I love my mom! This is one of the many gazillion reasons I’m grateful
for her example as a strong Catholic woman of faith!Here she is wearing a bright yellow poncho,
holding a red umbrella while smiling, praying, and taking a stand at the 39th
Annual March for Life.
No
young women there?! It has been a mainstream media tradition
to disregard the fact that hundreds of thousands of people come together to
stand up for life.The past two years, I
remember reading some particularly
ridiculous commentary on the lack of young women at the March for Life best
summed up here.The journalists must
never have been to a March for Life.If
by no young women there, they meant that there weren’t any women between the
ages of 40-70, they’d be completely wrong.If by “young women,” they were referring to women in their 30s, wrong
again.If they meant, college age women aren’t
represented, they’d be sorely mistaken. (Check
out this video.)If “young women”
refers to early teens and young girls, then that
argument doesn’t hold water, either.
-4-
Are you
offering God everything?Check
out this short video, a very powerful reminder given by Kimberly Hahn and shared
by Jennifer Fulwiler (host of 7 Quick Takes) that everyone and everything in
our lives belongs to God and is to be used for His glory.
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Live out your faith at work: Faith at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the
Paycheck is an in-depth look at how and why we can
and should strive to live out our Christian values in the workplace.I really enjoyed this book.The personal stories, the concrete ideas and
suggestions at the end of each chapter as well as the reflection questions
added to the Scripture-based reasoning for making Christ-like behavior and a
closer relationship with God and others your two main goals…Read
more here.
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Hooray
for great dads! You’ll love this
magnificent post“Some
Things Moms Can’t Do” from a hilarious Catholic blogging husband and stay-at-home
dad!My comment at the end was: “What a
blessing that your children have a father like you.Many don't have a good male role model, for a
variety of reasons, and everyone benefits from seeing a man who loves the Lord,
respects and loves his wife, and adores his children.”
-7-
Prayers
all around. This
week several people have requested prayers for a variety of reasons.Kevin and I are praying some extra ones for
those who are suffering in mind, body, and/or spirit as well as for all who
love and care for them.Perfect
Physician, Wonderful Counselor, Holy Comforter, draw us closer to You, Lord.
Faith
at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck is an in-depth
look at how and why we can and should strive to live out our Christian values
in the workplace.I really enjoyed this
book.The personal stories, the concrete
ideas and suggestions at the end of each chapter as well as the reflection
questions added to the Scripture-based reasoning for making Christ-like
behavior and a closer relationship with God and others your two main goals.
Through quotes from the Bible, the Catechism, popes and saints, Kevin Lowry
underlines the importance of putting God at the center of our lives and gives
practical advice on how we can do that even at work in ways that are socially
acceptable and likely to open the hearts and minds of others to Christ. This book also resonated
deeply with me is because it often made me think of the ways my husband has,
through his strong work ethic, moral sense of responsibility, and the genuine
care and concern he has for people, been a Christ-like witness to his
co-workers.It’s kind of interesting
that what seems so natural for him has to be studied and learned by
others.I know his friendliness and
compassion for others has had a much more profound effect on his co-workers
than he even realizes.
Several of the
questions also made me think of my supervisor at work, who is one of the
kindest, calmest, gentlest, most loving people I know.I have talked with people at work about faith
and passed along various religious and spiritual books I’ve read, but it would
be hard for me to say if I’ve been able to make a difference just by who I am
and what comes naturally to me. I love that Lowry
includes tips and suggestions that are reasonable and help us accept the
sanctifying grace that can come to us through our jobs, if we know where to
look and how to respond when we find the challenges. I highly recommend Faith
at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck the book and the practice.The whole time I was reading it, I was
praying for a friend who has been really stressed out by her job lately.I think I’ll deliver this book to her
doorstep with a note of encouragement. 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 Faith at Work: Finding
Purpose Beyond the Paycheck. They are also a great source for a Catechism of the Catholic
Church or a Catholic Bible.
Not too long ago, I found myself watching Stuart Little the based-on-the-book movie starring Hugh Laurie and Geena Davis with the two elementary school boys I was babysitting.I have to say my favorite part was watching Hugh Laurie be a sickly sweet and concerned father to a young boy and a talking mouse.It’s been years since I read the book by E.B. White.My mom and a number of other people are fans of the popular TV show House, but I don’t particularly enjoy watching Hugh Laurie play a bitter, rude, sarcastic, pompous, jerk of a doctor, brilliant though he may be.
