Fierce Beauty: Choosing to Stand for What Matters Most by Kim Meeder

“You were not created to be a princess of entitlement but a warrior, fighting to bring love and hope to the world.”  -Kim Meeder

Powerful true life stories, masterful writing, deep faith, and persistent hope are four of the elements that make Kim Meeder’s Fierce Beauty a masterpiece.  I’ve read quite a number of Christian books over the years that deal with the topic of physical beauty versus inner beauty, but not many have explored the related pain and conflicts involved with such vivid imagery, lyrical prose, and spiritual wisdom as does this prayer warrior/author.  
     
I was blown away by the gorgeous settings for these accounts.  Kim Meeder is a lover of God and a strong admirer of all of His Creations.  Her penchant for adventure and exploration has led her into some crazy encounters with the wilderness.  She’s come face-to-face with Galápagos sharks, grizzly bears, and wild horses (just to name a few) and lived to tell the tales. 
     
Meeder steps out to confront life’s challenges with courage, humility, and grace.  The depth of her compassion and love for all those whom God has put in her life is inspiring to say the very least.
     
Breathtaking scenery serves as a stunning backdrop for these stories of suffering, sacrifice, triumph, and hope.  In some ways, I felt so taken in by the descriptions of the places the author was visiting that the reading experience occasionally made me feel as enthralled with the natural world as I was when reading the Pulitzer prize-winner Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard. 
     
Her actions, her insights, and her writing all show that Kim Meeder isn’t afraid to get covered in muck if that’s what it takes to bring healing and hope to people as well as animals who have been used, abused, and abandoned.  As stated on the back cover: “Along with her husband, Troy, she owns and operates Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch in central Oregon, a nonprofit organization that rescues abused and neglected horses and pairs them with disadvantaged children, offering them a place of safety, peace, and hope.”
     
If you like true stories, deep faith, triumph over suffering, people who care about people, gorgeous descriptions of nature, outdoor exploration, animals, masterful writing, God, Christianity in action…then you will absolutely love Fierce Beauty!   
     
I’m definitely adding Kim Meeder’s three other books—Hope Rising, Bridge Called Hope, and Blind Hope—to my wish list, and my guess is as soon as you read one of her books you’ll want to get the other three as well.  I don’t know that I’m daring enough for some of the extreme outdoor adventures Kim Meeder’s gone on, but I’m positive I would absolutely love to go to her ranch and meet her in her element some day.
     
For more info about the book or to order your copy, click here.  To read the first chapter of Fierce Beauty, click here. 
     
I received Fierce Beauty for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  If you’re a blogger interested in reading, check out their Blogging for Books program.    

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 26)

— 1 —

Why the New Missal Will Be Good for the Mass by Fr. Robert Barron is a very beautiful description of the reasons for the changes in the translation of the Roman Missal and examples of how much this more poetic version will add to the heartfelt prayers of the Mass.  Such huge changes can seem daunting, but I believe Fr. Barron is absolutely right: this is a richer translation of the Latin that will make us more attentive to what we're praying, and that the best approach is to accept this as a positive change.

— 2 —

There will be no turkey. Kevin and I have missed out on three Thanksgiving meals in the past 5 days because we've got the stupid virus going around. We had crackers and Sprite/Ginger Ale as our main Thanksgiving meal. Even with that, this still wasn't by any means at all the worst Thanksgiving I've ever had (which is a clear indication that our family has had some pretty horrendous Turkey Days over the years).

— 3 —

She really loves me!  My mom brought me a plate of Thanksgiving leftovers for lunch today while I’m nannying.  I still haven’t had turkey, since Kevin and I don’t eat meat on Fridays, but the mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots were yummy!  What’s more, I have a slice of Mom’s homemade apple pie waiting for me.   

— 4 —

Take it outside.  This morning after a few rounds of screaming, wriggling, wailing, I managed to get Vivi and her teething, congested little self dressed, so we could go outside for a bit.  It’s amazing how some fresh air and sunshine, a change of scenery, and plenty to look at will change a grumpy, crabby cutie into a serene, riding in my stroller, waving to the doggies babe.     

