7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 55)

-1-

“Once Upon a Time” Camp this week was a super-smashing success!  I really enjoyed being lead teacher for a camp that combines some of my favorite things: reading, children, learning, and laughing.  We read a number of popular children’s books, made some cute pig and colorful big bad wolf puppets and got to take turns using them for improv shows.  Check out the other awesome camp offerings available through Richmond Montessori School here.  There’re still a few spaces left in a couple of my camps.     

-2-

 Oh-so-sleepy It’s always difficult going back to work after vacation, but Kevin and I really like the people we work with which certainly makes it easier to return.  We were both really exhausted at the beginning of this week, though.  I can’t believe it’s gone by so quickly, that it was less than a week ago that we were still enjoying our time in Rochester, NY.  As always, on the drive up two weeks ago, I knew that it would seem like no time at all had passed and we’d find ourselves back in the car headed South.  And that’s precisely what happened.     

-3-

Creative Writing Workshop for Adults is being offered in the Richmond area for one week.  Whether you have a lilt for the lyrical or a passion for prose, you’ll have your inner muse kicked into high gear as we explore the spectacular world of creative writing. We’ll see how music, art and stimulating our five senses inspire us to create literary masterpieces (or at least the beginnings of such). Discover your writing gifts and learn how to hone those literary skills.  Register online at Richmond Montessori School under "Summer Programs." 

-4-

Dominating in Dominoes Kevin and I have a new gaming obsession thanks to his sisters: Mexican train dominoes.  We played it a couple different times with his sisters and their spouses, and we actually had a really good tutor in our corner the first time we played, which was nice because these games can get pretty hardcore.  John beat everyone when we all played together, so we had to have a rematch, and he won against just Kevin and me, too.  I bought a set so Kevin and I can play at home, too.  Justice will be served, dear brother :)      

-5-

Friday Fish Fry Last Friday, Kevin, his three sisters, Deb, Wendy, and Chari, our beloved brother in Christ John, and I went to Schooner’s restaurant on the Genesee River to get a fish fry.  It was a beautiful evening to sit outside, be on the water, share a meal with loved ones, and even listen to a live band.    

-6-

Blast from the Past Kevin had to laugh when he saw that a buddy of his from back in the day when he owned his own music studio was the singer/guitarist for the band playing at Schooner’s that evening.  As soon as Mickey Ames (guitarist/vocalist of The Fools) spotted Kevin, he announced that KP was in the house.  Since Kevin was no longer a drummer in a band, running sound for a band, and had gotten rid of his recording studio by the time we met, I feel that I’m getting a glimpse into his former life. 

-7-

How Sweet It Is Ever since I was in utero, we’ve gone to Rochester, New York in the summer, but this was the first time that Kevin and I got to show someone who had never been there around, and it was fun.  John took the train up and arrived late a week ago last Tuesday to stay with us at the cottage for a few days.  The three of us really had a good time.  It was neat taking John to the many different places that have been significant for Kevin and me throughout the course of our relationship, and also introducing him to Kevin’s family, and to our favorite restaurants. Oh, yeah, and now he understands why we like being on the lake so much and has experienced some of what I've written about in the memoir I've been working on about the miraclous series of events God orchestrated to bring Kevin and I together and keep us best friends until we could date. 

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

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 54)

-1-

Fearless is a full-throttle, no holding back, breakneck-paced true story of Navy SEAL Adam Brown.  Ever since his childhood, Adam Brown was a risk taker who loved pushing the limits.  This engaging account of his life is nothing short of breathtaking, earth-changing, and absolutely miraculous.  Eric Blehm, New York Times Best-selling Author of The Only Thing Worth Dying For, has masterfully illustrated and expressed the fascinating trials, triumphs, tribulations, and turmoil that defined a man hardwired with a mission to give everything he had and was in mind, body, and spirit in service to his country, his family, and his comrades…Read more here.

-2-

Family Fun with Kevin’s sisters and their families has been quite enjoyable.  As has been tradition since way before Kevin and I first met, everyone has gathered at the cottage to share a meal, catch up with one another, laugh a lot, and (a new fave this trip) play some very intense games of Mexican train dominoes.  It’s still hard to believe that I was sixteen when my mom, sisters, and I first rented the other side of the cottage and met Kevin and his family.  

