Your eleven year old son shares a room with the one year old and takes care of the him; way up in the other side of the house...and he shows up at your bed around 1am with the baby...you look at him and say it is 1am...like he has a watch on...you take the baby and put him back to sleep with a nice little cuddling rocking...
Your three year old calls your name at 1:38am to take her to the potty...and you got to wait for someone to get out of the bathroom!!!
Your five year old comes down an hour later...approx 2:30am to tell you that the three year old had a bad dream and wants you again...you just got your pregnant self comfy from the last wake up...and you tell the five year old to let the three year old sleep with her!!! (thank God for siblings)
All in a nights work...
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
How to manage:
"Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” — St. Francis of Assisi
Can it get any clearer than that? I found this posted by Danielle Bean and couldn't resist sharing it!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Can it get any clearer than that? I found this posted by Danielle Bean and couldn't resist sharing it!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Friday, March 27, 2009
Let me tell you how God helped me stay quiet on retreat...
Many of you know that I went away last week for a silent retreat. Each year I go, I work on the internal silence that better allows me to here what Christ is trying to tell me...This was my year not to bring a nursing infant-so I had big expectations!!!
Well...after our talk from Father about making the most of the retreat and watching our eye contact as well as our not talking, I got ready for bed...I showered and put moisturizer on my face...
I woke up Friday morning with my face covered with hives...I had an allergic reaction to the soap or moisturizer, which has never happened before. (when pregnant my body tends to over react to stuff)...I laughed as I thought about how well I would do at keeping my head down and hair over my face as much as possible...I kept thinking it would go away and even thought of calling my friend down the street to ask her to bring me some cortisone cream to help. It didn't itch and I figured it would go away soon...Sat it was still with me, more in just the eyes, when I went in for spiritual direction the priest asked if I had black eyes...then he said it was good I didn't have to go in public...Sunday the same...you could tell that some of the ladies were shocked when they got a good look at me...Of course my job was to lead the meal prayers, so I could only hide so much...I think they thought I had a rough confession and was still crying!!! As soon as the retreat was over I hit the car and called my hubby to warn him and the kids of my "new look" of course being so sardonic he cracked up!!! He loved the raccoon jokes and my 3 year old daughter said I looked like Darth Vader+++
Well by Tues they pretty much were gone and I am my homely self again!!!
So much for my game face...oh, did I mention how I am working on humility this year!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Well...after our talk from Father about making the most of the retreat and watching our eye contact as well as our not talking, I got ready for bed...I showered and put moisturizer on my face...
I woke up Friday morning with my face covered with hives...I had an allergic reaction to the soap or moisturizer, which has never happened before. (when pregnant my body tends to over react to stuff)...I laughed as I thought about how well I would do at keeping my head down and hair over my face as much as possible...I kept thinking it would go away and even thought of calling my friend down the street to ask her to bring me some cortisone cream to help. It didn't itch and I figured it would go away soon...Sat it was still with me, more in just the eyes, when I went in for spiritual direction the priest asked if I had black eyes...then he said it was good I didn't have to go in public...Sunday the same...you could tell that some of the ladies were shocked when they got a good look at me...Of course my job was to lead the meal prayers, so I could only hide so much...I think they thought I had a rough confession and was still crying!!! As soon as the retreat was over I hit the car and called my hubby to warn him and the kids of my "new look" of course being so sardonic he cracked up!!! He loved the raccoon jokes and my 3 year old daughter said I looked like Darth Vader+++
Well by Tues they pretty much were gone and I am my homely self again!!!
So much for my game face...oh, did I mention how I am working on humility this year!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
MY MANTRA...
Say it with me...
From Mass today:
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Sacrifice or oblation you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, "Behold I come."
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
"In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
To do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!"
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O Lord, know.
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Your justice I kept not hid within my heart;
your faithfulness and your salvation I have spoken of;
I have made no secret of your kindness and your truth
in the vast assembly.
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
How about this part of the second reading: Heb 10:9-10
"Behold, I come to do your will."He takes away the first to establish the second. By this "will," we have been consecrated through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all.
If that didn't get you: Try this passage from the Gospel...Luke 1:38
Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
From Mass today:
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Sacrifice or oblation you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, "Behold I come."
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
"In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
To do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!"
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O Lord, know.
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Your justice I kept not hid within my heart;
your faithfulness and your salvation I have spoken of;
I have made no secret of your kindness and your truth
in the vast assembly.
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
How about this part of the second reading: Heb 10:9-10
"Behold, I come to do your will."He takes away the first to establish the second. By this "will," we have been consecrated through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all.
If that didn't get you: Try this passage from the Gospel...Luke 1:38
Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
While mommy is away...Daddy is at play...
Last week I posted this...now you know why my kids don't miss me!!! As my five year old "nark" said...mom, we had a movie feast why you were away...it was soooo fun!!!
Lessons Learned
I went on a retreat from Thursday evening until Sunday night. Here are a few lessons that I my husband learned will watching the kids alone.
• Wii is a great babysitter
• Chocolate cake left out on the counter over night still makes a great breakfast
• Kids can go 72 hours just fine on pizza, nachos and fluff sandwiches
• Diapers don’t need to be changed nearly as much as women think
• Ronald Regan was right, ketchup is a vegetable
• If you haven’t seen your 18 month-old in half an hour – bad things are probably happening
• Our kitchen sink is big enough to hold all the dishes we own
• It’s possible to clean a 5,000 sq foot house in 30 minutes before the mom gets home
• Baths are optional
• Yelling at your 3 year-old for wearing miss-matched socks might indicate that your have consumed too much coffee
• cotton-candy is very very very sticky
• My kids are great and I wouldn't trade any (well almost any) of them
• My wife is a much better mother than I
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Lessons Learned
I went on a retreat from Thursday evening until Sunday night. Here are a few lessons that I my husband learned will watching the kids alone.
• Wii is a great babysitter
• Chocolate cake left out on the counter over night still makes a great breakfast
• Kids can go 72 hours just fine on pizza, nachos and fluff sandwiches
• Diapers don’t need to be changed nearly as much as women think
• Ronald Regan was right, ketchup is a vegetable
• If you haven’t seen your 18 month-old in half an hour – bad things are probably happening
• Our kitchen sink is big enough to hold all the dishes we own
• It’s possible to clean a 5,000 sq foot house in 30 minutes before the mom gets home
• Baths are optional
• Yelling at your 3 year-old for wearing miss-matched socks might indicate that your have consumed too much coffee
• cotton-candy is very very very sticky
• My kids are great and I wouldn't trade any (well almost any) of them
• My wife is a much better mother than I
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Sunday, March 22, 2009
VOCATIONS FROM A MOMMA'S HEART...
I am going to touch on this post just a bit.
I can't really express what this past seven months have been like for my with my son away at the Seminary. Since he was little we have always been open to his future vocation, whatever it may be...I love to hear how happy he is and how he feels like he is right where God wants him right now.
I have been pleased that my other son has had two weekends with his brother and that my husband and the three little boys got to see him for a couple of days during Christmas break. And only a mother with a vocation can understand why I am counting down the 39 days till I will see him again...it is a mom thing I guess.
I do know that just having him give God the first shot at his future vocation is comforting. I will continue to pray for my children and my son for THY WILL BE DONE!!!
+JMJ+
I can't really express what this past seven months have been like for my with my son away at the Seminary. Since he was little we have always been open to his future vocation, whatever it may be...I love to hear how happy he is and how he feels like he is right where God wants him right now.
I have been pleased that my other son has had two weekends with his brother and that my husband and the three little boys got to see him for a couple of days during Christmas break. And only a mother with a vocation can understand why I am counting down the 39 days till I will see him again...it is a mom thing I guess.
