FOUR, FOUR, FOUR, FOUR MeMe

I've been tagged again. This time by Lisa. The daunting FOUR, FOUR, FOUR,FOUR! It was a lot of fun and now you know even more about me...I'm also learning more about me with each new MEME. Please feel free to laugh and make comments!

A. Four places that I go to over and over:

1. Church
2. Work
3. Target/Kohls
4. To the Ackerman House because we are lucky they live so near, otherwise I'd be at all the kids houses all the time.

B. Four people who email me regularly:

1. Kay
2. John (Ron's brother-in-law)
3. Karen
4. Catherine

C. My favorite 4 places to eat:

1. Rafferty's

2. Texas Roadhouse

3. Cracker Barrel
4. Olive Garden

D. Four places I would rather be right now:

1. Visiting all my kids wherever they may be.
2. Visiting Mom in Montana
3. The mountains of Colorado
4. On the road with Ron to wherever the travel takes us.

E. Four people I think will respond:

1. Bia
2. Cy
3. Tracy
4. Linda

F. Four TV shows I watch all the time:

1. Masterpiece (Mystery) Theater
2. NCIS
3. Monk
4. Journey Home (EWTN)

G. Four words that describe you:

1. inquisitive
2. considerate
3. gullible
4. funny (well, I think I am)

H. Four favorite "old school" Hollywood actors/actresses:

1. Jimmy Stewart
2. Paul Newman
3. Katherine Hepburn/Audrey Hepburn
4. William Powell/Myrna Loy

I. Four favorite "old school" television game shows (since I went back to work 22 years ago I not sure if some of these are still on TV:

1. The Price Is Right
2. Concentration
3. Hollywood Squares
4. Password

J. Four favorite "old school" television shows:

1. Perry Mason
2. That Girl
3. Alfred Hitchcock Presents
4. Bonanza

K. List four things you liked best about Christmas when you were a child:

1. The decorations
2. Putting up the Nativity set
3. Christmas music
4. My birthday and dinner out with Pat, my dad's cousin.

L. List four things you liked best about Halloween when you were a child:

1. The school Halloween Party
2. Candy (though it was never very much because we were only allowed to Trick-or-Treat in our neighborhood.)
3. Answering the door to see the "scary costumes" and give the candy
4. Listening to everyone's tales and adventures the next day at school

M. List four things you did not like about growing up:

1. Ironing
2. Tennis lessons (I wasn't very good and I can be too competitive)
3. Practicing the piano when my siblings got to play outside
4. Having to walk to school when friends were driven to school

N. List 4 events that impacted your life:

1. The assassinations of John Kennedy/Martin Luther King/ Bobby Kennedy
2. My marriage
3. Wes' diagnosis of diabetes at age 9

4. The privilege of being the mother of 5 children, who cause me to thank God daily for each and the treasure they are to me.

The Five Little Kellers And How They Grew
(adapted from the book, The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew)

I tag those listed in letter E.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Life's Ups and Downs...

Denver - Elitch Gardens
Originally uploaded by thegabester

The last couple of days have been like a roller coaster for me...Marianne called Saturday morning to say she and Eric are officially engaged. Jimmy called later that afternoon to say he missed passing his S66 test by one point. He got a 70%, needed 71%.

Had to keep the engagement secret (NOT my place to tell everyone, Surprise!!! And not an easy task for me!). And try not to be anything but supportive of Jimmy (Yes I did cry! after I hung up the phone.)

Today he called and said he was going to get to take the test again in a month and was still working building his client base. Marianne called tonight to say they had set the wedding date...October 18, 2008.

Emotions like disappointment, excitement, hope, joy, all come to mind. In this collage of color and feelings I truly have seen and felt the hand of God. I have seen Jimmy, though disappointed, positive. Marianne joyful and excited, but just a little anxious. And ME? all the of the above!

OH! Humanity! What a wonderful creation!! Thanks be to God!!!

