ThruNancy'sEyes: Coming To A Close

ThruNancy'sEyes: Coming To A Close: "As 2010 slowly creeps to its end, I want to leave this final thought. After reading the 'Word Among Us' for today 12/31/10, the ending medi..."

Have I Lost My Fire?

Have I lost my fire? I don't think so!! I just read my daughter's blog "Dawn Brocco's Life & Design" where she moans over having lost her fire, or so, that's what her daughter said to her.
It may be true but something tells me that my daughters fire might be a little weaker due to all the health issues she has been dealing with but certainly it has not been put out.
Now as for me, my fire has been re-directed. I no longer look for self satisfaction in doing meaningless things.
My fire is blazing with love of God and service to Him by serving His people. I do that by teaching Religious Education [you think embers could deal with 15 6th graders, think again]
and I am a volunteer in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. I am also my Conference Treasurer.
Anyone who knows anything about the Society, knows that unlike other charitable organizations we actually visit our guests in their homes. Try carrying heavy bags of food without having a real commitment.
Thank you Holy Spirit for descending on me with the fire of Your Love.

My TAU

I received my TAU when I was admitted as a Candidate to the Secular Franciscan Order and since that time I have worn it where it can be seen. I have had a person tell me she loved my wooden jewelry and didn't know that it had come back in style. I explained to her that what I was wearing was not a piece of jewelry but actually my "Habit".
The picture above is the shape of the TAU has a picture of St. Francis of Assisi within it.
MyTau is a simple piece of wood with a metal loop and is hanging from a piece of dark brown cord that has three knots in it. Each knot represents poverty, chastity and obedience.
The TAU is the official habit and symbol of the Secular Franciscan Order. The "T" shaped cross resembles the real cross of the Crucifixion. It is also, a letter in the Greek and Hebrew alphabets.
Pope Innocent III, at the Lateran Council of 1216 , incorporated into his homily the statement from Ezekiel 9:4 the elect, the chosen, those faithful will be marked with the sign of the "tau" and saved from destruction.
St. Francis took that as a personal statement and made the TAU his own symbol, his signature and symbol of his order.

"COME HOLY SPIRIT"

During one of my classes on the Bible our instructor [who was using the Jeff Cavin's kit workbooks & DVD, Thank you Jesus for Jeff Cavin, passed out a small leaflet printed by the Marian Press[www.marian.org] Stockbridge, Ma. in it was a piercing and what I consider a real life prayer to the Holy Spirit. I would like to share this prayer written by a Virginia Garey.

Come, Holy Spirit
Replace the tension within us with a holy relaxation.
Replace the turbulence within us with a sacred calm
Replace anxiety within us with a quiet confidence.
Replace the fear within us with a strong faith.
Replace the bitterness within us with the sweetness of grace.
Replace the darkness within us with a gentle light.
Replace the coldness within us with a loving warmth.
Replace the night within us with your light.
Straighten our crookedness.
Fill our emptiness.
Dull the edge of our pride.
Sharpen the edge of our humility.
Light the fires of our love.
Quench the flames of our lust.
Let us see ourselves as You see us
That we may see You as You have promised.
and be fortunate according to Your word:
"Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God" [Mt.5:8]

Since this is the first Sunday in Advent, Happy New Year to all. Today's Gospel tells us to be prepared at all times. We never know the hour, day or season of the year. The prayer I posted pinpoints all that we need to work on in our daily lives as well as our prayer life. I think it is a good check list for us to use, to prepare for His Glorius Second Coming.

My Profession

I have not posted since August and so much has taken place since then. I am no longer a Candidate for SFO. I was professed on October 2nd. Everyone tried to explain how I would feel that day, but all their comments paled against the actual day. It was a sunny, warm day and I don't think that
my feet touched the ground for days after.
Religious Ed has started and I have a great bunch of kids this year. I am using some of the teaching techniques I learned at our Catechist Conference.
My husband was in the hospital for a few days but he is doing well now. My youngest son was in a motorcycle accident and is staying with me. He too is doing well. Thank you Jesus for preserving the lives of my husband and son. God has been so good to me and I am so very grateful for all His blessings. The photo is of the actual profession ritual, where our minister and
Father Emmet are presiding just before Mass.

