Sunday, October 30, 2011

A Truly Gentle Man: Joseph Francis Geiger

Seeing Joseph (Joe) and his wife Kay Marie together always touched my heart very deeply. I don’t know that I’ve seen many other married couples who have shared such a profound love, tenderness, compassion, and gentleness as the two of them did.
   
The last time I saw Joe and Kay Marie was soon after he was recovering from surgery. When I showed up at the hospital, Kay Marie was right by his side, as per usual. They were both paying close attention to the speech therapist who’d come to teach them the exercises that Joe would need to do in hopes to regain his ability to eat and drink again.
   
Not wanting to disrupt or distract from this important lesson, I stood at the end of his bed and acted out the exercises he was supposed to do as the speech therapist described them and had him try to do them, too. Joe did the best he could with each one, and then with a smile admitted he didn’t feel that it wasn’t right for him to be sticking his tongue out at ladies.
   
Joe and Kay Marie possessed the rare, deeply cherished gift of being loving, gentle, truly present listeners. They made you feel as if you were the only person in the room when you talked with them. Their compassion and love for one another spilled over onto each person who came to them. Such tangible acceptance and openness to others made them such powerful witnesses to Christ’s self-sacrificing love.
   
They were always so humble and unassuming, warm and inviting. Looking at them, I could just tell that God loves them both so dearly. His presence is so strong at work in and through them. Their marriage was such a sacred witness to the vocation and Sacrament God has always intended it to be.
   
Saturday morning, October 29, 2011, Kevin and I attended Joe’s funeral Mass held at Church of the Epiphany. The Memorial Mass was truly a celebration of Joe’s life, his strong Catholic faith, his Christian values, and the legacy of love he has left behind.
   
A number of family members and friends had gathered for the Mass, including seven priests. (Former Epiphany pastor, Monsignor Shreve, who led the ceremony when Kevin and I married there Sept. 4, 2004, was one of the many priests in attendance.) Joe and Kay Marie had worked closely with a number of priests as they headed up the Rachel’s Vineyard post-abortion healing retreats in the area for many, many years. Because of their work in this ministry, I found myself smiling at the funeral, thinking of how many babies would be in heaven ready to greet him when he arrived. A number of mothers and fathers who had abortions over the years found a great deal of Christ’s healing in their lives when they encountered the loving presence of Joe and Kay Marie.
   
Joe and Kay Marie have been two people that have deeply touched my life and many others. I joined others in praying for the repose of Joe’s soul at the same time feeling that God would surely welcome such a kind, gentle, Christ-like son into Heaven with open arms.
   
To read Joseph Francis Geiger’s obituary, click here.
   
Lord, thank You for the gift of Joe Geiger. Have mercy on his precious soul and wrap Kay Marie, his daughters, and all the loved ones mourning his loss in Your love as You bring peace which passes all understanding to all in Your role as Holy Comforter. Amen.

Friday, October 28, 2011

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 22)


— 1 —

A Gift from God: The friend we gave the baby shower for a few weeks ago gave birth to her son Nathan today October 28, 2011 at 4:15am. He’s 21.5 inches long and weighs 8.152 lbs. He and his mommy are doing just fine. Please pray that continues to be the case as they ease into their new life together now that he’s left the womb.

— 2 —

Heaven is for Real Several months ago the father of the family we’ve been “adopted” into was telling us about a book that sounded like it would be a great read. He described some of what he’d heard about Heaven is for Real, and I knew immediately I wanted to read that book. Those of you who know me as a voracious reader and rapid reviewer will understand that with so many books coming in for me to read and review, I don’t often buy books. I was planning on purchasing this one, but when out with my husband one Saturday, he said not to bother looking for it. I knew that was code for I already ordered it for you. The book is beautiful, authentic, deeply moving, well-written, and definitely a must-read. I started it yesterday and finished it today, haven’t even written the review yet, but had to mention it here. (Check back for the review.)

— 3 —

“I wish everyone would write a memoir.” –Jennifer Fulwiler Interestingly enough this is one of the 7 Quick Takes from the originator of this trend. I’ve been thinking a lot about working on the memoir about how God brought Kevin and I together and closer to Him. A number of incidents, blessings, and circumstances have reminded me how miraculous it is that Kevin and I ever became a couple, that my husband ever returned to the Catholic faith, and that we both have grown so much it’s mind-boggling, humbling, and certainly reason to praise God. I’m gathering that getting back to writing our memoir is part of how God would like to be praised and glorified.