-3-

Dinnertime Discussions Yet again we have covered some quite unusual subject matter at suppertime.  The first time I came over to have dinner with Kevin and his family years ago when we were dating, one of his sisters started talking about the breast reduction she’d gotten a while back, and his other sister said “the girls have been peeing in the yard, and they don’t even bother covering it up anymore.”  I was rather shocked by the second comment until I recalled that sister has two sons, and must therefore she must be talking her cats.  Colonoscopy was the most out there subject brought up during our most recent family meal.

-4-

BBQ Junction: The Dinosaur is an old train station turned into one of the best barbecue places on the planet.  We went there for lunch today to savor mouth-watering ribs, chicken, beef brisquet, and pulled pork slow-roasted for hours.      

-5-

Sacred Heart Cathedral This afternoon we went to Mass at the cathedral.  I remember years ago calling around to find somewhere with a Sunday evening Mass, so we could go out on the boat with Kevin that morning.  I was wearing a dress, ready for church and not planning on getting wet, so when we found a later Mass, Kevin offered to carry me out to the boat.  I took him up on his offer, but I had my feathers a bit ruffled when he unceremoniously threw me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.  I never thought back then that I would someday be married to Kevin and we’d be going to Mass together. 

-6-

Abbott’s Frozen Custard One of my mom’s absolute favorite desserts here is chocolate almond custard with extra almonds on top.  That’s exactly what I had Thursday evening after walking the Charlotte Beach pier, taking pictures of a beautiful sunset, like I did so often back when Kevin and I were first getting to know each other.

-7-

Reaching Out in Love is the name of a collection of stories told by Blessed Mother Teresa.  A quote from it really spoke to me as I have wondered what God would like of me.  Mother Teresa made this comment to two Japanese gentlemen who were interviewing her about the work of the Missionaries of Charity and their work: “Our love for God in action is our service to the poor.  Your love for God in action is to write properly.  Your love for God is to write the truth, to spread goodness, to spread beautiful things.  This is the way you put your love for God in action.”  I believe this is part of the answer the Lord has given to me about what He wants me to do, or keep doing, and how He intends for me to reach out to others in love.      

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

Ocean Star: You're Designed to Shine a memoir

     Ocean Star grabbed my attention when I was in a book shop on Hatteras Island, North Carolina, where Kevin and I went for vacation.  I was intrigued by the memoir of a woman who found light in the midst of tremendous suffering, and who has opened her heart and her life to others who are in need of healing and hope, which only the Lord can provide.

     As has so often been the case, the Holy Spirit prompted me to pick up this book to read at exactly the right time.  When we were packing for our trip to Rochester, and I was considering what books to bring, I got the sense it was time to read this one. 
     Author, photographer, motivational speaker, mentor, Christian, wife, mother, sister, and friend, Christina DiMari illustrates through her book Ocean Star and the very popular ministry work that has blossomed around it that God can bring the broken, ugly, mangled pieces of our lives, and transform them into something beautiful, whole, and holy. 
     From a childhood overshadowed with darkness, abuse, violence, hate, and secrecy, Christina emerged strong, but with some heavy baggage from the past.  As she grew up and discovered the Lord’s love for her, she gained the courage to go back and seek out answers to questions she’d been afraid to ask earlier on in her life, for fear that the pain and the truth would overwhelm her or depress her beyond repair. 
     Ocean Star is about holding onto the Lord with everything you are and with all you’ve got, because He can and does bring about healing in our lives.  He alone can keep us from being sucked into an abyss of despair when looking at the past, dealing with the pain it’s caused in the present, and opening ourselves up to be healed and made whole in the future. 
     Christina DiMari shines brightly as a beautiful example of what the Lord has done for others and wants to do for each one of us.  God wants us to turn all of our pain and suffering, every single one of our victories and triumphs as well as our failures and losses over to Him.  He can use each of them in ways we can’t even imagine. 
     I highly recommend that you check out the inspirational gifts available through Christina DiMari’s company Ocean Star Gifts©. You can order a copy of Ocean Star and also view the many cards, gifts, and jewelry that she’s created to encourage others and support her mission to help girls around the world to look at their own lives, where they have been, and where they would like to go. 
     Also available is a leader’s guide and journal workshop she’s developed called You’re Designed to Shine that you can use to mentor and encourage the girls in your life.

Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown

Fearless is a full-throttle, no holding back, breakneck-paced true story of Navy SEAL Adam Brown.  Ever since his childhood, Adam Brown was a risk taker who loved pushing the limits.  This engaging account of his life is nothing short of breathtaking, earth-changing, and absolutely miraculous.  Eric Blehm, New York Times Best-selling Author of The Only Thing Worth Dying For, has masterfully illustrated and expressed the fascinating trials, triumphs, tribulations, and turmoil that defined a man hardwired with a mission to give everything he had and was in mind, body, and spirit in service to his country, his family, and his comrades.

     
One of the most remarkable aspects of Fearless, besides the literary prowess and the novel-like intrigue with which it’s written, is that Adam Brown encouraged others to share his entire story, in the event of his death.  He was selfless, courageous, brave, and faith-filled enough that he didn’t want any part of his life hidden, no matter how dark that time had been, because he knew that others would find hope and encouragement knowing what he’d gone through.  That has indeed been the case. 

     
Fearless is a portrait of a real American hero with some dark times in his past who, with the assurance of faith in the Lord, the love of family, and close friends, proves that “all things are possible for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

     

Adam Brown took the same approach to pretty much everything he did in life.  His philosophy for everything was: “Go hard or go home!”  And that’s precisely what he did.  He would give whatever or whoever was in front of him his all, and if that wasn’t sufficient he would push himself even harder until he reached (and usually far surpassed) his goal.  This approach to his life, military training, and faith earned him the respect of some of the most elite warriors in the U.S. Navy SEALS as well as those around him in the air, on land, in the water, in the barracks, overseas, across enemy lines as well as at home with his wife and children, and the family and friends he held dear back in his hometown of Hot Springs, Arkansas.  

    

Only God Himself could have come up with such a plan for one man’s life.  What a remarkable example of what we can do with God, for whom nothing is impossible.  Adam Brown experienced many instances of being incredibly broken in mind, body, and spirit, yet he grabbed onto his faith and used his gift of fearlessness to persevere.  When others did throw in the towel and accepted defeat, this man pushed forward relentlessly.  He was seemingly immune to pain, to giving up, to defeat…He gave everything he had and everything he was until he took his very last breath.  If that’s not the definition of a true hero, then I don’t know what is. 

     

I received Fearless for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  To purchase your own copy of Fearless, click here.  To learn about how you can receive free books from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, check out their Blogging for Books program here. 

     Watch the Fearless book trailor here!

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 53)

-1-

Extreme Makeover provides some good guidelines for learning more about the how and why behind Catholic teachings, a clear delineation of what they actually are (when it comes to sexuality and the expression of it) and why these tenets of the faith aren’t going to change because of public opinion or popular trends…Learn more here.

 

-2-

Heading home, in a sense. Returning to Rochester, New York, where my grandparents, parents, and my husband and his family were all born and raised is a sort of homecoming for me as well.  This is the one place my family and I have come back to year after year regardless of how far away we lived at the time. There have only been one or two summers in my entire life that I haven’t come back to Rochester for a week or two.  Though it’s been years since my grandma sold her house to my uncle and aunt, and even quite some time since they moved out of it, the cottage Kevin’s family owns has been a home base of sorts for both Kevin and me. 

-3-

Changes abound! Though much about Rochester is familiar and has a certain flavor that hasn’t changed much over the years, there have been some drastic developments and significant changes to the place Kevin grew up in and the one I returned to pretty much every year to visit family, friends, and vacation.  Ontario Beach Park, aka, Charlotte Beach (pronounced without the “r” sound) have actually been cleaned up and are even prettier than when Kevin and I first met and would go walk the pier and spend time talking down there.  Kodak country, as this city has been known for years, has dwindled to a mere remnant of what it used to be.    

-4-

For the Love of Food (and tradition)!  Kevin and I both have a number of restaurants, ice cream shops, and now even a cool café that we frequent when we come back to visit.  When we were talk about coming up here, it’s understood that we’ll need to make at least one stop at Parkway Family Diner for a greasy spoon breakfast, Don’s Original for delicious cheeseburgers, Ricci’s for amazing Italian cuisine, Schaller’s for Zweigle’s white hots, The Dinosuar for BBQ ribs, Abbott’s for chocolate custard with almonds, Wegman’s for groceries and chocolate chip cookies, Charbroil for a Friday fish fry, and (our most recent addition) Sips for smoothies and paninis.   