SUMMER FASTLY FADING

I can't believe that the end of August is just a matter of days away which means Labor Day the traditional last day of summer is just around the corner. Lifeguards disappear from the beaches. Stores have nothing but school supplies, hopefully on sale. Winter clothing for the kiddies is on the back to school lists.
Religious Ed starts in just four weeks, a new group of about 20 sixth graders anxiously waiting for classes to start [I know I am just wishful thinking]. If anyone reads this, please keep me in your prayers. When the new RE year starts I always feel somewhat anxious, wanting so much to bring my sixth graders to a deeper understanding of their awesome Catholic Religion.

God our Father,
you conquer the darkness of ignorance
by the light of your Word
Strengthen within our hearts
the faith you have given us;
let not temptation ever quench the fire
that your love has kindled within us.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.....Amen

Let the SPIRIT help us with Forgiveness

The theme is Matthew's Gospel today is "forgiveness" as in the "Our Father". What a beautiful prayer to God our Father, but, it is also a dangerous prayer. ".....forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trepass against us.....". Jesus taught the multitude this prayer, after being asked "teach us how to pray?" Jesus wants us to know the mercy of the Father but warns us that if we are not as merciful, the Father will mete out His mercy in the exact same way.
Question: Why wouldn't we want to forgive family, friends and co-workers?
I believe it takes much more energy to keep the hurt feelings etc. going than letting it "all go".
Here is a quote from "One Bread, One Body" for today: "When we refuse to forgive we will be tortured by depression, fear, anger, self-hatred, compulsions, violence, anxiety or suicidal tendencies. Many problems are forms of torture traceable to unforgiveness"......WOW..........
Father forgive me and make me a more forgiving person....Amen
I believe the Holy Spirit is the one to go to for help and assistance in developing forgiveness in all area's of our lives.

Holy Spirit, source of light,
From the clear celestial height
Your pure beaming radiance give.
Come Protector of the poor,
Come with treasures that endure;
Come, you light of all that live!
You of all consolers best,
You, the soul's delightful guest,
Do refreshing peace bestow.
You in toil are comfort sweet;
Pleasant coolness in the heat;
Solace in the midst of woe.
Light immortal, light divine,
Make our hearts your own lifeline,
And our inmost being fill.
If you take your grace away,
Nothing pure in us will stay;
All our good is turned to ill.
Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness pour your dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away.
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray.
We confess you, and adore.
You sustain us evermore,
And your seven gifts do send.
Give us comfort when we die;
Give us life with you on high;
Give us joys that never end.

Mary, Daughter of the Father, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, Mother of the Incarnate Word, Intercede for us. Amen

Her Past Baggage is Still with Her

I just read Fr. Brown's most recent post in his blog WORD ON FIRE. His response to Anne Rice famous [also infamous, she wrote about Vampires] author who returned to her Catholic religion after many years as a "practicing atheist".
I also read some of the comments about her blurb on facebook, saying she is done with Christians [meaning Catholics]. I think she is still suffering with the effects of years spent in darkness, our history [experiences; thoughts; ideas] wrong or right stay with us they form the people we become. Surely she must realize that being a Catholic Christian especially today is not for the feint hearted.
I feel extremely sorry for her and as Fr. Brown said in his post, you can't separate the head from the body. Jesus Christ is the head of the Catholic Church. We Catholic Christians are that Church, we are that body, the body of Christ.
Please all who read pray for Anne Rice. She needs to investigate more into WHY we believe WHAT we believe in as Catholic Christians.

All About St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare

Just wanted to share the following with any Franciscan's or anyone who reads my blog.EWTN in October is having several programs on St. Francis. His Feast day is Oct 4th and with the grace of God I will professed on Saturday, October 3rd.

• 10/8 @ 10pm and 10/9 @ 2pm there is a 60 minutes documentary, a guided tour of Assisithe hometown of St. Francis.
  

• 10/4 @ 6:30pm there is a 30 minute film a brief overview of the life of St. Francis including a listing of famous Secular Franciscan's in history.

