Trisha’s No Holds Barred Travel Tips

1. Just because someone walks quickly doesn’t mean she knows where she’s going and won’t        get lost.
2.    In the event that you will be sharing a room with someone, find out in advance if/how the          person does with jet lag and getting adjusted to time changes.
3.    All are welcome to join in the fun when there’s a wedding reception in Ireland; you don’t have to know anyone in the wedding party or even among the guests.
4.      Take care in biting into day-old baguettes.  The dentists might be on strike that week.

5.      Some taxi cab services will not come to a large train station, they’ll want you to give them a specific address.  Condemned buildings in the ghetto do not constitute a specific address in their eyes.

6.      Desperate times call for desperate measures.  If it’s your only viable option to accept a ride from a complete stranger in the middle of the night, make sure that there are no bodies in the trunk before getting in the vehicle and have in mind that if necessary, you must be prepared to jump out of a moving vehicle if it becomes imperative to your survival.

7.      Mind the gap in England.

8.      Tourists look up.  If you want to blend in, make sure you don’t walk into poles in the middle of the sidewalk while admiring the ancient architecture.

      9.      A shockingly high number of Europeans are of the mindset that pedestrians don’t deserve the right of way when crossing the street, even at a designated crosswalk, so when in doubt run for your life. 

      10.  Insurance will not pay for the transportation of your body back to the United States if the accident was your fault.

      11.  In the event that you accidentally miss your stop while riding the train, do not pull the emergency break of the train located in passenger cars whether or not you speak the language of the country fluently. 

      
12.  It is ill-advised to choose a hotel based on an outdated Let’s Go guide, unless of course, you have no problem with a hotel that has narrow hallways, toothless receptionists, no bathroom doors, spiders in your bed, and/or rooms directly above a very popular bar and/or dance club.

13.  Always be prepared for a torrential downpour.

14.  Keep some change with you, especially in countries where they make you pay to use public bathrooms.

      15.  Be extra careful eating any desserts with large amounts of whipped cream on top.  Check                 the windows, your jacket, your companions’ attire, and nearby patrons for any free            
            ranging/far-reaching white dollops.

     16.  In some locales, the mere act of asking for the check will cause the server to avoid you for an hour or more especially if you aren’t fluent in the language.

      17.  Do not leave your luggage unattended in airports, train stations, subways, etc.  In some countries, the security measure taken when items are left unattended are to seize them and take them somewhere they can be destroyed.
      18.  If someone in an airport terminal tells you he can’t tell you ahead of time how much it will cost for him to make you a sandwich, get grub elsewhere assuming that astronomical add-ons would be involved.

19.  Make sure to notice the exits in your hotel in the event that other guests have not learned the basics of fire safety or smoking faux-pas.

20.  Before making reservations at a particular place, ask if the opening to the shower is wider than 60cm. (especially if you are). 

Relentless: The Power You Need to Never Give Up

This book serves as an insistent reminder of how we are called to be when it comes to following Christ: Relentless!  The main message that God’s grace empowers us to overcome the struggles and temptations in this life is supported through a number of different Scripture passages as well as personal examples from Pastor John Bevere’s life. 

     
Prayer and perseverance are key as we move towards our eternal goal of Heaven.  These essential elements are explored and expanded upon as they can be applied to our daily lives. 
     
I was bothered by some of what Bevere wrote.  I found certain passages to be quite contradictory and was disappointed to find the same major misconceptions regarding the Catholic faith that are common among Protestant pastors, even those who supposedly have some experience with the Church.  One example of such misunderstanding that really jumped out at me can be found on page 98 where the author asserts that “For some reason, many people believe that godliness is exemplified by not having enough.  In extreme cases, some people even take vows of poverty in their service to God.” 
     
Bevere goes on to suggest that such a vow is actually against Biblical principles, which is really absurd.  Jesus and his Apostles, many religious, saints, and even laypeople have responded to God’s call to live a life that is simple and detached from the materialism that is espoused by our world.  A very prominent example of this is the life of Saint Mother Teresa.  She vowed to live a life of poverty, not because she thought God wouldn’t provide her with whatever she needed in abundance, but because she trusted more than most do that this would be the case, so she and the Missionaries of Charity were dedicated to serving others and relying completely on the Lord for the food, medicine, shelter, and financial support needed to continue their ministry. 
     