-5-

Holy Cross in Catholic Country Though the daily Mass crowd, age range, and dedication might look quite similar to what can be found in Richmond, Rochester has a whole lot more Catholic presence and quite a few more priests.  Kevin and I were warmly greeted by Rosemary, who serves as the church mother at Holy Cross, when we came for Mass last Tuesday (and each day since).  She is so excited we are back in town.  Last year, she befriended us and was crestfallen to discover that we were just going to be at daily Mass here while on vacation, that we hadn’t moved here for good.   

-6-

Marriage Encounter, Renewal Sought Coming back to Rochester brings with it a flood of memories from over the years.  Recently many of the flashbacks that pop into my mind have to do with the early years of my relationship with Kevin, his dad, the real Harry Potter, and family.  Sometimes when things get stressful and it seems far-fetched that certain situations will improve or be completely transformed, it’s easy to ask questions about the many trials and tribulations we’ve been through over the years and wonder what’s yet to come.  I find myself taking long walks during which I ask questions such as: Why? What if? How? For what greater purpose?  For whose ultimate benefit? go through my mind.  It’s still hard for me to take the transformation God has brought about in and through Kevin and me and hold onto that as solid, sure promise that the metamorphosis will continue in amazing, healing, miraculous, and life-giving ways. 

-7-

Now What, Lord?! As we take stock of where we’ve been and where we are, Kevin and I have been wondering what God wants of us next.  Along the same lines of questioning is what have we done that’s made an impact, made some sort of difference in the lives of others, and how would God like us, as individuals and a married couple, to use our gifts and talents to grow closer to Him and one another. 

     Please pray for us as we discern what God wants of us in the different areas of our lives. 

Lord, we would like to know what specific things and bigger picture elements You want us to be involved with in order that we might glorify You and bring others closer to You through the gift, the covenant, the sacrament of our marriage. Amen.              

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



Extreme Makeover: Women Transformed by Christ Not Conformed to the Culture

 Extreme Makeover is a thorough overview of the truth about contraception, abortion, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Author and radio talk show host Teresa Tomeo lays out the Catholic Church’s main teachings regarding the dignity of human life from the moment of conception, the sacredness of sexuality (and the proper context for such interactions), as well as the special role of women.

    
Woven through a slew of statistics, facts, and figures about the prevalence and negative effects of contraception and abortion in the US and abroad, is the story of Teresa Tomeo’s own experience of having her basic beliefs about herself, her marriage, the Catholic Church, and her role in the media turned upside down and inside out.
     
This book provides some good guidelines for learning more about the how and why behind Catholic teachings, a clear delineation of what they actually are (when it comes to sexuality and the expression of it) and why these tenets of the faith aren’t going to change because of public opinion or popular trends. Several papal encyclicals are quoted and referenced in order to explain controversial Church teachings on a deeper level with Scriptural background and a Christian context.
    
Not only is it important to understand Catholic teaching, but it’s also essential to compare what comes from the Church versus the slant that is placed on what’s been said by the mainstream secular media. Tomeo suggests a number of websites and practices that will help the reader begin a detox from the many cultural lies that are presented as emphatically as gospel truth by many journalists and newscasters.
    
Much of the information included about contraception, abortion, Natural Family Planning, and the pro-life practices will be a review for those who are already involved in the movement. The same is true for those who have been keeping up with Catholic teaching and papal encyclicals—they’ll have seen quite a bit of this before.
    
Extreme Makeover is a good summation of the Church’s truth versus our culture’s lies about sexual morality, reproduction, and how to respect and protect the dignity of human life. In addition to a number of resources that are included as proof of the scientific research that’s been done, Tomeo has incorporated some personal testimonies of women whose lives have also been dramatically changed since they learned about and embraced the Catholic stance on contraception and abortion.   
     
I wrote this review of Extreme Makeover for the free Catholic book review program, Tiber River. Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases. I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.

Heaven's Homecoming

     Heaven’s Homecoming is a beautiful look at the many admirable qualities of the elderly faithful and their deep understanding of love, heaven, prayer, and the important role of the priest during their lives and certainly at the moment of their deaths.  Father McKay, who served as the priest at Holy Family Home for 18 years, shares “eulogistic stories” of the aged in his care.  Under the patronage of Saint Jeanne Jugan and her Little Sisters of the Poor, these residents show their humble faith, wonderful humor, and determination to reach their final destination of heaven. 