The Simple Women's Daybook

It's Monday and time to join The Simple Woman. It's time for The Simple Woman's Daybook. It is interesting to read other's thoughts and dreams and so again I offer mine. If any of you are interested in giving it a try visit that address above. For me this seems to be an every other Monday adventure. I enjoy it non-the-less, so join me.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~ OUTSIDE MY WINDOW there is a a gentle breeze and just a sliver of the moon.
~*~ I AM THINKING with all its ups and downs, life is really very good..
~*~ I AM THANKFUL Roy and Laura for their help in putting in the railing and for Roy's in helping Ron put the new window motor in his car so his window will work.
~*~ FROM THE KITCHEN I NEED to clean up the clutter!
~*~ I AM WEARING robe and slippers. (I always seem to be doing this very early in the morning!)
~*~ I AM GOING order the prints for a picture I want to share with family.
~*~ I AM READING Job. It has helped me appreciate all GOD has given me!!!
~*~ I AM HOPING the weather for the 4th of July weekend is GRAND so we can share the glory of the outdoors.
~*~ I AM HEARING "The Sound of Silence" ( one of my favorite songs, too...)
~*~ AROUND THE HOUSE all is quiet because I am the only one up, dogs, cat and DAD are still asleep
~*~ ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS is knitting...but I made an error two rows back and now I have to tear it our...will do that today.
~*~ A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK shopping for next weekend's celebration, do the laundry, and make a couple more strawberry pies.
~*~ HERE IS A PICTURE THOUGHT I AM SHARING...

Daisies in the garden. They are especially pretty this year!

~~~

Please be sure and drop by the Simple Women and enjoy the day in the life of other fellow travelers.

~~~^j^~~

Thanks be to God!

Aside...I was struck by the quote today and how it was speaking to me...Please reflect on it. It makes a great deal of sense! Again! Thanks be to God!

The Year of Saint Paul

Photo by Luiz

When, as members of the Catholic Church we are blessed with a Jubilee Year, it is a time of celebration and jubilation of who we are and from where we are rooted. It is a source of pride, and in my case, a reason for continuing to reflect even more diligently on who I am and continue to listen to the call, in whatever form it might take.

Brief History of Saint Paul (early years):
"Parish Life"
Saint John the Baptist Church
Newburgh, IN

The first reference to Saul (as he was then known) is during the persecution of the first Christian communities, specifically, his involvement in the execution of Saint Stephen. In Acts 7:54-8: 1, we read that Saul was at the execution and approved it.
One day on the way to Damascus to fine more Christians to bring back to Jerusalem for punishment, a blinding light came from the heavens so bright as to strike Saul to the ground. The voice of God then spoke to him: "Saul, why do you persecute me?" Bewildered, Saul asked "Who are you, Lord?" The voice answered, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting."

The Lord said that he was to be "an instrument" to spread the Good News among the Gentiles and throughout Israel. Historically, some scholars have placed this event at approximately 33 AD, occurring just after the execution of Saint Stephen.

It is important to note that Paul's heavenly vision is considered to be the single most significant event in the early history of Christianity, apart from the birth and life of Jesus Christ himself.

Here is today's offering from Praying with Saint Paul: Daily Reflection on the Letters of the Apostle Paul, edited by Father Peter John Cameron, O.P.

A Generous God
by
Monsignor James Turro

"For by grace you have been saved through faith,
and this is not from you; it is the gift of God."
(Ephesians 2:8)

"This is not from you, it is the gift of God." Perhaps there is not a more deep-seated, urgent desire in man than the desire to be self-sufficient--not really to need anybody or anything--God included. This of course is a fond hope. Consider that though we as a race have mastered space and in large part defeated physical illness, however we have not been able to vanquish death nor have we succeeded in achieving untrammeled and unending happiness. Clearly we need God and the happiness and security he alone can confer. Humbly we must acknowledge that we are not equal to the task of acquiring much of what we require to lead a fulfilled and successful life. We have a desperate need of God and his gifts for us to lead a fulfilled life.

We must look beyond the happiness that God confers upon us to countless other gifts and favors with which he brightens our lives. One thinks of faith--in every way, a gift of God. It is the faith of God and the things of God. It gives us to understand that just about everything short of God is limited and flimsy; only God can truly, deeply satisfy.

As one reflects on God's generosity toward oneself, a not inappropriate resolve is to emulate God's lavish generosity in our dealings with other people--an imitation of Christ.

Faith, this great gift of God, must be prized and jealously guarded. We must never jeopardize this faith in any way--not by the thoughts we think or the life we lead. It should be a hardy faith--not a faith that one possesses but a faith that possesses one. A mere profession of faith honors God because, when all is said and done, it is taking God at his word.

