This divinity was not made perishable, though it inhabited a perishable body, so neither was it changed, though it healed all that was changeful in our soul.

St. Gregory of Nyssa

I was wondering as I read this, isn't it funny that just the other day I was thinking about my soul and how it needs to be tended. And here are the words of encouragement to which I was guided. Because of the saving power of God through the life, death and resurrection of His Son and through Baptism my soul is divine. It will not perish. And on any given day, the light divine is what people see in me when I "practice what I preach." Pray for me, as I pray for you, that the light might shine bright in his glory. Amen!

~~~~^j^~~~~

Thanks be to God!

Hope in My Garden

Hope In My Garden

"And the rain, rain, rain came down, down, down in rushing, rising rivlets..." and I had such "Highee hopes...highee hopes, high apple piie in the skyeee hopes..." but it looks like we won't be working in the muddy garden today!!! It is in such need of "repair." It needs some serious grooming and a definite face lift. But unless we wear hip waders it's just possible that it won't get done this weekend. DRAT!

So as we all do, I thought if it clears up enough (sour grapes), then Ron can take the telescope out and look at God's "garden in the sky" tonight. Saturn last weekend was really beautiful...He still waiting for Jupiter to make "his" appearance.

Well, it occurred to me this morning when at Mass that the garden I should be worrying about is not the one with the weeds in the soil outside, but the weeds to be pulled and the seeds to be planted in the garden of my soul, The Real Garden. Goodness! What a revelation. For how my soul looks with its weeds and flowers is also how I appear to others who witness my works. So it is that I will try to work harder on the soul within, as well, as the soil without. The one may need hip waders, the the other certainly does not!

"'Blessed be God who has raised you up!
may he be blessed for all ages!'
For in you they shall praise his holy
name forever!"
Tobit 13:18

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

National Day of Prayer, 2008

Simply put, this is a day in which we can all come together in communion with all faiths to pray for the "health" of our nation. We need to come together to pray for the "health" of the world. Praying for world peace, the end to world hunger, and an end to sickness and disease everywhere is essential and God will bless us in our efforts.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church will observe the day with an evening meal and prayer service starting at 6:00 p.m. Sister Jane Nesmith, Pastoral Administrator at St John the Evangelist Parish, will be our guest speaker.

Check to see where your community is observing this year's National Day of Prayer and plan to personally participate. We are called to be one. What better way to begin!

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Thanks be to God for the freedom
to participate in this endeavor!

Prayerful Talants

St. Meinrad Archabbey
Picture by cindy47452

There are times that the book Latin Sayings for Spiritual Growth really has a lot to say to me. This is one of those times. I have been struggling with my grasp of prayer and how it should be done for years and years. Sometimes I feel I succeed in my prayer life and at others I feel the failure. But you know when I hear others talk about their praying, I wonder if I really know how to pray.

Archabbot Labert Reilly, O.S. B. says this.

Non omni cundem calceum induas pedi

("Every shoe fits not every foot")
Publilius Syrus

Many times during our journey, we turn to Christ just as the Apostles did and implore, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1).

It was simple when we were young: Utter the memorized words ask for blessing for all we loved, and drift off to sleep, trusting God's presence the same way we trusted that our mother would be there in the morning, gently shaking us awake.

But as we grow older, life reveals its complexities. Our friendships with other human beings change, just as our relationship with God changes. We turn to a shelf filled with spiritual reading for guidance, and the options stump us. We can meditate, pray the Rosary, go to daily Mass, pray by ourselves or with a group. We can be guided by Thomas a Kempis, Ignatius of Loyola, Teresa of Avila, Francis de Sales, or Therese of Lisieux. One deeply spiritual friend is rooted in Adoration, another in Scripture study still another in both.

What fits us?

We are each of course, unique, and God is infinite. He approaches each of us in ways that make sense to us and that will bring us close to Him. If God gives one person the gift of experiencing His presence through a certain style of prayer, that doesn't mean it's the only way that leads to Him.

It's another facet of the virtue of prudence: sifting, testing, and listening, to fine the prayer that brings us closest to God.