     All names in the book have been changed to respect the privacy of the residents, but their precious faith, devout prayer practices, hilarious interactions, and prophetic dreams are vibrantly portrayed.  The string throughout the book is the priest’s relationship with each of these individuals, and how each one of them helps him come a step closer to overcoming his fear of death and dying. 
       When my mom handed me the book to read and I scanned the back, I knew I’d read it eventually, but I didn’t put it at the top of my list.  I was expecting that it would be sort of dry, probably not very cohesive, and published more because it is about the residents at a home with the same patroness and religious caregivers as Little Sisters of the Poor than due to its literary prowess or entertainment value.  
     I’m pleasantly surprised at how well this was written.  I absolutely loved these stories, and as is often the case with my favorite funny or moving passages, I just had to share them aloud with my nearest and dearest.  We laughed and cried together.  Even my grandmother, a resident in her upper 80s at the local Little Sisters of the Poor home, chuckled when I read her a few of the stories from it.
     There’s no ISBN, no website, or even a publisher listed on the book, so I’m not quite sure of the best way to get your own copy of Heaven’s Homecoming other than from the Little Sisters of the Poor home for the elderly nearest you, but you can get the Kindle version on Amazon here.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 52)

-1-

Beloved Daughter, Rejoice! is the theme of the 422^nd Cursillo Women’s Weekend taking place in central Virginia right now.  Here’s the reflection I wrote on their awesome theme.  Please join me in praying for the participants of this “short course in Christianity,” as they grow closer to the Lord, make new friends, and rediscover their status as beloved children in the eyes of God!

-2-

Ride in Trisha’s car? Apparently Vivi was asking or rather requesting all last weekend to “ride in Trisha’s car.”  When I watched her on Tuesday while her parents took the twins to their first pediatrician appointment, we did indeed go in my car to a nearby park with a couple playgrounds.       The question, however, reminded me of six years ago when Hank, one of the two little guys for whom I nannied, asked me if he could ride in my car.  I thought he just wanted to take a ride somewhere like we used to when it was the three of us, but then it hit me that what he was really asking was would he remain in my heart even if I no longer had a carseat installed for him in the back of my car at that time, a light blue '86 Pontiac 6000, affectionately named Lou.  The answer was then, and is now, a resounding yes! You will always have a very special place in my heart!   

-3-

Don’t tell the toddler! Last evening Kevin removed the carseat that’s been securely installed in the middle of my backseat for months, so I can take Vivi places.  With Cursillo events and our trip to Rochester coming up, we need the extra space for adults and stuff.  I texted to let Vivi’s mom Jess know that we removed it, but that I’m not going to tell Vivi, who would likely have a major meltdown upon learning such news.  The plan is to leave the carseat out until we get back from Rochester, at which point, her dad can reinstall it facing forward, now that she weighs enough for that next step.  Now I just have to remember not to let her see me bring it into the house or look in the backseat of my car when I’m watching her.      

-4-

Protect Our Girls! Planned Parenthood doesn’t protect our girls—not in any sense.  They encourage widespread contraception use, fail to mention the side effects and risks of STDs.  Then when the contraception fails, they push abortions, which scar women, physically, emotionally, and spiritually and kill an innocent baby, in addition to causing a slew of long-term health complications which PP always neglects to mention or denies outright.  PP often doesn’t report statutory rape or sex trafficking, and some PP workers even go so far as to coach people who are in the sex trade on how to get around the system. 

     I find it tremendously depressing that so many people (as in most of our culture) still believe the lies that contraception and abortion are evidence of feminine freedom and independence.  To make matters even worse, now many are promoting gendercide, the abortion of babies based on their gender.  And you thought that was just some inhumane policy enforced by the government in China?      
     Please seek God’s will, and listen to His call to CHOOSE LIFE!  It’s never too late to protect, respect, and protect the dignity and sanctity of every human life created in God’s image throughout their time on this earth from conception to natural death. 