O God, you have heaped high the graces which you have been
pleased to offer me; give me one thing more--a grateful heart.

~~~~~^j^~~~~~

Enough said, except for

THANKS BE TO GOD!!!

What better day to do an MEME...

Seems as good a time as any, it's Friday, the work week is ending, and I'm too tired for any deep reflection. Thanks to bia for tagging me.

The Alphabet MEME

A is for age: 61

B is for burger of choice: Been a "couple" of years ago now, but an In and Out Burger. Can only get in California and since David, Kelly and the boys have moved to Charlotte, I don't expect to get one soon...by the way the fries are wonderful too. Oh, Ron wouldn't want me to forget the Redtop Hamburger in Colorado Springs...IT IS HUGE!!!! and good to boot. (Do I get paid for this advertising?)

C is for what kind of car ou drive: 2000 Toyota Camery

D is for your dog(s)'s name: Duke and Duchess (of Keller)--Sam the Cat is the court jester.

E is for essential item you use everyday: My stethoscope, it hangs around my neck from 8-5.

F is for favorite TV show at the moment: Monk (in summer mode will return SOON)

G is for favorite game: any live-in-the-stadium/arena sport. And at this moment to play: Apples to Apples.

H is for home state: Colorado and its "Rocky Mountain High!"

I is for instruments you play: piano, though I've attempted the harp and for lack of practice and sheer motivation have not practiced in some time...perhaps this weekend would be a good time to tune her and start again.

J is for favorite juice: Cranberry, Orange Juice, and Grapefruit juice.

K is for whose butt you'd like to kick: This could take some time so will move onto the next letter.

L is for last restaurant at which you ate: HMMM, it was last Saturday night when we went to dinner with Father Jason in Vincennes. It's a new restaurant and I don't remember its name. DUH!!! My baked spaghetti was wonderful though!

M is for your favorite Muppet: Fozzy Bear...I love his hat!

N is for the number of piercings: 2, one in each ear

O is for over night hospital stays: 9, one for each child, two miscarriages, a broken foot and skin graft on the foot. Oh, for got the gall bladder surgery (10).

P is for people you're with today: Drs., NP, staff and patients

Q is for what you do with your quiet time: read, knit, pray, blog, oh and not to forget watch OLD movies.

R is for the biggest regret: Cannot say I regret anything. No, I'm not a Pollyanna but with my life and its ups and downs, there's not a thing I can say I regret. I think I am better for what I have had and experienced.

S is for status: Married 40 years this July.

T is for time you woke up today: 4:30 a.m., Ron leaves for work at 5:00 a.m. now that he is car pooling to work.

U is for what you consider unique about yourself. Hmmm, what makes me special? I've moved and lived in five states and actually moved 5 times in one year from CO to VA to CA while we were in the Army. I've visited most of the continental US states. I think I've only missed traveling to Washington, Oregon, Idaho, North Dakaota, South Carolina, Florida, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. (Gee that's not so unique, I've still got to visit 9 states not including Hawaii and Alaska!) HUM

V is for vegetable you love: Asparagus, fresh tomatoes, and SWEET corn-on-the-cob

W is for worst habit: Nagging...(I hate it when I do that! It's not part of my thought process, I just do it!)

X is for x-rays you've had: Let's see. Dental, hip, foot, kidneys, and the one I deem most important is the MRI of the brain...Now I can PROVE to my children I have ONE!

Y is for yummy food you ate today: Fresh strawberry pie I made! YES!

Z is for Zodiac sign: Sagittarius

Now I will tag Tricia, Kelly and Laura

Have a grand weekend and enjoy the summer sun.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

The feast of the Birth of John the Baptist

Tableaux Depicting the Birth of John the Baptist
Originally uploaded by rogerlou18

I can only imagine the celebration that took place at the birth of John the Baptist. How overjoyed his parents must have been. I pray that everyone would revel in the birth of the child that has been entrusted to each of them and that each one would be a source of awe as they are nurtured and cared for. God has entrusted each of us parents with the treasure, more precious than gold. We are to guide them, through holiness and instruction and right living to the Father that made them. An awesome responsibility!

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

It Came...

I finally ordered Praying with Saint Paul: Daily Reflections on the Letter of the Apostle Paul, Edited by Father Peter John Cameron, O.P. It is printed by Magnificat. I don't know why I put it off, but it is here none-the-less. Please let me share with you tomorrow's reflection...It is really wonderfully thought provoking.

The Purpose Driven Life
Monsignor James Turro

"In (Christ) we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ."

(Ephesians 2:11-12)

"In Christ we were also chosen...so that we might exist for the praise of his glory." How many times are people left wondering at the meaning of it all. What is the point of our existence? How bleak and gross even is the answer the world gives back to that question. It maintains that we have no particular role to play at all in the world. We are simply pointless--we just are, period. If that be so , is there any wonder that some people under severe pressure from grave illness or from the sheer routine of day-to-day living decide to end it all? The purposeless life is not worth living.

But as God first chose the Hebrews to spread the good news about him and to praise him, so God expects no less of us--that we do just that--"that we might exist for the praise of his glory." What an exalted goal to have in life: the glorification of God in all we say and do and are. A backward look at our live--and examination of conscience--may sadly reveal that we have been quite negligent in this regard, that is, in making Christ better known within our family , our circle of friends, our co-workers. One's life cannot have more exalted thrust than that--to first understand and then to proclaim to all and sundry that God made us to know, to love, and to serve him is this life and to be happy with him for ever in the next."

God give me the sharpness of mind and the force and clarity of speech to witness to you in every venue in which I may find myself.