• 10/6 @ 6:30pm a 30 minute film on the conversions of St. Francis and St. Clare

• 10/8 @ 6:30pm a 30 minute film on writings of the two Saints including "The Testament" and the "Canticle of Creatures"

• 10/3 @ 1:30pm a 60 minute Concert "Dialogue of St.Francis & Clare" composed byFr. Robert Hutmacher tells the story of Francis and Clare in the months after St. Francis received the Stigmata.
  

+Pax et bonum [Peace and all good]

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COMING SOON

On Saturday, October 2nd, 2010 with the grace of God I will be professed as a Secular Franciscan. I am so looking forward to this very special occasion. It's all about living a simple life. In 2010 that is a real challenge but I am up for it. Paring down one's material possessions is just part of it. Simplifying one's life goes a lot deeper.
Creating silence in one's heart and mind starts with silence in the home.
We live in such a noisy world with tv, cell phones, ipods and yes computers. It makes me wonder what happened to the world before all these inventions...did it come to a screeching halt!!....would that happen now if someone couldn't get in touch...do we need to know what the breaking news is when we are waiting at a traffic light???
I have slowly been going through my clothing and possessions and donating those things that I really do not need. The tv goes on in the house only when my hubby comes home from work and goes off around 9 or 9:30 pm. I actually have time to sit quietly and *think* about something I read when saying my prayers or just look out at God's creation around me. I have discovered that there are many types of birds living in the trees around my home. St. Francis saw all of God's creation as his brothers and sisters. St. Francis pray for us...Amen

THE RAIN OF FORGIVENESS IS ALWAYS THERE

August came to NJ in a thunderstorm. The skies are grey and the rain persists, but we need the rain, the weather has been hot [to say the least] and dry. At times our prayers can be like that hot and dry, and then we receive grace from God to endure and perservere. I came across this Act of Contrition on a prayer card, it's not the one we say after confession. Nevertheless its one that I say every day now. I hope it may help anyone who reads my blog.

Forgive me my sins O Lord, forgive me my sins
the sins of my youth, the sins of my age
the sins of my soul, the sins of my body
my idle sins
my serious voluntary sins
the sins I know, the sins I don't know
the sins I have concealed so long,
and which are now hidden from my memory
I am truly sorry for every sin, mortal and venial
for all the sins of my childhood up to the present hour
I know my sins have wounded Thy tender heart,
O my Savior,
Let me be freed from the bond of evil through Thy
most bitter Passion,
O my Redeemer,
O my Jesus,
forget and forgive what I have been......Amen

THE HOTTEST EVER & ITS NOT YET AUGUST

Early last Friday morning at 1am our central air conditioning system fried itself. We got up to see why it was so hot and at that time the interior temperature of our home was 87 degrees. I called an Emergency telephone number of a local business that fixes and installs AC systems. At 1pm a very nice person came and crawled into the attic. Coming down from what must have been at least 110 degrees, the poor man informed me that the transformer, motor and some wires to the air handler had completely burned out, ..."you were lucky you didn't have a fire"..were his words to me.
After telling me why the system could not be fixed [it was 25 yrs old] I after talking to my hubby [who was at work & in air conditioning] we decided to purchase a new system but the earliest date for installation wasn't until the following Tuesday.
Now for the good part, the temps were already in the low 90's and that Saturday they predicted temps of 100 degrees or more.
We tried to get a motel close by that would take us and our Yorkshire Terrier, but alas! no motel's allowing dogs [no matter what the size]. So after 5:30 Mass and a light supper out [Wendy's] we went home the inside temp was already 94 degrees. At about 11pm [the temp was still 94 inside] hubby and I went to sit outside on our wicker settee at the front of our house. The air outside was considerably cooler [maybe 10 degrees less]. Hubby wound up sleeping on the settee with Winston our dog on leash next to him. I grabbed a pillow & tried to sleep in the back seat of hubby's car with all windows open. Thank you Lord for keeping the bugs away.
I could not sleep all I kept thinking about was ....there are people and families that have to sleep in their cars on a regular basis, because they have come on hard times; maybe lost their home, job etc..... God teaches us lessons at all times and gives us opportunities to be grateful for His many blessings......He is always merciful because Sunday he brought the most delicious Thunder Storm which reduced the outside temps to low 70's. All three of us sat on the settee and got soaking wet and enjoyed every moment of it.
Trusting in God is not always easy, it takes perseverance not to sway away, when we persist He always comes through for us.....God is great, God is good...Thanks be to God