— 5 —

Double wide. That’s how we rolled.  When taking care of my two little guys, I got in the habit of taking them on a walk in the morning.  I’d put them in the double stroller, bring water and Cheerios or goldfish crackers, and we’d head out.  I usually took them down the alley and up a few blocks to one of the main streets.  I’d point out the different animals, flowers, trees, and things we saw on the way.  They got to the point where they’d tell me just before they could see what was next that they knew what was right around the corner. 

— 6 —

Bells ring! Two Songs!  Before we reached the church near Hank’s street, JG would point up at the bell tower and say: “Bells ring! Two songs!” since I’d told them that at noon and at 6pm the bells not only ring, but they also play two songs.  That tidbit of info really stuck in the day my husband came over and we all were looking at his watch counting down to when the bells would start to ring. 

— 7 —

Reconnecting with old friends.  Last Wednesday, Holly, my best friend from high school, called and asked if I wanted to go out for lunch.  We met up at Arby’s to grab a bite to eat and catch up.  She wished me a happy birthday, as we hadn’t seen each other since my birthday.  I did the same, as I don’t think we’ve seen each other since her birthday at the end of August.  It’s nice that no matter how long you’ve been apart and how far away you’ve lived, that you can still pick up right where you left off.  Wow!  The two of us have been through quite a lot together!  Thanks God for old friends who know us well, and love us anyway.  

Check out Jennifer Fulwiler’s 7 Quick Takes Friday.

The One Thing: Passing Faith Onto Children by Matthew Kelly

The One Thing was inspired by a father’s desire to pass his faith onto his son.  Within the framework of a middle of the night time spent holding his sleeping 10 month old son and wondering about what his life will be like, Matthew Kelly considers what he would most like to pass on to his child.  Through his thoughts and prayers that evening, Kelly gives a brief synopsis of the beauty and focal points of the Catholic faith along with a summary of the “becoming the best version of yourself” principles he explains and describes in his other books.

     
Adorable photos of his son, Walter Patrick, and the agape love characteristic of the parent/child bond are examined.  Kelly wishes to share the profound love, affection, and joy he has experienced as a father with his son as the first and best way to introduce the young man to the Catholic faith.  The centrality of Jesus Christ’s True Presence in the Eucharist as the fundamental Truth around which our faith revolves, is fueled, and set on fire is the crux of love and sacrifice he wants to pass on.   

Of course the closest you can get to loving someone unconditionally will be the best, most welcoming, and inspiring introduction to the Source of all Love and the most poignant glimpse of how God cherishes each one of His Children.

     
Matthew Kelly’s approach has often been to simplify the important lessons in faith and life and show people practical ways of how they can live them out.  He’s identified, simplified, and summarized the essentials he wishes to pass onto his son, thereby reminding each of us that our true presence and genuine love and compassion for others are two of the most important evangelization tools appropriate for all age levels. 

     
This little book may very well be a catalyst for parents, young adults, and grandparents to rediscover Catholicism, possibly even through Kelly’s other books, his conferences, or his DynamicCatholic.com website.

     
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 One Thing. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.

Texts from Your Mom

     What would you think and do if someone whose number you didn’t recognize texted

“How are you doing?” 

     A friend of ours responded (as many would) with: “Who is this?”

     “Your mom,” was the reply. 

     Figuring this must be a joke from one of his friends, he played along.

     When he was out on a Saturday night, he received a text from the same number: “how is your foot doing?”

     “It’s turned a weird shade of green,” he texted.

     “Remember to get more bandages.”

    “I forgot to pick them up at Walmart.”  Later on, he texted something about not forgetting to bring the Minute Maid. 

    Sure, it seemed sort of strange that someone was texting him over a period of several days asking about his foot (when he hasn’t injured it), telling him someone named Ingrid would bring things for him (when he knows no one named Ingrid), and talking about meeting up when the person had never given any identity clues, but again, our friend assumed it was one of his friends just playing a joke on him, so he kept playing along.