~~~^j^~~~

So perhaps, I should stop worrying today about how I don't pray the way others pray, but pray the way I am most comfortable where I am right now. That of course may change tomorrow, or in years and years...Only God knows. I'm still just a work in progress. YEAH!

~~~
Thanks be to God!

The Feast of St Catherine of Siena

St Catherine of Siena
Originally uploaded by Lawrence OP

Today is the feast of St. Catherine. I have always had a humble pride in the fact that Mom and Dad chose this strong, brave, determined woman to be my model. And so today I celebrate not only her life but the wisdom of my parents.

"With God as your companion you will live in the light of faith, with hope and fortitude, with true patience and perseverance, all the days of your life. You will never be alone, never fear anyone or anything, for you will find your security in God." --Catherine of Siena

A wise and courageous woman, when there are women who still long to be "liberated," she is the model of that liberation. And her liberation did not come through things of this world, but by doing the will of God.
~~~+~~~
For her example I say,
"Thanks be to God!"

Busy, Busy Weekend

Sweet Breakfast in Sicily
Originally uploaded by lorenzo cuppini

Yeah!!!! It's the weekend. And a lovely busy one to be sure!

First it's by Saturday breakfast with the "girls". Two dear former workers. We meet one Saturday a month to catch!!! A real blessing.

Ron and I volunteer at Mother Theresa's Treasures, a thrift store run by our church, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church here in Newburgh. It is wonderful to work there. It is a really worthwhile cause.

Wes, Annie and the Girls will be here this afternoon from INDY. Tomorrow is Neil's First Communion and we are going to CELEBRATE!!!! We will help Neil celebrate the joy of his special day with family and friends!!!!! The best of all worlds!

See why I am soooooo excited?!!!?

~*~*~*~*~
To you all God Bless and Thanks be to God!!!

Waiting Upon God

The Annunciation
Fra Angelico, (c. 1438-1445)

This is our Lord's will: that our prayer and our trust should be equally generous. For if our trust is not as generous as our prayer we cannot worship God to the full, and we hinder and harm ourselves.

Sometimes it seems that we have been praying a long time and still do not have what we ask. But we should not be sad. I am sure that what our Lord means is that either we should wait for a better time or more grace, or a better gift.

This is his meaning: that we should see what he does, and pray that it should be done. One is not enough without the other.

It is our Lord's will that, whatever he plans to do, we should pray for it, either in particular or in general. The joy and delight it gives him, and the thanks and glory we shall be given because of it pass all understanding--in my sight.

St Julian of Norwich
Enfolded in Love, Daily reading with Julian of Norwich
Edited by Robert Llewelyn

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I am called to wait. I have found that I am great at procrastination (waiting to do something I am called to do) but not so good at waiting (submitting to the will of another in this case God). Why is that? I don't "wait on God" very well at all...Oh!!! I think I have control of one and I know I have no control of the other...The truth is I am not in control of either. Procrastination caused anxiety and the other impatience. Boy have I got a lot of work to do in learning to wait without assuming to be in control...

~~~~~
Thanks be to God!!

I've Got the Urge MEME

Because I was once lost and now have been found through the help of Esther at A Catholic Mom in Hawaii, who tagged me in the first place, I can now get rid of all these pent-up urges...

1. I have the urge to clean out my car.
2. I have the urge to tune my harp.
3. I have the urge to clean the office here at home.
4. I have the urge to wrap Neil's First Communion gift.
5. I have the urge to get the umbrella from the storage building and place it in the table outside.
6. I have the urge to cut back the bushes in the garden...but it is supposed to rain again tomorrow.
7. I have the urge to shop for a Japanese Lace Maple to replace the one that died a year ago.
8. I have the urge to call my friend, Fay, in Texas and see how she is doing.
9. I have the urge to call Martha in NJ as I owe her a call.
10. I have the urge to bake lots of good thing and put them in the freezer because it will be too hot soon to bake.

My, I feel sooo much better!! Now I need to act on some of these urges.

Since I have no idea who has and who hasn't participated in this endeavor, I invite anyone who is interested in doing it to let me know so I can read your list! It really is freeing.

~~~~~~~

Thanks be to God!

HELP!!!

Photo by Wataro Goro

A couple of weeks ago I was tagged for the "I've got the urge" MEME. Darned if I can remember who tagged me or what the rules are. NOW I have the "urge" to do it and the "urge" to find it and don't know where to begin. Again I am humbled. Yes, I should have written it down at the time, but who would have guessed I'd lose it. Can anyone help? Thank you!

~~~
And Thanks be to God!

Take a trip...

Camille Pisarro (1830-1903)

I just visited A world of beauty and found that her daughter is having a photo exhibition. The pictures are really very good. Just stop in and say "Hello." I did and I had a grand time. It's a great way to spend your time...Just relaxing, meandering among the pictures and enjoying the giftedness of our neighbors.

Maybe visit your local art museum. Spend the time walking through the galleries. The beauty, quiet and serenity can be most refreshing. Enjoy!!!

~~~~~~~

Thanks be to God!

"Have faith in me"

Sedilia
photo by Lawrence,OP

Today's reflective reading in Magnificat is another call for us to trust. It is a testament to our humanity that we must be reminded over and over again to "have faith." In today's Gospel (John 14: 1:12) we are reminded that even Jesus' closest followers still had to be reminded, even while He was among them.

As a result of our creation, God assumes certain all-important claims to our allegiance. He is our origin; he is our supreme good, our monarch, and our absolute sovereign; he is our ruler, our protector, and our defender; he is our judge.

Let us adore and praise God in all these divine aspects. Let us rejoice that he is so great, that he possesses countless perfections, and has so much power over all his creatures who are dependent upon him in so many varied ways. Let us also rejoice that we belong to him by so many claims to our allegiance and that he vouchsafes to exercise all these rights in our regard. It is a marvelous advantage, a great glory and a singular honor for us to have an origin so noble, an end so exalted, a center so divine, a supreme good so bountiful and provident, a prototype so perfect, a king so powerful, a ruler and protector so prudent and strong, a judge so just and equitable, and a God so great so admirable and so good...

As our end, center, element and supreme good, he calls and attracts us to himself continually, saying: "Come to me all you who labor and are burdened: and I will refresh you" (Mt 11:28). If there is a secret virtue in the center of a stone, in the element of the fish, and in the sphere of fire, which so strongly attracts them, how much stronger is the virtue of our true center, our true element and our real sphere, which is God? How is it, then, that we allow ourselves to be so little attracted to him? Certainly, we must believe that we offer very great resisitance and that there must be a terrible weight of sin within us to resist such powerful attraction. O my sovereigh End, by Divine Center, attract, me draw me completely to you, and do not allow me to oppose your power in any way. (Saint John Eudes)

Saint John Eudes (+1680) was largely responsible for initiating and popularizing devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

~~~+~~~

Thanks be to God!

Aside: Please note I have added "Catholic Trivia" to the side bar. I found the game we played with the children when they were younger. It is suprisingly educational and amazing how much there is to learn in "trivia." I hope you will enjoy this "corner."

Romantic Dinner...

My garden looks better with wine....
Originally uploaded by 1bluecanoe

Setting: Kitchen Table

Menu: Chicken and Dumplings

Wine: Riesling (suitable for fruit and cheese)

Attire: Dockers and Sweats

He says, "The wine and dumplings are good. It's good that we don't have to impress anyone."
~~~
To that I say, "Thanks be to God in His goodness for my Best Friend!"


^j^

The Earthquaked.

Yes, indeed it did. At 4:30 this morning our house seemed to be "bouncing". Though not the first time we had experienced the earth move, it is still daunting. Not even a picture was es cue. And as it is said to have been a 5.4 quake, all is well here.

They say there were 6 aftershocks but I only felt one. I had taken one of our patients to the room and I was interviewing him when we felt the aftershock...This evening we are behaving as if nothing had happened. Perhaps that is because we were spared any of the damage and tragedy that often accompanies many earthquakes. We are grateful to all family and friends who have called and inquired about us.

***^j^***
Certainly we are all grateful and we say,
"Thanks be to God!"

Interesting things to know...

Bananas
Originally uploaded by Dr. GORI ( PJr.)

My friend, Dolores, sent this to me. I wanted to share it with you all. It is pretty interesting and fun.

Peel a banana from the bottom and you won't have to pick the little 'stringy things' off of it. That's how the primates do it.

Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.

Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!

Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.

Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef. It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.

Add cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat the eggs. To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cream.

For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful minty frosting.

Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic.

Leftover snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Simple chop them up with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes!!! Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream.

Reheat Pizza: Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heatto med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.

Easy Deviled Eggs: Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.

Expanding Frosting: When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.

Reheating Refrigerated Bread: To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture is 2%.

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

100th Anniversary of St. Philip Neri in Pictures

Proclaim with me the greatness of Yahweh,
together let us extol his name.
I seek Yahweh, and he answers me
and frees me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:3-4
The New Jerusalem Bible

The University of Notre Dame Handbell and Celebration Choirs as they prepare for the concert.












The glory of the Easter celebration continues as we begin our worship together.









Father Jason visits with his family after Mass.

Father Tim, Christel and Dennis Butrum, and Kay and Allen Hagemeier. Friends for many years.

Ron speaks with Nina Marczak, the church historian and Frank.

Father Jason sends us forth with his blessing.
A grand day was had by all, to be sure.







~~~^j^~~~

Ron and I would personally like to thank Father Jason and the Family of St. Philip Neri for their hospitality, generosity, and love. You truly are wonderful and we are proud to call you Family. May God bless you in His generosity for another 100 years!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

St. Philip Neri Cathlic Church

Our Family spent 20 years as members of this community. They were baptized, made their First Communion, were Confirmed and were married.

Yesterday Ron and I went "home" for this family reunion. You see, the people of this community really are family. When our immediate family was in Colorado and Texas, and when visits with them were rare. These dear people were there with love and assistance to nurture and care us.

Going "home" yesterday was a real thrill. We had gone back on a few occasions the last 10 years, but yesterday it was as if we never gone away. We felt welcome, so welcome. And so we hugged and laughed and shared our stories. We celebrated Mass and shared a meal. And all was well.

For all these people and the significant role they play in my Journey. I say, "Thanks be to God!!"

(Photos to follow.)

A Public Apology...

This morning because of irresponsibility I left a lector to read without letting him know I would not be there. Why? Simple. I didn't check the schedule. In all my ramblings the last two days, about how I feel the "call", I think I got a simple but BOLD answer from Our Lord. "Cathy, do what I have called you to do already. "

This is most humbling, for even as I write this, Bernie is doing both readings this morning. And it's not because he cannot do them that I bear this humiliation. It's because I was not responsible. It's because I left him wondering without the courtesy of a call or explanation. Yes, this has happened to me on more than one occasion by others, but that doesn't excuse my lack of integrity or even simply LOOKING at the ministers schedule last night...So, God has said to me in a way most revealing today, "Cathy, if I want you to enter into another "Place" I will call you in MY good time."

And so I say, "Bernie, I am sorry for leaving you to take the responsibilities as lector without the courtesies that this position implies." Now, to phone Bernie and apologize to him.

***+***

To Ron, who called this to my attention,
Thank you and thanks be to God!

The Week Ends...

with a most wonderful surprise!!!

Let the same mind be in you that was in
Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death
even death on a cross.
~Philippians 2:5-8~

Today, what a surprise and blessing for Ron and me. Shannon is state-side to renew her visa so that she can continue her work in China. We really didn't think we would have a chance to visit with her as her visit here is very short. But, you know, I believe in miracles...Meeting her and her mother, Colleen, in the parking lot at Schnucks was absolutely that for me. Like a child at Christmas surprised by the wonder of the gifts, so was I at seeing her. I could only greet her with hugs and joy!!!

Shannon has a most infectious smile that lifts your spirits. She emanates love, compassion and grace. And when she speaks of the children she cares for, one can only believe that the love they are given is tender and warm. There is a sincere desire in her to do the will of God where she is and that is caring for these children who are at risk.

My dear friends, my hope is that you have model of Christ, like Shannon, who can motivate you to submit your will to the will of God, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today I feel rejuvenated. And since the beginning of this week, there have been many moments in which I have felt the presence of Christ. Now, it seems He is calling me to serve, perhaps in ways I have not served before. Please pray I will hear the call as his will, and not MY egos will to serve.

+++

For all his gifts to me, I say,
"Thanks be to God"

A Week of Christian Action...(part 2)

Witnessing God's people at work this week has as been an inspiring time for me. Being in the midst and hearing the progress only bolsters resolve. Because not all are called to actively participate in the day to day workings of social justice organizations, it is good to know that what we contribute in funds and prayer do not go unnoticed or ignored. God is GOOD.

Tuesday night there were 2,000 people at the Rite to Life banquet. For the first time I heard them use the "Prolife" phrase "From conception to natural death" in their talks. They didn't just talk about abortion though it was and has always been the focus of this annual event. Now we are considering the whole of humanity.

***

Last night at St. Benedict Cathedral we witnessed the work done by CAJE (Congregations Acting for Justice in Evansville), an interfaith coalition working for social justice. The commitment of this group is to work with elected leaders and the mayor in this area to supply affordable housing for the working poor. It was inspiring to see the mayor and members of the county council commit to work. This is a complex topic and requires commitment on the part of all individuals who know that there must be a change in how we value those in need. One had only to listen to the speakers to know that this is HARD work and there is no doubt that it has been diligent by those who are closely involved.

Again I see the Beatitudes at work where I live!!! I see Jesus in our midst. "We are One Body, One Body in Christ, and we do not stand alone." (Dana)

~~~+~~~

Thanks be to God!!

A Birthday...of sorts.

It's hard to believe but just a little over a year ago I began this endeavor here. Little did I know at the time I would meet such delightful people along the way. And so it is that to all of you who comment, and those who choose not to, I say thank you! For me this is a grand journey from which I am learning, oh so much!!! God bless you all this day!!!

***+***

Thanks be to God!!

A Week of Christian Action...

"The practical result of this, for us, is that now on earth the whole of Christ's life is always being lived, things that happened to Him on earth are happening to Him now in His members; the things that He did on earth, He is doing now through us. In us are all His needs as man. His need of food and drink and sleep, of sympathy, friendship, comfort, and love; His need of solitude, His need to adore." By Caryll Houselander

The quote above is part of a much more extensive and lovely piece of literature. Please visit Prayer, Poetry and Praise for the rest of this wonderful excerpt.

~~~

It has been our privilege to attend the Vanderburgh County Right to Life banquet for a number of years. Each year about 1,500 people of all Christian denominations come together to give support to this Pro-Life movement. If only this banquet were a celebration of life alone. Tomorrow evening the speaker will be Cal Thomas. It is wonderful to experience the coming together of God's people in this way. In this way we are able to proclaim the value of every human life, born and unborn. We all have worth! And we are witnesses as the Body of Christ.

Then Thursday night, as Christians from all denominations, we are called to gather at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville to silently voice our concerns at the Social Justice Action Meeting. Not by the clanging of bells or the tooting of horns but by the silence of numbers we are to bring before the mayor and city council, who will be in attendance, our concerns regarding the need for affordable housing for the working poor. It is the hoped that by addressing this real problem "hope and dignity" will be given to those most in need.

You see, as the Body of Christ, we are called to action. We are not to sit passively by and watch...we must contribute. Christianity is NOT a spectator sport!!!

I would ask all of you for your prayers as we endeavor to bring about Christ's teaching by living the Beatitudes not just reflecting on them.

~~~+~~~

Thanks be to God!

The Journey

Road to Emmaus
Photo by Simon_K

We see once more that the divine dialogue, specifically designed to be in tune with the receptivity of the human subject, will take place at different levels. There differences were clearly shown by Pope Saint Gregory in his homily on the disciples of Emmaus; "The Lord appeared to two disciples who were walking along the road, speaking about him, although, in fact they did not believe in him. But he did not show them a face they could recognize; the Lord was thus revealing, on the outside, to the eyes of their body, what they were seeing inside, in the eyes of the heart. Deep inside, they loved and they doubted, and so the Lord was present to them on the outside, but he was not showing them who he was. While they were them, but since they doubted him, he hid the sight of his face from them."

Is there a better and more succinct way of saying that God reveals himself only insofar as he can be grasped to the recipient's advantage when he intervenes, even if it means that he will have to reveal himself more fully when the eyes of the heart will be able to receive the greater light? Besides, this is what St Gregory states a few lines further, when he attributes the fact that the disciples recognize Jesus in the "stranger," forced by their pressing invitation to accept their hospitality: "as they listened to the teaching, they were not enlightened; it is by carrying them out that they saw the light."

The lesson is always the same: interpersonal knowledge can only grow essentially at the expense of the transformation of the knowing subject: we know inasmuch as we love.

Father Maurice Zundel
(Father Zundel [+ 1075] was a Swiss
mystic, poet, philosopher, liturgist,
and author)

Quote from Magnificat, 4/2008 edition

I am profoundly grateful to John and his telling of the Walk to Emmaus. I am also thankful the Church has seen fit to make it such an important part of our tradition.

You see, in my simple way, I have seen Christmas as the coming of the Savior and Easter the fulfillment of God's covenant with us all. But until several years ago, I didn't see me, personally, in the picture. I listened to the Beatitudes and knew it was a lesson in charity, to which we are called. I heard the parables and the teaching of the Master. The Walk to Emmaus, though, has become a respite for me along this journey.