~~~^j^~~~

"...God made us to know, to love, and o serve him
in this life and to be happy with him for ever in the next."

I am in first grade religion class at St. Mary's School and I remember hearing and learning this for the first time. I feel like a kid again!!

I have a reason for being here. I have value and that's because God made me. And to realize that value I will make every effort to "know, love and serve Him."

~~~
Thanks be to God!

Short and Sweet

Keller Garden, 2008

Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As may as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times."

~Matthew 18: 21-22~

~~~
I've been hurt, and I've been wronged. Is refusing to forgive really going to help?
What have I got to lose?
~~~

Jesus, you forgave. Live in me so that I might forgive as well.

A Catholic Woman's Book of Days by Amy Welbor

n

~~~^j^~~~

So I asked myself the same question. The answer for me is this. I have nothing to lose (hell), and everything to gain (Heaven). Pretty simple, huh?

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

Right Living and Right Speaking

Nouwen
Originally uploaded by TheScriptorium

I thought I'd let Henri Nouwen voice his wisdom today.

To be a witness for God is to be a living sign of God's presence in the world. What we live is more important than what we say, because the right way of living always leads to the right way of speaking. When we forgive our neighbors from our hearts, our hearts will speak grateful words, and when we are hopeful and joyful we will speak hopeful and joyful words.

When our words come too soon and we are not yet living what we are saying, we easily give double messages. Giving double messages--one with our words and another with our actions--makes us hypocrites. May our live give us the right words, and may our words lead us to the right lives.

from Bread for the Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith

That said, I wish you all a hope filled, joyful day!

~*~*~*~*~*~

Thanks be to God!!

Prayer of Humility

Icon - Extreme Humility
Originally uploaded by Exploring Orthodoxy

I found this prayer in the book, St. Benedict and St. Therese: The Little Rule and The Little Way, by Dwight Longenecker.

I share it because I have been called to "swallow my pride" a couple of times this week. I find when I begin to take my gifts seriously and think of myself as GRAND, rather that good, I am brought to my knees first in humility. Then, I am called to gratitude to my Lord for reminding me that my success is a gift given not something I MADE.

So I offer you this simple prayer:

"I asked for strength that I might achieve,
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness that I might feel my need for God."
~An Anonymous Confederate Soldier~

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

I have an announcement to make...

Yesterday, much to my delight, my daughter, Laura, started her blog. She has started it by sharing her family's journey to MT this past week. Please stop by and say, "Hello." Her address is Exuberance. I'm sure she'd love your visit just as I do.

Oh! Had to go back to the GreeN...Didn't realize how accustomed to it I had become. Everyone please have a grand evening!!!

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

A Bit of the Blarney: The Gift of Friendship

From A Bit of the Blarney

I just got off the phone with my dear friend, Martha. We chatted for over an hour. Yes, over an hour. Martha now lives in New Jersey and so these chats are cherished. The only thing missing was the cup of tea and the kitchen table.