     Last night, he got a voicemail from

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 25)

— 1 —

40 Days for Life Breakthrough: God does work MIRACLES! Listen to Sue tell her hope-filled story, and listen as she pulls back the curtain to reveal Planned Parenthood's dirty little secret. We just posted the recording of her testimony online 

— 2 —

A few of my least favorite things.  This week I was reminded of what a bummer it is to take care of a little one who’s feeling sick.  Poor snuggle bug got her first virus this week.  I was reminded to bring an extra set of clothes with me—since nannying is like a water balloon fight—you never know where or when you’re going to get hit.  Wiping down furniture, carpet, toddler, and my clothes brought back memories from similar episodes in babysitting/nanny adventures dating all the way back to eighth grade.  This experience again increased my already undying gratitude for my mom.  
  

— 3 —

Mama said there’d be days like this.  When I was little, I was in the habit of getting an ear infection and congestion that would lead to vomiting just about every time I cut a tooth.  Throwing up is hands-down one of my least favorite things to do.  I often end up pulling muscles and feeling just as bad if not worse right afterwards.  I’ve been offering this bout of nauseated puking misery up for those who feel nauseated most of the time due to a chronic illness, invasive treatments, and/or acute morning sickness.  Lord, give them hope in the midst of their suffering.

— 4 —

Afternoons with Grandma.  My mom’s mother, who’s 88, is the only grandparent of mine still living on earth as well as in my heart.  Actually that’s been the case since I was eleven years old.  She’s been the faithful, caring presence for our family during countless crises over my lifetime.  Her persistent hope, consistent faith, fervent prayer, strong will to live, and determination in the midst of tremendous suffering as well as her willingness to come to fly to wherever we lived at the time when my mom called for backup has taught me so much about what it means to be a Catholic woman, wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, friend…  Lord, thank You for the witness of my grandmother’s faith and devotion to caring for family.  

— 5 —

Human Concerns: Is anyone scared? As reflection for the Human Concerns Core Team meeting, a woman read the homily Fr. Michael Renninger had given at our parish the weekend of August 7^th.  I was very excited to hear the sermon, as those he’s given over the years have been some of my absolute favorites!  My mom had told me about the sermon since we’d had a different priest at the Mass we’d gone to that weekend.  Be not afraid to click here to read the whole sermon. 

— 6 —

When in Rome… do as Catholics have for centuries: eat, pray, love, participate in the sacraments, embrace the rich history, be part of a papal audience, enjoy time with your friends...  The best indication of a great pilgrimage to Italy, a one line e-mail is the only correspondence we received: “Dear Trisha and Mary and Theresa, I am having a great time and doing fine...no time for internet chats though.”

— 7 —

Rolling in the Deep  Sometimes when I find a song I really like I’ll play it over and over again for several days in a row.  Lately this has been my first Youtube music pick.  I like Adele’s rich voice, the catchy melody, and the samurai-looking dance that’s part of her video.  The dance piece makes me think of some of the contemporary and modern pieces I’ve seen at Hollins and a few of the pieces performed by my sister Theresa over the years.   

     Check out Jennifer Fulwiler’s 7 Quick Takes for this week.

Human Concerns: Is Anyone Scared?

     Last week, I had the blessing of attending the Red Mass, then immediately heading across town for proof positive of what I’d just heard in Bishop DiLorenzo’s homily, which served as a state of the union address for the Diocese of Richmond.  I hopped in the car after Mass to go to the biannual Human Concerns Core Team meeting at our parish. 