I bring this up because Bevere illustrates a clear understanding of God’s call to rely completely on Him for our financial well-being.  He doesn’t seem to see the correlation that for some that means giving up all possessions and money to serve others and thereby relying completely on the Lord for all the provisions they need for themselves and others. 
     
When Bevere talks about how he and his wife were challenged to rely on the Lord for their needs and those of their family when he was called into full-time speaking ministry, he doesn’t recognize that as an aspect of accepting poverty when that’s what God requires.  This pastor doesn’t claim that we are to hoard our wealth or anything like that, but that God intends abundance for us that He alone can and will provide when we put our trust in Him.  That’s true.  Many times, individuals are asked to trust God for everything and sometimes He asks them to do that by vowing not to accrue things that might get in the way of a closer relationship and deeper reliance on Him.
     
The essential lesson in this book is that the Lord loves us, is Himself the author of our faith, and gives us all the grace we need to persevere in doing His will, in following Christ, and in bringing others closer to Him, regardless of the struggles in mind, body, and/or spirit that we come up against in the process. 
     
Pray fervently.  Seek God’s will.  Accept God’s grace to carry it out.  Don’t give up no matter what, and God will provide for all that you need and then some.  These are the basic building blocks that make up the foundation of Christian faith and beliefs. 
     
The message of persevering in the faith is one all of us need to hear and be reminded of, but I wasn’t as impressed by this particular book as I have been some others that treat the same subject.       

     
I wrote this review of Relentless for WaterBrook Multnomah’s  program.  For more information about the book or to purchase your own copy, click here.  I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.  To learn more about their reviewer program, click here. 

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 60)

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Fed by Faith is the theme of the Men’s Cursillo weekend currently in progress in Petersburg.  I hope you will join me in praying for the participants as they grow closer to the Lord.  Read my reflection on this theme here, which was written in honor of the Men's Cursillo weekend taking place July 26-29, 2012, originally appeared in the June 2012 issue of The Rooster Review.

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The People You Meet at the Library This past Monday evening, a number of women I know from being involved with Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) met for a potluck supper and a book discussion of The Five People You Meet in Heaven, a bestselling novel by Mitch Albom.  The evenings activities were held in the community room at Glen Allen Library.  We had time to catch up, shared a meal together, prayed, and then engaged in a very interesting discussion facilitated by Fr. Dan Brady, the pastor at our parish. 

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Funniest Olympics Bit by Seinfeld Kevin and I absolutely love this bit, and I believe you will enjoy it as well:

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You’ve Got Mail!  It’s been a lot of fun to receive actual mail from our best friend John while he’s been traveling in Europe.  Last week we got a postcard he sent from Poland, and this week we got the letter he sent from Lisieux.  He’s kept us in the loop via e-mail, but it’s always nice to receive actual, open up the envelope mail.        

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Our Lady of Lourdes has been on my mind a lot this week.  John is currently in Lourdes, France and sending us updates about and pictures from his trip.  I had quite an adventure when I went Lourdes, one of the few pilgrimages I took when I was studying abroad in Paris my junior year of college.  That story is a post in and of itself, though.  Perhaps a few of them.  And it will definitely be part of the memoir.  Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

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Babes in Toyland This was my first Monday, Wednesday, and Friday taking care of Vivi (nearly 2 and ½), Livi and Sophie (her nine week old twin sisters) by myself.  Overall it went well.  Of course it was hectic at times, particularly when the domino meltdown effect would consume all three of them at intervals, but we’re all adjusting pretty well I think. 

     I felt bad for Vivi today.  This morning it finally hit her that she is going to have to share me with her sisters and that things are going to be a bit different because of that.  She went to the  front door this morning and told me she wanted to “ride in Trisha’s car in special seat” and “go to the playground” which we did quite regularly when the as she put it, her mom had "babies in pants."    When I offered to take her out to her playset in the backyard, she had a full-out, knockdown, drag-out meltdown and refused to even go outside (usually the dispute comes when it's time to go inside). 
     I have been giving her extra hugs and kisses and have been doing things one-on-one to engage her when the twins are fed, changed, sleeping or at least content, but I know it will still take some adjusting to after having me to herself.  As a firstborn myself, my heart goes out to her. 