Praise be Jesus Christ Now and Forever

Half of 2010 is over, I am finding it hard to believe that six months has flown by so quickly, but then my Mom used to say to me "the older you get the faster it goes" and now I know she was right. When we are oh! so young the days are endless especially during the summer months.
So much has happened during the month of June, I don't know where to begin, so instead of listing all the woes, whys and wherefores; I will quote something from "Shorter Common Prayer" which is the Divine Office in brief.
Reading from James 1
"...Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, for the wrath of man does not accomplish the righteousness of God....."
Responsory: "Claim me once more as your own, Lord, and have mercy on me"
Some of the Intercessions:
Grant prosperity to our neighbors, give them life and happiness for ever.
Console those who are burdened with oppressive work and daily hardships, preserve the dignity of workers.
Open wide the doors of your compassion to those who have died today, and in your mercy receive them into your kingdom.

Ramblin On

Summer is here already, its been extremely hot and humid for the past few days. My tomato plants and peppers are doing fine, they have already flowered.
Our Pastor has, on a trial basis, included a 12noon Mass along with the regular 8am Mass. What a gift, as I am one of those person's who is unable to get out so early in the morning. I love being able to get most of my morning work done and then get ready and spend time at Mass. I've been an Eucharistic Adorer for sometime, but not on a regular basis for a couple of years now. When the captain didn't call, I just went when I had time. Now my regular hour is on Friday's between 12:30 and 1:30pm. What a great way to start my weekend.
I need to start thinking about my RE Teaching agenda soon, so I am fully prepared for the coming school year. I am trying to pare down all the paper I have accumulated, what a job and I'm an organized person.
Sometimes I just don't have that much to say and sometimes I do and just can't put it all into words....

CONGRATULATIONS

My oldest grandson graduated from Berkeley University in California today with his PhD in Micro Electronic Engineering. Congratulations to all those who were there with him. To RAV, kudos for a job well done.
Even though I am unable to spend this important moment with him, my thoughts, prayers and good wishes for a very rewarding and illuminating future are sent with love and great affection.
He is not the first in our family to gain higher education but he is certainly the first to obtain his Doctorate...Yahoo & Hallelujah.

GREAT JOB, WELL DONE

Gloomy Greys are Back

I thought that the GG would be gone until next fall. While reading I came across something that I would like to share it also helped to lift my spirits.
"LIVE SIMPLY, LOVE GENEROUSLY, CARE DEEPLY,
SPEAK KINDLY. LEAVE THE REST TO GOD"
Winnie and I are both waiting patiently so that we can spend more time out of doors.
He loves stalking the birds and trying to catch them. You would think he was a cat, no, just a very crazy Yorkshire Terrier, my buddy, my pal.

Spring Slipping Summer Soon

I can't believe that Mother's Day has come and gone. Religious Ed is over for the summer and I actually have some extra time. I have put down 8 bags of mulch in the front garden and still have more to go on the side of the house. I even put in two tomato plants and pepper plants in containers & meshed in & up so the deer wont get them. Funny I thought I was buying bell peppers but instead I picked up Jalapeno plants. Hubby has a Mexican friend that he works with, so I'll send the hot peppers on.
I really need to re-organize my computer area as it is getting over whelming to say the least.
Simplify, is Franciscan.

Birthday Surprise

Well yesterday 4-18 was my 70th birthday but Saturday night I received the surprise of my life time when my entire family surprised me with a wonderful surprise party. I am still not over how they all came together as my children do not live close to me or to each other. My four children along with my grandchildren were there, only one gran was missing, he attends Berkley University and is graduating this June with his PHD. Then to top it all off my best friend [other than my hubby] of 45 years was there with her husband.
My husband[who kept this secret for I don't know how many weeks/months] never even gave me the slightest hint. What a marvelous and generous action on the part of my entire family to do this for me. I had been thinking that they actually had forgotten my birthday as I hadn't received any cards and was feeling kind of sad.
My hubby and I are going next week to see the Phantom of the Opera in NYC, this was a gift from my children and grandchildren.
The best gift was to see all my children and grandchildren together at the same table enjoying and connecting with each other. A precious memory was created that night for me and I hope for all my family. If any of them read this I want them to know how much I love them all now and forever.