I do know that just having him give God the first shot at his future vocation is comforting. I will continue to pray for my children and my son for THY WILL BE DONE!!!
+JMJ+
Saturday, March 21, 2009
PUT YOUR GAME FACE ON!!!
MY boys are always saying this!!!
What is my game face...unfortunately it tends to be a scowl. I used to be a fun and laughing mom...then I had teenagers...now I don't mean to hit hard on the teens all the time, but I have to always have my game face on with them. Any time I think I understand them, put my guard down, or don't need to constantly "parent" them I get disappointed.
I have found that in the past couple of years my new game face is putting on makeup and jewelry. I am not a big one on make up. I even went about 10 years without wearing any. Jewelry on the other hand just didn't work with infants...but, I gave in and started wearing makeup, then earrings, and an occasional necklace here or there...I just moved up to lipstick...(are you happy now mom!!!)
It was then that I started feeling better about myself and my "professional" job as a wife and mother. I started getting away from my frumpy self and tried to look nice when my husband came home and giving myself an uplift in the morning, even if it was just moisturizer. Of course I have my days when I don't brush my teeth till lunch...but, I have come along way baby!!!
I have also found that I have been a much better example as a wife, mother, catholic, and homeschooler since I have made myself look more presentable. I get the comment often that I don't look like I am expecting my 12Th child...I guess I should take that as a compliment. I love being able to put aside the bad opinion people have of moms, catholics, and homeschoolers!!!
So let's all put on our game faces and show the world how awesome we can be!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
What is my game face...unfortunately it tends to be a scowl. I used to be a fun and laughing mom...then I had teenagers...now I don't mean to hit hard on the teens all the time, but I have to always have my game face on with them. Any time I think I understand them, put my guard down, or don't need to constantly "parent" them I get disappointed.
I have found that in the past couple of years my new game face is putting on makeup and jewelry. I am not a big one on make up. I even went about 10 years without wearing any. Jewelry on the other hand just didn't work with infants...but, I gave in and started wearing makeup, then earrings, and an occasional necklace here or there...I just moved up to lipstick...(are you happy now mom!!!)
It was then that I started feeling better about myself and my "professional" job as a wife and mother. I started getting away from my frumpy self and tried to look nice when my husband came home and giving myself an uplift in the morning, even if it was just moisturizer. Of course I have my days when I don't brush my teeth till lunch...but, I have come along way baby!!!
I have also found that I have been a much better example as a wife, mother, catholic, and homeschooler since I have made myself look more presentable. I get the comment often that I don't look like I am expecting my 12Th child...I guess I should take that as a compliment. I love being able to put aside the bad opinion people have of moms, catholics, and homeschoolers!!!
So let's all put on our game faces and show the world how awesome we can be!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Friday, March 20, 2009
Who do you want to be when you grow up???
I could think of a ton of Saints and people I encounter each day, as well as a few bloggers...that I would love to be when I grow up!!!
But, let me tell you what a little meditation brings on that:
Hmmm, ok, if I were her...then I wouldn't have my husband. My children. My house. My town. My church. My family. My friends. Let me tell you...it brings on a entirely new twist on whining about life!!!
Let us learn the good from others and try to grow to be the people Christ has created us to be...it is good and holy to learn positive traits and skills from others. Let us ask God to help us to be the Amazing People he wants us to be...one baby step at a time!!!
We all have some work to do...but if we can't say yes to this song; then we need to get to work!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!!
+JMJ+
But, let me tell you what a little meditation brings on that:
Hmmm, ok, if I were her...then I wouldn't have my husband. My children. My house. My town. My church. My family. My friends. Let me tell you...it brings on a entirely new twist on whining about life!!!
Let us learn the good from others and try to grow to be the people Christ has created us to be...it is good and holy to learn positive traits and skills from others. Let us ask God to help us to be the Amazing People he wants us to be...one baby step at a time!!!
We all have some work to do...but if we can't say yes to this song; then we need to get to work!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!!
+JMJ+
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Feast Day Wisdom...
Boys: "mom, do we have to do school on St. Joseph's Feast Day?"
Brown-noser 5 year old girl: "of course we do, he is the patron Saint of Work!!!"
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Brown-noser 5 year old girl: "of course we do, he is the patron Saint of Work!!!"
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Holy Husbands...
Happy Feast of St. Joseph...He is one of my very favorites!!!
Thought these tips were great...even know my husband is the best...I thought I would share them:
Tips for Men on How to Be Great Dads
Fr. Michael Sliney, LC
The Dad is a child’s first experience of God’s love. A dad needs to be a protector, provider, and to be present in his kids’ lives. A dad should imitate God’s love which is never changing and constant, providing what is good for his family unconditionally (“What father among you, if his son asks for bread, would give him a stone.” Luke 11:11). This entails providing what they need, not necessarily what they want and protecting them from what is harmful. Additionally, a dad cannot model God’s love if he is not present in his children’s lives as God is constantly present in all of ours. With these thoughts in mind, here is a list of practical tips for being a great dad. With the generous help of Matt Williams, we once again interviewed moms, dads, and their children to help compile the following list:
1. Be Faithful to Your Spouse: The best gift you can give your kids is to have a great marriage. Love your wife unconditionally, openly and affectionately in front of your children.
a. Support her decisions and never openly undermine, criticize, or ridicule any discipline decision given by her in front of your children.
b.Be a unified front with her ensuring that she is always on the same page in any decision involving the kids.
c.Treat a child’s disrespect of their mother as a serious offense
2.Be the Spiritual Head of the Family: A family’s faith has to come primarily from the dad. No matter how holy their mother is, it will be to no avail if you are not strong as well.
a.Live your faith openly in front of your children and teach/encourage them to do the same
b.Offer daily prayers and sacrifices for your children
c.Set spiritual goals for each of your children (reinforce a particular virtue)
d.Go to church and pray with your family (even if you are not Catholic)
e.Read scripture to learn about God the Father so as to echo his paternal qualities
3.Separate Work from Family Life: There is always more work to do. When you come home from work, you should separate from that world as much as possible.
a.Make an effort to come home at a reasonable hour and have a family dinner
b.Shut down email and blackberry from Friday through Sunday or while at sporting events, school plays, etc. (be engaged in what they are doing)
c.Be willing to spend significant time with your kids at night
4.Be the Guardian of Your Daughter’s Virtue: Daughters will often marry someone like their dad. How you treat your daughter, encourage her to dress, etc. is often the measure of her virtue until her adolescence. She will gain confidence from her father and learn how guys are supposed to treat them.
a. Love the wife in front of your daughters
b.Go on Father/Daughter date nights (do what they like doing)
c. Leave girl things to girls: let your wife give her advice on girlfriends, gossip, cliques, and other feminine topics
d. Give as much attention to your daughters as to your sons: this will directly impact her purity down the road (i.e. , no attention from her father will leave a girl looking for it from other men)
5.Be an Example for Your Children: No matter how much you tell your children what to do, it will have no effect unless you practice what you preach. What you do is carefully analyzed and assimilated.
a. Live by the standards you set for your children (especially as far as books, movies, and other media)
b. Be careful who you spend time with: your friends’ behavior will influence them as well (a side note: develop friendships with other dads to share experiences)
c. Avoid excess: Drinking, TV, computer, etc.
d. Be an example of chivalry, ethics, honor, good language, and table manners
6.Be Your Children’s Best Friend and Advisor: As a dad you should be approachable, someone your kids turn to for whatever they need.