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In my “free-time” In addition to nannying for the Baab girls Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Kevin and I had commitments and other ministry things to do pretty much every night this week as well as this Saturday and Sunday. 
     When people ask me what I do when I’m not working at school or nannying, I’m not quite sure what to tell them.  I spend a good chunk of time doing ministry-related things that fall under an assortment of categories, writing certainly being one of the main ones, but not the only one. 
     Some tasks under the writing ministry heading are: Catholic/Christian book reviews, faith-based blog posts, letters, cards, and e-mails. I also edit/review/revise applications, essays, talks, presentations, etc. sent to me by family, friends, and others who have heard about my tendency to be thorough, honest, and willing to coach those who want to turn something in that’s been corrected and polished. 

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

Fed by Faith

     When Jesus fed the multitudes who had followed Him, some for many miles over many days,  He was showing the disciples how, when blessed, broken, and shared, what was a very small, finite amount of food was enough to feed thousands and still have twelve baskets-full left over.  Christ made a meager meal into a feast for many as a way of foreshadowing to the apostles how He would feed us forever with Divine Truth and His own Flesh and Blood. (Matthew 14:14-22)

     Jesus broke bread with others time and time again.  He showed humanity, vulnerability, and humility in His understanding of and sharing in our most basic physical needs.  Jesus grew hungry, thirsty, and tired, just as we all do. 
     When praying the Lord’s Prayer, we are really asking for the only food that lasts and has redemptive value in time and eternity: faith in the Everlasting Word and the Most Precious Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  “Give us, this day, our daily bread” is much more than a request that the Lord provide us with food to nourish our bodies. 
     Jesus knew that our spiritual needs and the deepest yearnings of our hearts could not then—nor can they now—be satisfied by any amount of food, drink, wealth, pleasure, power, honor, or praise.  He alone can give us what we long for most: unconditional love, mercy, forgiveness, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, faith, and eternal life. 
     He showed the crowds then and illustrates to us now in a number of ways that He has and will continue to give us concrete reasons to believe, food for our souls that will sustain us when it feels like the cupboard is bare. 
     A phone call from a family member, a letter from a friend, a Scripture message sent via text, a hug, a smile, a kind word, a generous gesture, a small sacrifice…can all be evidence that God is with us, in, near, and around us, and that we have a number of sources that feed our faith each day. 

5 Suggestions of how to be Fed by Faith

1.      Attend daily Mass

      2.      Spend time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
      3.      Pray the Rosary
      4.      Join a group reunion or prayer group

5.    Go to a Cursillo Ultreya or a Closing

Note to reader: This reflection, which was written in honor of the Men's Cursillo weekend taking place July 26-29, 2012, originally appeared in the June 2012 issue of the Rooster Review.  Please join me in praying for the participants of the weekend.

In Memory of My Dad: James Lester Niermeyer

In honor of my dad’s birthday, (he would have been 57 today), I made sure to do some of his favorite things: 

     1.      I’m currently listening to the Eagles while I’m writing this.  Actually, I think this was probably my dad’s copy of the CD. 

     2.      Earlier today I sat in a very comfy recliner, Dad’s prime spot in his apartment. 

     3.      I also did one of his all-time favorite pastimes, I rocked a baby girl to sleep on my shoulder.  (Truth be told, I rocked two of them to sleep on my shoulder in the recliner more than once today while nannying for the three Baab girls.)

     4.      I plan on having some ice cream with chocolate sauce on it before I go to bed this evening.   

I have fond memories of my dad’s final birthday, and I’ve still got the message on our answering machine that he left for us that evening three years ago.  Don’t underestimate the power of a phone call.  Reconcile, make amends, say thank you and I love you.

     
Dad, I'm grateful you're now somewhere you know that you're loved unconditionally, that you get to be with loved ones who have gone before you, and that you no longer have a heavy burden of suffering weighing you down. 

     We love you and miss you, Dad, but we know you’re watching over us from Heaven.    

Style, Sex, & Substance: 10 Catholic Women Consider the Things that Really Matter

I’ve been hearing great things about Style, Sex, & Substance and was overjoyed when my copy of the book finally arrived.  It’s even better than I’d hoped for, and I was already expecting to be impressed by the contributors included. 

     
The wonderfully unique personalities and voices of these ten women discussing their experiences of life, love, friendship, marriage, faith, discernment, womanhood, family life, and God are refreshing, enriching, and unabashedly honest. 
     