Many Thoughts for Today

I can't believe that Easter is a week behind us. This Sunday was Divine Mercy Sunday. I try to say my DM chaplet at 3pm [the hour Our Lord died]. This Sunday was also our S.F.O. meeting and we welcomed five new candidates who for the past months have been enquirers. Myself and three others are already candidates preparing for profession. I pray that I am worthy and that this is truly what God wants of me. St. Francis charism is all about simplifying one's life i.e. even when you are a lay person. None the less even a lay person takes vows just a binding as Marriage vows. To live out our Baptism promises [as all Christians should] but in the spirituality of St. Francis. To build up the Church[the body of Christ] to be Christ's light in the world. No easy task. Daunting at the very least. All those who read this, please say a prayer for me that I may be faithful to this calling.
From my window, I see the sun shining & fluffy white clouds are drifting past in a most beautiful blue sky. Birds are singing and Winnie is barking at them. Everything seems all right and in order. My heart is full, I just talked with my daughter for her birthday. I love all my children, but she holds a special place as she is the First Gift that God entrusted to me.
I feel so small and insignificant, but, I know without any reservation that I am loved by my creator, who is my rock, my Savior.
I am thinking that I never got the opportunity to Thank those two women who took me to Our Lady of Sorrows Church on Stanton St. in NYC to have me Baptized into the Light of Christ. I must remember to include them in my prayers. I wonder if they know what a wonderful gift they gave me in doing so.
+Pax et bonum[peace and all good]

He Is Truly Risen

Alleluia, He is Truly Risen. Hubby & I went to the Easter Vigil Mass which started at 8pm and ended at not quite 10:30. Our Boy Scout troop started the bonfire which our Pastor blessed. The Paschal Candle was lit and processed into the church which was in complete darkness. From the Paschal Candle we all lit our candles until the entire Church was bathed in the most beautiful candle light. Christ is truly our light. It never ceases to amaze me how beautiful our Liturgy is, it makes me feel sad for those who will never have the experience. At the appropriate time the music with the organ and horns resounded with the "Gloria" and all who had brought bells rang them incessantly, as it says "make a joyful noise unto the Lord". Father also blessed the water that will be used through out the liturgical year. The ritual and symbolism is so rich in tradition and magnificent to behold.
At the vigil two young women came into the Church; one who came into full communion with the Church; and one who had never been baptized. How beautiful to see these adults baptized, confirmed and receive the Holy Eucharist. To quote our pastor, "is that a grand slam or what".
After Mass concluded we all [about 200 or so] trouped over to the Parish Center where we "broke fast" with coffee, sandwiches and desert [some Italian cookies] and great commaraderie.
We got home about 11:50pm and went to sleep very quickly knowing that we had just been part of a most joyous, glorius,enriching and unique experience. Wishing all my family and readers a most Blessed and Glorius Easter.

PASSION SUNDAY OR PALM SUNDAY

Tonight we will attend the Vigil Mass @ 6pm. I can't believe Easter is only a week away, Alleluia but first we must go through Good Friday. Right now the sun is shining but it is very windy and about 40 degrees and tonight it will get colder. The cold makes us shiver & tonight when the Passion of Christ is read, we should all be shivering, knowing full well that He went through it all for each and every human being that ever lived or ever will live. How awesome is that, that our God loves us so much He willing accepted death, death on a cross for each of us. It makes me shiver to think that my sins contributed to His horrible death and my tears begin to flow and then I remember the "LOVE" He has for me and the promise of Eternal Life. That's why I am here, because He made me to love and serve Him with all my heart, mind and soul and to be happy here and with Him in Heaven forever....Amen

Quiet! Sssh!!