     I honestly can’t think of more inspiring, hope-filled evidence that Catholics in our Diocese are indeed in the trenches addressing the areas of suffering caused by our culture of death than attending this meeting.  Each person in attendance that evening is truly passionate about serving those in need as Christ served others: compassionately, selflessly, and with great love. 
     Though their ministries varied considerably as did their particular types of involvement, one thing remained clear: action, reflection, and transformation are powerful signs of the Holy Spirit working in and through them and the many they serve whether feeding the homeless, visiting the imprisoned, praying to end abortion, doing missionary work in Haiti, standing up for persons with disabilities, or giving underprivileged children a head start. 
    As reflection for the meeting, Bridget read the homily Fr. Michael Renninger had given at our parish the weekend of August 7^th.

Compassion: Living in the Spirit of St. Francis

Compassion: Living in the Spirit of St. Francis is a rich, well-researched study of the selfless brand of agape love by which the saint from Assisi was known.  I was pleasantly surprised to find some truly beautiful excerpts from poems in addition to a number of references to religious classics that are lovely lyrically.       

     
It is evident that author Ilia Delio, O.S.F., has captured the essence of Christ’s self-sacrificing love in her description of St. Francis life and service to others.  Thoughtful Scripture reflection and carefully chosen passages from literature, religious classics, as well as quotes from more recent books give this work a well-rounded feel instead of the more academic one a straight biography of St. Francis would be likely to have.  Each chapter ends with a meditation and some reflection questions to help the reader examine his/her life to gauge caring quotient and compassion reactiveness.         

     
One of my favorite passages from Chapter Five, I marked and have shared with my husband and also read it as the closing prayer at a Human Concerns meeting.  The paragraph begins with “Compassion is a way of being in relationship with another that accepts the other in his or her weakness and responds to the needs of the person with mercy.  In this way, compassion is Eucharistic…” (p 58)  The relationship between mercy, Eucharist, and compassion is powerfully made here.  Next the author includes a very poignant poem by Graziano Marcheschi called Tabernacles which perfectly describes humility and reverence due the Blessed Sacrament…and each person, who is made in God’s image. 

At times, I was a bit thrown off by the high number of quotes in a book that seemed at first glance like it would be more of a reflection than a dissertation or a research paper.  However the works cited (of which there are fifteen pages at the end) certainly add to and explicate the message of mercy. 

     
From Chapter Eight to the end of the book, the topic seems to shift more from spirituality and how St. Francis lived to a scientific and sociological analysis of how technology and its implications in our current society have adversely affected people’s aptitude for and tendency towards compassion.  These are certainly important elements to consider since so many people are plugged in practically 24/7 and not spending as much face-to-face time communicating. 

    
I’d definitely recommend this book for all Catholics, as compassion is certainly key to living a Christian life, and St. Francis modeled the virtue in very inspirational ways.

     
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 Compassion: Living in the Spirit of St. Francis. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible.

The Red Mass, Custer's Last Stand, & the Diocese of Richmond

     In many ways, Bishop DiLorenzo’s sermon at the Red Mass held at St. Benedict Church Thursday evening, November 10, 2011, was a state of the union address for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond.  As is his tradition, Bishop DiLorenzo began his homily with a story from history.  He talked about how he’d not been satisfied as a young boy when he’d read about the outcome of Custer’s Last Stand.    

     Lieutenant Colonel George Custer and the Seventh Calvary were sent to force the large Indian army back to the reservations.  Bishop DiLorenzo talked about how Custer and the Seventh Calvary were sent into a situation they had no idea was going to overwhelm them just as the people of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond are sent into the culture of death, which can seem as if it will overpower us at times. 

     Catholics are faced with a number of issues that could ostensibly seem as though they are too great to be combatted. 

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 24)

— 1 —

Not Quite The Camino, but Definitely the Longest Possible Route! Kevin and I had to laugh at our silly sequence of events that morning. We’re doing the Five First Saturdays devotion, and I didn’t have the pamphlet with me that has all of the requirements in it. I joked with Kevin about the possibility of receiving an extra blessing for doing a pilgrimage on the way to Mass on the first Saturday of the month. We certainly took the longest possible route. If we’d just stayed where we were, we would have been early!