Personal stories, excellent suggestions, and reflection questions drew me into the book, engaging me on a much deeper level than I imagined on the most essential aspects of the lives of modern Catholic women.
     
These ten writers show the many ways in which Catholic women can and do live out their feminine genius as intellectuals, entrepreneurs, wives, mothers, domestic divas, prayer warriors, and friends.  If you’re in the habit of reading the National Catholic Register, Catholic Digest,  and/or keep up with popular Catholic blogs, then you’ll likely recognize some of these spectacular women. 
     
I found myself soaking up words of wisdom and humor in each chapter.  I came across some writers I’m not as familiar with whose books I definitely plan to check out now that I’ve gotten a glimpse of who they are and how they write.      
     
As someone who loves children and has served as the “other mother” for many kids over the years as teacher, nanny, tutor, babysitter, camp instructor…I can really identify with what Simcha Fisher has to say about women’s vocation: “That is the job that women have, whether we have given birth or not: to be a mother to the whole world.  God knows the whole world needs us.” (p. 137) 
     
Chances are very good that you’ll find yourself described somewhere in these pages and will be inspired and challenged in creative ways to become all that God intends you to be.  This isn’t a recipe book for perfection, but more a guidebook for those who have embraced the call to holiness in the midst of their daily lives.  One suggestion by Karen Edmisten can be used by every one of us: “Whether you’re single, married, or discerning a call to religious life, deliriously happy or a confused mess, offer it up to God.  Give him every moment.” (p. 44)
     
You’ll definitely be glad you read Style, Sex, & Substance, and like me, you’ll likely think of a number of friends who would also enjoy it. 
    
I wrote this review of Style, Sex and Substance for the free Catholic book review program, Tiber River.  I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.
   
This post is linked to the Catholic Bloggers Monthly Round-up.

Won't you be my neighbor?

 Beyond the Mr. Rogers Mentality   
     A few of the recent daily reflections by the late Henri Nouwen, one of my all-time favorite writers, about what it means to be someone’s neighbor have gotten me thinking.  In the e-mail reflection I received July 20, 2012, from the Henri Nouwen Society is a wonderful definition of what it means to be someone’s neighbor.  Usually we think of the people who live around us as our neighbors, and if considering the question from a Christian standpoint, we often think of every person as our neighbor, especially those suffering most in mind, body, and/or spirit, but I like this meaning even more. 

Real Life Examples

     The slogan for a popular insurance company actually says a lot: “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.”  My husband Kevin is definitely a good neighbor.  He always says hi to the people in our building, usually knows their names, and asks how they’re doing.  If someone’s in a bind, and Kevin can offer assistance, he does.  Being aware of and sensitive to the needs of the people around him is one of the things Kevin can do really well.  Not only does he pick up on what’s needed because he actually listens to people, but he also is quick to offer help to meet the need. 

Bridging the Gap Between People
     Are we really in solidarity with the people whom we keep at arm’s length?  I’d have to say no, we’re not.  (Henri Nouwen suggests the same answer in the meditation here as well as in this reflection.) If I assume from the bumper stickers on your car, the Likes on your Facebook wall, the posts on your blog...that we have completely opposite views on politics, religion, economics, morality, ethics...will I make the effort to get to know you and connect?  I guess that depends.  If I find out someone has been hurt, is sick, suffering, and/or in need, then my first response tends to be one of concern and compassion.   
     Unlike the other people who walk by the man they see on the side of the road without stopping to help, the Good Samaritan (and most of the people I know, if not all of them) would at least stop to see if they could do something. 
     Generally getting involved in someone else’s crisis is messy, inconvenient, and in some cases even traumatizing, but it’s what God calls us to do when we see a person suffering and it is within our capability to alleviate that pain even a little.


A Connection is Made
     I spoke with the friend on Friday who connected me a while ago with a young women who was expecting and in need of support.  Interestingly enough, while I was over at their house this week, our friend’s mother was helping another woman from Kenya make a popular dish from their region.  Both women had come to the baby shower we had for the young woman who was expecting and in need of support.  Actually, the two of them were making some of the same Kenyan food we’d had for that celebration.  They aren’t blood relatives, but they really treat each other as family.
     When I got ready to leave our friend’s father called to his wife in Swahili that his daughter was leaving.  (He translated for me after he said it; I don’t know Swahili.)  She and the other woman both came out from the kitchen and gave me a hug. 
Who you gonna call?
     Around the time I was leaving, a neighbor who lives across the street called my friend because he’d cut his hand and needed a ride to the ER.  My friend dropped everything and immediately headed out asking us only which hospital would be the best to take him to for care.    
Redifining Neighbor
     That’s what it means to be a neighbor: extending your hospitality, your dwelling place, your food, your possessions, and more importantly, your time, love, compassion, attention, and affection to anyone whom God puts in your path.  Being a neighbor means you make room for them in your life, in your heart, and in your prayers.   

