7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 36)

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So Happy We Could Just…burst, skip across the parking lot, shout praises to God!  Kevin and I were super-excited on Tuesday when we met in the Pastoral Center parking lot.  The moment we’d been waiting for had finally arrived.  Our dearly beloved brother in Christ, John Baab, had completed all the different pieces for his seminary application.  We wanted to be there when he turned it in.  I brought my camera, wanting to be certain we got a picture of the monumental occasion.  We celebrated by staying for the Mass Bishop DiLorenzo celebrated in honor of World Day for Consecrated Life.

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Catholics, Get Ready to Suffer.  “I remember coloring in the lions on the paper my Catechism teacher had handed out. The lions in the coliseum were approaching a group of huddled Catholics…” read the rest of this great post by Matthew Archbold.

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What about Protecting Religious Freedom? "In effect, the president is saying we have a year to figure out how to violate our consciences."- Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York     Read here what you can do to protect religious freedom in the United States.

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The Loss of an Unborn Loved One…Several years back, a dear friend invited me into her office and closed the door. She burst into tears as she recounted how she had become pregnant and had recently miscarried…click here to read entire post.

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Thinking pink? Choose Red. While everyone's discussing to whom they're going to donate their money and from whom they're going to withhold it, here's an organization that's making a difference in a society where the government's been forcing women to have abortions for many years. http://www.chinalittleflower.org/

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Take On Me. A version done North Korean style with accordions.  This is cool.  I’m definitely going to share with this with my husband, whose mom used to play the accordion.

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She Who Laughs, Lasts.  Last night, per the suggestion of my honey, we watched “It’s Hard to Be Humble” sungby Mac Davis with the Muppets.  It’s a light-hearted way to end a heavy handed week. 

Head over to Conversion Diary, to read Jen Fulwiler's wonderful tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday which this Friday is actually being hosted by blogger friend Hallie Lord of Betty Beguiles.

The Loss of an Unborn Loved One

    Sometimes, I don’t know what to say when I hear of the devastating loss a family is facing.  Being present with a hug, love, compassion, empathy, and support often mean a great deal more than the generic condolences.  I pray for the one who’s passed from this life into the next as well as for the comfort and faith of the loved ones that are mourning.       There have been times when the pain of someone else’s loss weighs heavily on my heart.  It is most often during those periods that I will ask the Lord to give me a portion of the person’s pain, or at the very least, that He would remove anything from me that would keep me from being a good, holy vessel for His love, mercy, comfort, gentleness, and kindness.

     Several years back, a dear friend invited me into her office and closed the door.  She burst into tears as she recounted how she had become pregnant and had recently miscarried. 

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 35)

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I love my mom! This is one of the many gazillion reasons I’m grateful for her example as a strong Catholic woman of faith!  Here she is wearing a bright yellow poncho, holding a red umbrella while smiling, praying, and taking a stand at the 39^th Annual March for Life.    

 

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March for Life 2012 Check out this awesome slideshow by Barbara Curtis,mother of twelve!  These photos areindeed a beautiful testimony and tribute to the many people of all ages,backgrounds, and ethnicities that have heard the Lord's call to protect andrespect the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception. It is a crimethat the mainstream media does not report honestly the numbers of people whoare devoted to the pro-life movement and show up rain or shine to prove it.  

  

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No young women there?! It has been a mainstream media tradition to disregard the fact that hundreds of thousands of people come together to stand up for life.  The past two years, I remember reading some particularly ridiculous commentary on the lack of young women at the March for Life best summed up here.  The journalists must never have been to a March for Life.  If by no young women there, they meant that there weren’t any women between the ages of 40-70, they’d be completely wrong.  If by “young women,” they were referring to women in their 30s, wrong again.  If they meant, college age women aren’t represented, they’d be sorely mistaken. (Check out this video.)  If “young women” refers to early teens and young girls, then that argument doesn’t hold water, either. 

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Are you offering God everything?  Check out this short video, a very powerful reminder given by Kimberly Hahn and shared by Jennifer Fulwiler (host of 7 Quick Takes) that everyone and everything in our lives belongs to God and is to be used for His glory. 

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Live out your faith at work: Faith at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck is an in-depth look at how and why we can and should strive to live out our Christian values in the workplace.  I really enjoyed this book.  The personal stories, the concrete ideas and suggestions at the end of each chapter as well as the reflection questions added to the Scripture-based reasoning for making Christ-like behavior and a closer relationship with God and others your two main goals…Read more here.          