Now I understand why we have to have the "gloomy greys". Without them we could not appreciate the beautiful sunny days with blue skies. St. Pat's day was gorgeous and today the temp is going to 64. St. Joseph's day is Friday and all my Italian buddies will be having those great and delicious St. Joseph's pastries. Easter is fast coming, next Wednesday is the last Religious Education session before Easter. I am trying to discern exactly what God wants me to do? Does He want me to remain as a Catechist or do I concentrate on SVdP & becoming a Secular Franciscan.
It's not easy for me to discern because my own will has a habit of getting in the way. I long for some place where I can be completely quiet. You need quiet to hear God's voice. My head is always noisey with all the things I should and must do. Father in heaven grant me the grace to shut up and listen to You..Amen

ABBA

Reading today's entry in "One Bread, One Body" entitled "Beyond Compare", we should never compare ourselves to others. When we compare [it says] it can lead to jealousy or pride. I thought about this for sometime, as I was not sure this statement was correct. All people at sometime compare themselves to others to see where they are in the scheme of things i.e. careers, relationships even in sports and mostly physical appearances. So maybe the statement is not all that wrong, if we let these comparisons take over our lives, and we become obsessed in being the best athlete, the most beautiful, the richest etc. Then I reread the last sentences; "If we believe that our heavenly Father loves us, we have no reason to compare ourselves with others. Through Jesus and in the Spirit, be secure in your Father's love." Amen

Not Able To Go

Just rec'd an invitation to attend my son-in-laws birthday party which is being held more than five hours away from where I live. I won't be able to go as I have a prior engagement. I will be attending a Catechetical Conference and it is important as it will help me keep my Certification as a Religious Education teacher. I feel really bad about not being able to go but both hubby and I would not be able to go so far away without staying in a hotel. The budget right now does not have the funds for a hotel expense and we could not drive back and forth both ways. So even if I didn't have a prior engagement, we would still not be able to attend. I had to send my daughter an email saying we would not be attending. Life sure does hold many disappointments, but it is how we handle these that is important. I told her I would be with them in spirit and I will pray that they have a wonderful party.

To File Or Not To File

I think God is giving me another opportunity to demonstrate my perseverance in charity, to forgive. I've flubbed so many other opportunities to be patient and humble. We have neighbors who appear to be of the "it's all about me culture". For almost 8 years both hubby & I have tried
diligently to be neighborly i.e. showing respect for people and their property.
All we ask is to be given the same respect. We obey our development rules & regs & wish our neighbors would do the same thing.
We live on a finger and easy access to our driveway has been impeded more times than I can count. Last Sat. was the proverbial "straw that broke the camel's back". We took pictures and called our association representative. Now we are faced with signing and filing a formal complaint. All we wish is for our neighbors to be considerate.
Anyone who may come upon this blog and read this entry "please pray for us". I don't want to have to file a complaint, I just want to pull into my driveway without any problems.

All Differnet All Beautiful

Looking out my windown all I see is snow & more snow. Each snowflake is completely different from all other snowflakes! Amazing, God created all human beings different in color, shape etc. just like the snowflakes, all different, all beautiful. All the snowflakes together make a beautiful winter scene, a white blanket gleaming in the sunlight and the moonlight. Why can't the human race come together to make a beautiful scene praising God our creator in thanksgiving for the gift of life. Amen

TEMPTATION

Temptation surrounds us all in everyway. Through the tv, magazines, internet & every kind of printed material you can think of. In todays Gospel, even Jesus did not escape the temptations of the Devil. How arrogant is the evil one. Did he not know who Jesus was? Or, did he in his pride think that the only Son of God would succumb to his wiles.
The devil asks us to worship him in so many ways. Through reception of the Sacraments we are fortified to withstand these temptations. Gods gives us His Grace when we sincerely turn to Him for protection. God is always faithful even when we are not. How awesome is that!
We know the last chapter, evil has already lost, but the father of lies wants every soul he can steal before the Glorius coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
+Pax et bonum

Giving To not Up

Lent has begun and so everyone is looking to give something up & making sacrifices is commendable. I think it is also good to do good works especially during this season of reflection.
I am doing my best to attend daily Mass. I gave up my soap opera last year for Lent & still haven't watched it. I use that time for other things. As a candidate for SFO I say the Liturgy of the Hours & now for Lent I read "One Bread,One Body" for inspiration. Working for SVdP, I asked if I could go out on more Home Visits. To love our neighbors as ourselves is the Greatest Command.