a. Be interested in what your kids are doing and even get to know their friends. Reach them where they are so as to help them
b.Get your kids involved in work (lawn, cleaning car…) using it as an opportunity for formation
c.Your advice really matters to your kids (take the time to explain key moral principles to your kids)
d. Seek to understand your kids and later to be understood by them (silence and listening are an important part of fatherhood)
e.Don’t treat every child the same (be sensitive to their differences)
f.Be generous in expressing pride and approval to your children (we love you, we’re proud of you, etc.)
g.Set clear expectations for your children
h.Don’t make promises you cannot keep
g.Give equal affection to all your children especially your sons (If a guy gets plenty of affection from his father, he will grow up to be an affectionate and compassionate man)
7.Be Present in Kids Lives: You cannot achieve any of this if you are not spending quantity time and quality time with your family.
a.Give them your undivided attention and avoid multitasking: if you are going to talk to you kids or do something with them focus completely on that
b.Spend one-on-one time with each of your children: don’t have favorites (spend equal time & effort on each kid)
c.Try to take vacations that allow you to spend lots of time together: long road trips, camping, etc.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Thought these tips were great...even know my husband is the best...I thought I would share them:
Tips for Men on How to Be Great Dads
Fr. Michael Sliney, LC
The Dad is a child’s first experience of God’s love. A dad needs to be a protector, provider, and to be present in his kids’ lives. A dad should imitate God’s love which is never changing and constant, providing what is good for his family unconditionally (“What father among you, if his son asks for bread, would give him a stone.” Luke 11:11). This entails providing what they need, not necessarily what they want and protecting them from what is harmful. Additionally, a dad cannot model God’s love if he is not present in his children’s lives as God is constantly present in all of ours. With these thoughts in mind, here is a list of practical tips for being a great dad. With the generous help of Matt Williams, we once again interviewed moms, dads, and their children to help compile the following list:
1. Be Faithful to Your Spouse: The best gift you can give your kids is to have a great marriage. Love your wife unconditionally, openly and affectionately in front of your children.
a. Support her decisions and never openly undermine, criticize, or ridicule any discipline decision given by her in front of your children.
b.Be a unified front with her ensuring that she is always on the same page in any decision involving the kids.
c.Treat a child’s disrespect of their mother as a serious offense
2.Be the Spiritual Head of the Family: A family’s faith has to come primarily from the dad. No matter how holy their mother is, it will be to no avail if you are not strong as well.
a.Live your faith openly in front of your children and teach/encourage them to do the same
b.Offer daily prayers and sacrifices for your children
c.Set spiritual goals for each of your children (reinforce a particular virtue)
d.Go to church and pray with your family (even if you are not Catholic)
e.Read scripture to learn about God the Father so as to echo his paternal qualities
3.Separate Work from Family Life: There is always more work to do. When you come home from work, you should separate from that world as much as possible.
a.Make an effort to come home at a reasonable hour and have a family dinner
b.Shut down email and blackberry from Friday through Sunday or while at sporting events, school plays, etc. (be engaged in what they are doing)
c.Be willing to spend significant time with your kids at night
4.Be the Guardian of Your Daughter’s Virtue: Daughters will often marry someone like their dad. How you treat your daughter, encourage her to dress, etc. is often the measure of her virtue until her adolescence. She will gain confidence from her father and learn how guys are supposed to treat them.
a. Love the wife in front of your daughters
b.Go on Father/Daughter date nights (do what they like doing)
c. Leave girl things to girls: let your wife give her advice on girlfriends, gossip, cliques, and other feminine topics
d. Give as much attention to your daughters as to your sons: this will directly impact her purity down the road (i.e. , no attention from her father will leave a girl looking for it from other men)
5.Be an Example for Your Children: No matter how much you tell your children what to do, it will have no effect unless you practice what you preach. What you do is carefully analyzed and assimilated.
a. Live by the standards you set for your children (especially as far as books, movies, and other media)
b. Be careful who you spend time with: your friends’ behavior will influence them as well (a side note: develop friendships with other dads to share experiences)
c. Avoid excess: Drinking, TV, computer, etc.
d. Be an example of chivalry, ethics, honor, good language, and table manners
6.Be Your Children’s Best Friend and Advisor: As a dad you should be approachable, someone your kids turn to for whatever they need.
a. Be interested in what your kids are doing and even get to know their friends. Reach them where they are so as to help them
b.Get your kids involved in work (lawn, cleaning car…) using it as an opportunity for formation
c.Your advice really matters to your kids (take the time to explain key moral principles to your kids)
d. Seek to understand your kids and later to be understood by them (silence and listening are an important part of fatherhood)
e.Don’t treat every child the same (be sensitive to their differences)
f.Be generous in expressing pride and approval to your children (we love you, we’re proud of you, etc.)
g.Set clear expectations for your children
h.Don’t make promises you cannot keep
g.Give equal affection to all your children especially your sons (If a guy gets plenty of affection from his father, he will grow up to be an affectionate and compassionate man)
7.Be Present in Kids Lives: You cannot achieve any of this if you are not spending quantity time and quality time with your family.
a.Give them your undivided attention and avoid multitasking: if you are going to talk to you kids or do something with them focus completely on that
b.Spend one-on-one time with each of your children: don’t have favorites (spend equal time & effort on each kid)
c.Try to take vacations that allow you to spend lots of time together: long road trips, camping, etc.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...
IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...
The Forty-Fifth Chapter
All Men Are Not to Be Believed, for It Is Easy to Err in Speech (part three)
I have been taught to my own cost, and I hope it has given me greater caution, not greater folly. “Beware,” they say, “beware and keep to yourself what I tell you!” Then while I keep silent, believing that the matter is secret, he who asks me to be silent cannot remain silent himself, but immediately betrays both me and himself, and goes his way. From tales of this kind and from such careless men protect me, O Lord, lest I fall into their hands and into their ways. Put in my mouth words that are true and steadfast and keep far from me the crafty tongue, because what I am not willing to suffer I ought by all means to shun.
Oh, how good and how peaceful it is to be silent about others, not to believe without discrimination all that is said, not easily to report it further, to reveal oneself to few, always to seek You as the discerner of hearts, and not to be blown away by every wind of words, but to wish that all things, within and beyond us, be done according to the pleasure of Thy will.
How conducive it is for the keeping of heavenly grace to fly the gaze of men, not to seek abroad things which seem to cause admiration, but to follow with utmost diligence those which give fervor and amendment of life! How many have been harmed by having their virtue known and praised too hastily! And how truly profitable it has been when grace remained hidden during this frail life, which is all temptation and warfare!
Wow, I have been trying most of my life to work on my mouth!!! Each night as I do my examination of conscience, I fail at the same one's over and over...I was the kid sent home from Kindergarten with the comments, "talks too much"!!! I thought that was a compliment!!! My husband laughs when I get to the questions like:
Today was I:
a.Moderate and discreet in my speech
b.A lover of silence and restraint
c.contemplative
I just can't seem to grasp those...well tomorrow is another day...maybe this time...baby steps...
THY WILL BE DONE''!!! +JMJ+
The Forty-Fifth Chapter
All Men Are Not to Be Believed, for It Is Easy to Err in Speech (part three)
I have been taught to my own cost, and I hope it has given me greater caution, not greater folly. “Beware,” they say, “beware and keep to yourself what I tell you!” Then while I keep silent, believing that the matter is secret, he who asks me to be silent cannot remain silent himself, but immediately betrays both me and himself, and goes his way. From tales of this kind and from such careless men protect me, O Lord, lest I fall into their hands and into their ways. Put in my mouth words that are true and steadfast and keep far from me the crafty tongue, because what I am not willing to suffer I ought by all means to shun.