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Hooray for great dads! You’ll love this magnificent post “Some Things Moms Can’t Do” from a hilarious Catholic blogging husband and stay-at-home dad!  My comment at the end was: “What a blessing that your children have a father like you.  Many don't have a good male role model, for a variety of reasons, and everyone benefits from seeing a man who loves the Lord, respects and loves his wife, and adores his children.” 

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Prayers all around. This week several people have requested prayers for a variety of reasons.  Kevin and I are praying some extra ones for those who are suffering in mind, body, and/or spirit as well as for all who love and care for them.  Perfect Physician, Wonderful Counselor, Holy Comforter, draw us closer to You, Lord.

Head over to Conversion Diary, to read Jen Fulwiler's wonderful tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday.

Faith at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck

     Faith at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck is an in-depth look at how and why we can and should strive to live out our Christian values in the workplace.  I really enjoyed this book.  The personal stories, the concrete ideas and suggestions at the end of each chapter as well as the reflection questions added to the Scripture-based reasoning for making Christ-like behavior and a closer relationship with God and others your two main goals.

     Through quotes from the Bible, the Catechism, popes and saints, Kevin Lowry underlines the importance of putting God at the center of our lives and gives practical advice on how we can do that even at work in ways that are socially acceptable and likely to open the hearts and minds of others to Christ. 
     This book also resonated deeply with me is because it often made me think of

TV Allowed, But Only for Special Occasions

    Not too long ago, I found myself watching Stuart Little the based-on-the-book movie starring Hugh Laurie and Geena Davis with the two elementary school boys I was babysitting.  I have to say my favorite part was watching Hugh Laurie be a sickly sweet and concerned father to a young boy and a talking mouse.  It’s been years since I read the book by E.B. White.  My mom and a number of other people are fans of the popular TV show House, but I don’t particularly enjoy watching Hugh Laurie play a bitter, rude, sarcastic, pompous, jerk of a doctor, brilliant though he may be.    
     Now before people think that I am all for kids spending hours in front of the TV instead of playing games, reading, doing their homework, building with Legos, playing outside, and arts and crafts, let me put in my disclaimer: when I was nannying for my two little guys, we didn’t watch TV during the 11 hour days that I had them. 
     The only time I turned the TV on so we could watch something was when I

Does Respect Life Ministry Mean More than Protesting Abortion?

      Absolutely!  Respect Life has to do with a great deal more than just abortion.  That’s one of the many issues, but it’s not by any means the only one about which people are called to care.  I love the way our pastor helped bring the full scope of respecting life to the forefront today.

     He asked people in the congregation to stand and remain standing if they had ever…helped support a woman facing an unexpected pregnancy, visited someone in prison, taken the Protecting God’s Children Virtus Training, helped in any way with CARITAS, sponsored a child in Haiti, done outreach for the Holy Family cluster ofparishes in Appalachia, helped with the Job Assistance Ministry (JAM)  at our parish, anyone who's been involved in Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) retreats, supported the Special Olympics or participated in anything to support persons with disabilities, helped immigrants who sought aid through our parish, received e-mails and taken action on legislation through Virginia Catholic Conference (VCC), visited someone who was homebound or hospitalized, helped care for a relative a who was sick or dying, comforted someone who'd lost a loved one through bereavement support…

     Fr. Dan Brady’s list included a wide range of ministries, large and small acts of kindness, and daily practices that promote and protect the dignity of human life from conception to natural death.  The majority of the congregation was standing by the time he’d gone through all of his list, then he finished his message by asking everyone to stand who would commit to doing something to respect life, and then he had the entire congregation on their feet. 

     One of my Christ Renews His Parish CRHP sisters, Nancy had us over for a luncheon this afternoon after 11:15am Mass.  We talked about the sermon, and many mentioned that they were kind of surprised at some of the things Fr. Dan included as being part of respecting life.  Many people hadn’t considered that something as seemingly simple as providing an item for the bake sale to help raise money for a group of Sudanese boys to attend school counts as an action that supports life.  Looking around the table, I reminded a number of my CRHP sisters of what they’ve done that has become second-nature to them that falls under the category of Respect Life ministry. 

     Lord, thank You for the multitude of ministries and ways you’ve given us to serve those who are suffering in mind, body, and/or spirit.  Help us be even more open to the needs of those around us and the ways in which you’d like to work in and through us to meet those needs.  Amen.

