7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 136) The Power of Prayer, Being in the Moment, and My Word for this Year

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Grace is…witnessing the power of prayer, guardian angels keeping your loved ones safe, little ones full-out running into your arms for a hug, laughter in the midst of life’s messiness, seeing strength, courage, and beauty in others who struggle to see it in themselves, a good night’s sleep…

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Have Trouble Being in the Moment? Why yes, sometimes I do.  It drives me crazy that I can sometimes be like all but one of the people in this video.  I’d rather not admit that I, too, can be so plugged in to electronic devices that I’m not really present to and with the people right before me.  I have and will continue to shut down the computer, turn my cellphone off, and request the TV be turned off so that I can have what is actual quality time with my loved ones, but I still have to be mindful of such things or else.    
     The irony of it all is that I found this video clip link on Facebook, and I was distracted from watching it because my phone beeped.  I’d gotten a text from my mom.  I responded to it immediately letting her know that I’m home for the evening if she wants to call and have someone listen as she’s had a lot of tough stuff to deal with this week. 
     I don’t have a smartphone or an iPhone.  My mobile is minimally intelligent and the camera in it’s just about useless, which is why I try to interact and associate with people who are smart and am still carrying around my good old faithful 10 megapixel Panasonic Lumix camera.
     One day when we can afford to upgrade our phones and calling plan, I may have to resist the temptation to spend too much time on my smartphone, but right now I’m too busy juggling different devices when trying to remain reasonably connected and turning all of them off when ready for some actual quality time with people in the flesh.

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Prayer Warriors Unite I’d like to thank all of my prayer warrior family and friends for your extra prayers for a family friend Dawn this week. Dawn’s surgery went well, and she's been transferred to Richmond for her rehabilitation. She could use and would very much appreciate ongoing prayer for a smooth, speedy recovery. (See, I don’t think technology is bad.  I actually texted many of my prayer warrior friends as well as got in touch with people via Facebook for purposes of requesting prayer, and then there’s my blog…)

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Stuff my husband says: The other day when I asked Kevin if he knew who the girl was who sang the National Anthem at one of the bowl games.  This is what he said: "I think she won one of the singing shows. So You Think You've Got Vocal Cords or something like that.”  Lord, I love having a husband who so often makes me laugh!

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It’s Time to Move On…It is only because God has recently made it clear that moving on is what He wants of me (of us) now that I have the courage to take this step.  I don’t like major changes, and I honestly don’t know what’s next for us, but we’re doing our best to trust God with everything and do what He tells us.  This is why my last day nannying for the three silly sisters I love so dearly will be on Thursday, January 16, 2014.  

    Kevin and I could really use extra prayer cover as we discern what's next and get through what we've been given to deal with already this year.

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Keepin’ It Real A friend of ours through Cursillo called the other evening to ask if Kevin and I would be going to the Cursillo Potluck at St. Paul's this Friday. I didn't hear my phone ring, but apparently a certain little livewire did. She picked it up, answered it, and clicked speakerphone without me knowing, though she was sitting right next to me. In my defense, her twin was sitting on my lap and her other sister was singing and skipping around. Suddenly, I hear a male voice, and I'm thinking she must have hit the call button and gotten my husband. Nope! It was our friend Joe joking that I must have made it big if I've got someone else answering my phone for me now. 

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My Word for the Year After reading about Jen Fulwiler’s word for this year (which is the big GO), I left the following comment for this Catholic wife and mother of six children who are all still under age 10: “I admire your willingness to accept a word that seems so contrary to what you often are inclined to do, especially with a posse of small children to contend with.  Though you feel stressed and overwhelmed, so often there are people who will be struck in a brief moment by how precious one of your children is, and that may change their day, week, month, year.  My husband and I don't have children of our own, and we may never be able to, so we are often struck (usually figuratively instead of literally, but sometimes both) by the children we see.  Though you may only see the mismatched socks, ill-fitting outerwear, tangled hair, someone else sees a ray of hope, sunlight, joy, just being in the presence of a little one.  GO and be blessed as well as a blessing!”  