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 59)

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What do you want of me? This past Monday, amazing playwright, actress, director Michele Morris performed her own original play about Saint Teresa of Avila called "Teresita."  It was a rip-roaring success on all accounts!  I will be writing a review and posting it soon and very soon.  In the meantime, for more information, to book a performance at your church, school, or community center, click here.

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Out of Africa, Burkina Faso My youngest sister Theresa is currently in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, West Africa for a dance festival.  Here’s the awesome promo video for the Ouagadougou Dance and Drum study abroad program to Burkina Faso, West Africa through The Department of Dance at The Ohio State University and the Baker and Tarpaga Dance Project:

     This video was made before Theresa went, but I really hope I’ll get to see some of what she learned when she gets back whether it's in person or over Youtube.  I would absolutely love to have such an amazing opportunity as to travel to Africa to learn from them about their music and dance.  What passion and power! 

     Please join me in praying that Theresa and her friends will remain healthy and draw closer to the Lord of all Dance during their time in Africa.

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Beatles’ Musical Review This week I’ve been the assistant for Freestyle Dance and Performance Camp.  I’ve had seven certain Beatles’ songs stuck in my head that we’ve listened to over and over.  We’ve had fun singing, dancing, working on choreography, play acting with props, and preparing for our show for the school Friday morning.  We had a terrific dress rehearsal Thursday, so I just know it’s going to be a memorable performance!

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Back to the office This past Thursday was the last day of Jess’s maternity leave.  Today she goes back to the office.  Please pray for Jess and their family as she makes this transition back into the business world while continuing her fulltime/lifelong vocations as wife and mother.       

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Kevin’s birthday We celebrated by incorporating some of my husband’s favorite things into the evening.  I went and got the motorcycle pants he’d ordered from the Honda House, then I picked him up from work since his car’s AC doesn’t work well, and there was a heat index of 110.  We went to Mass, had a yummy dinner at Famous Dave’s, and got to sing Happy Birthday three times.  The third time was for Kevin.  Apparently it’s a popular place to celebrate.  Later we played some dominoes and Kevin looked at the many Facebook messages left by family and friends. (This is noteworthy since my hubby signs onto FB about once a year.) 

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Pimp My Ride Back in September 2006, Kevin made his Cursillo weekend with a gentleman named Ed Lambert who was in his 80s at the time.  Everyone went into hysterics when Ed was overheard telling a story he’d watched on the popular TV show Pimp My Ride.  At the age of 91, Ed went home to the Lord this week.  Pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and for the many loved ones he left behind, especially Brady and Clay.  

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I just called to say… I’m thinking of you.  I love you.  I miss you.  These are all nice things to hear.  This week John, our beloved brother in Christ, called from Europe to see how we are doing and give us an update on his travels.  Kevin and I both mentioned how great it was to hear his voice and touch base even if only for a little while.  One afternoon this week, my dear friend/sister in Christ Laura called just to see how things were going.  It made such a difference in my day that she took the time to reach out and cared enough to call.  Lord, please help us be open to the seemingly little ways that we can show others love, compassion, and affection, because through them we do, indeed, glorify You.

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

Comparing Yourself to Others?

     God made you and loves you.  God didn’t make you and will love you if you would just…  He already loves you right now in all your messiness and brokenness.  He doesn’t wish you were more like someone else.  He wants more than anything for you to become all that He knows you can be, because He made you and loves you. 

