Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Christmas Trees and Angels


Why, after all these years, when I'm finished decorating the Christmas tree does the treetop angel still listing to the right?  No matter how I try she will not stand straight.  And why, after all theses years do I expect perfection in this tree?  Perhaps there is a lesson to be learned here.  My focus on perfection should be focused elsewhere.  Yes, indeed, it should be focused on perfection itself and "the reason for the season." My during this season of Advent will focus on the love our Savior showed us by becoming like us.  

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy  


Monday, December 08, 2014

Hope in Time of Change




Know it's been a long time since I have offered A Bit of the Blarney.  I have had so much going on that the computer has not been part of the plan.  But now, times have changed.  
Changes come in so many ways and the last 6 months have offered many opportunities  for change.  I have learned a great deal about change of late.  

So what has changed?  I have retired.  Yes, indeed, and that is a change.  Friends have asked me what my plans are for retirement?  My answer, "I don't have any plans."  The truth is my plans include just trying to adjust.  I have time to spend doing things I've wanted to do and yet it will have to wait...

Well, because we are moving...not far, but moving nonetheless.  And considering the season it will take some time to get organized.  Those who know me know that organization is something in which I have limited skill.  So, the reason for "hope."  I think that just getting the house decorated will be the first thing I will work to achieve at this early time in my retirement.  

Thanks be to God!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Cathy  

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Summer Memories



                           

Summer days spent with Mom in Billings inevitably meant a walk.  And at Mission Ridge where she lives means a walk in the garden.  There are glorious flowers everywhere.  Mom was particularly fond of the deep purple petunias.  Memories!!!

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

                                                                             Cathy

Sunday, June 15, 2014

A Gathering of the Clan


The best way I know how to gather the Clan when we can't all be together! Oh, the memories!!! 

Wishing all dads a very special day!!!

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

Cathy

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Saturday, April 05, 2014

Sunset on the Ohio


There is something about a sunset that inspires hope.  In its beauty we anticipate the glory of the new day to come.  I have much for which I am to be grateful and in reflection it has been a glorious day!!!

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

Cathy

Monday, March 03, 2014

A Gift of the Spirit

Saint Meinrad Archabbey Church
St. Meinad, IN

On this cold, icy, dreary day I found the sunshine I was seeking in the words of the Psalms.  I found them at The Path of Life, the blog of Br. Francis de Sales Wagner a Monk at Saint Meinrad.    I have found more treasures since I left retreat there on 2/23/14.  And as I read his post I remember thinking where can I read these words of Saint Therese of Lisieux again.  For her beautiful words were offered during morning prayer on Sunday morning.

And so, today this day that finds my lovely pine tree bowed again from the weight of the ice, this gift was given to me.  Please join Br. France when you can.

God will show me 
the pat to life
the fullness of joy 
in his presence
Psalm 16:11

~~~^j^~~~
Thank you, Br. Francis 
and
Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Sunday, March 02, 2014

Mosaic Monday...Hoping for Spring


Enough Said!!!


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

Cathy

Please visit Mosaic Monday at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.

Hoping for Sunlight

Saint Gregory Hall
Saint Meinrad Archabbey

Unlike this Sunday with no sun, only ice and sleet, last weekend was like a refreshing preview of Spring.  There is hope that his weather will not cause problems, but reflecting on this morning's Gospel reading [Matthew 6: 24-34], I should not worry but trust in the Providence of Almighty God.

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

Cathy

Pleases stop by and visit Karen at Sunlit Sunday and offer your bit of sunshine today.
  

  Today's link to Provident God.

Friday, February 28, 2014

Venture Into Light


Steps and bridge from the Grotto
Saint Meinrad Archabbey



Out of the shadows
We must venture into light
A wonderful light

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

Cathy



Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 






Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Joy in Retreat




Today I join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.
And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as
being on retreat at the Archabbey
We just need to be open to it!!
~~~~~~~
Benedictine monks
Retreat at the Archabbey
Time for reflection

I am so fortunate to be going on retreat this weekend.  The joy and community at St. Meinrad Archabbey is always a time of being.  Yes, being, taking time to be present to the one who love and cares for us and the time I have to just be in the presence.  

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

Cathy
     
Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 






Sunday, February 16, 2014

Mosaic Monday~~Cats


Cats seem to be the popular this weekend in my blog travels.  So I thought I'd share some photos of my cats, Simba and Nala (aka Sissy).  They are brother and sister and oh what fun they offer me each day! 
Simba is the once that leaps and flies and climbs.  Nala on the other hand is the pensive one.  No matter!  They are real treasures!

 I particularly like this quote by Garrison Keillor:

“Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a purpose.” 

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

Cathy
Then visit Mosaic Monday at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.  You'll enjoy that, too!!!
  

  Today's link to Provident God.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Anticipation Sunlit Sunday



Look forward to sunlit days where flowers abound!
 Wishing all a beautiful Sunlit Sunday!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Pleases stop by and visit Karen at Sunlit Sunday.  Stop by and offer your bit of sunshine today.