When I first realized the importance of this Scripture passage, I was a young mother and responsible for the week's gathering at church as we "broke open the Word" for the next Sunday's readings. I read this passage and read it and read it again, and I just didn't get it. DUH!! So why is this important, what did it mean? I could only hope that those who gathered with me would have the insights I was missing.

Well, as my father would have said, "The Spirit moved!" As we began the discussion, all of a sudden it became crystal clear! This passage is a lesson on the Mass. Our Lord set before us the Mass we celebrate. The Master instructed us in how to worship! Yes, and on that evening I found my place in the Liturgy. The Priest, as representative of Christ, is the center of worship, for with out him there can be no consecration. But if I am not in attendance, it means that I have missed that "Walk" with the Lord. I haven't heard the Word proclaimed; I haven't witnessed, through the consecration of the bread and wine, Christ's real presence in our midst.

Of all the readings in Scripture, I rank this one as one of my favorite because it was time in which I recognized how the Spirit works in our lives. How my eyes were opened. How He was made known to me through the Word, and finally, allowing me to understand his lesson in the "breaking of the bread."

Don't ya love it? You see in the moment I was "transformed."

~~~+~~~

Thanks be to God!

Another Challenge

Mary Engelbrecht

So here's more for you to know about me... I was tagged by AutumnRose at Christ's Rose.

1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player tags 5 people and posts their name, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

***

What I was dong 10 years ago:

In 1998, I was working at a new job as office nurse. We had recently moved to Newburgh from Bicknell. Our last child was in college.

Five Snacks I enjoy:

1. Chocolate
2. Cheetos
3. Yogurt
4. Oranges
5. Carrots and celery with veggie dip

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

1. I would give much of it away to those in need.
2. Renovate the house in which I live.
3. Visit family and friends.
4. Get a Prius
5. Travel and take the kids and grand kids with me

Five jobs that I have had:

1. Clerk
2. Nurse's aide
3. Nurse
4. Wife
5. Mother/grandmother

Three of my bad habits:

1. I am a poor loser.
2. I am intolerant of laziness.
3. I nag.

Five place I have lived:

1. Denver, CO
2. Alexandria, VA
3. Colorado Springs, CO
4. Monterey, CA/San Francisco, CA
5. Eufaula, OK
6. Bicknell, IN/Newburgh, IN

Five People I want to know more about (a nice way of saying TAG!)

1. Made for Joy
2. A Catholic Mom in Hawaii
3. Eileen on Him...at least I try!
4. Episcopollaynna
5. Mommy of Four

My thanks to AutumnRose and gratitude to all who have visited here.

~~~~~~~

Thanks be to God!

Words of Wisdom...

Dorchester, Oxfordshire,

Abbey of SS. Peter and Paul
by gordonplumb

I took out a book I had gotten as a gift a couple of year ago and was browsing...(Yes, I browse more than the computer.) It is a book published by Hallmark and it is called, God's Little Instruction Book. I came upon these words.

Blessed is he who, having nothing to say,
refrains from giving wordy evidence
of the fact.

It was accompanied by this Scripture verse.

The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright:
but the mouth of fools pours out
foolishness.
Proverbs 15:2

Feeling certain that browsing usually brings me to where I am supposed to be at any given time, I suppose that these words are meant to remind me, again, (as I am often reminded) to think before I speak! There are occasions when I do think, but more often than not I have already said it. Then it is too late to grab those words already floating out in space for all eternity. My only consolation is that they are floating out there with others and maybe they will join in one grander composition of wisdom! You know, a universal effort to be "wise."

***+***

Have a grand day
and
Thanks be to God!