Now before people think that I am all for kids spending hours in front of the TV instead of playing games, reading, doing their homework, building with Legos, playing outside, and arts and crafts, let me put in my disclaimer: when I was nannying for my two little guys, we didn’t watch TV during the 11 hour days that I had them.
The only time I turned the TV on so we could watch something was when I brought over the DVD of my sister Theresa’s dance recital, so they could see the numbers she was in.A few times I’d brought them with me to her dance classes and/or dress rehearsals, and they’d really enjoyed them, so I figured it would be fun for them to watch.
I can still remember driving to Theresa’s dance class one day with Jack riding in the backseat when I told him we were going to see Theresa dance.From a very early age he was quite vocal, so upon hearing this, he began chanting “Teesa Dance! Teesa Dance!”When I told him that it was likely my mom would also be there to watch the class.He responded with an enthusiastic, “Trishamommy?!” which is what the boys called my mother, aka the grand-nanny.
On the way home from a very lively dance class with the subsequent loud music and repetition, Jack was pretty riled up.The whole way home, he chanted, “Teesa dance! Teesa dance!Boom, boom, boom!” He inserted a: “Trishamommy” every once in a while for good measure.
I viewed it as a good sign when the elementary school boys I was taking care of were confused when they got to come home from school and watch movies.One of them had a fever and needed to rest, so their mom okayed a double feature for the afternoon/evening.
I knew this wasn’t their normal afterschool activity.At one point, the youngest asked if all they were going to do while their mom was gone was watch movies.I clarified that this was allowed only because one of them was sick and because their mom had said it was all right.With that reassurance, he finished his homework, practiced piano, then he joined his brother and me for Stuart Little 2.
Absolutely! Respect Life has to do with a great deal more than just abortion.That’s one of the many issues, but it’s not by any means the only one about which people are called to care.I love the way our pastor helped bring the full scope of respecting life to the forefront today.
He asked people in the congregation to stand and remain standing if they had ever…helped support a woman facing an unexpected pregnancy, visited someone in prison, taken the Protecting God’s Children Virtus Training, helped in any way with CARITAS, sponsored a child in Haiti, done outreach for the Holy Family cluster ofparishes in Appalachia, helped with the Job Assistance Ministry (JAM) at our parish, anyone who's been involved in Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) retreats, supported the Special Olympics or participated in anything to support persons with disabilities, helped immigrants who sought aid through our parish, received e-mails and taken action on legislation through Virginia Catholic Conference (VCC), visited someone who was homebound or hospitalized, helped care for a relative a who was sick or dying, comforted someone who'd lost a loved one through bereavement support…
Fr. Dan Brady’s list included a wide range of ministries, large and small acts of kindness, and daily practices that promote and protect the dignity of human life from conception to natural death.The majority of the congregation was standing by the time he’d gone through all of his list, then he finished his message by asking everyone to stand who would commit to doing something to respect life, and then he had the entire congregation on their feet.
One of my Christ Renews His Parish CRHP sisters, Nancy had us over for a luncheon this afternoon after 11:15am Mass.We talked about the sermon, and many mentioned that they were kind of surprised at some of the things Fr. Dan included as being part of respecting life.Many people hadn’t considered that something as seemingly simple as providing an item for the bake sale to help raise money for a group of Sudanese boys to attend school counts as an action that supports life.Looking around the table, I reminded a number of my CRHP sisters of what they’ve done that has become second-nature to them that falls under the category of Respect Life ministry.
Lord, thank You for the multitude of ministries and ways you’ve given us to serve those who are suffering in mind, body, and/or spirit.Help us be even more open to the needs of those around us and the ways in which you’d like to work in and through us to meet those needs.Amen.
I thought it would be fun to make a list of books I read last year. I've likely left some out inadvertently, as I read quite a bit, but here's what I can recall for now. If you're interested in what I thought of any of these books, you can look up the the book title under my book reviews.
1.Who
Is Jesus Christ? by Eric Sammons 2.The
Seven Levels of Intimacy Matthew Kelly 3.Set
Free to Love by Marcel LeJeune 4.The
Practice of Healing Prayer by Francis MacNutt 5.Soulprint:
Discovering Your Divine Destiny by Mark Batterson 6.Truth
for Your Mind Love for Your Heart by Fr. Alfred McBride 7.Life
Inspite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson 8.Burst:
A Story of God’s Grace When Life Falls Apart by Kevin Wells 9.unPLANNED
by Abbey Johnson 10.Parenting
on Purpose by Jason Free 11.How
to Listen so Kids Will Talk by Dr. Maryln Appelbaum 12.The
Eternal Messiah: Jesus of K’Turia by W. R. Pursche and Michael Gabriele 13.Blessed:
Living a Grateful Life by Ellen Michaud 14.Surviving
Depression by Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP 15.Holding
on to Hope by Kathryn J. Hermes, FSP 16.Lazarus
Awakening: Finding Your Place in the Heart of God by Joanna Weaver 17.Recovering
Faith: Stories of Catholics Who Came Home by Lorene Hanley Duquin 18.Secrets
of the Vine for Women by Darlene Marie Wilkinson 19.Streetwalking
with Jesus by John Green 20.You
Were Born for This by Bruce Wilkinson 21.How
to Talk to Kids so They Will Listen by Dr. Maryln Appelbaum 22.Atheist
to Catholic—Stories of Conversion by Rebecca Vitz Cherico 23.The
Road of Hope: A Gospel from Prison by Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan 24.The
Chocolate Diaries by Karen Scalf Linamen 25.Catholic
Update Guide to the Mass by Editors of Catholic Update 26.Rediscovering
Catholicism by Matthew Kelly 27.Dion
the Wanderer Talks Truth by Dion DiMucci with Mike Aquilina 28.Christianity
and the Crisis of Cultures by Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVIm 29.Enemies
of the Heart by Andy Stanley 30.Reiser’s
Ramblings by Fr. Bernard Reiser 31.Dug
Down Deep: Building Your Life on Truths that Last by Joshua Harris 32.I’m
a Stranger Here Myself by Bill Bryson 33.The
Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson 34.The
Evangelization Equation: The Who, What, and How by Fr. James A Wehner 35.The
Church and New Media by Brandon Vogt 36.The
Amazing Sacrament by Fr. Stephen Redmond 37.Celebrating
the Holy Eucharist by Francis Cardinal Arinze 38.Dogmatics
in Outline by Karl Barth 39.Becoming
the Woman God Made You to Be by Tammy Evevard 40.Sinner
by Lino Rulli 41.Raised
Right: How I Untangled My Faith from Politics by Alisa Harris 42.Church
Folk by Michele Andrea Bowen 43.The
Truth of Catholicism by George Weigel 44.Sons
of Cain by Val Bianco 45.Heaven
is for Real by Todd Burpo 46.Compassion:
Living in the Spirit of St. Francis 47.The
One Thing by Matthew Kelly 48.Fierce
Beauty by Kim Meeder 49.Transition
Tips and Tricks for Teachers by Jean Feldman 50.Story
Engineering by Larry Brooks 51.A
Catholic Christmas by Kathleen M. Carroll 52.Hope
Rising by Kim Meeder
Why I Love Religion,
and Jesus.Check out this is a very
well-done response to the popular Youtube video of a poem Why I Hate Religion, But Love
Jesuswhich brings up some interesting
points about the pitfalls of false religion, but fails to recognize some
factual truths pointed out in Why I Love Religion, and
Jesus.
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Nothing
Is Impossible with God:I was
thinking about that truth from the Bible a lot last weekend.My sister Mary was installed as a deacon at
Christ Presbyterian Church.I’m not
surprised that my sister has been chosen as a ministry leader in her church,
especially since she and her husband, Jordan, have long been doing the prayer
in outreach in their church and neighborhood that would be customary of people
in such a role.What’s amazing and truly
miraculous is that my sister has done more than survived, she’s thrived since
she joined the church’s youth group back in high school.She’s been through an awful lot in her life,
and God’s turned it all into good, as only He can.Thank, You, Lord Jesus!
Who are you today?Since I substitute regularly at school
both for academic teachers from the toddler class up through middle school as
well as work in Montessori Enrichment, it’s not unusual for people to ask me, “Who
are you today?” I know that they mean who are you subbing for today, but that’s
not what they say.I’ve gotten in the
habit of introducing myself, “I’m Trisha,” though most people know me there,
then I add, “and today I’m subbing for so-and-so.”It catches people off-guard which can be fun.
-5-
The Waiting Game Lately the combination
of different substituting, babysitting, nannying, afterschool club teacher mix
I juggle has kind of been up in the air.I’m doing my best to roll with it and not worry about what’s next.As of yet, I don’t have enough kids signed up
to run either of my afterschool clubs, so I’m postponing the start date for one
more week to give parents more time to get their forms and fees in.I know it will all work out one way or
another, and I’m grateful to have work to do even if I’m not certain what the
combination will look like over the next few months.
-6-
I remember you! Since
I am the lead teacher for several of the different summer camps held at
Richmond Montessori School, many children recognize me when I come into their
classrooms to substitute.Some will
remember my name.Others recall I’m “Miss
Trisha” and ask me if I remembered having them in camp.A little boy approached me while I was
subbing in his class yesterday to ask me if I remembered when he found the
beetle during Nature Camp.I did recall
that occurrence.It’s really fun to see
what kids learn, remember, and take in.They’re such little sponges!
-7-
Respect Life Sunday This
weekend is Respect Life Sunday at our parish.Kevin and I have had so much going on with work, family, ministry
things, that we decided that it would be better for us right now if we didn’t
commit to one more thing.I thought I
might feel tremendously guilty not helping set everything up and man the tables
as I have in previous years, but then I recalled some of the more day-to-day
things Kevin and I have done in recent months that most definitely fall under
the category of respect life, and I felt better realizing it’s become a way of
life for us, not just an occasional Sunday.
Sermons are as varied as the clergy who give them, but I
agree with Fr. James A. Wehner, S.T.D. (Sacrae
Theologiae Doctor), author of The + Evangelization + Equation= The Who, What, and
How, that the best ones contain valuable
lessons in faith formation.An off-the-cuff
(or the collar as it were) homily that’s more a stroll down memory lane for the
priest than a strong illustration of Scripture readings, holy days, an edifying
look at the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church, the lives of the
saints, or even a spiritual insight that really brought home one of Christ’s
teachings seems like a waste of valuable time to me.
I
have seen how true it is that Mass is and ought to be treated as the primary
tool for faith formation.If the priest
does little more than describe part of his childhood, maybe tell a few funny
jokes, and offers the congregation nothing more substantial that he’s doing a
disservice to the assembly.The numbers
of people in the pews as declined for many reasons over the years, but how do
we expect to change that if the minister serving in persona Christi doesn’t
prepare a suitable sermon to feed his flock and help nurture them in the faith? You’re missing the mark if when given the microphone to break open the
Word of God, you put little more thought, effort, study, and prayer into it
than you would a spontaneous toast at a friend’s birthday party.
I’m still not quite sure what to say.Winnie, Tom, and Sambo are cuddled up on the couch watching me write this to you.It’s interesting that I’m often surprised that people are willing to trust me with their valuables and most prized possessions.In a way, I feel honored.At other times, I feel like shouting a huge warning that I’m not worthy to receive something that is so important and meaningful to someone else.
It’s an ongoing struggle within me that was brought to the surface again today.As you described the dear memories you have of your most beloved stuffed animals, most of all Winnie-the-Pooh, but Tom and Sambo, too, and that you had been giving things away in preparation for entering the religious life, I wasn’t sure what part of the process of making peace with the past and moving forward you had come to and wanted to share with me.
I still feel incredibly humbled that you have felt comfortable and safe enough with me that you’ve shared some of your most difficult struggles, hopes, and desires, along with the many spiritual experiences you’ve had over the years.
Sometimes I’m not sure of the appropriate response when given a gift that has so much sentimental value to the giver.I imagine I looked rather bewildered when you explained the significance of the three well-loved friends you felt led to pass on to me.Obviously, these have been very special treasures for you for a number of years.They’ve caught your tears, been with you in good times and bad, and it is a tremendous sign that you are preparing yourself in mind, body, and spirit to enter the religious life that you are ready to let them go.
This weekend, Fr. Jim gave the homily at St. Michael’s for 5:30pm Mass, and he spoke about the Epiphany, of course.He said that we are called to give God the most precious gift, that which we have been holding back from Him.Anything or anyone that keeps us from the Lord must be sacrificed on the altar in order that we can serve God first and foremost.More and more your treasure has been in doing the Lord’s will.