     Do you compare yourself to other people?  I have to remind myself all the time not to do this, because it’s so easy to fall into thinking about my worth in terms of how I measure up to others.  That’s not what God does.  He doesn’t look at us and say: “I’d love her a lot more if she was more like Blessed Mother Teresa, Ghandi, (or insert another selfless champion of the poor or admired person here).”  No, He sees us through eyes of complete and total love.  In His gaze is all of the potential we could reach in time and eternity if we embrace who He’s made us to be and the grace that we have in abundance from Him.
     I hope at some point to reach (but haven’t yet gotten to) an extended period in my life when it’s really easy to see myself through God’s eyes.  Much more often I get a glimpse of the love and compassion God has for another person.
     There’s only one time when comparing myself to someone else has given me hope: when I see a bit of how God looks at someone and loves him/her and it leads me to believe it’s possible He can love me that much, overlooking my numerous faults and flaws, forgiving all of my sins, and truly wanting what’s best for me.      
     Matthew Kelly says it well when he states that God wants us to become the best version of ourselves.  That’s what will bring Him the most glory possible from our lives.  Imitating others or comparing myself to others can often just bring me down or get me frustrated.  I don’t fit into someone else’s mold for me.  I don’t even fill my own ideal, but thank goodness I am and continue becoming all God knows I can be. 
     This makes me think of a beautiful song by Danielle Rose that’s certainly worth a lesson called “The Saint that is Just Me.”
     Lord, open our hearts to Your love and help us to focus on You, Your will for our lives, Your vision for our future.  Lead us to stop thinking or wishing we were somebody else and instead accept that we are Your beloved children and will glorify You most by becoming the saints You want us to be and are already helping us become. Amen. 

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 58)

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A One-Woman Show This Monday, amazing playwright, actress, director Michele Morris will be performing her own original play about Saint Teresa of Avila.  All are invited to the show.  Admission is free.  A love offering will be collected.

What: "Teresita"

When: Monday, July 16, 2012

Time: 7:00pm
Where: St. Benedict School in St. Anselm's Hall,
3100 Grove Avenue Richmond, VA 23221 (Entrance to St. Anselm's Hall located on Belmont Avenue.)

For more information, check out the website here.

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A Truth-filled Homily Worth Repeating Do yourself a favor, check out this link, then click on the July 8 homily given by our pastor Fr. Dan Brady, listen, learn, and pass it on.  This is a great rundown of where the Church stands on hot topic issues as well as a wonderful reminder of how God’s love and Church defend life, liberty, and lead people to eternal life. 

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Fun Resource for Married Couples.  Check out this article and "Love Letters from Kansas," a new site for lovers.  I’ve taken the romance quiz and am hoping I’m able to persuade my husband to take it as well.  It’s a breath of fresh air that love and marriage is being celebrated and encouraged in creative new ways. 

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My Nanny Diary is going to have a lot more entries as I am embarking on the adventure of nannying for Vivi, Livia, and Sophia three days a week once their mom returns to work.  Caring for a toddler and twin babies will no doubt present some interesting challenges and numerous blessings.  We definitely have some major things in our favor: 1.) my 21 years of child care experience 2.) I absolutely love the girls already as if they were our own 3.) their mom and I have very similar styles of parenting and handling things 4.) Kevin and I are already considered part of the family. 5.) I prayed for a clear answer from God and received more than one.

Prayers that this will be a smooth transition for all involved would be greatly appreciated!

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Answered Prayers The night before Carl and Jess presented their childcare proposal to me, I prayed fervently that the Lord would make it abundantly clear to all involved who would be the best fit to take care of the girls while their parents are at work.  I asked that God would guide Carl, Jess, and me to the right person for the job.  The whole time I was really hoping that He and they would pick me.  They did, and I’m really, really excited! 

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Open House This Sunday July 15, 2012, the moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived:  the open house at 8113 Michael Rd, Henrico, VA, 23221 from 2-4pm.  To take a virtual tour of the house or get more information, click here.  

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Emotional Rollercoaster. This has been yet another week filled with the celebration of tremendous blessings and sorrow over profound losses.  Kevin and I are still processing some of the news we’ve received and would really appreciate your prayers as we move forward, hoping to be loving, selfless, compassionate for each other and those God has put in our lives. 