Erroneous Information

I just did a Catholic Christian search on Twitter. You would be amazed at all the misinformation floating around in cyber space. Some people still don't think "Catholics" are Chrisitians!!
My suggestion is for all those who are so ready to comment: First do the homework, check out the early Church Fathers pre 1st century, then actually go to the Cathechism of the Catholic Church and compare. You are in for a big surprise!!
Now for those who do not know the real definition of "Catholic" it simply means "Universal" and Yes, the Roman Catholic Church is universal.
To all of us who practise our religion as faithfully & to the best of our ability, being a Catholic Christian is not for the feint hearted, we are counter cultural or should be. It is not easy following the Way of Jesus. He has set the bar high but He forgives our weakness and failure's. He asks that we perservere in prayer, good works always beginning with Love
+Pax et bonum

When You Feel Down

It has been said many times before but bears repeating. When you feel down, blue, depressed or just plain "sorry for yourself" do something for someone else. It is better than any pill [drug of choice] that you can ingest. I believe helping others has great advantage for ourselves. It keeps us mindful of our own blessings and that life is fragile. There but for the grace of God go I. My daughter is donating a % of the sales of her design books to "Doctors without Borders" for relief to the Haitian people. So many individuals just like her are doing small things that have great benefits. I too volunteer in a large non-profit org. that assists all people regardless of race,color or creed. We help people with food, clothing, shelter even the payment of utilities, rent & mortgage payments. For us it is a ministry of love, for we are to see the face of Christ in all our guests and to be the face of Christ to them. God Bless all people who serve others through their labors and donations.
+Pax et bonum

The Snow

Cabin Fever Setting IN

Just like the weather man said, we are getting about 12 or more inches of snow on top of the almost 2' we got last Friday. First came the snow last night about 10pm then this morning it turned to rain & at lunch time it turned to snow again and of course the gloomy greys come with it all. What a winter so far!!
All of this white stuff is turning my brain to mush, need to get outside. Can't do that, the dampness really triggers my asthma. Oh well, I am consigned to stare out the window and hope for spring. In my daughters blog she mentioned seeing a flock of robins? Someone get them a GPS, they most certainly have lost their way, must be all this global warming going on!!!!

Another Nor'easter

Well all the channels including the weather channel are predicting up to 24 inches of snow to begin around 8pm this evening & althrough tomorrow late at night.
I will be definitly suffering from cabin fever. Classes have all been cancelled @ Church and hubby is not going to be able to get to work.
Maybe if I sleep in & just pull the covers over my head when I do get up it will be spring. The bears have the right idea. Hibernation!!

Ash Wednesday-Lent Begins

A week from tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. A time of preparation and self examination. I want to quote something our Pastor said "Man is created to mirror God and to give the light which is received from Him. When we do not mirror God we become "impertinent dust and ashes" even before physical death, that is why the Liturgy of Ash Wednesday is so important for our sense of perspective as to why we exist."
+Pax et bonum

Purgation

On Sunday evenings my hubby & I watch an EWTN program called "Live with Fr. Benedict Groeschel". Oh! how I love that man of God. His guests for this past Sunday were Bishop Laun from Germany and Dr. Von Hildebrand. Dr. Von Hildebrand is the wife of Dr. Dietrich Von Hildebrand[deceased] a Theologian and one who was at the top of Hitler's list for extinction. Their discussion was about the role of a Bishop, but that is not what I want to talk about. Dr. Von Hildebrand in the course of the discussion said something that struck a chord with me relating to my own pilgrimage. I will have to paraphrase she said, " Truth never gets old or old fashion, Truth is forever young. We have forgotten that we are only creatures and not God."
Soooo true, that double edged sword called *free will*. When I could no longer trust anyone or anything especially God, my *free will* kicked in big time, I was the master of my destiny, I was the captain of my ship, I was educated and could do it all myself without the help of *anyone*....Oh! how wrong I was, because my willfulness led me down all the wrong paths, further & further away from the *Truth* which is I am a child of God, created in His image. All the *stuff* of my existence; the secrets & falsehoods; the deceptions & the lies fueled the anger and I became my own worst enemy. The lack of inner peace, the physical heart ache & the feeling of emptiness tormented my soul. In the blackest of times, when my soul cried out My Savior heard me and answered. I am still in awe of the fact that He is always faithful even when we are not. Of course all my issues were not solved at once, it took years, but He gave me the grace I needed to perservere and I am still a work in progress and always will be until that moment when I am perfected and can enter into the sight of God.
+Pax et bonum