The material possessions that brought you comfort and held memories for you were evidence of people and circumstances in your past, but the Truth of who you are is at your core and in God’s heart.No thing, no accomplishment, no possession from another person could possibly embody all that is you.
Detachment from things that we’ve felt we’ve needed to cling to in the past in order to remember who we were, what we’d been through, or who cares about us, is a growing process that allows more room in our hearts for God’s love and affection for us.
You have done on some level what parents do with their children, and what God has and will continue doing with you: you have loved what was given to youthe whole time they were in your care, then with thought and, eventually, prayer you discerned who should receive your comforting trio.God is doing a similar work in you. He’s loving you completely, though He knows most intimately all of your bumps, bruises, scars, insecurities, fears, and pain.
I understand all too well what you mean about your tendency to dive in head-first.I have often done the same thing, and it has led me to the same place of feeling worn-out, confused, lost, and hurt.Diving into God’s will is the only whole-hearted plunge we know will always bring us closer to Him.
God knew from the time He knit you in your mother’s womb that you would be a very passionate person.By submitting to Him, He will be able to use that for His glory and honor, for the salvation of souls in time and eternity.
One thing that I learned and need to be reminded of is something that Danielle Rose speaks of beautifully in her song “The Saint that Is Just Me” is that God doesn’t want or need for me to be someone else in order to serve Him.He wants me to be the best version of myself, the saint that only I can become.
It has been so easy for me at times to think that God can possibly work in and through me.I figure that I’m too broken and damaged for Himto use me to reach others.That’s what the devil would most like for us to believe, that we are useless and worthless.Those are lies.You are not too old, too broken, too damaged, too anything that God isn’t able to do amazing things in and through you.The world may say that we should have things figured out by a certain age or a certain time in our lives, but those who are wise know that discerning God’s will is a lifelong process.
I’m reminded quite frequently that God’s timing isn’t ours, that what we think should happen or figure would be best often isn’t even close to the amazing blessings and miracles the Lord wishes to shower upon us.He’s got some wonderful plans for your future, and when it’s imperative that you know the details, He’ll let you in on them.In the meantime, just stay close to Christ, remain in love with the Lord, and you will be shown the way.
It’s very important to me that you know that I care deeply about you and that your trust and willingness to be vulnerable with me means a great deal.
I’m not quite finished processing all of this, but I want to send you what I’ve written so far, rather than wait, to let you know that I am indeed touched by your gift.
Love, hugs, and prayers, Trisha
Note to reader: I wrote and sent this note to a dear friend this week, and she gave me her permission to share it on my blog along with the picture of her companions from childhood.
Dumb Blonde Jokes
Illegal in Austria.You’re just
going to have to read this post by Matthew Archbold of Creative Minority Report as
well as the comments beneath it, because, well, just do it.My comment on thispriceless post was: “Matt, thank you for alerting us to this bleached
breach of peace and political correctness in our society.It never occurred to me how extremely
dangerous our country and world has become particularly because dumb blonde
jokes are allowed to fly rampantly.This
sheds new highlights on everything and will certainly help us get to the root
of the problem before the rest of us become tragic victims of the blonde
bombshell.Somebody should alert
Homeland Security immediately as to the true security risk out there.TGIF indeed!”
-2-
The Epiphany
and Total Consecration Connection:I was very excited I’d remembered to bring the remaining Total Consecration packets that had been on a bookshelf at our apartment.I invited everyone present at the CursilloEpiphany party last Friday evening to take one with them.
After
experiencing a deeper conversion when I first made myConsecration to Jesus through Mary while in high school, you’d think I
would have made it a higher priority to get these powerful prayers in people’s
hands sooner than later, but I didn’t. Thank you, RayMooney, and all who have been working so hard to spread the word about this
most beautiful and powerful devotion.For more information or to place an order for your own FREETotal Consecration packets, visit the MyConsecration website.
-3-
Death Row ConversionsThistrue story of conversion is absolutely amazing.I say amazing rather than unbelievable,
because the Blessed Mother has had a pivotal part in my husband’s conversion as
well.Of course, Kevin’s never been on
death row, but he definitely used to be at cross purposes with anything
Catholic.