     Lord, thank You for opening my heart and Kevin’s so that we are drawn to praise You through the sacrifice of daily Mass, no matter how long it takes us to get there. Amen.

— 2 —

Picture this!  My mom called me on Sunday evening to come over to Planned Parenthood to take pictures of the 40 Days for Life Closing.  I grabbed our camera and headed over.  I saw many people I recognized gathered across the street from where I parked.  My mom and several prayer warriors who have been involved in the campaign for many hours and many years were standing on the sidewalk with candles and flowers.  I was the most surprised to see Kay Marie Geiger, who I hadn’t seen since her husband Joe Geiger’s funeral the week before.  Talk about dedication!  I’d considered taking pictures then, politely slipping out, as it had been a long, busy weekend, but I couldn’t bring myself to leave since Kay Marie was there.

The 40 Days for Life Closing prayer at the vigil was beautiful, complete with candles, roses, and music!  Thanks Valerie and Chris for putting everything together.  Dinner at Baker’s Crust afterwards was scrumptious and spiritually edifying.  What an amazing group of people God has brought together to respect and protect the sanctity and dignity of human life from the moment of conception!   

— 3 —

40 Days for Life Breakthrough: https://40daysforlifebreakthrough.com/ Join us for the LIVE teleconference and web simulcast Monday, November 14, 2011 at 9:00pm Eastern (6pm Pacific)

During this one-time-only phone and web event, you will join with thousands of others to learn:

* The stunning results of this fall's 40 Days for Life ... which point to even BIGGER victories in 2012
* The breaking news that's about to expose Planned Parenthood's dirty little secret ... this shocking
story has never been publicly revealed -- UNTIL NOW!
* Why these next 12 months are crucially important ... and how our pro-life movement is positioned to
achieve massive, life-saving success on many fronts
* The innovative strategic plans -- four years in the making -- about to be unleashed to help mobilize more people, change more hearts and minds ... and save more lives than ever before
* How YOU can help make a profound impact on ending abortion ... right where you live!
This is the great news you've been waiting for, and it's absolutely free to attend -- however, the limited spaces for the event are filling up fast ...so REGISTER NOW at:https://40daysforlifebreakthrough.com

— 4 —

Heaven is for Real  Last week, I’d finished reading this awesome book, but I hadn’t yet written the review.  I said to check back for the full assessment of Heaven is for Real later.  Here it is!

— 5 —

The Red Mass In many ways, Bishop DiLorenzo’s sermon at the Red Mass held at St. Benedict Church Thursday evening was a state of the union address for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond.  In case you’re wondering, though there are many issues to be addressed that may seem overwhelming at times, our bishops, priests, deacons, religious, married, singles…are in the trenches, hard at work fighting against the culture of death, and the many ways it manifests itself. 

— 6 —

The Human Concerns Core Team I can’t think of a better follow-up activity to the Red Mass than going to biannual Human Concerns Core Team meeting at St. Michael the Archangel parish.  A roomful of men and women who are passionate about their ministries joined together to discuss how their outreach has been Christ to others through action, reflection, and transformation. 

— 7 —

Prayers for a Safe, Joyful, Enriching Pilgrimage Lord, please bless those who are leaving tomorrow for their pilgrimage to Italy.  Keep them safe from harm, illness, and injury.  Enkindle in them the fire of Your love, especially as it is manifested through the gift of the Mass and the Eucharist.  Open the hearts of Your faithful, refresh their spirits, and strengthen them in their dedication to putting You first and foremost in their lives.  Amen. 

Heaven is for Real

Several months ago the father of the family my husband and I have 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 the 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.”

     
This miraculous story of a young child’s time in Heaven is beautifully written, Scripturally supported, and full of hope.

     
I was very excited to open this birthday present, not just because I’d finished another book the night before, but also because I really wanted to start Heaven is for Real.  I always love it when a book is even better than I’d imagined it would be.  I knew only a little bit of Colton Burpo’s story, mainly what I’d heard when we were out to dinner one evening, and I had no idea how such an intriguing subject would be covered, especially when the visitor was only four.