Then last week I spoke with another of my dearest "sisters." She's having extensive nasal surgery tomorrow (please pray for her). And like always we laughed and talked and talked and laughed. Yes, and she now lives in Texas. So I revisited a post I wrote over a year ago The Gift of Friendship and thought I would share it again. You see, now many of you have become visitors to THIS front porch and you are all very special to me.

So, I say good week to you all and drop in any time!! You are all most welcome!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

The Seasons...

February, 2008

June, 2008

I remember the earlier picture as I took just before I left on retreat to St. Meinrad Archabbey. It was cold and icy. Miserable. Just the other day we worked to make the yard presentable for the summer. I thought to myself, we did a fine job.

I will give the seasonal rain to your land, the early rain and the late rain, that you may have your grain, wine and oil to gather in, and I will bring forth grass in your fields for your animals.Thus you will eat your fill.

Deuteronomy 11: 14-15

Then the rains did come and the tornadoes lashed out at the land and it's people. Not the gentle rain, but the harsh thunderous rain. We have friends who were evacuated from their homes because of high water. There are farmers here finally got their crops in only to find them under water. I was thinking about all those in the part of the country that have been suffering from too much water, just as those in California are suffering from the lack there of. All this concern about my flowers seems so frivolous. Grooming a garden seems so trivial, when others are suffering because they have no "garden."

In admiration, I look to the farmers and their families who yearly trust that their crops will be fruitful. When they are not they don't give up. These are hard working, faith filled people who have the courage to go on in the face of crop failure for whatever reason. These are good and honorable people. I pray that they will continue to be courageous and know that we are grateful for their sacrifice so that we might be "full."

And so I pray:

Good and gracious God, I pray for those who till the earth and raise animals to feed our bodies. Continue to watch over them as they labor in the fields. Send your Spirit to bolster their courage and determination. Provide them with the will to do your bidding. Grant that they will be provided for and be under your protection in times of trial and success. I ask all this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

For everyone and all God's graces I say,

"Thanks be to God."

and

enjoy the weekend!

The Navajo Rug

Picture by marymactavish

I found the most wonderful reflection today. I was reading Radical Grace: Daily Meditations by Richard Rohr, O.F.M. The subject is perfection. I readily identified with this. A lot of voices from the past started talking to me. "You got a 98% on the test. Why didn't you get 100%?" "You played that song well. But I heard a mistake as you began." From family to teacher to friends, we go through life looking for validation in one way or another and seldom find it.

The Navajo Rug

In a Navajo rug there is always an imperfection woven into the corner. And interestingly enough, it's where "the Spirit moves in and out of the rug." The pattern is perfect and then there's one part of it that clearly looks like a mistake. The Semite mind, the Eastern mind (which, by the way, Jesus would have been much closer to) understands perfection in precisely that way.

Perfection is not the elimination of imperfection. that's our Western either/or, need-to-control thinking. Perfection, rather, is the ability to incorporate imperfection! There's no other way to live: You either incorporate imperfection, or you fall into denial. That's how the Spirit moves in or out of our lives.

From Breathing Under Water:Spirituality and the 12 Steps

I believe I learned today that my life is a Navajo rug. It has it's flaws. But God made me. The flaws that occur are mine. The flaws are there because I "live." Though the ones who love me have long tried to mend and repair me in their own ways, I am the only one, with my God, who can truly make it right. It is consoling to know that the Creator's "Spirit moves in and out" of me.

Just as when I have completed a project and am most pleased with its outcome, some one will/would come to me and point out an error/errors. It used to embarrass me or make me angry with myself because I failed to find the mistake. But I soon learned that when this error was pointed out to me, someone had really paid attention to my work. Now, whether intentional or not, I get a certain amount of satisfaction in hearing about them as that means they READ it, noticed the work. Now, there are times I even do it do it on purpose. So, too, I can continue on the road to perfection without carrying most the old baggage by which I have been heavy laden. I can let go of it and start anew. Then the Spirit becomes the proof-reader of the next chapter of my "book."