Oh, how good and how peaceful it is to be silent about others, not to believe without discrimination all that is said, not easily to report it further, to reveal oneself to few, always to seek You as the discerner of hearts, and not to be blown away by every wind of words, but to wish that all things, within and beyond us, be done according to the pleasure of Thy will.
How conducive it is for the keeping of heavenly grace to fly the gaze of men, not to seek abroad things which seem to cause admiration, but to follow with utmost diligence those which give fervor and amendment of life! How many have been harmed by having their virtue known and praised too hastily! And how truly profitable it has been when grace remained hidden during this frail life, which is all temptation and warfare!
Wow, I have been trying most of my life to work on my mouth!!! Each night as I do my examination of conscience, I fail at the same one's over and over...I was the kid sent home from Kindergarten with the comments, "talks too much"!!! I thought that was a compliment!!! My husband laughs when I get to the questions like:
Today was I:
a.Moderate and discreet in my speech
b.A lover of silence and restraint
c.contemplative
I just can't seem to grasp those...well tomorrow is another day...maybe this time...baby steps...
THY WILL BE DONE''!!! +JMJ+
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
WICKED CHILDREN...
Every year I go on a weekend retreat to rejuvenate my soul. I usually plan it during Lent. Every year I either bring a nursing infant or I am pregnant. Last year I brought my baby E, this year I get to bring my unborn babe.
It took years for me to get up the nerve to leave my other children. I didn't ever leave them...and it was so much to ask of my husband. (at the time there were 5 kids under 7) So one day my wonderful husband sent me off and it has been a 11 year tradition!!! I have to say my pride was that no one could possibly take care of my kids, I was so proud, that I was missing out on some precious time with my Savior and Best Friend.
Since then, the kids old enough to talk have cheered when I told them I was going on retreat. Some have even had the nerve to come up to me and say, "hey mom, isn't it time for you to go on that retreat thing again?" Well, the time is coming up and my wicked children, even the little guys are counting down...YES, movies and party time with dad!!! The funny thing this year is that two of my teenagers (the ones who love me gone the most) will also be on retreat with their youth group!!! (ha-revenge) So they are going to squeeze the short hours that I will be gone before and after their retreat and have as much fun as they can...with me...the rule monger...gone!!!
So, I will bask in my silence and pray for my family as they are having the time of their lives with their crazy sardonic dad!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+
It took years for me to get up the nerve to leave my other children. I didn't ever leave them...and it was so much to ask of my husband. (at the time there were 5 kids under 7) So one day my wonderful husband sent me off and it has been a 11 year tradition!!! I have to say my pride was that no one could possibly take care of my kids, I was so proud, that I was missing out on some precious time with my Savior and Best Friend.
Since then, the kids old enough to talk have cheered when I told them I was going on retreat. Some have even had the nerve to come up to me and say, "hey mom, isn't it time for you to go on that retreat thing again?" Well, the time is coming up and my wicked children, even the little guys are counting down...YES, movies and party time with dad!!! The funny thing this year is that two of my teenagers (the ones who love me gone the most) will also be on retreat with their youth group!!! (ha-revenge) So they are going to squeeze the short hours that I will be gone before and after their retreat and have as much fun as they can...with me...the rule monger...gone!!!
So, I will bask in my silence and pray for my family as they are having the time of their lives with their crazy sardonic dad!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+
Monday, March 16, 2009
Today's Gospel...
Luke 4:24-30
Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian." When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away.
No prophet is accepted in his own native place...
I was just thinking about this the other day, how we can touch people in the "blog world" that we don't even know with the things we post; but how hard it is for us to get through to our own children and families!!! Let us join together to pray for each other's families!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian." When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away.
No prophet is accepted in his own native place...
I was just thinking about this the other day, how we can touch people in the "blog world" that we don't even know with the things we post; but how hard it is for us to get through to our own children and families!!! Let us join together to pray for each other's families!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
The muck of sin...
Do you have sin build up? I do...As I was cleaning the window behind my kitchen sink today, I noticed how much muck and build up had accumulated in just a short time. Wow, after I cleaned it, I could see better and clearer. The window area had such a nice shine to it.
All I could think about was my life of sin...how one small sin builds upon another and another. Or weight...one pound here, another here...one cookie isn't so bad, but how much easier it is to grab another and another...Life is a constant battle of wills...saying no to our self and yes to God or to the "healthier" decision. And Wow, after a good confession, I can see better and clearer!!! My life has such a nice shine to it.
So, it is time to get back to my "Hot spots" that I learned about seven years ago from the FLYLADY. Those hot spots in my home and in my soul. Lent is a great time to renew these problems I have!!! Baby steps...
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
All I could think about was my life of sin...how one small sin builds upon another and another. Or weight...one pound here, another here...one cookie isn't so bad, but how much easier it is to grab another and another...Life is a constant battle of wills...saying no to our self and yes to God or to the "healthier" decision. And Wow, after a good confession, I can see better and clearer!!! My life has such a nice shine to it.
So, it is time to get back to my "Hot spots" that I learned about seven years ago from the FLYLADY. Those hot spots in my home and in my soul. Lent is a great time to renew these problems I have!!! Baby steps...
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Sunday, March 15, 2009
IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...
The Forty-Fifth Chapter
All Men Are Not to Be Believed, for It Is Easy to Err in Speech (part two)
The Disciple
Rare is the friend who remains faithful through all his friend’s distress. But You, Lord, and You alone, are entirely faithful in all things; other than You, there is none so faithful.
Oh, how wise is that holy soul St. Agatha, who said: “My mind is firmly settled and founded in Christ.” If that were true of me, human fear would not so easily cause me anxiety, nor would the darts of words disturb. But who can foresee all things and provide against all evils? And if things foreseen have often hurt, can those which are unlooked for do otherwise than wound us gravely? Why, indeed, have I not provided better for my wretched self? Why, too, have I so easily kept faith in others? We are but men, however, nothing more than weak men, although we are thought by many to be, and are called, angels.
In whom shall I put my faith, Lord? In whom but You? You are the truth which does not deceive and cannot be deceived. Every man, on the other hand, is a liar, weak, unstable, and likely to err, especially in words, so that one ought not to be too quick to believe even that which seems, on the face of it, to sound true. How wise was Your warning to beware of men; that a man’s enemies are those of his own household; that we should not believe if anyone says: “Behold he is here, or behold he is there.”
Dear Lord, help me be strong when I am weak. Keep my mind set on things from above. You are my strength and my hope.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
All Men Are Not to Be Believed, for It Is Easy to Err in Speech (part two)
The Disciple
Rare is the friend who remains faithful through all his friend’s distress. But You, Lord, and You alone, are entirely faithful in all things; other than You, there is none so faithful.
Oh, how wise is that holy soul St. Agatha, who said: “My mind is firmly settled and founded in Christ.” If that were true of me, human fear would not so easily cause me anxiety, nor would the darts of words disturb. But who can foresee all things and provide against all evils? And if things foreseen have often hurt, can those which are unlooked for do otherwise than wound us gravely? Why, indeed, have I not provided better for my wretched self? Why, too, have I so easily kept faith in others? We are but men, however, nothing more than weak men, although we are thought by many to be, and are called, angels.
In whom shall I put my faith, Lord? In whom but You? You are the truth which does not deceive and cannot be deceived. Every man, on the other hand, is a liar, weak, unstable, and likely to err, especially in words, so that one ought not to be too quick to believe even that which seems, on the face of it, to sound true. How wise was Your warning to beware of men; that a man’s enemies are those of his own household; that we should not believe if anyone says: “Behold he is here, or behold he is there.”