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

Because I Am Furniture

    Can you break the patterns of abuse in a household of five where there’s only one person willing to admit the truth about what goes on behind closed doors?   
     Because I Am Furniture is heartbreakingly real.  I was profoundly moved by these poems and curious to discover how well a novel-length story would be told through them in a way that would appeal and speak to young adults.  It’s been a while since I immersed myself in writing and reading poetry.  It felt very good to get back into it and see how forceful and powerful poems can be in conveying raw human emotion, longings, fears, and honest thoughts we’d rarely, if ever, say aloud…
     I was worried when I checked this book out of the library that I might find it more of an experiment on the page of breaking a prose novel into lines and calling them poems, but I was pleasantly floored by this poignant poetry and how well-crafted each piece of the story is—lyrically and in a literary sense. 
     Because I Am Furniture reminded me how beautifully naked emotion and serious conflicts can be arranged on the page as well as how essential it is to keep in mind that every word, every syllable counts.  I needed such jarring evidence that we do a major disservice in whatever we write if we add fluff to cushion the blow or water down the stark reality and piercing pain that exists in real life. 
     I found myself praying for victims of all types of abuse as I read this.  That’s the only way I could keep going when I know that there are people who are actually living in such terrifying situations as this one.
     The fear of speaking out against the perpetrators of such horrifying acts is quite tangible in this novel, as is the heartache of someone who carries the burden of seeing what’s going on and knowing it needs to stop, but who isn’t sure how to end the vicious cycle in effect.
     To read more about Because I Am Furniture or to order your own copy, click here.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 57)

-1-

Goodnight Nobody, Goodnight Mush My brain feels like it needs a break and it’s late, so I’ll make these quick and hopefully painless.           

-2-

Antimicrobial Underwear Kevin, our friend, and I didn’t know these special undergarments existed until said friend went shopping at Blue Ridge Sports before he left to go backpacking for a month in Europe.  I’m sorry, but I don’t think there should be a product on the market that would make a male of any age believe it is okay to go more than 24 hours without changing or washing his briefs or boxers.    

-3-

The Rooster Review I’ve put together the Central Virginia Cursillo Community newsletter called The Rooster Review more times than I can count, but I think this one went the smoothest of all of them.  I received the info I needed earlier than usual, had plenty of time to design and lay things out, and I felt a great sense of accomplishment when I sent it to the printer late last night.  Someone asked me how many hours I spend on one issue, and I said I don’t count, and that it would probably overwhelm me if I did.  It's a labor of love.  We'll leave it at that. 

-4-

Greetings. It is such a great feeling to walk into a room and be greeted with sheer joy.  When going over to see Carl, Jess, Vivi, Livia & Sophia, I’m often met with a huge smile and an enthusiastic “Hi Trisha!  Trisha’s here!” from Vivi.  What a wonderful greeting.  There’s so much love and excitement to see someone.  It’s remarkable to think that’s how God responds each time we spend time with Him.  Welcome!  So glad you came!  It’s wonderful to see you! I’ve missed you! I love you! 

-5-

The Better Baby Boa Carl, Jess, and I were talking about different swaddling techniques since the twins (Livia & Sophia) have done better with some methods than others.  Carl in his infinite wisdom suggested that a boa constrictor for each baby would be a good tight swaddle.  He suggested creating such a product and marketing it as “the better baby boa.”

-6-

Bathroom Humor I know it can be very scary to be stuck somewhere, but everyone present who heard this story was laughing really hard.  A family friend, a teenager who will remain nameless, couldn’t get out of the bathroom when he was a guest at someone’s apartment.  No one was home at the time, but there was no imminent danger, no serial killer on the other side of the door, no raging fire…however, this individual concluded in a very short period of time that this was the unfortunate end of his life.  All of the events of his rather brief existence went through his mind, and he accepted the inevitable (in his mind): death.  Next, he decided he was going to survive the harrowing experience and that he would fight to live.  He found a nail clipper and pulled out the pointy file part of it, and inserted it in the lock.  He pushed really hard only to discover that he was able to open the door.  He spent 30 minutes panicking, thinking his life was over, then switching into survival mode in a bathroom he wasn’t really stuck in after all.      

-7-

I am here. We heard a great story this evening from Deacon David Nemetz at the Ultreya.  He told us about how the new priest who began St. Michael’s had called and left messages on he and his wife’s answering machine about starting a new parish.  Part of what the priest said was: “I am here…” then he introduced himself and explained that he would like them to help him in starting this new church in the area.  David talked about how he came back to the church and this priest eventually suggested that he look into becoming a deacon.  A series of unexpected events led to their middle daughter having a child at a young age.  When the child, who is now a few years old, burst into their house and ran into the room, she announced, “I am here!”  She knew that at her grandparents, she was somewhere she was loved, was safe, was welcomed with open arms.  He ended by reminding us that “God is here.” 

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