A List of Books I Read in 2011 (probably incomplete)

I thought it would be fun to make a list of books I read last year.  I've likely left some out inadvertently, as I read quite a bit, but here's what I can recall for now.  If you're interested in what I thought of any of these books, you can look up the the book title under my book reviews.

 

1.      Who Is Jesus Christ? by Eric Sammons
2.      The Seven Levels of Intimacy Matthew Kelly
3.      Set Free to Love by Marcel LeJeune
4.      The Practice of Healing Prayer by Francis MacNutt
5.      Soulprint: Discovering Your Divine Destiny by Mark Batterson
6.      Truth for Your Mind Love for Your Heart by Fr. Alfred McBride
7.      Life Inspite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson
8.      Burst: A Story of God’s Grace When Life Falls Apart by Kevin Wells
9.      unPLANNED by Abbey Johnson
10.  Parenting on Purpose by Jason Free
11.  How to Listen so Kids Will Talk by Dr. Maryln Appelbaum
12.  The Eternal Messiah: Jesus of K’Turia by W. R. Pursche and Michael Gabriele
13.  Blessed: Living a Grateful Life by Ellen Michaud
14.  Surviving Depression by Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP
15.  Holding on to Hope by Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP
16.  Lazarus Awakening: Finding Your Place in the Heart of God by Joanna Weaver
17.  Recovering Faith: Stories of Catholics Who Came Home by Lorene Hanley Duquin
18.  Secrets of the Vine for Women by Darlene Marie Wilkinson
19.  Streetwalking with Jesus by John Green
20.  You Were Born for This by Bruce Wilkinson
21.  How to Talk to Kids so They Will Listen by Dr. Maryln Appelbaum
22.  Atheist to Catholic—Stories of Conversion by Rebecca Vitz Cherico
23.  The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison by Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan
24.  The Chocolate Diaries by Karen Scalf Linamen
25.  Catholic Update Guide to the Mass by Editors of Catholic Update
26.  Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly
27.  Dion the Wanderer Talks Truth by Dion DiMucci with Mike Aquilina
28.  Christianity and the Crisis of Cultures by Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVIm
29.  Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley
30.  Reiser’s Ramblings by Fr. Bernard Reiser
31.  Dug Down Deep: Building Your Life on Truths that Last by Joshua Harris
32.  I’m a Stranger Here Myself by Bill Bryson
33.  The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson
34.  The Evangelization Equation: The Who, What, and How by Fr. James A Wehner
35.  The Church and New Media by Brandon Vogt
36.  The Amazing Sacrament by Fr. Stephen Redmond
37.  Celebrating the Holy Eucharist by Francis Cardinal Arinze
38.  Dogmatics in Outline by Karl Barth
39.  Becoming the Woman God Made You to Be by Tammy Evevard
40.  Sinner by Lino Rulli
41.  Raised Right: How I Untangled My Faith from Politics by Alisa Harris
42.  Church Folk by Michele Andrea Bowen
43.  The Truth of Catholicism by George Weigel
44.  Sons of Cain by Val Bianco
45.  Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo
46.  Compassion: Living in the Spirit of St. Francis
47.  The One Thing by Matthew Kelly
48.  Fierce Beauty by Kim Meeder
49.  Transition Tips and Tricks for Teachers by Jean Feldman
50.  Story Engineering by Larry Brooks
51.  A Catholic Christmas by Kathleen M. Carroll
52.  Hope Rising by Kim Meeder

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 34)

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 Why I Love Religion, and Jesus.  Check out this is a very well-done response to the popular Youtube video of a poem Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus which brings up some interesting points about the pitfalls of false religion, but fails to recognize some factual truths pointed out in Why I Love Religion, and Jesus.

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Nothing Is Impossible with God:  I was thinking about that truth from the Bible a lot last weekend.  My sister Mary was installed as a deacon at Christ Presbyterian Church.  I’m not surprised that my sister has been chosen as a ministry leader in her church, especially since she and her husband, Jordan, have long been doing the prayer in outreach in their church and neighborhood that would be customary of people in such a role.  What’s amazing and truly miraculous is that my sister has done more than survived, she’s thrived since she joined the church’s youth group back in high school.  She’s been through an awful lot in her life, and God’s turned it all into good, as only He can.  Thank, You, Lord Jesus! 