-5-

A Creative Local Pilgrimage Jamie, a seminarian in our diocese my husband and I regularly see at daily Mass, organized a local pilgrimage that was held last Saturday May 26, 2012.  It began at St. Bridget’s Church with morning Mass and included stops at a number of local parishes with time for prayer, a talk, and/or a tour of each destination.  Since I’d been working on our place, helping at my mom’s, and have been feeling pretty rundown in general lately, I opted not to join them for the 10 or so mile hike in the heat between churches.  I showed up for the last stop, 5:30pm Pentecost Vigil Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and a guided tour of the church and grounds.  Both were quite enjoyable.

-6-

The Conversion of a Loved One The Pentecost Vigil Mass was celebrated by Fr. Michael Boehling, the vicar for vocations in our diocese.  Fr. Mike shared an awesome true story during his homily about a man (from the parish where this priest had previously served as pastor) who decided to become Catholic after 63 years of attending Mass every week with his wife.  (And I thought Kevin was slow in coming back around to the faith!)  The moral of the story is: God answers prayers, so don’t lose hope.  His timing is far better than ours.      

-7-

Four Ordinations Kevin and I are going to Sacred Heart Cathedral this Saturday morning to pray for and with four young men who are going to be ordained as diocesan priests: Rev. Mr. Joseph Goldsmith, Rev. Mr. Christopher Hess, Rev. Mr. Carlos Lerma, and Rev. Mr. Sean Prince. 

     Our favorite brother in Christ John, who is now officially a seminarian for our diocese, will be serving at the Mass.  I figure my husband and I attending will be an exciting first for us while also showing our love and support for John as our brother/best friend enters into this next chapter of his life.   

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

Beloved Daughter Rejoice!

What would happen if you believed with every fiber of your being that you are, indeed, God’s Beloved Child? My prediction is that there would be a great deal of rejoicing from within and without. Well, guess what?! The Truth is you are God’s Beloved Child, so you have every reason to sing, dance, clap your hands, shout praises to the Lord!

     
I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely someone who wants and needs frequent reminders that I am loved, cherished, seen as precious and valuable. Fortunately, the Lord wants nothing more than to shower us with an abundance of blessings to let us know how deeply loved we are by Him.
     
God’s joy is in loving us unconditionally, passionately, and overwhelmingly. His love for us is the source of our strength.  His willingness to give His own Son to show us how to live, suffer, die, and rise again is the ultimate proof that we are God’s Beloved Children. He doesn’t withhold any goodness, fruit of the spirit or blessing to any who come to His table.
     
That is not to say that our lives will be without suffering or devoid of pain, but it means that  throughout even the most daunting trial or haunting tragedy, the Lord will remain with us.  He won’t turn away or abandon us.  We can persevere in hardships knowing that, united to Christ’s Passion and death on the Cross, our suffering can be used for the salvation of souls in time and eternity. 
     
The physical, emotional, and spiritual crosses we bear in this life will not be in vain.  Though sorrow and strife may plague us in this life, threatening to rob of us of all of our hope and joy, we know that there is more than our earthly existence to be concerned with; we have been offered an eternity of unconditional love and pure unbridled rejoicing with the Lord. 
     
Is there anything keeping you from rejoicing that you are a beloved child of God?  If yes, what is it?  Would you be willing to offer it up to the Lord and listen for His Truth? 

“Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout O Israel!

Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
O daughter of Jerusalem!
The Lord has taken away the judgments against you,
He has cast out your enemies.
The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
you shall fear evil no more.
On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
“Do not fear, O Zion;
let not your hands grow weak.
The Lord your God is in your midst,
a warrior who gives victory;
He will rejoice over you with gladness
He will renew you in his love;
He will exult over you with loud singing
as on a day of festival.”
                                                Zephaniah 3:14-18

Note: This reflection, written in honor of the participants of the Women's Cursillo Weekend taking place at Shalom House from May 31-June 2, 2012, first appeared in the May 2012 Edition of The Rooster Review.

The Day I Died: Finding Hope in Suffering

This family and community’s response in the face of tragedy proves the power of prayer, the necessity for hope, and trust in God that makes provisions for miracles.  Melanie Pritchard’s heart stopped, and that’s when some serious intercessory prayer started.  A slew of medical professionals at two different hospitals, including her very own brother, joined together to save this woman—while family and friends got the word out to anyone and everyone they could to pray for Melanie’s healing and complete recovery.