     
The matter-of-fact, tell-it-like-it-is attitude children have can be incredibly endearing and undeniably cute.  One of my favorite things about this book is that the story is told in much the way it was revealed by Colton to his parents: in bits and pieces, over a period of time, and in the simple language of someone who still loved playing swordfights and wasn’t too old to get away with wearing superhero costumes complete with a cape pretty much year-round.

     
It feels even more genuine and authentic that Colton’s description of his time in Heaven isn’t just plopped into the book.  His memories of his time there, whom he saw, and what happened trickled out in the days, months, and years following his near-death experience.  His parents might mention something or Colton would ask them a question out-of-the-blue that caught them completely off-guard, something that showed he had knowledge of people, circumstances, and Biblical descriptions that he couldn’t possibly have learned about from his parents or Sunday school teachers.   

Heaven is for Real made me think of my dad.  Before he passed away, he used to ask a lot of questions about what I thought Heaven might be like, who would be there, etc.  This confirmed some of the answers we gave him and shed light on some he’s gotten to experience firsthand, ones that must have been glorious surprises. 

     
I highly recommend this book!  The book is beautiful, authentic, deeply moving, well-written, and definitely a must-read. For more information about and/or to order a copy of Heaven is for Real, click here. 

Sons of Cain

     Sons of Cain is an action-packed page-turner with spiritual and political intrigue that hits eerily close to describing our world’s present culture of death.  There is definitely a sense of darkness and evil versus goodness and light that goes far beyond the usual conflicts addressed in most of the high stakes adventure novels I’ve read over the years (which, by the way, are also too numerous to count).

The Truth of Catholicism: Inside the Essential Teachings and Controversies of the Church Today by George Weigel

The Truth of Catholicism: Inside the Essential Teachings and Controversies of the Church Today
     “The Catholic Church is, arguably, the most controversial institution on the planet; and it is certainly the world’s most controversial religious institution.” (pg. 2)

     
I am amazed by how well George Weigel covers the basic tenets of the Catholic faith, even the most controversial hot topics, by illustrating the Biblical, historical, and spiritual richness and beauty of the Church.  His approach is to explain the fundamental Catholic teachings that answer ten questions representative of the most prominent modern debates. 

    
Using a journalistic style that keeps the reader engaged and weaving in relevant passages from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numerous encyclicals by Pope John Paul II, and other official Church documents, Weigel presents the questions, concerns, and objections that are most common, then responds with well-researched evidence as to why the Church teaches what it does and why it’s imperative that it continue to do so. 

     
The author incorporates some of the most beautiful writing on human sexuality (outside of the Bible, of course) in his chapter entitled “How Should We Love? Celebrating the Gift of Sex.”  He cites explanations from Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, which is hands-down the most loving, freeing, life-giving expression of human sanctity, dignity, and sexuality I’ve ever read.  This chapter is a perfect example of how Weigel tackles tough moral questions with precision, accuracy, and a deep appreciation and understanding of the Truth as the Lord has revealed it through His Son Jesus Christ and those commissioned to pass on the One True Faith. 

     
The Truth of Catholicism is one of the best resources for Catholics and anyone else who wants to know the Truths about the Church and moral teachings based on the Bible, and explained with sound doctrine that doesn’t change or amend itself as our culture suggests. 

     
If you would like to find out more about this book or order your own copy, click here. 

The Longest Possible Route

     This morning Kevin and I were planning on going to Mass at St. Benedict’s for first Saturday.  We thought Mass was at 8:00 am, and we arrived a bit early, but the priest was nowhere in sight and the gentleman who usually does the readings and assists the priest at daily Mass left the building. 

     We figured Mass must have been cancelled for some reason, so we went back out to our car.  Kevin said I should call John and let him know since he’d planned to meet us for Mass at St. Benedict’s.  I reminded him that he also has a phone and could give him a ring (along the lines of helping Kevin recall that I’m not his secretary/administrative assistant, though I would make an awesome one). 

      I thought that Mass at St. Bridget’s on first Saturdays was at 8:30, so Kevin suggested we just go over there.  We drove the ten or so minutes over to that church.  The parking lot was pretty full, but no one was going into the church.  A moment after we walked in the foyer, we discovered why.  Mass had already started…probably at 8:00am.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 23)

— 1 —

Our Boo Baby, Theresa’s Birthday. To my sister Theresa: For quite some time, basically since you were born, perhaps even sooner, you have been a very special blessing.  The Lord knew just when our family would need an extra infusion of love, cuteness, fun, and joy, and that’s when He gave us you.  When you were a baby, we loved to hold you, feed you, play with you...I treasured the many precious moments we spent together as you were growing up…God has, can, and will use your mind, body, and spirit in powerful ways to reach His people, love in and through You, and bring others closer to Him. 
     My hope and prayer for you as you learn more about yourself, the world, love, sorrow, tears, and laughter, life, death, joy, and peace is that you will come closer each day to recognizing and accepting that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by the Lord (Psalm 139). 
     I love you lots, Theresa—always have, always will!

— 2 —

Birthday fanfare.  I called Theresa early on the morning of her birthday, knowing that she had a full day ahead of her and that I’d have the best chance of talking with her before she was off and dancing.  Interestingly enough, she’d lost power in her room, so she was actually grateful that I’d called early to wish her a happy birthday and send her my love, because her alarm clock wouldn’t have gone off.  As part of Theresa’s birthday gifts, I used beads from a necklace from Africa given to me years ago by my uncle Dave and Aunt Florence as well as some natural tone wood and shell beads to make a pair of earrings and a mobile for Theresa in honor of her studying African dance, being in a faculty piece, and aspiring to go to a dance festival in Burkina Faso next summer.   

— 3 —

911, EMT Response, and ER Etiquette: Tuesday morning did not start out well at all. Our alarm went off, and a few minutes later Kevin tried to walk down the hall. He was feeling dizzy so he leaned against the doorframe. The next thing he knew he was falling. I heard a terrible thud in the hallway and came running. He’d fallen face down on the hardwood floor and was bleeding from his head…click here to read about the rest of the adventure we had that day.

— 4 —

So History Doesn’t Repeat Itself…watch this video on the Holocaust and share it with everyone you know.    

— 5 —

“You have the opportunity to glorify and honor God...” –Gianna Jensen A brief, powerful message from a woman who survived a saline abortion.  The abortionist signed her birth certificate.  Christ captured her heart, and she has set about doing His work and thanking Him for saving her from “the silent holocaust.”

— 6 —

Two Amazing Ministers of Post-Abortion Healing: Seeing Joseph (Joe) and his wife Kay Marie Geiger 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.  Joe and Kay Marie possessed the rare, deeply cherished gift of being loving, gentle, truly present listeners. Such tangible acceptance and openness to others made them such powerful witnesses to Christ’s self-sacrificing love. 

     Joe and Kay Marie 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.  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.

— 7 —

“The Saint That Is Just Me” All of us are called to be holy. Each one of us is called to be a saint, but as Danielle Rose shares in her latest song “The Saint That Is Just Me” God isn’t interested in you becoming someone else so you are sanctified and more Christ-like. He wants most for you to become the saint He’s created you to be.
     Lord, thank You for the gift of so many holy men and women to show us how to love You and one another. Help us listen to Your still small voice in the silence, so that we may, indeed, become the saints You have called each of us to be. Amen.

Head over to check out the 7 Quick Takes Friday by their creator, Jennifer Fulwiler at Conversion Diary.

Call 911, EMT Response, and ER Etiquette

The Accident

     Tuesday morning did not start out well at all.  Our alarm went off, and a few minutes later Kevin tried to walk down the hall.  He was feeling dizzy so he leaned against the doorframe.  The next thing he knew he was falling.  I heard a terrible thud in the hallway and came running.  He’d fallen face down on the hardwood floor and was bleeding from his head.  Fortunately, my husband was still conscious.  Unfortunately that meant he heard me yell when I saw him as I ran for something to press on the bleeding cut.  There was blood running down his face and splattered on the floor. I couldn’t tell how deep the cut was, but it looked deep enough that I needed to call 911, so I did.  First time the call wouldn’t go through. Second time it worked.  Apparently this was a foreshadowing of the slow progress to come.    

EMT Response Part I

     I’m not sure how long it took the ambulance to make it to our building, but I know it took the two EMTs a long time to make up to our place.  They were still out in the street messing with different gear when I came down the first time to see if they’d arrived and needed help getting in.  I thought another EMT with a greater sense of urgency may have come in another entrance, but one hadn’t. 

     I motioned for them to come in, but they took their time.  I still don’t understand why they didn’t come up with minimal gear at first and check to see how bad the bleeding was.  Instead they were out in the hallway, asking me if the elevator in front of them is the only one the building has.  I answered their questions and had to listen to the male medic say a number of times that he couldn’t figure out how we’d moved into our place.  The elevator is small and can’t fit much in it.  So what, my husband’s upstairs with low blood sugar and his head’s bleeding.  This is not the time to discuss minor modern marvels. 

EMT Response Part II

All Saints’ Day: All You Holy Men and Women, Pray for Us

One of the many things I love about the Catholic Church is that we learn about and venerate the men and women throughout history who have said yes to living out God’s will for their lives, and have thereby become sanctified and holy.  The first and foremost among all saints is the Blessed Mother Mary who said “let it be done unto me” to everything God asked of her throughout her life.  She is certainly the “Queen of all Saints.”   

     
The communion of saints is very diverse when it comes to their life circumstances, vocations, and expressions of faith, yet a common thread links them all together: they put the Lord first in their lives and served those in need as though they were taking care of Jesus Christ Himself.     I’ve read a lot about the saints over the years.  Kevin and I read about the saints for each day from a book I reviewed a while back aptly named Saint of the Day.  What an eclectic and sometimes eccentric bunch some of them were!  They said and did some remarkable things as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit to bring others closer to the Lord.  Some of the stories are actually quite gruesome and bizarre (usually the martyrs).  Others are so inspiring, like that of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Blessed Pope John Paul II, that they are known throughout the world. 

A few of my favorite saints are: St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Teresa of Avila, and Blessed Mother Teresa.  When we had the opportunity to help come up with possible names for our youngest sibling, I suggested the name Theresa because of St. Thérèse the little flower, Blessed Mother Teresa, and a childhood friend with the name who I remember being very brave.  (Yesterday was my youngest sister Theresa’s 20^th birthday.)    

Not long ago, our parish priest did a one man play on “Damien.”  I’d read about this saint who had worked with lepers, but not until seeing the performance Fr. Dan Brady put on, did I realize the depth of suffering and sacrifice St. Damien of Molokai had undergone willingly in order to serve the sick and dying quarantined to an island that was hell on earth. 

Another priest who underwent tremendous suffering and persevered in order to serve the Lord is the late Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan.  I have a strong feeling that this man will someday be proclaimed a saint.  To find out why, check out his book The Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison and the Road of Hope DVD made about his life.

Those of us who had the special blessing of meeting music missionary Danielle Rose when she came to Richmond in September 2011 witnessed the Lord Jesus Christ shining through her gentle, loving spirit quite beautifully. 

     
All of us are called to be holy.  Each one of us is called to be a saint, but as Danielle Rose shares in her latest song “The Saint That Is Just Me” God isn’t interested in you becoming someone else so you are sanctified and more Christ-like.  He wants most for you to become the saint He’s created you to be. 

    
Lord, thank You for the gift of so many holy men and women to show us how to love You and one another.  Help us listen to Your still small voice in the silence, so that we may, indeed, become the saints You have called each of us to be.  Amen.