So, feel free to proof read and make corrections!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

The Simple Women's Daybook

It's Monday and time to join The Simple Woman. It's time for The Simple Woman's Daybook. It is interesting to read other's thoughts and dreams and so again I offer mine. If any of you are interested in giving it a try visit that address above.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~ OUTSIDE MY WINDOW there is a glorious sunrise.
~*~ I AM THINKING it's such a glorious day to be alive.
~*~ I AM THANKFUL for Ron, who worked so hard to get some nasty grass out of the garden so we can continue to plant some more flowers.
~*~ FROM THE KITCHEN I've been wondering if it is too warm to fix chicken and dumplings. am having one of those cravings.
~*~ I AM WEARING robe and slippers.
~*~ I AM GOING to work today. It's the first day back from vacation for the Dr.s and it should be very busy.
~*~ I AM READING Esther and Murder on K Street by Margaret Truman.
~*~ I AM HOPING to get shopping done for the "Basket Bonanza" for the Summer Social at church.
~*~ I AM HEARING the birds singing outside and Freddie the Frog.
~*~ AROUND THE HOUSE there are signs of beautiful blooming flowers and the gardens are finally starting to take shape.
~*~ ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS is getting ready for a trip.
~*~ A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK are getting ready to travel to INDY for Lindsey's birthday.
~*~ HERE IS A PICTURE THOUGHT IAM SHARING...

This is a reminder of the road trip
we took to MT last summer. This is
Ainsely and Lindsey in downtown
Rapid City, SD. It is a lovely town!

Again please visit The Simple Women and then jump in!! The water is fine.

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

Think Green

It should be easy for us, of Irish descent, to think green. Green bein' the color we/I most prize. So I thought it appropriate to consider how we can all consider the "greenin' of the environment." My dad had a phrase, when it came to conserving heat in the house, when we failed to close the front or back doors securely in the winter..."Were ya born in a barn?!" We knew what it meant immediately. CLOSE THE DOOR!

Then I married an environmentalist. Yes, Ron was collecting aluminum/steel cans 4o years ago. He even worked in aluminum recycling for nearly 25 years before he went to work for Toyota. He even started a small business by which he would but scrap aluminum, melt it down and resell the product. (It helped put 5 of us through college.)

I remember when plastic bags replaced the paper grocery bags. What a deal I thought! But then what do you do with them when you are finished with them. Well, of late I have started using grocery bags that are reusable. The Schuncks here supplies reusable bag (for a price, $1.00). Wesselman's uses paper grocery bags with handles. If I were smart I could have just gone back to the store the next time and handed them the plastic bags they had given me at the last visit and reused them that way. At any rate, what I am trying to say, is I hope by starting in little ways I can help make us green at the Keller house. Oh! and before I forget! Target had a red bag that zips up small enough to fit in your purse...I love it!!!

Enough preaching! Will show you the recycling center in my kitchen sometime. It was a birthday present about 5 years ago. Have a Good day!!!

~~~~^j^~~~~

Thanks be to God!

Ten Minute MEME

Mount Rushmore
June 2007

I was tagged by A Catholic Mom in Hawaii to offer who I would like to spend 10 minutes with. Amazingly enough she and I have chosen three of the same. Who would have guessed?

10 People You'd Like to Spend 10 Minutes With:

~~Jesus

~~Pope Benedict XVI

~~Mary Higgins Clark

~~Scott Hahn

~~Martin Sheen

~~Madeline Albright

~~Matthew Kelly

~~Amy Welborn

~~Sister Julie from A Nun's Life

~~Richard Rohr, O.F.M.

Finally, I would like to do lunch with all those at Blarney Corner!

+++++++

Tagging, again, now that is the hard part. Here goes.

*Eileen on Him...At least I try!

*Prayer, Poetry and Praise

*Beyond Horizan3

*Christ's Rose

*La Dulce Vita: The Sweet Life With Three Sons

*Decrease to Increase

*Unexpected Journey

*Daily Grotto

*Contemplative Haven

*UOK's Place

~~~^j^~~~

Enjoy
and
Thanks be to God!

What are friends for?

Could not resist putting this on the blog...My friend, Margaret, sent this to me and now I offer it to you. Everyone have a GRAND Weekend!

'Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.'

GOOD DAY TO ALL MY 'NUTTY' FRIENDS

Have a fabulous STRESS FREE day!!!!

Thanks Be to God!!