     After thinking about what my word should be for this year, I listened in prayer and got one that would have to be from the Holy Spirit, because it’s probably one of the last words I’d come up with for me.  A person who had known me and been friends with me a few years once told me that I am someone who comes across as being a bit intense at times.  I mentioned this to my best friend from high school who had known me for 13 years by then, and she responded with: "You're one of the most intense people on the planet!"  So there you have it.  Those who know me well know I'm by far the hardest on myself, so this ought to be an interesting challenge for which I will need extra helpings of grace.    

     I painted my word for 2014 so I can hang it up and be reminded of it daily: 

Check out Jen Fulwiler’s tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday at her tremendously popular blog Conversion Diary.  

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 127) LOL, Socks, Glory Bees, & Other Occasions for Laughter

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Grace is…the joy of being creative just for fun, extra hugs and kisses, appreciating the amazing ability of young children to learn and apply far more than we realize or intend, the beauty of red, orange, and yellow autumn leaves, incidents that couldn’t be explained any other way than that the Holy Spirit is involved, finding out about how others are living out their unique call to serve the Lord in courageous and inspiring ways…

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On the Wings of Glory Bees In memory and honor of Michele Morris and because I could feel that her prayers were with me on Monday when I gave a talk to the Women in God’s Spirit (WINGS) group at Church of the Epiphany, I wore the black and gold striped "glory bee" knee socks she bought me just days before she entered the Sisters by the Sea cloistered Carmelite monastery in Carmel, California.  No one could see them because of the boots I was wearing, but I knew they were there, and they made me smile.  Click here to read about how Michele and I developed a fascination with glory bees inspired by a novena to St. Thérѐse. 

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Technology & the New Evangelization I’m now better able to appreciate how amusing it was that no member of the WINGS group present when I arrived early knew how to do the TV/computer set-up in the room we used.  Fortunately, someone in the church office got it working, so I could use the PowerPoint I’d spent hours working on over the weekend.  At the time, I was rather stressed that I’d be giving a talk about technology without using any evidence or aspects of it other than the microphone and sound system (which a WINGS member hooked up without assistance).

Above is a PowerPoint slide that appeared in my talk, and below is an excerpt from my talk: Each of us has a unique story, a special relationship with God that others can and want to learn from.  There are many ways we can share what God has done in our lives and point out to others what we can see Him doing in, through, and around them.  When it comes right down to it, the most important aspects of life we can share with others are those that stem from a close relationship with Jesus Christ.  Participation in the Sacraments and how we live our lives are two of the most essential, powerful witnesses to God’s unconditional love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, peace, joy, and hope in our world.  Because of technology and our ever-changing world, many people are seeking Truth, looking for answers, and learning about faith in new ways.  To read more of my talk How Faith, Technology & You Can Be Part of the New Evangelization, click here.
 

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Kids Say & Do the Darnedest Things Kevin laughs at me when he offers me something, and I say: "I'm good for now, thanks," because he's heard Sunshine say the exact same thing in similar situations. Another thing she's picked up is something she hears me say numerous times a day: "You're perfectly capable of..." The other morning as I was bringing her downstairs, she informed me: "My daddy is perfectly capable of getting me a bowl of cereal." I smiled and agreed: "That's true." 

   
Reminder to parents, teachers, and caregivers: Just because a child comes up with a variety of appropriate uses for a phrase and/or idea he or she learns does not mean someone else gave them those specific combinations.  Here’s another great example of this I guarantee will crack you up: Public Radio Reporter Interviews His Two Little Girls After Ones Gives the Other the ‘Worst Haircut Ever.’

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Grad School Barbie I was laughing hysterically reading this mock ad for Grad School Barbie, though some of it is frighteningly accurate for some people.  Kevin and I are far enough removed from when I was getting my masters that we can both appreciate the humor of this.  I think most of my friends who have gotten their Masters and the many who have gone on for a PhD are probably at the point at which they will find this funny, not nightmarish.      