Revert not a Convert

In a previous post I said I wasn't ready to give the real reason for creating this blog. There are so many thoughts going around in my mind and I want to say it all but not all at once. I don't want this to sound like rambling so I am going to do this in bits and pieces. Although I am a cradle Catholic, I am a Revert, those of you who have come home to Rome sweet Home will understand.
My daughter thinks/says "I'm glad you found something!!" as if I had lost something. I never lost my faith even though I stopped going to Church. I was just plain angry. Anger can cloud one's reason to a point where we can no longer Trust in anyone or anything. It took me close to 25 years to sort it all out, and while I was doing that, My God and Savior through the Holy Spirit was guiding me, even when I didn't know it. He protected me from physical harm but allowed my spirit to suffer. Out of the suffering came wisdom, a teaspoon at a time. You see I am a stubborn, stiff necked person and my understanding came through to me slowly. This was a "good thing" as I dealt with each old situation [its called baggage] and the mistakes [they are called sins] I made in doing so, my Savior kept knocking at the door of my heart telling me through the closed door how much He loved me and wanted me to give it all over to Him. My only regret is that it took me so long to discern His voice from the all the noise around me.
+Pax et bonum for now

Dressed in White

This is a beautiful Blue Spruce in the backyard. It is almost as high as the ridge line of our roof. I took pictures just after the blizzard had stopped.

Sunday,Sunday Oh What a Day

2-7-10..."Come, let us sing to the Lord, and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us, alleluia."
Hubby just came in from digging out the car and driveway. We will be going to 12:30 Mass today and it will probably be very crowded as the 4 & 5:30 Masses were cancelled yesterday due to the "blizzard".
We got about 18 inches but with the wind gusts we have 3 foot drifts all around the house. To coin a phrase that is corny "it's a winter wonderland" except it can be treacherous getting around in it. So I am saying my prayers that everyone who is going to their respective Houses of Worship get to and from their destinations safely.
I love Sundays it gives us a chance to kick back & appreciate how much our God loves us, that He chose to give us not only a day sans work but a day to worship Him. So I will be ending this post with

+Pax et bonum to all

5 Yrs. Teaching & Learning

2-6-10 I am a certified cathechist and teaching 6th graders about what we believe and why we believe as Catholic Christians is not an easy job. Sixth graders today are not at all like those of "yesteryear"! Today they are techno savvy and sophisticated far beyond their 11 or 12 years. My class meets in the evening @ 7 pm, these kids have already had a full day @ school & whatever extra curriculum they are involved in. So when I get them, the last thing they want to do is listen to someone tell them about things they really don't understand [for the most part]. Sixth graders are not babies anymore nor are they all grown up, they are not even tweens yet but they are in middle school and observe the tweens and teens. In some instances they start emulating the *teen behavior* testing the waters, so to speak. This can make for a difficult hour. I am hoping that other religious ed teachers might read my blog and maybe offer some of their experiences and shed some light on keeping the 6th grade mind in a learning mode at such a late hour.

So Far-So Good

2-6-10 So far so good, I even customized my Google homepage Wow!! I wonder if anyone will ever follow me? My Yorkshire Terrier is looking to go out, but that snow outside is high. Oh! my hubby is going to take him out. I am not ready yet to go into "the" reason why I wanted to start my own blog.

The Majesty of It All

2-6-10 We are in the throws of a Blizzard, about 2 feet of snow out there, but it looks oh! so beautiful. I can see the tree branches laden with the snow bending to the earth and the wind
making them dance slowly to some silent tune and as they twirl they leave tree footprints in the snow. I am in awe of the majesty of nature and of my God.

To Blog or Not to Blog

2-6-10 I am a brand new blogger. It will take me sometime to get used to this, I am a journaler & not a stranger to writing about my life!! My daughter is a blogger for some years now, she is a knitwear designer. When she was going through Chemo & Radiation it was the best way for me to
know how she was doing without bothering her with tons of phone calls.
Today is my 3rd child's birthday, he is 46 today. It is my own tradition to call each of my children on the birthdays early in the morning. I actually sing the "Happy Birthday" song. A little corny but
as my youngest say I am "da momma"