Dear Lord, help me be strong when I am weak. Keep my mind set on things from above. You are my strength and my hope.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Saturday, March 14, 2009
IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...
The Forty-Fifth Chapter
All Men Are Not to Be Believed, for It Is Easy to Err in Speech (part one)
The Disciple
GRANT me help in my needs, O Lord, for the aid of man is useless. How often have I failed to find faithfulness in places where I thought I possessed it! And how many times I have found it where I least expected it! Vain, therefore, is hope in men, but the salvation of the just is in You, O God. Blessed be Your name, O Lord my God, in everything that befalls us.
We are weak and unstable, quickly deceived and changed. Who is the man that is able to guard himself with such caution and care as not sometimes to fall into deception or perplexity? He who confides in You, O Lord, and seeks You with a simple heart does not fall so easily. And if some trouble should come upon him, no matter how entangled in it he may be, he will be more quickly delivered and comforted by You. For You will not forsake him who trusts in You to the very end.
Lord, thank you for this simple meditation, help me confide in You and seek You with a simple heart!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
All Men Are Not to Be Believed, for It Is Easy to Err in Speech (part one)
The Disciple
GRANT me help in my needs, O Lord, for the aid of man is useless. How often have I failed to find faithfulness in places where I thought I possessed it! And how many times I have found it where I least expected it! Vain, therefore, is hope in men, but the salvation of the just is in You, O God. Blessed be Your name, O Lord my God, in everything that befalls us.
We are weak and unstable, quickly deceived and changed. Who is the man that is able to guard himself with such caution and care as not sometimes to fall into deception or perplexity? He who confides in You, O Lord, and seeks You with a simple heart does not fall so easily. And if some trouble should come upon him, no matter how entangled in it he may be, he will be more quickly delivered and comforted by You. For You will not forsake him who trusts in You to the very end.
Lord, thank you for this simple meditation, help me confide in You and seek You with a simple heart!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Friday, March 13, 2009
My husband:
I just found out that my husband can be serious...wow, who knew he had it in him?
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Meditation of the day...Daily GOSPLE...
Luke 16: 19-31
Jesus said to the Pharisees: "There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man´s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, ´Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.´ Abraham replied, ´My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.´ He said, ´Then I beg you, father, send him to my father´s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.´ But Abraham replied, ´They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.´ He said, ´Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.´ Then Abraham said, ´If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.´"
This thought from Father Andrew Mulcahey, LC, really hit me this morning:
He didn’t criticize him for not getting a job to earn a living. Then what was the rich man’s sin? He didn’t treat Lazarus as a person. To the rich man, Lazarus was simply a part of the landscape. How many people do I come in contact with, perhaps repeatedly, who are nothing more to me than part of the landscape?
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Jesus said to the Pharisees: "There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man´s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, ´Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.´ Abraham replied, ´My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.´ He said, ´Then I beg you, father, send him to my father´s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.´ But Abraham replied, ´They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.´ He said, ´Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.´ Then Abraham said, ´If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.´"
This thought from Father Andrew Mulcahey, LC, really hit me this morning:
He didn’t criticize him for not getting a job to earn a living. Then what was the rich man’s sin? He didn’t treat Lazarus as a person. To the rich man, Lazarus was simply a part of the landscape. How many people do I come in contact with, perhaps repeatedly, who are nothing more to me than part of the landscape?
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
NFP...
Wow what a response over at Coffee Talk with Danille Bean+ I wish I had time to read all of the posts. It looks like Wednesday's are going to be NFP day at FAITH and FAMILY. So go their for interesting posts and insights.
First off I have to say that I think NFP is a gift to us from God. I know many people who have used and use NFP for various reasons. My husband and I took NFP classes when we were engaged. We even defended it on our Engaged Encounter!!! Months later we each decided separately in prayer that we thought God had other, BIGGER, (ha-ha) plans for us!!! So in April a month before our wedding...I knew I was going to be fertile on our honeymoon-and we were both thrilled...the rest is history!!! We had baby after baby, thank God for my great health, and even times when we considered using NFP to GET PREGNANT!!! So we are expecting #12 in September and are thrilled to pieces!!! May God Bless all my friends and family who want more babies!!! My heart also goes out to my friends and family whose health is that pregnancy is too dangerous at this time+++
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
+JMJ+
First off I have to say that I think NFP is a gift to us from God. I know many people who have used and use NFP for various reasons. My husband and I took NFP classes when we were engaged. We even defended it on our Engaged Encounter!!! Months later we each decided separately in prayer that we thought God had other, BIGGER, (ha-ha) plans for us!!! So in April a month before our wedding...I knew I was going to be fertile on our honeymoon-and we were both thrilled...the rest is history!!! We had baby after baby, thank God for my great health, and even times when we considered using NFP to GET PREGNANT!!! So we are expecting #12 in September and are thrilled to pieces!!! May God Bless all my friends and family who want more babies!!! My heart also goes out to my friends and family whose health is that pregnancy is too dangerous at this time+++
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
+JMJ+
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Today's Gospel...
Today's Gospel: Matthew 20: 17-28
Don't you just love mothers??? We are boastful, conceded, control mongers...ok, well, at least I am!!! Just see what the mother of the sons of Zebedee pulls out with this comment to JESUS (the son of GOD): " Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom."
Hello Lady-I am guessing Our Lady and Good St. Joseph are keeping those seats warm!!!
I mean I am pushy, but would I come out with this one? I am the youngest too, so I am always getting my way. I have even had a priest talk about me in a homily after reading the gospel of the the persistent widow. Well, sorry...I try to get stuff done?!@*
May my good and loving Lord forgive me when I am just too pushy and give me wisdom to know when to speak and when to be quiet!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Don't you just love mothers??? We are boastful, conceded, control mongers...ok, well, at least I am!!! Just see what the mother of the sons of Zebedee pulls out with this comment to JESUS (the son of GOD): " Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom."
Hello Lady-I am guessing Our Lady and Good St. Joseph are keeping those seats warm!!!
I mean I am pushy, but would I come out with this one? I am the youngest too, so I am always getting my way. I have even had a priest talk about me in a homily after reading the gospel of the the persistent widow. Well, sorry...I try to get stuff done?!@*
May my good and loving Lord forgive me when I am just too pushy and give me wisdom to know when to speak and when to be quiet!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Easy Chicken Fajitas:
I only post recipes that we have tried, are easy, and that the kids eat...
The key to this is the brown sugar...of course I triple it...
CHICKEN FAJITAS
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 stick butter
1 cap full Mrs. Dash (regular or chipotle) Or your favorite spices
1 large onion
1 green pepper
1/4 brown sugar
lettuce, tomato, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, tortillas
Slice chicken into long strips, place in pan with half of the butter and Mrs. Dash. Cook until done and lightly browned. Stir in a small amount of water or chicken broth and the brown sugar. Cook until caramelized.
Chop the pepper and onions into strips and rings, sauté in a separate skillet with the remaining butter. Cook until onions are caramelized and peppers have crispy edges.
These fajitas are really easy to make and a little different because they're sweet and spicy.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
The key to this is the brown sugar...of course I triple it...
CHICKEN FAJITAS
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 stick butter
1 cap full Mrs. Dash (regular or chipotle) Or your favorite spices
1 large onion
1 green pepper
1/4 brown sugar
lettuce, tomato, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, tortillas
Slice chicken into long strips, place in pan with half of the butter and Mrs. Dash. Cook until done and lightly browned. Stir in a small amount of water or chicken broth and the brown sugar. Cook until caramelized.