— 4 —

Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton has become a favorite for Vivi and me. The other day I scooped her up suddenly and gave Vivi a big hug and a kiss (She’s absolutely adorable, super-loveable, so gets many hugs and kisses from me throughout the day). When I put her back down, she went over and picked up the Snuggle Puppy book and handed it to me to read as she backed into my lap. My heart melted. The book is a great one that includes a cute song and kisses. It’s quite a catchy tune, so it sticks in my head for a while afterwards (not just because she usually wants me to read it to her multiple times in one sitting). I was telling Kevin about how she’d brought it over for me to read to her, and when he came over she brought it over to him to read her. She climbed up on the couch next to him and gave him kisses on the right pages. Too precious! His heart melted, too!

— 5 —

Birthday Celebrations: I enjoyed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday meals out as birthday celebrations with some of my fave peeps. I had lunch with my mom. Wednesday Kevin and I had dinner with John and the Baab clan (including Vivi and her mom). Carl, John’s dad, has the same birthday as mine, so we had a joint party at a local barbecue joint. Last night, Kevin, my mom, my sister Mary, and her husband Jordan, and I had a scrumptious meal at P.F. Chang’s. Jordan’s birthday’s on Sunday, so it was also a joint celebration. My youngest sister Theresa called me sometime after 10pm to wish me a happy birthday. It was good to hear her voice and catch up with her a bit.

— 6 —

A Nanny Again: I can’t tell you how much joy it’s brought me that I get to take care of Vivi, who is definitely one of the cutest little ones on the planet.  I’ve babysat for a number of children over the years, even after taking care of my two little guys, but this is the first time since then that I’ve considered offering to care for someone for 20+ hours over three days a week long-term. I knew it was the right thing for them to do at that time, but I was heartbroken that I wouldn’t be taking care of the boys when each of their mom’s decided to quit their 60+ hour a week jobs to stay home. I went through a tough mourning period once I no longer was taking care of my little guys for 54 hours a week. Not until recently had I thought about nannying again, though I absolutely adore children, because of how attached I get. Kevin and I knew God was telling me I was ready to let another little one into my heart and life that I have and will love almost as much as I would one of our own.

— 7 —

No Greater Love: This past week, a friend of ours passed away after having spent two months in the hospital. Joseph Francis Geiger was a remarkable man, husband, father, grandfather, and minister. He and his wife Kay Marie have led the Rachel’s Vineyard ministry in our area for a number of years. Seeing the two of them together was such an amazing testimony of true, selfless love. The tenderness, compassion, concern, and gentleness they had toward one another amazed me. Please join Kevin and me in praying for the repose of Joe’s soul, for Kay Marie, his dearly beloved wife, and his family who are deep in the throes of grief over such a tremendous loss.



Thursday, October 27, 2011

Lead us not into temptation

     This part of the “Our Father” has confused me at times. It seems sort of silly to ask God to not lead us into temptation, but within the context of the whole prayer, it makes more sense. Of course, the Lord isn’t going to lead us into temptation, but He’s also not going to protect us from ever being tempted. His guidance will always point us to what is holy, loving, kind, gentle, and Truthful, but that doesn’t mean He doesn’t allow us to be tempted.

     My husband and I have begun doing the Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary by St. Louis de Montfort, and the subjects of the past two days have been temptation and sin. This reflection on the “into” of the “Our Father” by blogger Jennifer Fulwiler of Conversion Diary is a perfect exploration of what is addressed in the excerpts from The Imitation of Christ that we are reading this week.
     The passages talk about the importance of rooting out sin from the very beginning, not letting it sink into our conscious and become something that’s almost comfortable for us to think about, say, or do.
     There are some areas of my life in which I know I’m likely to fail, though I don’t keep on guard, nor do I fully trust in God’s grace to help me do the right thing. Of course, I feel bad that these weak patches exist and team up with holes in my faith. It certainly serves to make me more aware of my desperate need for grace and forgiveness, which isn’t such a bad thing.
     On one hand, it’s reminded me that we are going to be tempted, that no amount of progress in the spiritual life will suddenly make us above all temptation.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Birthdays: A Life Chain Reaction

Last February my mom felt she was being called, yet again, to lead a 40 Days for Life campaign in Richmond, VA. John, who my husband Kevin and I refer to as our dear brother in Christ/best friend, decided he was going to promote the local campaign that was part of the international prayer vigil by talking with two of the groups that meet on Friday evenings. I offered to go with him to spread the word about our local efforts to end abortion through prayer and fasting.
    
A young man named James was attending the Charismatic Prayer Group meeting the night John and I spoke to the group at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. James expressed an interest in taking part in 40 Days for Life, and he shared a story about how God had already used him to save two lives that had been in jeopardy.
    
Not too long after that, I saw James at St. Benedict’s daily Mass, and he asked if he could give my contact info to a friend of a friend who was facing an unplanned pregnancy in another city. Of course, I said yes, and thus began a new friendship and a sequence of Holy Spirit-inspired incidents only the Lord could have foreseen.
    
In the spring, John’s mom Cathy and I went out to meet the young woman, listen to her story, and provide her with the numbers of local pregnancy resources available in her area. We prayed with her and assured her that she would have our ongoing prayer coverage and whatever of other types of support she needed on the journey.

Fastforward to the Fall--->

    
On Saturday October 15, 2011 (during the Fall 40 Days for Life Campaign), Kevin, my mom, and I threw a baby shower for the young mother. It was wonderful to meet many of her friends and introduce her to many of our friends and family who have been praying for her and pitching in various ways since last spring.
    
The Holy Spirit showed up in some very powerful ways that day as we talked, ate, laughed, chased two little ones around the house, prayed, cried, sang, drank hot tea, then talked and prayed some more.
    
Lord, thank You for the gift of new life and for a number of people who have come together to support a young woman with no family in this country, so she would know the depth of Your love for her and for her son.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Raised Right: How I Untangled My Faith from Politics


I selected Raised Right: How I Untangled My Faith from Politics because it seemed a bit off the beaten path in light of what I’ve read most recently.  In reading the back of the book’s jacket and the praise for the work printed on the first two pages, I feared I’d made a mistake in choosing a book that would make my blood boil because the author denounced (with alleged Biblical support) all that those fighting to protect the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death stand for. 
     
I’m relieved I was wrong that Alisa Harris would rant and rave about how she was brainwashed in her youth to believe that conservative Republicans were good and moral, but then when she reached adulthood came to the realization that Democrats are the only ones who really fight injustice.
     
Some passages did make me horrified: by man’s inhumanity to man and the narrow-minded thinking that makes people believe they have all of the answers and none of the corruption other parties, organizations, and groups have. 
     
I’m impressed by how Alisa Harris critically considers many of the justices and injustices of our society in a thought-provoking way that shows holes in the there’s one perfect, God-sanctioned political party that all Christians must support. 
     
Though most of her arguments and research have come through reasoning, experience, and intellectual debate, the Biblical truths that we are all made in God’s image and loved by Him are what have remained in her heart, mind, and soul throughout her life.  Our world will be a radically different, significantly better place when we accept those two Truths and live our lives accordingly.
     
Jesus brought division by calling for equality and unity that many others refused to accept because it meant treating gentiles, women, tax collectors, the sick, sinners, and the poor as human beings with dignity.
    
Harris reminds us in Raised Right that God and His love are greater, more powerful, and more merciful than any political party, organization, or group.  Sometimes, it’s necessary to get back to the basics where love prevails, all human life at every stage is sacred and protected as such. 
     
I’d certainly recommend this book for those willing to pick apart politics and get to the heart of the Christian message in order to find the Truth, especially if it means questioning what they were spoon-fed in their youth.    
     
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. 
     

Thursday, October 20, 2011

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 21)


-1-
Best Baby Shower Ever! Last Saturday we threw a baby shower for a woman from Kenya who is going to have a baby boy in the next couple of weeks.  She has no family in this country, has had quite a few struggles during her unexpected pregnancy, but she has a very strong faith in the Lord, a group of friends who have rallied around her, and many prayer warriors to lift her up.    The Holy Spirit was present in very powerful ways that day for all present to witness!  Her story reminds me of one of my all-time favorite songs by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, “So You Would Know.” 
     Our prayers that the mother and her son would indeed feel God’s love and plans to give them hope and a future were answered in awesome ways!  Thank You, Lord Jesus!
-2-
Continued Computer Conflicts: We’ve been without a computer (that works) at home for over a week now.  I have lots of reading and writing to catch up on, but I’m still waiting for it to be fixed. 
-3-
Total Consecration: When I was 19, I made my first Preparation for Consecration, and I can honestly say that was a major turning point in my faith journey and in my life.  Yesterday, Kevin and I began doing the 33 day preparation for consecration to Jesus through Mary.  I never thought we’d be doing this together.  Praying this book of powerful prayers, the Rosary, and the Prayer to Mary for the Conversion of a Loved One are three of the main ways the Holy Spirit inspired me to intercede for Kevin’s mind, body, and soul when he’d fallen away from the Church and the Sacraments.  If you'd like to make your consecration or learn more about this proven method to bring you closer to Christ, check out www.myconsecration.org.    
-4-
Post-purchase jitters: After much heated debate, prayerful discernment, and hours of research and discussion, my husband is going to pick up the motorcycle I finally agreed he could purchase.  I'm doing my best not to flip out that I've agreed to a purchase I fear will harm our marriage and may result in serious injury.  I'm hoping in this case to have my fears that I'll be fighting a losing battle with a motorcycle for my husband's time and attention are proven absolutely unfounded.  Please join me in those prayers.  Thanks.   
-5-
Dad on my mind: Yesterday, actually a number of times this week, I've had my dad on my mind and heart, and therefore in my prayers.  I've been wearing a pair of his warm-up pants, one of his well-worn old T-shirts, and his fave Notre Dame sweatshirt when lounging around the house.  A friend came over yesterday to help me get our place organized, and I discovered a card from my dad in the process.  Our dear brother in Christ mentioned he was going to go to the gym to lift weights, which definitely made me think of my dad, since exercise was very high up on his list of priorities.  I recalled that the first time in 11 years that I arranged to spend time alone with my dad, we went to Arby's for lunch, then he took me to American Family Fitness to guide me in a work-out.  He took such pleasure in introducing me to the many friends he'd made there as his oldest daughter.  I was very grateful they'd become like a second family to him.   
-6-
Costumes Galore: As I've related elsewhere, my youngest sister had quite an affinity for costumes when she was little.  She had a number of Disney princess dresses in addition to a pretty wide selection of dance costumes my mom's best friend purchased wholesale at a nearby company.  I'm thoroughly amused that the little princess insisted on going everywhere in costume for a few years of her life, now that I'm no longer a teenager worried what others will think.  It's actually kind of funny that she still has a closet full of costumes that she wore in countless dance recitals and performances over the years.  Her attire for performances more recently hasn't been nearly as fairytale, princess, or diva-like as in years past, but she still has a closet full of costumes at home, which seems quite fitting for a baby born on Halloween while my other sister and I were out trick-or-treating.  Love you lots, miss you much, Theresa!  
-7-
Kenya hear me now: What a tremendous blessing it was this past weekend to be surrounded by so many amazing women and men of faith from Kenya!  Madrine,a dear friend of ours who moved here from Kenya with her two children when I was in high school, shared some wonderful stories about God's Providence and the miracles He's worked in her life, in part, through some of the others present.  This powerful prayer warrior had many of us in tears when she called down the Holy Spirit on those of us gathered that day.  Lord, please continue to bless Madrine and her unwavering devotion to do Your Will and glorify You.  Amen.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Called by Name

   A great deal of thought usually goes into naming a child.  The names of family members and friends, saints, persons in the Bible, and those with special meanings are considered when it’s time to choose a name for someone. 
     It’s pretty easy to distinguish those who know us from those who don’t even over the phone by how they say our name.  If they call us by our full name when we usually use a nickname or if they completely butcher our first and/or last names, we know they probably are reading off of a list and don’t know us at all.
     God is different.  He knows and loves us more intimately than anyone else.  He never forgets who we are.  He never confuses us with one of our siblings or one of our friends.  The Lord doesn’t have a number assigned to each one of us because it would be easier than remembering the names of everyone ever born. 
     We respond differently when someone knows our name.  We recognize the voices of those closest to us, and we are familiar with what and how they call us. 
     Names and their meanings are so important that the Lord told Joseph what he and Mary were to name their only Son, Jesus, who would be referred to as Immanuel, which means “God with us.”
     We have been called by God, the One who created us, into an intimate relationship with Him.  God knows us better than we know ourselves.  He knows everything about us and still loves us unconditionally.  He has called us by name and has chosen us to take part in His plan for mankind’s salvation. 
     He knows all of our strengths as well as our weaknesses, and He wants us on His Team.  He could reveal His power to whomever He chooses, yet God has come to call us by name—or if it suits Him to change our name to fit His plan for our future as a new creation—as He did with Bible figures formerly known as Abram, Saul, and Simon.  God doesn’t categorize us by a name, stereotype, or even our sinfulness.  He sees us as His children created in His Image, beloved and precious to Him.  When we accept His love, forgiveness, and mercy, we are better able to submit to the promptings of the Holy Spirit working in and through us to fill us and others with His love.  How do we respond to the loving call of the Lord Jesus Christ?

 Note: This reflection is dedicated to the participants of the Women's Cursillo Weekend that took place Oct. 13-16, 2011 at the Abbey.  It originally appeared in the October 2011 edition of The Rooster Review.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Sinner by Lino Rulli

If the old adage that you’re only as sick as your secrets is true, then Lino Rulli may actually be pretty healthy.  In Sinner- The Catholic Guy's Funny, Feeble Attempts to Be a Faithful Catholic, he’s straightforward, even about subjects most people would go to great lengths to avoid, such as being: rejected by women, tested for and diagnosed with Prostatitis (the first two aren’t necessarily related, as far as I know), arrested for underage drinking and vandalism, a lack of direction in life, and a multitude of sins.
     
Some passages of the book are laugh out loud funny, and others seem to be more an exercise in pushing the envelope in terms of subject matter shared outside of a confessional or a doctor’s office.  One thing I appreciated about this work is Lino Rulli’s honesty.  He approaches life and wrote this book certain of a few things: 1.) he’s made a lot of mistakes and fallen short in many areas of his life 2.) truth and honesty are best for purposes of humility and humor 3.) the Catholic Church is both the ultimate safe haven and vessel of healing for sinners.     There are certainly some who would be very put-off and offended The Catholic Guy’s Howard Stern sort of approach to the faith, and others who will find his brand of humor hilarious.  A number of sections—regardless of your taste in humor—will prick your conscience, make your jaw drop, and possibly even lead you back to the Sacrament of

Lino Rulli is a sinner.  He’s sorry, and he knows it, writes about it at length, and may very well thereby lure some fallen away Catholics back to the grace and mercy that God provides through the Sacraments.
      
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 Sinner- The Catholic Guy's Funny, Feeble Attempts to Be a Faithful Catholic. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.
     

Friday, October 14, 2011

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 20)


-1-
Computer Woes: These are going to be really quick since our computer’s crashed again, so I’m using my mom’s laptop at her place, and it’s been a long week so I’m ready to crash. 
-2-
Just Like Newlyweds: This evening a woman at church asked Kevin and I how long we’d been married.  She was surprised to hear that it had been seven years since we act so much like newlyweds.
-3-
Co-ed Baby  Shower: Tomorrow’s the day we’re joining together some of the main people in our friend’s life to throw her a baby shower.  Please pray that all goes well and that the mom and son will feel the Lord’s love and plans to give her hope and a future.
-4-
40 Days for Life: I’m very grateful that my mom has been such an amazing prayer warrior and strong supporter of respect life efforts of all different types.  If it weren’t for my mom’s openness and involvement in the pro-life movement and our dear brother’s decision to go and speak to two different prayer groups at our church about 40 Days for Life last spring, a friend of a friend wouldn’t have thought to get in touch with me when someone they knew became pregnant.    
-5-
Swagger Wagon: is the fun Youtube video I’ve been playing repeatedly this week.  I’m digging the family friendly raps. 
-6-
Seeyasoon!  The adorable 19 month old I’ve been taking care of has a super-cute habit of saying: see ya soon, bye-bye as two words.  She’ll pick up her purse, or mine, and head to the front door saying: “Seeyasoon, ba-bye.”  Too cute!    
-7-
Kenya Connection: I’m very excited that tomorrow we get to introduce some of our friends from Kenya who now live in Richmond to some other friends from Kenya who are in the country for four years of college.  It will be awesome to have so many amazing, strong men and women of faith under one roof.  To God be the glory, honor, and the praise! 
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