    

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 Unborn Baby Saves Dad’s Life This is a really neat story you’ll definitely want to read about.  http://www.lifenews.com/2012/01/16/unborn-babys-kick-prompts-mom-to-save-fathers-life/.          

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Who are you today?  Since I substitute regularly at school both for academic teachers from the toddler class up through middle school as well as work in Montessori Enrichment, it’s not unusual for people to ask me, “Who are you today?” I know that they mean who are you subbing for today, but that’s not what they say.  I’ve gotten in the habit of introducing myself, “I’m Trisha,” though most people know me there, then I add, “and today I’m subbing for so-and-so.”  It catches people off-guard which can be fun.   

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The Waiting Game Lately the combination of different substituting, babysitting, nannying, afterschool club teacher mix I juggle has kind of been up in the air.  I’m doing my best to roll with it and not worry about what’s next.  As of yet, I don’t have enough kids signed up to run either of my afterschool clubs, so I’m postponing the start date for one more week to give parents more time to get their forms and fees in.  I know it will all work out one way or another, and I’m grateful to have work to do even if I’m not certain what the combination will look like over the next few months.

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 I remember you! Since I am the lead teacher for several of the different summer camps held at Richmond Montessori School, many children recognize me when I come into their classrooms to substitute.  Some will remember my name.  Others recall I’m “Miss Trisha” and ask me if I remembered having them in camp.  A little boy approached me while I was subbing in his class yesterday to ask me if I remembered when he found the beetle during Nature Camp.  I did recall that occurrence.  It’s really fun to see what kids learn, remember, and take in.  They’re such little sponges!   

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Respect Life Sunday This weekend is Respect Life Sunday at our parish.  Kevin and I have had so much going on with work, family, ministry things, that we decided that it would be better for us right now if we didn’t commit to one more thing.  I thought I might feel tremendously guilty not helping set everything up and man the tables as I have in previous years, but then I recalled some of the more day-to-day things Kevin and I have done in recent months that most definitely fall under the category of respect life, and I felt better realizing it’s become a way of life for us, not just an occasional Sunday. 

Head over to Conversion Diary, to read Jen Fulwiler's wonderful tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday.

Father, It’s Been Less Than an Hour Since Your Last Confession

     Sermons are as varied as the clergy who give them, but I agree with Fr. James A. Wehner, S.T.D. (Sacrae Theologiae Doctor), author of The + Evangelization + Equation= The Who, What, and How, that the best ones contain valuable lessons in faith formation.  An off-the-cuff (or the collar as it were) homily that’s more a stroll down memory lane for the priest than a strong illustration of Scripture readings, holy days, an edifying look at the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church, the lives of the saints, or even a spiritual insight that really brought home one of Christ’s teachings seems like a waste of valuable time to me.

     I have seen how true it is that Mass is and ought to be treated as the primary tool for faith formation.  If the priest does little more than describe part of his childhood, maybe tell a few funny jokes, and offers the congregation nothing more substantial that he’s doing a disservice to the assembly.  The numbers of people in the pews as declined for many reasons over the years, but how do we expect to change that if the minister serving in persona Christi doesn’t prepare a suitable sermon to feed his flock and help nurture them in the faith?
     You’re missing the mark if when given the microphone to break open the Word of God, you put little more thought, effort, study, and prayer into it than you would a spontaneous toast at a friend’s birthday party.

Saying Goodbye, Letting Go, Letting God

Dear Sister in Christ,

     I’m still not quite sure what to say.  Winnie, Tom, and Sambo are cuddled up on the couch watching me write this to you.  It’s interesting that I’m often surprised that people are willing to trust me with their valuables and most prized possessions.  In a way, I feel honored.  At other times, I feel like shouting a huge warning that I’m not worthy to receive something that is so important and meaningful to someone else.