Chop the pepper and onions into strips and rings, sauté in a separate skillet with the remaining butter. Cook until onions are caramelized and peppers have crispy edges.
These fajitas are really easy to make and a little different because they're sweet and spicy.
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Menu for Lent...
My friend sent this to me...and since I hate to cook, this is my kind of menu: I hope I can do it!!!
MENU FOR LENT - FAST AND FEAST
Fast for judging others; feast on Christ dwelling in them
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life
Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude
Fast from anger; feast on patience
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation
Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives
Fast from hostility; feast on non-resistance
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast from promises that inspire
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence
Fast from problems that overwhelm, feast on prayer that sustains...
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
MENU FOR LENT - FAST AND FEAST
Fast for judging others; feast on Christ dwelling in them
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life
Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude
Fast from anger; feast on patience
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation
Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives
Fast from hostility; feast on non-resistance
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast from promises that inspire
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence
Fast from problems that overwhelm, feast on prayer that sustains...
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Large Families...again...
This picture shows you how much fun large families can be...I love the look on the kids faces!!! Four extra kids belong to my sister in love. As we were taking family photos this summer..."Uncle Vaughn" jumped in as he was walking by and saw he matched our outfits!!! He was upset we didn't let him know we were taking the family photo that day!!!
I wouldn't change my family for the world...ok, I try sometimes to make them perfect, but all and all they are pretty amazing!!! I love the dynamics of the way we live...
As I am posting this the four boys are wrestling and rolling around the floor...the one year old is screaming to his big brothers to play with him. The three year old is hugging the seven year old and the five year old just woke up with a sore throat.
Virtual blogging...what is next?
I haven't said much about the woman who just had octuplets. Mainly because I am pondering on the many issues associated with her situation. I have said that I would like to be on OPRAH if she goes on, so to give the positive, non crazy side of big families!!!
Go listen to my husband and his sardonic comments on big families...
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Monday, March 9, 2009
Wonderful Feast days today...
Our all time favorite: Dominic Savio and a great woman saint St. Francis of Rome. Dominic Savio is totally on my top five favorite saints!!!
His four amazing promises are:
Before his First Communion, Dominic had made four promises and wrote them in a little book which he often re-read. He wrote:
1. I will go often to confession and I will go to Holy Communion as often as I am allowed.
2. I will try to give Sundays and holy days completely to God.
3. My best friends will be Jesus and Mary.
4. Death rather than sin.
One of my favorite stories of St. Francis of Rome was as she was doing her meditation, her family kept needing her attention. So she would get up and meet their needs, go back meditate, meet needs, try to meditate, meet needs some more...one time she went back to read and the words had been turned gold. She also would say, "A married woman must leave God at the altar to find Him in her domestic cares;" Her and her husband never argued for 40 years...sorry honey, maybe the next 40 will work...Thank you Jesus for seeing the struggles mom's have to spend time with you...and no, I haven't had any words turn Gold in my books!!!
Thank you Jesus for such faithful examples of loving you!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
His four amazing promises are:
Before his First Communion, Dominic had made four promises and wrote them in a little book which he often re-read. He wrote:
1. I will go often to confession and I will go to Holy Communion as often as I am allowed.
2. I will try to give Sundays and holy days completely to God.
3. My best friends will be Jesus and Mary.
4. Death rather than sin.
One of my favorite stories of St. Francis of Rome was as she was doing her meditation, her family kept needing her attention. So she would get up and meet their needs, go back meditate, meet needs, try to meditate, meet needs some more...one time she went back to read and the words had been turned gold. She also would say, "A married woman must leave God at the altar to find Him in her domestic cares;" Her and her husband never argued for 40 years...sorry honey, maybe the next 40 will work...Thank you Jesus for seeing the struggles mom's have to spend time with you...and no, I haven't had any words turn Gold in my books!!!
Thank you Jesus for such faithful examples of loving you!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
IMITATION OF CHRIST: Meditation of the day...
The Forty-Fourth Chapter
Do Not Be Concerned About Outward Things
The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, there are many matters of which it is well for you to be ignorant, and to consider yourself as one who is dead upon the earth and to whom the whole world is crucified. There are many things, too, which it is well to pass by with a deaf ear, thinking, instead, of what is more to your peace. It is more profitable to turn away from things which displease you and to leave to every man his own opinion than to take part in quarrelsome talk. If you stand well with God and look to His judgment, you will more easily bear being worsted.
The Disciple
To what have we come, Lord? Behold, we bewail a temporal loss. We labor and fret for a small gain, while loss of the soul is forgotten and scarcely ever returns to mind. That which is of little or no value claims our attention, whereas that which is of highest necessity is neglected—all because man gives himself wholly to outward things. And unless he withdraws himself quickly, he willingly lies immersed in externals.
Lord, help me see the outward things that draw me away from you...keep me close to you. Especially during my Lenten journey to grow closer to you.
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+
Do Not Be Concerned About Outward Things
The Voice of Christ
MY CHILD, there are many matters of which it is well for you to be ignorant, and to consider yourself as one who is dead upon the earth and to whom the whole world is crucified. There are many things, too, which it is well to pass by with a deaf ear, thinking, instead, of what is more to your peace. It is more profitable to turn away from things which displease you and to leave to every man his own opinion than to take part in quarrelsome talk. If you stand well with God and look to His judgment, you will more easily bear being worsted.
The Disciple
To what have we come, Lord? Behold, we bewail a temporal loss. We labor and fret for a small gain, while loss of the soul is forgotten and scarcely ever returns to mind. That which is of little or no value claims our attention, whereas that which is of highest necessity is neglected—all because man gives himself wholly to outward things. And unless he withdraws himself quickly, he willingly lies immersed in externals.
Lord, help me see the outward things that draw me away from you...keep me close to you. Especially during my Lenten journey to grow closer to you.
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Blog wars...
Many of you know my wonderful husband has a blog...
What you don't know is what it is like in our home. When I was thinking and praying about starting a blog my husband just kinda laughed...when a priest friend came over for dinner one night he sat with me and helped me create "THY WILL BE DONE" my very own blog. Later that month I couldn't even remember the difference between my password and my new email. My priest friend wasn't able to come over and help me. So, I asked my dear husband who is a computer wiz to help...it took awhile, but he was so sick of hearing me whine, he decided to help....
All of a sudden, a blog monster came out...he started posting for me, changing my back ground, and adding all sorts of stuff to my blog. I said, "don't write that, people will think I said it"...and those who read Sardonic Catholic Dad, know, I would not say what he says!!! So, one day he started his own blog and was a blogaholic, he posted all the time...it was great, a new outlet for his hysterical sarcastic self was born!!! The crazy thing is, everyone liked it, he had droves of people going on his blog getting a great laugh!!! Here I was praying over every post, asking God to give me wisdom to touch others and I couldn't seem to touch people the way he did!!! One day he came home and said, hey honey, Danielle Bean linked to me today!!! What? One of my "hero's?" to you? You and your cynical self? It was a great source of joy for him to bring up daily.
He had installed site meters to both of our blogs. One day I came home from somewhere and he and the kids started laughing!!! He had a big dry erase board set up in the kitchen with both our "hits" for the day...
Dad=138
Mom=35
So, the blog snob was born!!!
He even had the nerve last month to say, "hey honey, look I got more hits daily during the month I didn't post, than you did!!!"
One day when I was planning on posting something he gave me advice..."you should post the story about when you accidentally bought thong maternity underwear. You know if you had more potty stories like me, you would get more people to go to your blog!!!"
Well, I did get lots of people laughing when I told the story about my daughter in the porta potty!!!
But, I just wouldn't be me...and one sardonic blogger in the family is enough!!!