-4-
My Patron Saint for
2012.I figured I’d go ahead and use Jennifer
Fulwiler’s Saint’s Name Generator to find out who my patron saint is for this year.I’m not all that surprised by the result: St. Joan of Arc.I find it interesting that the patron saint
of France would be the one I picked for this year, considering the next section
of the spiritual memoir for me to write is about my time in France and what
came from that period of my life in terms of prayers, healing, and Truth.To find your patron saint for 2012, click here.
-5-
Sisters, Sisters…Sunday afternoon, the
women I served on team with for Christ Renews His Parish, and I made the trek
over the golf course and through the woods to Nora’s for a deliciously
wonderful Epiphany party.Laughter,
hugs, time to catch up, delectable food, and great people made for two
spectacular get-togethers this past weekend.Kevin came with me for the first one, but he opted out of the second
one.
-6-
The Virtue of Hope The
only things I asked for this Christmas were for three books by the
inspirational Christian author, Kim Meeder.I’ve finished reading all three books of hers that I’d requested and
received from Kevin, and I’m still examining the hints of hope in my own life
and faith journey.I have a strong
feeling it will play an important part in the theme of the spiritual memoir I’m
working on about how God brought Kevin and me together and has continued to
draw us closer to Him.
-7-
Elect Officials with
Hope Kevin and I aren’t usually really inspired by politicians, for the
obvious reasons, but over the holidays we met with someone who has given us a reason
to believe there is hope for some on the political scene.While he was home to visit family, we met
with a friend from J. R. Tucker High School who is running for Mayor of Orlando, Florida.I hadn’t known Mike Cantone all that well in high
school, though we did work on the Gavel newspaper staff together.We’d been in touch a bit more frequently over
Facebook ever since he asked me to pray for his mom.
I don’t think Kevin
and I had ever heard someone speak so passionately and genuinely about helping
the poor (outside of a church or ministry setting) as we did the evening we met
with Mike Cantone.I had no idea how bad the poverty is in
Orlando, and I certainly had no clue that the current mayor has made it illegal
to feed the hungry in public parks before we spoke with him.More than anything else, Kevin and I have
found hope that Mike Cantone has
seen fit to enter this race clear that the social injustices in Orlando need to
be fixed and that, grounded in a strong Catholic faith and a solid track record
of subsequent outreach efforts, he is obligated to try to turn things
around.
Lord, help us each to listen to Your still,
small voice as we discern how it is You would like us to serve those in our
lives.Amen.
Because Kevin was
driving, we only got a little turned around on the way to the Cursillo Epiphany party at St. Gabriel’s
Church last Friday evening, instead of completely lost as we would have been if
I’d been driving (I’m exceptionally good at getting undeniably lost) or if John
had gone on his own (he thought it was at St. Edward’s).At least we didn’t stop and ask some crazy
control freak for directions on the way like the three wise men.
Anyway, I’d been
looking forward to the party for a while, eager to see members of our Cursillo family that we hadn’t caught up
with in too long.It was no surprise
that Faith and Rob Grubbs did a wonderful job hosting the event.
There was plenty
of food, as is traditionally the case with Cursillo
events.A friend of ours was told that
there wouldn’t be much to eat when he made his weekend a number of years ago,
so he packed a whole suitcase with snacks and things, only to find out that his
sponsor had been kidding.If you go
hungry on a weekend, it’s your choice—never a lack of food—that’s the culprit.
It was wonderful
to be greeted with lots of hugs and smiles.The joy-filled fellowship began as soon as we walked in the door and
lasted the entire evening.
I was very
excited I’d remembered to bring the remaining Total
Consecration packets that had been on a bookshelf at our apartment.They weren’t doing anyone any good on our
shelf at home. I’d given a number of
them to family, friends, the gentlemen on a discernment vocations retreat, my
Christ Renews His Parish sisters, etc., but many still remained.
Once Faith got
everyone’s attention and led us in saying grace, I got to say a word about the
Preparation for Total Consecration.I invited everyone present to take one with them.
There were only
four packets left when we were ready to head back over the river and through the
woods to go home, and Faith had said she’d take any remaining ones to her
prayer group.I was ecstatic to have
been able to share a gift that, for countless people around the world and over
the years, has brought them to another level of faith and devotion.