     
The Day I Died - Finding Hope in Suffering allows the reader a close look into the hearts and minds of Melanie’s family members and close friends as they face the prospect of losing someone they love dearly.  The suffering they experienced then and the pain since has been very great, but what has become even stronger is a deep sense of hope that has continued spreading.
     
Melanie’s story quickly went “viral” on cyberspace, hit the airwaves, and attracted attention, and, most importantly, prayer cover from around the world.  An amazing sequence of events only God could orchestrate transpired to bring about true metamorphosis in one woman’s body, mind, and spirit while instilling hope in people far and near with a renewed sense of faith in the Lord.  
     
You won’t want to miss this heartfelt account of how the Lord used significant suffering to bring about His greater glory in time and eternity!
     
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 Day I Died- Finding Hope in Suffering. This is also a great online Catholic store for all your religious shopping needs, such as gifts for Confirmation and gifts for a baby baptism.

Memorial Day Thanks

      

Kevin and I both have a number of family members and friends who have served in the armed forces over the years.  We would like to thank all of them for their dedication to serving and protecting our country.
   
May God bless all those who are mourning the loss of loved ones and may He protect all of those who are in harm's way, and give their families courage to continue on.
    
Lord, guide us closer to You in all areas of our lives.  Help us not lose hope no matter what situation we find ourselves in or how severely we are tested in mind, body, and/or spirit.  Jesus, we trust in You. Amen. 

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 51)

-1-

The Twins Were Born! Early this morning, Jess went into labor.  The twins were born this morning: Livia Marie at 9:40am and Sophia Jane at 9:48am.  Jess, Livia and Sophia are all doing well.  The girls have taken to feeding without a problem.  Praise God! 

-2-

Telling Vivi the News When I told Vivi this morning that her sisters had been born, her immediate response was: “TA-DAAAA!”  After sunshine wakes up from her nap, I’m going to take her over the hospital for a visit.  We shall see what she has to say when she realizes that there are no longer “babies in pants.”

-3-

Always the Nanny, never the mom I am truly grateful for the many children God has brought into my life and Kevin’s to love and care for over the years.  Over the past twenty years, I have babysat, tutored, taught, nannied, loved, nurtured, read, sung, danced, played with, and watched hundreds of children grow, learn, laugh, cry, and be precious examples of new life and hope.  I have not yet been able to get past the sadness and grief that Kevin and I may never get to be parents.  Please pray that we’ll accept the grace to live out the Lord’s will and will be given the courage to glorify Him in the midst of joy and in the depths of sorrow.     

-4-

Romans 8 is what Kevin and I each have engraved on the inside of our wedding bands.  There are a number of promises in that chapter of the Bible that we’ve both clung to since we were dating.  Sometimes it’s harder than others to trust and believe the “all things work for good for those who love God…” that begins the poignant section that contains some of the life verses for our relationship and belief in God.  

-5-

Missing Theresa’s Show For many years, I have enjoyed watching my youngest sister Theresa dance, whether she was bounce dancing at home as a toddler, jamming at the St. Mary’s Musical Review, onstage for a recital or a rehearsal, a school performance, or a choreographed piece.  I’m kind of bummed that I haven’t gotten to see a single one of her performances since she’s been going to The Ohio State University.  At least my mom was able to fly up there this weekend to see what’s supposed to be quite the event.  Here’s how Theresa’s advertised it on her FB page: “Dance Uptown: DIRT (i.e. sand, water, tar, dust, blood, sweat and tears) DON'T MISS IT... because it's probably not going to happen again...”  Wish I could be there, too.

-6-

Love Remains & Makes a Wrinkle in Time I love you. I miss you. I’m grateful you’re in my life. I’m praying for you. Those are four of the messages that have touched me deeply. In the past week, it has been quite humbling, and in many ways healing, to go back through the letters, notes, cards, and such that I’ve saved over the years from family and close friends.

Sometimes I can forget how powerful it is to receive a card, letter, or note from a loved one. Many of us have gotten so used to texting, chatting, e-mailing, and maybe even picking up the phone once in a while that written correspondence seems even more precious...Read more.

-7-

Stay tuned!  I plan to post pictures of the twins as soon as I can.  I also have a few book reviews to add to my line-up.  Depending on how the weekend goes, I might do another reflection on another significant happening that took place the Sunday evening of Memorial Day weekend in 2006.  Enjoy the extra day off with your loved ones!     

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