Stripped in the Desert

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
picture by Steven L. Pierce

This is the title of a reflection from the book Radical Grace by Richard Rohr, O.F.M. It truly speaks to me today.

The Hebrew people entered the desert feeling themselves a united people, a strong people, and you'd think that perhaps they would have experienced greater strength as they walked through. But no! They experienced the fragmentation and weariness; they experienced divisions among their people. They were not the people they thought they were.

When all of our idols are taken away, all our securities and defense mechanisms, we find out who we really are. We're so little, so poor, so empty--sometimes, even so ugly. But God takes away our shame, and we are able to present ourselves to God poor and humble. Then we find out who we are and who God is for us. The desert is where Israel experienced its sinfulness, that it was weak and unable to do any good. Our temptation is always to shorten the time, make our timetable God's timetable. We want to get out and get it over with. But we cannot rush the journey of faith. We have to attune ourselves to its times and seasons. You can't bake a cake quicker by turning up the heat to 450 degrees, nor can you slow it down by lowering it to 200. It will flop either way.

from Great Themes of Scripture
by Richard Rohr, O.F.M.

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He was talking to me. I trust we all have been here. Some for longer than others. I'm still such a slow learner or stubborn that only a gentle kick in the rear will bring me back to reality! Yes, sometimes a stiff KICK in the rear. DUH! Then the light comes on and I see how God has been there all the time fine tuning and pruning what I thought I was bold and wise enough to do by myself. Yes, indeed, there it is, The Hand of Providence. So if any of you were wondering, it was a fruitful and wonderful retreat at the Woods!!!

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Thanks be to God!

A Real Eye Catcher!!!

I have found the most wonderful book and just have to share it with everyone. It's called The Sacred Sisterhood of Wonderful Wacky Women by Suzy Toronto. Her art is bright, bold, and colorful. Her words are dynamic! Please allow me to share one of her offering with you.

She Who
Stands for Something

She chooses the purity
Of truth over popularity...
Everything.
Possessing the moral courage
To make her action consistent
With her knowledge
Of right and wrong,
She knows that the choices
She makes today
Will shape her into the woman
She will be tomorrow.

This woman's life defines
Such words as love,
Forgiveness, charity,
Service, compassion and godliness.
For she knows who she is
And what she believes.

Her integrity is founded
On unswerving principle.
She is beyond reproach,
And her courage is unsurpassed
As she carries the banner of truth

Everyone knows
She stands for something.

by Suzy Toronto

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Good day to you all
and
Thanks be to God!

Art by Suzy Toronto from book The Sacred Sisterhood of Wonderful Wacky Women.

The Simple Women's Daybook

Today I have off because of it's spring break here. I took the time off so I could do some spring cleaning. Well, you can see where I am...Honest!!! I will begin as soon as I post this little bit of Monday. So after you have stopped by here please visit Peggy at The Simple Women's Daybook.

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1. Outside my window...Sam is meowing, letting me know that he'd like to come in.

2. I'm thinking...this is the first time I have ever done this later than 5:00 a.m.

3. I'm thankful for...having spent a wonderful weekend at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in retreat.

4. I'm wearing...Sweater, pants and warm socks.

5. From the Kitchen...Baked macaroni and cheese with smoky links, broccoli and fruit.

6. I am creating...Still working on the counted x-stitch. Are you as tired of hearing about this as I am about telling you about it? It was purchased as a kit in England and now there is not enough thread. I'm now on-line comparing Anchor and DMC threads.

7. I am reading...The Sadness of Christ by Thomas More.

8 . I'm hoping...to rest in the memory of the retreat.

9. I am hearing...Birds chirping outside.

10. Around the house...The crocus, daffodils, and tulips are starting to bloom

11. Few plans for the rest of the week...Enjoy time off, resting and enjoying the quiet.

12. One of my favorite things is...gather pictures and make them into photo books. Since I had trouble with "Simon" during the holidays I haven't gotten those pictures done yet.



13. Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

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Thanks be to God!

Road to Providence

Dear friends, I will be on retreat at Saint Mary-or-the-Woods starting tomorrow evening. I would ask that you keep me in you prayers! Thank you all!

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Thanks be to God!

Feast of Saint Joseph

St. Joseph's Bread
Originally uploaded by funkyegret

In Sicily, where St. Joseph is regarded by many as their Patron Saint, thanks are given to St. Joseph ("San Giuseppe" in Italian) for preventing a famine in Sicily during the Middle Ages. According to legend, there was a severe drought at the time, and the people prayed for their patron saint to bring them rain. They promised that if He answered their prayers, they would prepare a large feast to honor him. The rain did come, and the people of Sicily prepared a large banquet for their patron saint. The fava bean was the crop which saved the population from starvation, and is a traditional part of St. Joseph's Day altars and traditions. Giving food to the needy is a St. Joseph's Day custom. In some communities it is traditional to wear red clothing and eat a Sicilian pastry known as a Zeppole on St. Joseph's Day.
Altars are also a prevalent tradition. Upon a typical St. Joseph's Day altar, people place flowers, limes, candles, wine, fava beans, specially prepared cakes, breads, and cookies (as well as other meatless dishes), and zeppole. Foods are traditionally served containing bread crumbs to represent saw dust since St. Joseph was a carpenter. Because the feast occurs during Lent, traditionally no meat was allowed on the celebration table. The altar usually has three tiers, to represent the trinity.

(from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Recipe for St. Joseph's bread can be found at All Recipes. Blessing to all on this Holy Feast!

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Thanks be to God!

PHOTO by funkyegrets.