The Journey Makes Us One

     On August 21-22, I served on team for Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) Women’s retreat #23 at our church. I’m still amazed by the relationships that began over a weekend in February when we came together for CRHP Women’s weekend #22 and have continued

Wherever You Go, There You Are

     The reminder that “wherever you go, there you are” and a French song’s lyrics have been running through my mind lately. The song lyrics of "Jamais Assez Loin" are ones I learned and memorized when I was taking a French music course in college: “Tous les trains, tous les bateaux, tous les avions ne m'emmèneront jamais assez loin” which basically translates to all of the trains, all of the boats, all of the planes can never take me far enough away.

     Sometimes it would be nice to get away not just from the daily grind, but from the trappings, worries, quarks, and inner workings of my daily mind. I’ve been reading

Whatever You Do

     Over this past week, God put two neighbors in need whom I was able to help in small ways directly in my path. I’m grateful for both of these opportunities, because I realize that it’s all too easy for me to be so caught up in my own world, especially when I’m going through a particularly trying time, that I am not as likely to see the hurt, hunger, or thirst in someone else’s eyes.

The Confessions of St. Augustine

     I have a few confessions of my own to make. Though I’ve made a point of reading a number of spiritual classics over the years, I only just this year read The Confessions of Saint Augustine. Of course I’d come across excerpts and quotes from this well-known tome, but even when my favorite brother in Christ loaned me the book, I put off reading it. I already knew that Monica, Augustine’s poor mother, had begged and pleaded with God for years to bring about her wayward son’s conversion. I knew Augustine had spent his youth leading a very sinful life, and frankly, I assumed that in this work he described in detail his many indiscretions. I gathered from the title that the book must be from the perspective of Augustine once he had converted and was, therefore, able to see the sinfulness of his ways.
     I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that Augustine’s account of his sinful past was written from the point of view of a man who had given his mind, body, and soul over to the Lord. Instead of being a disturbingly detailed record of his debauchery, the work is primarily a look at the love, mercy, forgiveness, and glory of God. I found it all the more edifying that it was after Augustine had converted to Catholicism and allowed himself to be consumed by Christ’s love so much so that others considered him to be a model of holiness that he felt it necessary to write this autobiographical reflection on his previous transgressions and God’s perpetual compassion.
     Throughout the book, Augustine quotes Scripture passages and addresses God directly in his prose. He describes the disillusionment he had been in and propagated to others as a professional orator, lust-filled youth, and follower of the Manichees. He acknowledges that the years he spent believing lies, living according to the desires of the flesh and human glory, and leading others astray were indeed a waste of the gifts God had given him. Augustine goes on to praise God for His infinite mercy and willingness to forgive him and any who will turn to Him.
     Confessions is divided into thirteen books. I found the first ten books to be the most interesting and spiritually enriching. The last three become a very in-depth philosophical exploration of the abstract concept of time and God, Who isn’t bound by time, but Who has created living things who are bound by time. Though I’ve read other philosophical works and arguments on similar subjects, I found this part of the book to be rather confusing and convoluted. It seemed more indicative of the arguments popularly brought up in Augustine’s time for and against religion and the qualities of God espoused by the Roman Catholic Church.
     I highly recommend reading The Confessions of St. Augustine.  You can purchase this book here.
     I wrote this review of The Confessions Of St. Augustine for the Tiber River Blogger Review program.
     Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases. I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.

Safely Through the Storm - 120 Reflections on Hope

     Safely Through the Storm - 120 Reflections on Hope by Debra Herbeck has been a faithful companion of mine during a really awful week. Though I can’t honestly say that the words of faith and wisdom contained within transformed my tears into dancing, the quotes from a number of writers I love did remind me that God does not leave us alone in our suffering, nor does He give us trials so heavy they will destroy us.

Assumed into Heaven

     Last year on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary family members and friends from around the country joined us at St. Michael the Archangel Church to celebrate the life and legacy of two people who have had a great deal of influence in my life: the Blessed Mother and my own father (James Lester Niermeyer).
     August 15, 2009 was the Saturday of my dad’s memorial service. My mom and I knew it fit perfectly that the readings and songs for the day of his service all had to do with the Blessed Mother, since my father had a strong devotion to Our Lady.

Now and at the Hour of Our Death

     Five years ago if you told me that I would be sitting next to my mom holding my dad’s hand when he breathed his last, I would have figured you were crazy.
     In 2006 a true miracle occurred. After many years of pushing my dad out of my life, I had a true reconciliation with him. There’s no explanation other than God’s grace that led me to reach out to my dad and really let him into my life. I could never have imagined the healing that would take place for both of us over such a short time. I know I was given an amazing gift that God led me to reconnect with my father, really love him and let myself be loved by him during the last three years of his life.

Living the Lie that Everything's Fine

     You can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time. I used to be much better at fooling people than I am now. I got so used to burying my thoughts and feelings that there were times it took me quite a while before I could go below the surface of what I did during the day to access how it made me feel and what I thought about it. Most of these thoughts and feelings I wouldn’t have dreamed of saying out loud.

Quiet Desperation

Most men lead lives of quiet desperation...                                                  

                                                                                      -Henry David Thoreau

     Many circumstances have led me to believe that many people really do lead lives of quiet desperation. I’ve often been surprised to find out that someone I see regularly is going through a major personal or family crisis. Most of us have been taught to hide any impression of being stressed or depressed. Put aside fear or indecision, and forge ahead with a purpose. Never let them see you sweat…or sigh, give up, give in, quit. Big girls don’t cry. That which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.