BTW...I took the thong maternity underwear back, I couldn't even bear to open the pack!!! To think they would make such a thing makes me sick to my stomach!!! I can't understand thongs in the first place...I spend enough time trying to keep underwear out, why would people want to purposely buy things to go there???
What you don't know is what it is like in our home. When I was thinking and praying about starting a blog my husband just kinda laughed...when a priest friend came over for dinner one night he sat with me and helped me create "THY WILL BE DONE" my very own blog. Later that month I couldn't even remember the difference between my password and my new email. My priest friend wasn't able to come over and help me. So, I asked my dear husband who is a computer wiz to help...it took awhile, but he was so sick of hearing me whine, he decided to help....
All of a sudden, a blog monster came out...he started posting for me, changing my back ground, and adding all sorts of stuff to my blog. I said, "don't write that, people will think I said it"...and those who read Sardonic Catholic Dad, know, I would not say what he says!!! So, one day he started his own blog and was a blogaholic, he posted all the time...it was great, a new outlet for his hysterical sarcastic self was born!!! The crazy thing is, everyone liked it, he had droves of people going on his blog getting a great laugh!!! Here I was praying over every post, asking God to give me wisdom to touch others and I couldn't seem to touch people the way he did!!! One day he came home and said, hey honey, Danielle Bean linked to me today!!! What? One of my "hero's?" to you? You and your cynical self? It was a great source of joy for him to bring up daily.
He had installed site meters to both of our blogs. One day I came home from somewhere and he and the kids started laughing!!! He had a big dry erase board set up in the kitchen with both our "hits" for the day...
Dad=138
Mom=35
So, the blog snob was born!!!
He even had the nerve last month to say, "hey honey, look I got more hits daily during the month I didn't post, than you did!!!"
One day when I was planning on posting something he gave me advice..."you should post the story about when you accidentally bought thong maternity underwear. You know if you had more potty stories like me, you would get more people to go to your blog!!!"
Well, I did get lots of people laughing when I told the story about my daughter in the porta potty!!!
But, I just wouldn't be me...and one sardonic blogger in the family is enough!!!
BTW...I took the thong maternity underwear back, I couldn't even bear to open the pack!!! To think they would make such a thing makes me sick to my stomach!!! I can't understand thongs in the first place...I spend enough time trying to keep underwear out, why would people want to purposely buy things to go there???
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Thursday, March 5, 2009
SMALL SUCCESSES
My small success for today and the week...is not going on the computer during the day!!! Boy, oh Boy, am I getting alot done...of course it keeps beckoning me to come and check...and except for a few important emails I needed to send out or check on...I did it. I was right, I really am not THAT IMPORTANT...I do have to figure out how to clean out the email box at night...wow, do I get alot of unimportant stuff that I am stuck going through at night...so far so good!!!
I also took the baby for a walk even thou I really needed a pregnancy nap!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
The Happiness of Motherhood...
Go see Blessed with Full Hands for my words exactly!!! I love being a mom, it gets better everyday!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
My Life verse...Today's Gospel!!!
Gospel
Mt 7:7-12
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which one of you would hand his son a stone
when he asked for a loaf of bread,
or a snake when he asked for a fish?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good things
to those who ask him.
"Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
This is the law and the prophets."
This has always been one of my favorites!!! Those who know me know that I always get what I want...especially my eight older brothers and sisters!!! My husband is the bearer of most of my gifts too!!! The key is wanting what Christ wants and growing closer to Him and His wisdom through the sacraments. Also, knowing that when it seems like God is saying no, He Knows what is best!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Mt 7:7-12
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which one of you would hand his son a stone
when he asked for a loaf of bread,
or a snake when he asked for a fish?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good things
to those who ask him.
"Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
This is the law and the prophets."
This has always been one of my favorites!!! Those who know me know that I always get what I want...especially my eight older brothers and sisters!!! My husband is the bearer of most of my gifts too!!! The key is wanting what Christ wants and growing closer to Him and His wisdom through the sacraments. Also, knowing that when it seems like God is saying no, He Knows what is best!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
More saints to love!!!
Benedict XVI to Canonize 10 in April, October
VATICAN CITY, FEB. 23, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI will proclaim 10 new saints in two ceremonies, planned for April 26 and Oct. 11.
The Pope affirmed this Saturday in the Vatican Apostolic Palace at an ordinary public consistory for the causes of canonization.
The consistory gathered 39 cardinals with the Pope, including Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals and Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, secretary of state.
On April 26, the following blesseds will be canonized: Arcangelo Tadini, Bernardo Tolomei, Nuno de Santa Maria Álvares Pereira, Gertrude Caterina Comensoli and Caterina Volpicelli.
The blesseds who will be canonized on Oct. 11 are: Zygmunt Szcesny Felinski, Francisco Coll y Guitart, Jozef Damien de Veuster, Rafael Arnáiz Barón and Marie de la Croix (born Jeanne) Jugan.
VATICAN CITY, FEB. 23, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI will proclaim 10 new saints in two ceremonies, planned for April 26 and Oct. 11.
The Pope affirmed this Saturday in the Vatican Apostolic Palace at an ordinary public consistory for the causes of canonization.
The consistory gathered 39 cardinals with the Pope, including Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals and Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, secretary of state.
On April 26, the following blesseds will be canonized: Arcangelo Tadini, Bernardo Tolomei, Nuno de Santa Maria Álvares Pereira, Gertrude Caterina Comensoli and Caterina Volpicelli.
The blesseds who will be canonized on Oct. 11 are: Zygmunt Szcesny Felinski, Francisco Coll y Guitart, Jozef Damien de Veuster, Rafael Arnáiz Barón and Marie de la Croix (born Jeanne) Jugan.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
HAPPY FEAST OF St. Katherine Drexel
What a great day!!! We always pray for those who have problems with their ears or hearing on this special feast day!!! And what better day for my daughter to get her ears pierced for an early 13Th birthday present!!!
So if you want to stop by we can bless you with our 2ND class relic that we got from a niece of a sister in St. Katherine's order!!!
I also love how our school work falls in place liturgically...my 11 year old, just happened (GO GOD) to have St. Katherine as his saint story today!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
LENT: it is not too late...
Some great ideas below:
Remember to see what works best for your family...pick a couple suggestions.
40 Ways to Improve Your Lent
By Brian T. Olszewski
Catholic Herald Staff
During Lent, the church instructs its members to make prayer, fasting, and almsgiving integral parts of their lives.
For you who wish to supplement your spiritual diet, your Catholic Herald presents the following 40 options for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, in no particular order, as ways to help you experience a grace-filled Lent — a Lent in which you deepen your relationship with God.
1. Learn about your patron saint.
2. Pray for — by name — people you don’t like and for people that don’t like you.
3. Participate in a healing service.
4. Read a Catholic magazine every time you visit the library.
5. March 19, in honor of St. Joseph, patron saint of carpenters and fathers, build or build upon a relationship with one of your children.