     It’s an ongoing struggle within me that was brought to the surface again today.  As you described the dear memories you have of your most beloved stuffed animals, most of all Winnie-the-Pooh, but Tom and Sambo, too, and that you had been giving things away in preparation for entering the religious life, I wasn’t sure what part of the process of making peace with the past and moving forward you had come to and wanted to share with me. 
     I still feel incredibly humbled that you have felt comfortable and safe enough with me that you’ve shared some of your most difficult struggles, hopes, and desires, along with the many spiritual experiences you’ve had over the years.    
     Sometimes I’m not sure of the appropriate response when given a gift that has so much sentimental value to the giver.  I imagine I looked rather bewildered when you explained the significance of the three well-loved friends you felt led to pass on to me.  Obviously, these have been very special treasures for you for a number of years.  They’ve caught your tears, been with you in good times and bad, and it is a tremendous sign that you are preparing yourself in mind, body, and spirit to enter the religious life that you are ready to let them go.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 33)

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Dumb Blonde Jokes Illegal in Austria.  You’re just going to have to read this post by Matthew Archbold of Creative Minority Report as well as the comments beneath it, because, well, just do it.  My comment on thispriceless post was: “Matt, thank you for alerting us to this bleached breach of peace and political correctness in our society.  It never occurred to me how extremely dangerous our country and world has become particularly because dumb blonde jokes are allowed to fly rampantly.  This sheds new highlights on everything and will certainly help us get to the root of the problem before the rest of us become tragic victims of the blonde bombshell.  Somebody should alert Homeland Security immediately as to the true security risk out there.  TGIF indeed!”     

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The Epiphany and Total Consecration Connection:  I was very excited I’d remembered to bring the remaining Total Consecration packets that had been on a bookshelf at our apartment.  I invited everyone present at the CursilloEpiphany party last Friday evening to take one with them. 

     After experiencing a deeper conversion when I first made myConsecration to Jesus through Mary while in high school, you’d think I would have made it a higher priority to get these powerful prayers in people’s hands sooner than later, but I didn’t. 
      Thank you, RayMooney, and all who have been working so hard to spread the word about this most beautiful and powerful devotion.  For more information or to place an order for your own FREETotal Consecration packets, visit the MyConsecration website.            

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Death Row Conversions Thistrue story of conversion is absolutely amazing.  I say amazing rather than unbelievable, because the Blessed Mother has had a pivotal part in my husband’s conversion as well.  Of course, Kevin’s never been on death row, but he definitely used to be at cross purposes with anything Catholic.           

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My Patron Saint for 2012.  I figured I’d go ahead and use Jennifer Fulwiler’s Saint’s Name Generator to find out who my patron saint is for this year.  I’m not all that surprised by the result: St. Joan of Arc.  I find it interesting that the patron saint of France would be the one I picked for this year, considering the next section of the spiritual memoir for me to write is about my time in France and what came from that period of my life in terms of prayers, healing, and Truth.  To find your patron saint for 2012, click here. 

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Sisters, Sisters…Sunday afternoon, the women I served on team with for Christ Renews His Parish, and I made the trek over the golf course and through the woods to Nora’s for a deliciously wonderful Epiphany party.  Laughter, hugs, time to catch up, delectable food, and great people made for two spectacular get-togethers this past weekend.  Kevin came with me for the first one, but he opted out of the second one.      

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The Virtue of Hope The only things I asked for this Christmas were for three books by the inspirational Christian author, Kim Meeder.  I’ve finished reading all three books of hers that I’d requested and received from Kevin, and I’m still examining the hints of hope in my own life and faith journey.  I have a strong feeling it will play an important part in the theme of the spiritual memoir I’m working on about how God brought Kevin and me together and has continued to draw us closer to Him.         

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Elect Officials with Hope Kevin and I aren’t usually really inspired by politicians, for the obvious reasons, but over the holidays we met with someone who has given us a reason to believe there is hope for some on the political scene.  While he was home to visit family, we met with a friend from J. R. Tucker High School who is running for Mayor of Orlando, Florida.  I hadn’t known Mike Cantone all that well in high school, though we did work on the Gavel newspaper staff together.  We’d been in touch a bit more frequently over Facebook ever since he asked me to pray for his mom.  

     I don’t think Kevin and I had ever heard someone speak so passionately and genuinely about helping the poor (outside of a church or ministry setting) as we did the evening we met with Mike Cantone.  I had no idea how bad the poverty is in Orlando, and I certainly had no clue that the current mayor has made it illegal to feed the hungry in public parks before we spoke with him.  More than anything else, Kevin and I have found hope that Mike Cantone has seen fit to enter this race clear that the social injustices in Orlando need to be fixed and that, grounded in a strong Catholic faith and a solid track record of subsequent outreach efforts, he is obligated to try to turn things around. 

      Lord, help us each to listen to Your still, small voice as we discern how it is You would like us to serve those in our lives.  Amen.

Head over to Conversion Diary, to read Jen Fulwiler's wonderful tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday.