Friday, September 30, 2011

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 18)



-1-
How Bad Do You Want It?
     In Becoming the Woman God Made You to Be, author Terry Evevard poses some powerful questions: “How bad do you want to be holy?  How bad do you want to be all that God has created you to be?  How bad do you want to get out of the prisons you live in?”  The Lord seems to keep asking us these same questions throughout our lives.  It seems many people get to the point when God says: You love me and say you want to do My Will above your own.  How bad do you want it? 
     Are you willing to give up anything and anyone in your life if that’s what God asks of you?  It’s hard to say in the moment what we’ll put on the line, but we can rest assured, we’ll always be given the grace necessary to do the Lord’s Will, no matter how difficult.   
   
-2-
It’s Gettin’ Real in the Whole Foods Parking Lot   
     Jennifer Fulwiler, the originator and host of 7 Quick Takes Friday, is celebrating her third anniversary of doing quick takes on her blog today.  Congratulations!! Last week she included this hilarious rap about Whole Foods as one of her 7 QTs.  Kevin and I have listened to it a number of times this week and have shared it with family and friends who also have found it very funny.
     You might also want to watch/listen to another clever rap by some Suburban Dads that also gave us a good laugh. 
     This reminded me a bit of the parodies I’d write of different songs that my youngest sister Theresa danced to for performances and recitals over the years.  I’d give her a card and some parody of the song she was doing or a story called a short short with quotes from the name of the production and/or some of the song lyrics as part of encouraging her in her pursuit.   Have I mentioned recently that it still blows my mind that my youngest sister is now in her sophomore year of college? 
    
-3-
Home Parish Heroes
     After reading Donna Marie Cooper O’Boyle’s post about teaching religious education for a quarter of a century, I made the following comment: “Twenty-five years of teaching religious education is truly an inspiration!  I still remember my husband's response not long after we were married when I told him I felt the Lord was calling me to become a catechist for eighth grade religious ed.  Kevin's immediate response was delivered with a furrowed brow: "Could you ask Him again?" I laughed, but in the end I did end up teaching as an eighth grade catechist and Kevin assisted me. 
     Working with kids is always an adventure.  What a blessing that you have inspired so many children over the years to love the Lord!  How fortunate they are to have a Christ-centered, clearly Catholic woman to teach them about the faith!”
    
-4-
The Sun Also Rises

     The following reflection by Ann Niermeyer, leader of 40 Days for Life campaign in Richmond,  Virginia, (and who’s also my mom) is a great one to illustrate how God smiles upon those who carry out His Will that we protect the sanctity and dignity of human life. 

     “I know that the dark must end....and that the Son will rise.As I left my home this morning, it was pitch dark...and raining. As I drove by the little church in my neighborhood, the lights illuminating the cross on the side of their building...went out.

     I parked at the curb beside Planned Parenthood, waiting a few minutes before stepping out in the rain, and I finished listening to the song "Endless Night" and just changed the word "sun" to "Son" as I sang along.
     As we prayed the day's reflection, two of our most faithful participants joined in.  And as the first minutes of our Richmond vigil began...the rain stopped.  Within ten minutes, we were watching the clouds clear and then...the sunrise. "I know that the night must end, and that the Son will rise." Amen.
Bless all of you who have taken hours this first day...and all the days to follow.”

    
-5-
Houston, we have a problem.
     Day 3 message from my mother
Dear Friends:
     This morning someone (not with 40 Days for Life) came to Planned Parenthood with several large, graphic abortion signs. 40 Days for Life is committed to be only and always peaceful, and prayerful in our presence there.
     Since it is a very small area and there was no way to "distance" myself from these signs, I decided to leave and  pray my hour beside the tabernacle at the chapel at work. As I drove to work, something happened that was another amazing blessing the
     Lord gifted me (had to do with a song I was listening to as I drove and a very sudden sighting of the sunrise through a break in the trees).
     Please remember our 40 Days for Life commitment to avoid any association with protesters who are showing graphic signs, or yelling at the fathers, mothers, or clinic workers. This is not who we are or what we do. Thank you for your kindness and your peaceful presence to all
who come to Planned Parenthood.
Ann
-6-
Kids, Crowbars, and Shot Glasses
     Some of you who know me and are familiar with my nanny diary and the entertaining adventures I’ve had taking care of children may recall that I once asked one of the parents whose child was in my care for a crowbar.  Well, this past week I found myself laughing as I asked the mother of the adorable little one I would be taking care of that day if she had a shot glass.  I’ll fill you in on the details of both above stories in a post later this week which will likely also have the above title.  Check back later for a few laughs… 

-7-
Prayers Please!
     A very dear older couple we know have had some very significant challenges lately and could definitely use some extra prayer coverage.  Kay Marie and Joe are the amazing, compassionate people who have headed up the post-abortion healing retreats offered by Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries in our area.  They have such a deep, gentle love for each other and for anyone who God sends into their lives. 
     Kay Marie is one of the few people who has such a loving, gentle, compassionate presence that when you’re talking with her, she makes you feel as if you’re the only one in the room and clearly expresses God’s love in her words and deeds.  I hope to be as loving, gentle, and like the Blessed Mother as she is some day.   
     Joe has been very sick in the hospital and his adoring wife has become worn down in the months as one complication after another has come up, prolonging many facets of his recovery (including his ability to eat).
    Please pray that the Lord who is Wonderful Counselor and Perfect Physician will guide them through this difficult time with peace which passes all understanding, a myriad of blessings, and a slew of circumstances that will thereby drawing them even closer to Him.  Amen.      

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

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Celebrating the Holy Eucharist

The key to an intimate relationship with Christ is described within the pages of Celebrating the Holy Eucharist by Francis Cardinal Arinze. He examines a number of Church documents, encyclical letters, apostolic exhortations, constitutions, official instructions, Church teachings, and Scripture passages to show the necessary centrality of the Holy Eucharist to life on earth and in eternity.   
    
The importance of the Eucharistic feast as the most vital element in being transformed through the grace of the Lord to become more like Christ is illustrated in a number of ways. The author also shows how and why the Eucharist includes a unifying presence as well as a sending out into the world to evangelize others.
   
I found this book fascinating for many reasons, not the least of which, is the amount of research, prayer, and theology that dictate why Catholics do what they do the way they do it when celebrating Mass. There are certain rules and regulations in place to assure the sacredness and purity of the Eucharistic celebration remain intact, even if provisions are made for some differences in styles or forms of worship within the Mass depending on the culture and location of the congregation.
     
Celebrating the Holy Eucharist reminds me of one of the reasons why I love the Catholic Church so dearly: we are not only invited to learn about Christ’s life, but also to consume and be consumed by Him through a Most Sacred Sacrament that shows the ultimate sacrifice He made out of love for us.
    
Arinze does a wonderful job of explaining what responsibilities bishops, priests, and laypersons have regarding the celebration of the Eucharist, the proclamation of the Gospel, and the living out of Christ’s message in mind, body, and spirit.
    
Infused with the powerful and life-changing Presence of the Holy Spirit, Arinze explores the mysteries of the Eucharist, the glory of the Lord, service of His people, and how each of us in our own particular vocations is called to bear witness to the Truth.
You can purchase this book here.
     
I wrote this review of Celebrating the Holy Eucharist for the free Catholic book review program, Tiber River. 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.

Damien and the Distressing Disguise of Christ

The cross-country trip, the beard, the hair dye would all have seemed like some mid-life crisis if it weren’t for the one-man play our pastor Fr. Dan Brady did this past weekend.  A number of years ago, our pastor saw this play on PBS called Damien that was written by Aldyth Morris.  In 1978, Damien received national recognition when it won the Peabody Award.  Fr. Dan explained that this powerful play was instrumental in helping him discern his vocation to the priesthood. 
     
Fr. Dan’s been in a number of plays and musicals put on by the amazing music ministry at our church, but this was a role much different from others I’ve seen him in on stage as well as around the altar.  (Our church is in the round, and he generally walks around the altar while giving his homilies).    
     
Fr. Dan writes: “When I first saw this play on PBS in 1978, while I was in the seminary, it had a profound effect on me…”  When my husband, mom, our beloved brother, and many dear friends saw this play in 2011, it had a very profound effect on us as well.

Fr. Damien was born in 1840 in Belgium.  He joined the Sacred Heart Order, was ordained in 1864 in Hawaii while serving one of their mission churches there.  In 1873, he requested to become the priest for the leper colony on Molokai (otherwise known as Kalawao).  He faced horrible living conditions and witnessed some of the most terrible suffering imaginable, yet he refused to abandon his flock.  He clearly took his vows of charity, celibacy, and obedience to a level many other priests couldn’t even fathom.  Damien ministered to the lepers banished to the desolate, nearly uninhabitable island of Molokai in mind, body, and spirit.
     
He fought long and hard to get the lepers food, building materials for proper dwellings, and medical supplies.  He offended many with his persistence in ensuring that government and diocesan authorities would not forget or dismiss the needs of the lepers they had exiled.  Damien stood up for the sanctity and dignity of every human life.  In 1884, the priest who wasn’t afraid to get down in the trenches with his congregation to fight for what was right was diagnosed with leprosy himself.  He considered it a blessing that he was then truly one of them.  He died of the illness in 1889.
     
I doubt there was a dry eye in the place on either of the two evenings when Fr. Dan so passionately portrayed Fr. Damien.  I’m still in awe of how dedicated this priest was to serving “the poorest of the poor” who were definitely “in the distressing disguise of Christ.”  We are all called to love and serve others as Jesus did, but when people are willing to give up everything and anything that would bring them even a modicum of comfort to live out God’s will with humility and obedience, the holiness of being made in God’s image seems to shine the brightest.    

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

The Amazing Sacrament: A Celebration of the Eucharist by Fr. Stephen Redmond, SJ

I kept thinking while reading The Amazing Sacrament that this would be a wonderful book to have while spending time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Father Stephen Redmond, an Irish Jesuit, has put together a beautifully lyrical celebration of the Eucharist. A history of the sacrament, sacred hymns, a number of thought-provoking quotes from saints and a sampling of the prayers written by holy people throughout the centuries are brought together in this rich, yet easy-to-read paperback about the Most Holy Eucharist.
   
Fr. Redmond’s choice of quotes and prayers illustrates his love and appreciation for both the Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and the power of music to proclaim His praises. The title and theme of this book were inspired by Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia (Church from Eucharist) in which he writes that “amazement should always fill the Church assembled to celebrate the Eucharist.”
   
This book does what the author had hoped; it inspires the reader to be amazed anew at the love, sacrifice, salvation, forgiveness, healing, and mercy embodied in the sacrament of the Eucharist.  I recommend The Amazing Sacrament for all who already have and/or aspire to have an even more profound reverence and sense of awe for the True Presence of God in the Eucharist.
Lord, help us not take for granted or consider commonplace this most awe-inspiring transformation of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

You can purchase this book here.
   
I wrote this review of The Amazing Sacrament for the free Catholic book review program, Tiber River. 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.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Changing Sides

After reading Unplanned and being very impressed, I was certain I’d want to watch Changing Sides the documentary DVD made about how a pro-life presence changed the heart of a Planned Parenthood director. 
    
In much the same way that Unplanned included Abby Johnson’s thoughts and feelings about Planned Parenthood over the years, not just since she has changed sides, the DVD covers the span of her journey as well. It’s quite eye-opening and humbling to see the care and concern she had for women which inspired her to volunteer and later work for Planned Parenthood.
    
This documentary follows her emotional and spiritual journey as she struggled to decide which side of the fence she wanted to be on once the company’s bottom-line (it’s all about the benjamins) was made abundantly clear to her through pressure from her supervisors, being written up for the first time in her career, and once she left, a major lawsuit meant to silence her from telling the truth about what she’d heard, seen, felt, and experienced. Abby Johnson and the Coalition for life have come out with a book and a documentary. Guess who won the lawsuit?
    
Abby Johnson, the co-founders of 40 Days for Life, Shawn Carney and David Bereit, as well as Austin, Texas, Coalition for Life members are interviewed as is the lawyer, Jeff Paradowski who handled their case. The viewer gets a taste of what it’s like inside Planned Parenthood, a tense courtroom, the Coalition for Life office, as well as what it’s like for prayer vigil participants outside the abortion clinic.
    
I know (and so does Abby) that it was through the grace of God that her conscience was pricked, prodded, and shoved to face the truth about the company to whom she’d dedicated many years of her life. It was painful, but after assisting with an ultra-sound guided abortion, she could not deny the fact that she was taking part in the killing of babies. She could no longer get away from what she was told from upper management: the focus for Planned Parenthood needs to be on abortion because that’s where the money is.
    
You won’t want to miss the story of the dedicated Planned Parenthood supporter, volunteer, then employee-of-the-year who experienced a major conversion that has since led her to become a prominent Pro-Life Activist.
    
You can purchase this DVD here.
    
I wrote this review of Changing Sides for the free Catholic book review programTiber 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.

Monday, September 26, 2011

The Church and New Media: Blogging Converts, Online Activists, and Bishops Who Tweet by Brandon Vogt

Further proof God’s got a sense of humor: while I was reading The Church and New Media I found myself having to use good old fashioned paper and pen to draft my review of this book and jot down ideas inspired by it.  As running from one thing to the next would have it, I accidentally left the power cord to our laptop home when the battery was already almost out of juice. 
     
I identified a number of bloggers I’ve previously read and enjoyed.  Plus I started a growing list of blogs I plan to start following.  I guess it’s just as well that I didn’t have internet access while reading parts of the book or I might have been tempted to check out each website mentioned along the way, which would ultimately throw my voracious reader/book devouring tendencies into slow motion.  I certainly don’t want the crew at The Catholic Company to become alarmed that I haven’t gobbled up and reviewed the latest book they’ve launched to my mailbox in a matter of days. 
     
I can honestly say that I have not read any other book that has explained so thoroughly the Roman Catholic Church’s teachings on use of the media as an essential element of propagating the faith and spreading the Good News. I have seen some amazing examples of how powerfully the Gospel message can be spread through channels such as websites, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.  A number of the book’s expert contributors are those I’ve read, seen, and/or watched online before I picked up The Church and New Media.   I imagine many who are active in the online Catholic community will recognize names such as: Father Robert Barron, Jennifer Fulwiler, Mark Shea, and Matt Warner. 

It’s wonderful that Brandon Vogt has gone to the trouble of putting together the pieces of the virtual digital puzzle so the rest of us can learn from what the pope and others have advised for years: evangelize everywhere using whatever media available. 
     
Besides clearly showing the ways people have been converted through new media, the contributors explain how engaging young people and fallen away Catholics these days is often fostered through online connections.  Some may feel more comfortable watching a Youtube video by a Catholic priest on the subject of the Eucharist or Reconciliation, rather than trying to find one to talk with him in person about a basic theology question. 
     
It’s highly likely that many of the saints would have loved the opportunity to reach so many people around the world and inspire them to live out the faith.  We have the chance to influence millions of people around the world.  This is an incredible chance to use technology wisely in order to evangelize the world.  Many chapters in this book include specific tips and proven practices for making the new media your bff in your evangelization efforts whether you’re the pope, an archbishop, a parish priest, a consecrated religious, or a devout layperson.     
     
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on The Church and New Media. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.

Friday, September 23, 2011

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 17)


-1-
Here’s Your Sign
     
My husband and I were blessed to spend time over the past four days with a prayer warrior, music missionary, spiritual diva, beloved daughter of God whose love, gentleness, joy, and compassion clearly show God is at work in and through her.
     
A group of us had planned to go out to the airport to pick her up, but come Friday night, Kevin and I were the only ones heading out there.  We joked about making signs and having a megaphone, but we hadn’t done either.  Fortunately, I, at least, had a sign with the charity receiving the proceeds from all of her concerts this year: China Little Flower.  Her face brightened and she came over and hugged us immediately when she saw the sign. 
   
-2-
Baggage Stored   
     
After hours of traveling and over a month of being on the road and living out of a suitcase, Danielle Rose arrived at the Richmond Airport with little fanfare and a great deal more cheerfulness and gratitude than I likely would have had with such a demanding schedule. 
     
I believe it’s safe to say that all of us on the small ad-hoc hospitality committee for her this past weekend were deeply touched by Danielle’s presence, and her example, as much as we were inspired by her amazing testimonies and her beautiful music.
    
-3-
Celebrity Priorities
     
Some performers demand certain things be provided for them that fall under the category of luxurious, ridiculous, or completely unreasonable.  I’ve heard of some stars demanding expensive gifts, lavish meals, and only certain colors of M &M&amp ;Ms be waiting for them in their gigantic hotel rooms.  Not this woman.  Her two main requests were that she be able to go to Mass each day and spend an hour praying before the Blessed Sacrament.   
     
It was clear in so many ways that she was being led by love, humility, and the Holy Spirit as opposed to self-centeredness or pride characteristic of many popular artists.  She let the children come to her.  She even invited them up to sing some songs with her.  I have a feeling that those children and teenagers will carry the experience of singing her song based on Psalm 139 deep in their hearts for quite some time.  “I praise You, God, for I am fearfully, wonderfully made!”
     
-4-
Edifying Etiquette
     
The evening she arrived, Danielle, Kevin, our dear brother John, and I went to the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) near her hotel for dinner.  As soon as our waitress came to the table, Danielle greeted her warmly by name.  Throughout the meal, she talked with her and encouraged her that she was doing a good job, which made the woman feel much better that she was learning the ropes well her first month there. 
     
Upon entering the hotel, Danielle greeted the woman at the front desk as though she were a dear friend.  She immediately read her nametag and always said hello or goodbye and God bless to the woman, whose name was Mary, as she passed through the lobby.  She extended this same courtesy to everyone, which had a positive effect it had on many of them.   

-5-
Star Struck
     
At the end of Masses when she had sung two songs and played her violin as well as at the end of her concerts, she gave each person who came up to her a hug, listened with them as many shared how touched they were by her music or asked her to pray for them or for someone they love.    
     
At one of the Masses, a young autistic boy and his father were sitting in the choir section near where Danielle was playing her violin.  The boy was talking kind of loudly and was getting restless.  After changing seats and moving around a bit, he went over and picked up Danielle’s violin.  What did she do?  She gave him a huge smile and said hi, assuring his father that it was okay.     
     
On the way out to the car one day, a young girl and her mom were walking alongside us.  The mother told Danielle that her daughter really enjoyed singing.  She gave some words of encouragement to the little girl, adding that it’s wonderful to use the gift of music to glorify the Lord. 
-6-
A Rose is a Rose
Someone gave Danielle a long-stemmed red rose after the concert on Sunday night.  She brought it back to her hotel with her, kept it in water overnight and the next morning had it when we went to Mass at St. Bridget’s.  Once Mass was over and people had cleared out, she went up and placed the red rose before the statue of Our Blessed Mother.  Yet another small gesture with a great deal of love in it. 

-7-
Ultrasound Irony
     
Last Sunday, Bishop Francis DiLorenzo attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ultrasound machine donated to The Pregnancy Resource Center of Metro Richmond by the Knights of Columbus.  My mom later pointed out that pro-lifers here in the United States are celebrating the generous donation of a new ultrasound machine because it's used often helps women see the child growing inside of them is not just a blob of tissue. 
     
When talking about the culture of death in China, Danielle Rose told us that women in China are subjected to forced ultrasounds every few months so the government can force them to have abortions if they are found pregnant.  I’ve known about the one-child policy in China, but I didn’t think about what horrifying lengths they go to when enforcing it.  Most women in China have had five forced abortions and are thereby rendered infertile by the time they are thirty years old. 
     
What can you do to protect the sanctity and dignity of human life?  Here are a couple ideas:

1.)   Join prayer warriors at the closest 40 Days for Life location near you.  See how 40 Days of prayer, fasting, and community outreach will transform your mind, heart, and soul, all while saving lives.   

2.)   Read about the situation in China and consider supporting the orphanage that will receive the proceeds from all of Danielle Rose’s concerts this year: China Little Flower.    

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

Friday, September 16, 2011

Into the Habit, Out of the Convent, Back on the Stage: Danielle Rose

     
I honestly never thought I would get the opportunity to meet Danielle Rose or see her perform live.  She’s been around the world performing, and had already produced three truly inspirational CDs when a Cursillo friend got me hooked on her music. 
     
A couple years ago, not long after I’d become a fan of Danielle Rose, she discerned God was calling her to enter a cloistered convent.  Her last album before entering the convent to continue discerning her vocation titled Pursue Me is heavily inspired by her ongoing desire to do God’s Will in her life.  A number of songs on the album express her openness to becoming a consecrated religious if that’s where the Lord wanted her.
     
So how is it that Kevin and I picked her up from Richmond airport and spent a lovely evening with her tonight?  Our God is an awesome God whose thoughts and plans are so far above ours…

As Danielle shared in her interview Wednesday evening, September 7, 2011, on EWTN’s Faith and Culture Episode 2: “Music and the New Evangelization,” in her ongoing discernment of the Lord’s Will for her life, she and the religious community she had entered were both led to the answer that Danielle was to return to her vocation as a music missionary. 
  
Her story and faith journey are quite beautiful displays of the Lord’s love, His perfect timing, and the grace with which He fills those who submit entirely to His Will.  Through prayerful discernment, she’s gotten into the habit of seeking the Lord’s Will first, and submitting to it completely, though He continues to challenge her day-by-day.
     
Having finally met her in person, I can best describe her as a joy-filled sweetheart.  Danielle has an amazing ability not many possess to listen carefully and attentively to others and truly be enthusiastic about the ways the Lord has worked and is working in the lives of other people. 
     
I wasn’t sure I could possibly be any more excited about her coming to our very own parish to do two free concerts this weekend, but apparently I can.  I am beyond thrilled that the Lord has seen fit to bless us with her presence.  I hope you’ll join us if you’re in the area!  

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 16)


-1-

All Mainstream Media Writers Need to Know about Covering the Catholic Church: I’ve found two articles: How to Report on the Catholic Church and the other The Anti-Catholics Guide to Catholic Comboxes that cover the fundamentals that new writers, journalists, and bloggers in the mainstream media will ever need to know to move up in the world of unfounded, who-needs-the-facts reporting on the Roman Catholic Church.  Perhaps these two pieces could be combined in a quick reference desktop format. 

These pieces are as wickedly funny as they are disturbingly true.  Guys, thanks for keeping us laughing while keeping it real!

-2-

Running commentary: As those who know me are already aware, I absolutely love spending time with little ones.  Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to take care of one of my favorite little people while her parents went to Mass (Kevin and I had gone to another one).  I took Vivi outside to walk around and play behind our church.  It wasn’t long before I went into “running commentary” mode where, for purposes of learning and language acquisition, I describe everything around us and all the things we’re doing as we go.

I did this so often on walks with “my little guys” that they got to the point when they’d know what was coming next and tell me: fire station, library, church with bells that ring and at noon and 6pm play two songs…  I’m glad to know I haven’t lost this valuable time-with-toddlers instinct from my days as a nanny.  Apparently my “running commentary” switch still works.
 
-3-

The Power of the Sacraments:  Last Saturday evening, Kevin and I were reminded in a moving way of the power of the sacraments.  We went to Mass to support a friend who was coming into the Catholic Church.  We’d met Andrea (Andi), his fiancée, and knew her only a little better than Stephen.  We had no idea which Sacrament(s) of Initiation Stephen would be receiving.  We weren’t sure if family members and friends were coming from out of town to support him.  Truth be told, his roommate John didn’t even know the who or what, just the when and where for the event, but I guess that’s not a shocker since guys don’t tend to deal too much with details...

...It was beautiful to see the joy and anticipation on Stephen’s and Andi’s faces.  Seeing the two of them together on such a special day reminded me how incredible it felt when Kevin first started coming to Mass with me because he wanted to be there, participate in the Sacraments, and live what he learned.  Faith has been very important to Andi, and I was really excited for her as well, because I know how significant it is to have the love of your life open his heart to the Lord.  To read about the wonderful evening, click here.
    
-4-

She’s movin’ out and up: Last week, I helped my youngest sister pack and load up for her move to Ohio for her sophomore year at The Ohio State University.  I was trying to find the piece I’d begun writing on the experience, but then I remembered I’d saved it on my mom’s computer since ours was still in the shop.  It’s probably just as well, for now, since it was not the smoothest move out of the mother nest, though it definitely can’t beat our worst family move ever.    

-5-

Word to You Mothers:  All will be well.  If this isn’t the perfect description of motherhood, I don’t know what is.  My comment to the tired mommy: Actually, the doing your best but dead tired and desperately in need of the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness pretty much sums up the exhausted but got to keep going point for any vocation that is so very demanding in mind, body, and spirit.  The gift in all of this is that you are aware of the Lord’s love, His many blessings, and you treasure the precious moments with your children, can laugh at some of the inconveniences, and draw closer to the Our merciful Father in the midst of the storm… 

-6-

Recording Equipment On: We had quite a few mishaps when my youngest sister, who is 11 years younger than I am, would repeat and/or mess up something one of us had said and announce it to family, friends, guests, etc. at the most inopportune times.  Some of the mix-ups were just plain hilarious. 

Once my cousin had been telling us a story about how she'd been visiting UC Berkeley and had seen two women walking around holding hands wearing nothing but tie-dyed socks.  She added that she didn't think the two of them had ever seen a razor.  Most of this went right over my young sister's head.  Later when sister was retelling the story to someone and I heard her say that the two women looked liked they'd never seen a raisin.  Then she added, "I don't know how she could tell that, though."

-7-

Out of the Convent: As you know, I’m super-excited about this weekend because my favorite Catholic singer is coming to town!  I never thought I’d get to see Danielle Rose perform live (as she was in a cloistered convent for two years before discerning God wanted her to come out and continue her ministry as a music missionary).  Danielle Rose is coming to our church to do two free concerts this weekend.  If you’re in the area, join us!  Unable to make it to these awesome events, check out her website to read more about her education, vocation, amazing music, and her ongoing discernment.  Also take a look at the organization China Little Flower to whom she’s donating the proceeds from her fall concerts.  

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