Click to Mix and Solve

Enjoy another puzzle.  This one from a photo of a great restaurant
in Rapid City, South Dakota 

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Happy Valentine's Day



Today I join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.
And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as
ALL grandchildren!
must be open to it!

    ~~~~


Click to Mix and Solve
For Valentine's Day we often got puzzles, not candy, for some years it fell during Lent.  It was a wonderful time to sit and share time with siblings and just stay warm and cozy when TV was not an option.  Hope you enjoy this one and Happy Valentine's Day to you ALL!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 






Sunday, February 09, 2014

Hoping for Sunshne



It has been gray and gloomy here for so long that any bit of sunshine is cherished. While I sit here the song we sang as kids has come to mind.
"Sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray.
You'll never know, dear, how much I love you
'Til you take my sunshine away."

And who can forget John Denver's Sunshine On My Shoulders?

So to all who have the sunshine enjoy and cherish it!  For us who are still waiting for it, find a song to sing that will brighten you day.
~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Pleases stop by and visit Karen at Sunlit Sunday and offer your bit of sunshine today.
  

  Today's link to Provident God.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Joy On the River




Today I join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.
And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as
Sitting on the River


And wishing for Spring!

    ~~~~
Life on the river
Must have be challenging
Not all romantic!

Lifting and toting
Loading the barges, hard work
but feeding family

Joy comes in the smiles
Satisfaction in the job
Joy in the child's hug!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 





Sunday, January 26, 2014

Wisdom of the Fathers

Sunrise and sunset
Mother of beauty and grace
Warms the hearts of all

~~~~~
Great Spirit, Great Spirit, my Grandfather, all over the earth the faces of living things are all alike...Look upon these faces of children without number and with children in their arms, that they may face the winds and walk the good road to the day of quiet
Black Elk (1863-1950)
Oglala Sioux holy man 
~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Pleases stop by and visit Karen at Sunlit Sunday and offer your bit of sunshine today.  Then visit Mosaic Monday at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.  You'll enjoy that, too!!!
  

  Today's link to Provident God.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Joy in the Icy Cold



Today I join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.
And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as
The ice sculpture created by 
Mother Nature

must be open to it!

    ~~~~
 It's so very cold
Yes, so very, very cold
my fingers are numb

Numb are my fingers
But joyful is the knowledge
That the heart is ever warmer.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 





Saturday, January 18, 2014

Sunlight and Desert Shadows

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

Cathy

Pleases stop by and visit Karen at Sunlit Sunday and offer your bit of sunshine today.  Then visit Mosaic Monday at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.  You'll enjoy that, too!!!
  

  Today's link to Provident God.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Haiku My Heart and Share the Joy in HOPE






Today I join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.
And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as
celebrating the beauty in
a diamond thats name is
HOPE


Hope Diamond Taken at the Smithsonian, 2007

must be open to it!

    ~~~~
          With FAITH we learn trust        
HOPE gives life to tomorrow
But LOVE brings us peace
~~~~~~

So, trust in tomorrow gives rise to hope for peace.

At least that's my HOPE.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 





Saturday, January 11, 2014

Sunlit Sunday





“How sweet the morning air is! See how that one little cloud floats like a pink feather from some gigantic flamingo. Now the red rim of the sun pushes itself over the London cloud-bank. It shines on a good many folk, but on none, I dare bet, who are on a stranger errand than you and I. How small we feel with our petty ambitions and strivings in the presence of the great elemental forces of Nature!” ― Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Novels and Stories, Volume I
Love this quote written by one of my favorite authors.  Wishing all a beautiful Sunlit Sunday!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Pleases stop by and visit Karen at Sunlit Sunday.  Stop by and offer your bit of sunshine today.

Wednesday, January 08, 2014

Finding Joy in Winter





Today I join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.
And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as
celebrating the beauty in
all that surrounds me.



must be open to it!

           
~~~~~
                  
Cold and icy day
Cause dreams of warmer places
 And of warmer times.

Times that warm the heart
Joys to numerous to count
That makes it all cool!!!
~~~

When it gets frigid and cold we always want it warmer...When it's hot and humid we want cooler!  We are never happy!  But the joy is in the memories!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 





Sunday, January 05, 2014

Winter Wonderland



Winter wonderland
Of white crystals and snowflakes
Mind's fascination 

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

Cathy

Unable to play outside, I have chosen to play inside with PicMonkey...Oh, what fun it has been!
Visit The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.    The pictures all are an inspiration!

  Today's link to Provident God.

Wednesday, January 01, 2014

2013 in Review


From the rising of the sun to its setting the year, 2013, was extraordinary!  There were two, count them, TWO family reunions that brought us to our beloved Colorado twice.  Ron and I celebrated 45 years of marriage and thanked God heartily for all his generosity!   The joy we have shared with family and friends this last year has be such a blessing!!!


The year comes and goes
There's cloudy days and rainbows
But God's always there!!

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

Cathy




Today I join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.


Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 



And you are welcome to stop by Provident God to visit the wisdom of the Saints.