6. Buy two of everything on your grocery list and give the duplicates to the local food pantry.
7. Find out why you should have fun on Laetare Sunday, and then do so.
8. Start a “cuss bowl.” For every unkind word you utter, put in a dollar.
9. Bring a “Baltimore Catechism” to a gathering of Catholic friends and start asking each other questions.
10. Give away a material item you really value.
11. Pray for those, e.g., children, parents, spouses, and siblings, who have left the church.
12. Talk to a neighbor you rarely or never talk to.
13. Keep a dish of ashes in a prominent place as a constant reminder of the season.
14. Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
15. Test your knowledge of Scripture.
16. Read a biography about Archbishop Oscar Romero and/or watch the video “Romero.”
17. Open a Christmas Club account with the intention of giving the money to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
18. Visit a church when you don’t have to.
19. Reserve a button on your car stereo for the Relevant Radio station in your area.
20. Pray the news — for the people whose stories of hardship are reported daily and weekly.
21. Read an entry from a Catholic encyclopedia.
22. Attend Mass at a parish other than your own parish
23. Tithe your tax return.
24. If Catholic schools get NCAA tournament bids, learn for whom those schools were named.
25. Observe five minutes of silence every day.
26. Watch “The Passion of the Christ.”
27. Use a Lenten theme in decorating part of a room.
28. Memorize a Proverb.
29. Participate in a faith formation presentation.
30. Tell someone your story(ies) of faith, and how God has made a difference in your life.
31. Disconnect the TV and/or the computer.
32. Identify your God-given gifts, how you use them, and how you could use them better.
33. Fast from gossip.
34. Pull the rosary out of your drawer and say it. Too boring? Say the Scriptural rosary.
35. Remove your watch before leaving for church on Palm Sunday.
36. Develop a prayer list.
37. Read the history of the papacy.
38. Find out who Raamah, Putiel, and Uzzah are.
39. Sacrifice your time in order to help others.
40. In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.”
THY WILL BE DONE!!!+JMJ+
Monday, March 2, 2009
Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!!!
We are so excited about our six inches...and counting. It is so beautiful!!!
THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF THE WET CLOTHES!!!
AND THE BOOTS!!!
THE FRONT YARD!!!
THE BACK YARD!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Sunday's Responsoral Psalm...
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R.Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant.
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior.
R.Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant.
Remember that your compassion, O LORD,
and your love are from of old.
In your kindness remember me,
because of your goodness, O LORD.
R. Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant.
Good and upright is the LORD,
thus he shows sinners the way.
He guides the humble to justice,
and he teaches the humble his way.
R. Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant.
Doesn't get any better than that!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R.Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant.
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior.
R.Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant.
Remember that your compassion, O LORD,
and your love are from of old.
In your kindness remember me,
because of your goodness, O LORD.
R. Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant.
Good and upright is the LORD,
thus he shows sinners the way.
He guides the humble to justice,
and he teaches the humble his way.
R. Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant.
Doesn't get any better than that!!!
THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Veteran Wisdom from women who have had 25 kids...
My kids told my not to make friends on line...but, when you meet incredible women like this one...who can help it!!!???+++ I hope I learn to be as wise and wonderful as Jo!!! See below for her great advice...and my "survival advice".
Veteran's Wisdom from JO:
Veteran's Wisdom from me:
1. Grind your own wheat and make your own bread.
We did the make your own bread thing...I found it expensive, messy, and time consuming. We get tons of bread weekly from our local food pantry...wheat, white, french, rolls, etc...
2. Eat mostly whole foods, and try to grow your own food in a garden.
Whole foods are great. Processed foods are expensive...we usually eat what is on sale. Love having a garden, but if my hubby and kids don't take care of it...it gets taken over by weeds!!!
3. Use cloth diapers and a clothesline.
I love cloth diapers and my clothesline. I used cloth for about 7 years. I still have lots to use for toddlers out side or in the afternoon when it isn't worth waisting a disposable. Now we find generic on great sales! (we use a disposable till it really does its job!!!)
4. If you are just starting out, buy a really good sturdy crib and a top of the line stroller.
Eleven kids-and never bought a crib!!! We have had three up at a time too!!! We have very generous friends and family who give us theirs. Love a good stroller!!! Have bought some...found many on the curb, and get the others from friends or freecycle.
5. Buy preferably well made 100% cotton, wool, or silk clothing- don't put polyester on your kids it's like plastic. Buy 100% cotton sheets too-good brands at stores like TJ Maxx or Ross.
We love 100% cotton. But we wear and use what is given to us from friends and family. (which is always too much) My teens buy their own...
6. Shoes are not essential, but helpful. Buy good quality athletic shoes when you have to have them.
Again, whatever we are given. Teens buy their own, mom gets hers from an amazing consignment shop, dad...now that is another post!!!
7. Get acquainted with natural remedies and how to make your own.
Love natural remedies. Especially since I have been pregnant and nursing for 19 years!!! We still use occasional medication when necessary.
8. Making your own beer has its perks.
We don't drink...saves lots of $$$.
9. Learn to cut boys' hair at home-its not hard, and you recoup the cost of the clippers set in one month.
Always cut my boys hair...when they grow older they usually pay for their own trip to the barber or ask "Boompa" to take them.
10. Don't feed your baby formula or baby food- breastfeed and use bananas and oatmeal as first foods, after six months. This saves money, time and energy, and is better for the baby. When you need to master the schedule and get more, longer, and better sleep-before the baby is six months you can try a white rice mush with breast milk, but use a hand baby food grinder to get the texture right or if you have to buy the powdered rice cereal- but only if you are really desperate.
Always breast fed and never use baby food!!! Our kids nurse all the time...go to some yogurt and maybe cheerios when they are 6 months or so...then at 9 months they eat what we eat.
Veteran's Wisdom from JO:
Veteran's Wisdom from me:
1. Grind your own wheat and make your own bread.
We did the make your own bread thing...I found it expensive, messy, and time consuming. We get tons of bread weekly from our local food pantry...wheat, white, french, rolls, etc...
2. Eat mostly whole foods, and try to grow your own food in a garden.
Whole foods are great. Processed foods are expensive...we usually eat what is on sale. Love having a garden, but if my hubby and kids don't take care of it...it gets taken over by weeds!!!
3. Use cloth diapers and a clothesline.
I love cloth diapers and my clothesline. I used cloth for about 7 years. I still have lots to use for toddlers out side or in the afternoon when it isn't worth waisting a disposable. Now we find generic on great sales! (we use a disposable till it really does its job!!!)
4. If you are just starting out, buy a really good sturdy crib and a top of the line stroller.
Eleven kids-and never bought a crib!!! We have had three up at a time too!!! We have very generous friends and family who give us theirs. Love a good stroller!!! Have bought some...found many on the curb, and get the others from friends or freecycle.
5. Buy preferably well made 100% cotton, wool, or silk clothing- don't put polyester on your kids it's like plastic. Buy 100% cotton sheets too-good brands at stores like TJ Maxx or Ross.
We love 100% cotton. But we wear and use what is given to us from friends and family. (which is always too much) My teens buy their own...
6. Shoes are not essential, but helpful. Buy good quality athletic shoes when you have to have them.
Again, whatever we are given. Teens buy their own, mom gets hers from an amazing consignment shop, dad...now that is another post!!!
7. Get acquainted with natural remedies and how to make your own.
Love natural remedies. Especially since I have been pregnant and nursing for 19 years!!! We still use occasional medication when necessary.
8. Making your own beer has its perks.
We don't drink...saves lots of $$$.
9. Learn to cut boys' hair at home-its not hard, and you recoup the cost of the clippers set in one month.
Always cut my boys hair...when they grow older they usually pay for their own trip to the barber or ask "Boompa" to take them.
10. Don't feed your baby formula or baby food- breastfeed and use bananas and oatmeal as first foods, after six months. This saves money, time and energy, and is better for the baby. When you need to master the schedule and get more, longer, and better sleep-before the baby is six months you can try a white rice mush with breast milk, but use a hand baby food grinder to get the texture right or if you have to buy the powdered rice cereal- but only if you are really desperate.
Always breast fed and never use baby food!!! Our kids nurse all the time...go to some yogurt and maybe cheerios when they are 6 months or so...then at 9 months they eat what we eat.