First Things First

Picture by ONE/MILLION

AutumnRose at Christ's Rose thought this was fun and I was tagged. I found she was right so here are my "first things first":

• 
  
• The first thing I thought today: If I could only sleep in
  
• The first thing I ate today: a bowl of granola cereal
  
• The first thing I drank today: a cup of Good Earth tea
  
• The first thing I said today: my morning prayers
• The first action I did today: gave Duchess her treat when we came into the house
  
• The first thing I read today: My Daily Catholic Bible reading...I'm still behind but I'm catching up
  
• The first item of clothing I put on today:my robe ans slippers (to take Duchess outside)
  
• The first person I spoke to today (apart from God, of course): my husband
• The first chore I did today: I put the dishes away
  
• The first blog I visited today: A Catholic Mom in Hawaii. I went to visit and found I had been tagged for another MEME

Add some more if you want to!

I tag:

Catholic Mom in Hawaii

View from the Pews

Made for Joy

Sailing by Starlight

Are We There Yet

A Trucker's Wife

Have at it all anyone else...takes so little time and even less thought. Doesn't use up too many gray cells. Have a grand day!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Aside: I mailed my application for Provident Associates, please pray. Thank you!

A Train Ride...

I was wondering what I was going to say after I had posted The Last Lecture. It almost felt like the end of blogging for me as I had nothing else to say. Then a friend sent us the most wonderful email and I just have to share it. See? There's still a lot in me...What was I thinking?!

So along with the picture by Norman Rockwell and the help of Myles Towne, I can continue on this "train ride".