Thanks Be to God...

and to all of you for your prayers!!! Laura had her colonoscopy and she apparently has developed ischemic colitis. It is a condition in which there is a limited supply of blood to the area affected and infection has occurred. It is most uncommon in adults her age as it usually happens to older individuals. At any rate the treatment is a round of antibiotics and all should be well. I am so grateful for all your love an prayers!!!

~~~~~~~
For you all, I say,
"Thanks be to God!"

Easter Prayer

Risen Lord, Oxford
Picture by Lawrance OP
uploaded 5/17/2007

We sometimes forget that there is more to Easter than the celebration of our Lord's Resurrection Day. In fact, we have the privilege of celebrating it for seven weeks. I was reminded of that as I picked up Fr. Rohr's Radical Grace, Daily Meditations. Here's today's reminder that we should still be having a party!

A Week of Easter Prayers:
Make Us Truly Catholic

God Make us truly catholic people. Make us bearers of the Incarnation. Make us not afraid of life and not afraid of this earth. Make us strive for justice and believe in peace. Make us not afraid of the cross and neither afraid of the Resurrection. Make us, Creator, not afraid of enjoying this world, of celebrating and protecting this world.

Teach us, Jesus, how to do liturgy, how to do life. Teach us, God to continue to make things beautiful, because you have made us beautiful by your choice of flesh.

We thank you for this world. and we thank you for our Holy Catholic Church.

Eternal God, make the Catholic people truly catholic. Make us whole. Renew our Church, Lord, in our time. And make us a whole and holy people. Heal us, Lord, from our hurts from Holy Mother Church. Show us how to forgive our Mother. Reconcile us to our tradition, to our past, so we can move into our future, so we can walk with your, loving God.

We ask for all of these blessing. We invite you into our world. We invite you into our lives in Jesus' holy name. Amen.

from The Price of Peoplehood

~~~~+~~~~
Thanks be to, God.

***

I would also like to ask you to pray for our oldest daughter, Laura, as she undergoes a colonoscopy today to find out why she is having such severe abdominal pain and why her colon is inflamed.

Imagine...

The Duke

Belle, Wally and Duchess.

Yes, just imagine 4 dogs and 3 adults. I realized this weekend that having that many dogs in one space at the same time, well...leaves me speechless. You might say, "Why do you have that many dogs?" This weekend was Ron's birthday, and though three of the kids and their families had some distance to come, Marianne came from INDY.

Let me explain. We have two dogs, The Duke and Duchess of Keller. Duke the patriarch, being 15 years old, really is not interested in play and the antics of his young friend, Duchess. Marianne has Wally, the Earl of Keller and his friend, Belle, and were coming for the weekend to celebrate Dad's birthday. Well, if you can imagine the barking, posturing, and rivalry of three of the dogs with the Master simply looking on. (Oh! and Sam, the Secretary of State--the cat, who is the epitome of diplomacy, merely avoiding the entire group.)

This was a tremendous learning experience for us and in all honesty, except for the first 30 minutes after their arrival, Duchess and Belle got on pretty well. Except when Belle, woke up in the middle of the night lost and frightened in a new environment with a blood-curdling howl. The girls especially liked running in the muddy backyard together. (Yuck!!!)

Blackberry Pie Birthday Desert

The party was grand and after dinner we played party games. We played Rummiekub and Clue and it was late enough that the decision-making during Clue became laughable at best. We had so much fun and really hated to see it end.

All in all it was a grand weekend.

~~~+~~~

Thanks be to God!

Funny story about me!

I just came from a visit with Mike at This I Do. It was all about waiting on the Lord and receiving answers in his good time. It really struck home this morning. When I pray, you know, being patient is not what I do best. But of late He has been asking me to do just that.

I can give you a personal illustration, and an image of how impatient I can be. Remember the YouTube video a few days ago titled "Alleluia by Randall Thompson"? Well, I tried to upload it directly on Monday, not once, but five times. Each time I would wait and check the blog and it was not there, so I'd do it again. Finally, I was able to use another process and I was successful. When I opened my blog this morning, much to my surprise, there were ALL five uploads. Now, I don't have any idea where these were for the last three days. Floating around in cyberspace, no doubt, and finally decided to land. I could only laugh at myself and at the zeal with which I wanted you all to experience my excitement.

Yes, this morning I see it as a lesson I must be taught again and again about being patient. And, I suspect, until I get it right. Only He knows when I will be even slightly successful.

Though this project did not have anything to do with prayer or being sure I am following his plan for me in my life at that time, it just goes to show that if I would just WAIT, there would be an answer. It doesn't mean I should stop praying, it teaches me that maybe I should not nag (uploading, uploading, uploading...). In three days I got the answer, not yesterday as I hope, but an answer nonetheless. And yes, I got it...in three days! As Mike says, "May we know His strength as we wait upon the Lord."

God is Good!!! All the Time!

~~~~~
Thanks, Mike, and thanks be to God!