The Train Ride


~~~^j~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

Quick story as how this post came to be. I had breakfast with my friend, Tricia, yesterday, and she was sharing her experience this semester following a hospice nurse and how this video was part of her death and dying class. Ron wanted to order a book so we stopped at Borders on the way to Neil's birthday party. When I walked through the door, Randy's book was IN MY FACE. You all know how I feel about miracles. This was no accident, and before we got to the other side of Evansville I was completely engrossed in his book.

This is an incredible story by an incredible man. The book is much like this video. But both (yes, I read the book before I watched this)gave me, again, model of great humility in the way of dying. My friend, Margaret, did much the same. She continued to "live" in the light of her dying.

May God give me the strength to carry myself in life as they LIVED their life in dying. Please read the book too. Thank you, Tricia!!! This is remarkable!!! You may not want to or have the time to listen to the entire lecture, but please give it a try! It's worth every minute!!

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Thanks be to God!!!

Peace...

Photo by Robin

When I least expect it the beautiful words of another awaken me to the glory of God. It has happened again today as I read Bread for the Journey, A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith by Henri J. M. Nouwen. The gift to me is my gift extended to you today, as I cannot give what has already been given.

Jesus Is a Peacemaker

Jesus, the Blessed Child of the Father, is a peacemaker. His peace doesn't mean only absence of war. It is not simply harmony or equilibrium. His peace is the fullness of well-being, gratuitously given by God. Jesus says, "Peace I leave to you, my peace I give you, a peace which the world cannot give, this is my gift to you" (John 14:27)

Peace is Shalom--well-being of mind, heart, and body, individually and communally. It can exist in the midst of a war-torn world, even in the midst of unresolved problems and increasing human conflicts. Jesus made that peace by giving his life for his brothers and sisters. This is no easy peace, but it is everlasting and it comes from God. Are we willing to give our lives in the service of peace?

I guess this what I am asking myself as I make the application to be a Providence Associate. "Am I willing to give my life in the service of peace?" I'm stepping into the unknown, so I pray heartily for the companionship of the Holy Spirit.

God bless you all and have a Grand Weekend!!

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Thanks be to God!!!

I'm Behind Again...

I always have such good intentions and though I started it late in the year I had hoped to stay on course. "What IS she talking about?!"

Just after Lent I found at Cornerstone, while shopping for First Communion gifts, My Daily Catholic Bible, 20 minute Daily Readings. Thinking this would keep me focused on reading the Bible in a more regular format, I purchased it and began my sojourn. I can make all sorts of excuses for what happened but none will really do. Suffice it to say I am now behind. I entirely missed the reading for Nehemiah and the text is already four days into Tobit. Well, Tobit is one of my favorite books so I will endeavor to be more committed. I will try to catch up and stay on course.

I Pray:

Please, Father, allow this wayward child to find my way through your word to the Word, without taking so many side trips that I lose my way. Keep me focused and attentive to your wishes, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Wonderful Holiday Weekend...

I had such a nice weekend. It wasn't hectic, just nice. Attended Mass Saturday evening at St. Joseph's where Kellie, our grand daughter, received the Serra Award. Sunday went to Anna's graduation picnic!!! Monday was just quiet...

Mom sent me this via email and so I think I will share it with you as we start back to work for a "short week" and take a walk down memory lane. At least it's memory lane for me as I graduated from high school in 1965...Please enjoy!

Cars We Drove


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For the good times and the not-so-good times
Thanks be to God!

Gifts of Words, Music and Flowers.

I was given this beautiful gift today. The words hopeful, the music restful, and the pictures reflective. It's for all who dream and hope and love. It was given in friendship and mutual concern for ponds and waterlilies, but it is also wonderful because of the gift itself. So to SMA at A World of Beauty, I say a most sincere, "Thank you!" I also say, "Thank you," to you all and please enjoy!!!

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Thanks be to God!

The Pond Has a Hole In It...

The Upper Pond
Taken 5/18/2008

I will make rivers well up on barren heights,
and fountains in the midst of valleys;
turn the wilderness into a lake,
and dry ground into waterspring.

Isaiah 41:18
(The Jerusalem Bible)

Well, it would seem that we have another hole in the larger of the two lily ponds. We had one in it before but Ron was able to find it and repair it. He hasn't been that successful this time. The water lilies in both ponds, however, are really very pretty this year. The fish are gone and Freddie, our resident frog has taken up residence elsewhere, I suspect. Last year the lily pond was the only thing in the garden that didn't need work. Now, with the results of the drought last summer and the ice storms this winter it has really taken a toll on the yard. I have been glad that the dandelions that Ron worked diligently to keep down for the last two years did not return. So we have our work cut out for us with the "barren heights" and the "dry ground."

It just means we'll just have to keep pluggin' along, little by little.

Have a Grand Weekend!!

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

Call to Prayer!

I would ask that you join me as I join easter a. at Mostly Prayers in prayer for those who are or will become unemployed during this time of fuel shortages. It not only affects us here but around the world. We are "our brother's keeper," and are thus responsible for his well-being. So let us pray and sacrifice, in order that ALL might suffer less everywhere.

PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH FOR EMPLOYMENT

Dear St. Joseph, you were given the responsibility of providing the necessities of life for Jesus and Mary. Look down with fatherly compassion upon our brothers and sisters in their anxiety over their present struggle to support their families due to job loss. Please help them find gainful employment very soon, so that this heavy burden of concern will be lifted from their hearts and that they soon will be able to provide for those whom God has entrusted to their care. Help us to guard against bitterness and discouragement, so that we may emerge from this trial spiritually enriched and with even greater blessings from God. Amen.

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This we ask through the intercession of St. Joseph, in the name of Jesus Christ our brother, Lord and Savior. Amen!

Thanks be to God
and
all who pray and sacrifice.

Wisdom

I was reading through Pope John Paul II, His Essential Wisdom, Edited by Carol Kelly-Gangi and found this quote:

I am not severe--I am sweet by nature--but I defend the rigidity principle. God is stronger than human weakness and deviations. God will always have the last word.

"God will always have the last word." I thought about how hard it is to be a parent sometimes. It was hard when the kids were young to "defend the rigidity principle." Saying "no" and really sticking to it. Not compromising my resolve was not only distressing but oft times painful. Wanting to give in would have been so much easier. What I had to realize, as much as I wanted to be my child's friend, was I was first and foremost the parent.

Now after all these years, my children still love me, and we are friends. It's just a matter of being sure as a parent, we follow the model of Almighty God, and have the last word.

~~~~^j^~~~~

Thanks be to God in His wisdom,
and
to Pope John Paul II for conveying it!

Dr. Kris' Birthday

Birthday cake in Hamburg
Originally uploaded by robokow

Today is Dr. Kris' birthday! So there will be pizza for lunch and (though it looks nothing like this lovely cake) the cake I made (I haven't even iced it yet) with my annual banner for the lounge wall...

And the gift to the man who has everything? A large can of cashews!!!

Have a grand day all!!! I know I will!

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Thanks be to God!!!

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.

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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!