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A Word about Your Grammar I have a great deal to say on this topic and some absolutely hilarious examples of what happens when people publish books, magazines, newspapers, etc. without employing a competent copy editor to review the materials first, but because I’m working on writing and copy editing various projects, I’ll let this article on proper grammar suffice as my commentary for now.
    

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In Your Hands, Not Our Own Our hope is in the Lord, which is a good thing, because Kevin hasn't had anything promising come along in terms of his job search recently, and we found out this week when Kevin was already in the middle of having major dental work done that we've spent our entire allocated amount for our medical Flexible Spending Account for this year.

God is good. He knows where Kevin will be a tremendous asset to a company. Hopefully, we'll find out where that is soon.  Lord, we put our lives in Your hands.  Kevin's response to my prayer of surrender to the Lord's will and timing was a classic: "So speed it up."

Check out Jen Fulwiler’s tradition of 7 Quick Takes Friday at her tremendously popular blog Conversion Diary.  

On the Wings of Glory Bees

I know for certain that the prayers of many were lifting me up this past Monday.  I gave a talk on How Faith, Technology, and You Can Be Part of the New Evangelization to the Women in God's Spirit (WINGS) group at Church of the Epiphany.  The last time I had been to that parish was with Michele Morris when she performed her original play "Teresita" for the WINGS group.

Watching the performance, which is largely about discernment, while surrounded by a number of older women served as a good reminder that we are called to discern God’s Will for us throughout our lives. The poem by St. Teresa of Avila called “In the Hands of God,” which Michele included in her program is one that I have found to be a beautiful prayer and reminder that we should ultimately be asking God (rather than other people) what He wants of us. 

   
In memory and honor of Michele and because I could feel that her prayers were with me, I wore the black and gold striped "glory bee" knee socks she bought me just days before she entered the Sisters by the Sea, a cloistered Carmelite monastery in Carmel, California.  No one could see the socks under the black boots I was wearing, but I knew they were there, and they made me Click here to read about how Michele and I developed a fascination with glory bees inspired by a novena to St. Thérѐse.

smile.

Upon entering the room where the meeting was held this past Monday, I gazed at the beautiful poster hanging on the wall of the Blessed Mother with the words “Mary kept all of these things and pondered them in her heart.”  I like the implication that the Mother of God also had things happen which she didn’t completely understand, but because of faith she pondered them in her heart, knowing God would provide clarity and grace for greater comprehension when the time was right. 

    
I noticed a nice statue of St. Thérѐse had been set on the small table under the poster.  I smiled at the likeness of the famous cloistered Carmelite holding her bouquet of pink roses, sensing that it was another “God wink” that I was where I was supposed to be doing His work.  I later found out that no one knows who brought the statue in and put it on the table used for the Praying Hands prayer shawl ministry, which made it even more significant that it was one of the first things I saw upon entering.

    
It is customary for women in WINGS to bring in items that are special to them.  The items are placed on the table in front of the lectern, and the significance of each one is briefly described to the group.  Again, I was awed and inspired by what two women brought for “show and tell.”  My favorite was the most gorgeous painting of St. Thérѐse of Lisieux that I have ever seen.  She seems to be somewhere with beautiful gardens near the water.  This also made me think of Michele, who has entered the Carmelite Sisters by the Sea.   
The woman shared with us that it had been hanging over her grandmother’s bed through the birth of all of her children, of which she had many, between when she was 14-31 years old.  The WINGS member told us about how her grandmother had prayed to St. Thérѐse when her first child, to whom she gave birth at age fourteen, was born prematurely.  The child not only survived, but she lived to the ripe old age of 95. 

After telling us about the painting, she was going to pack it up in the box she’d brought it in.  I asked her if she would be so kind as to leave it up on the table in front of the lectern where I was about to give my talk since it tied in so perfectly with much of what I would say.  You’ll notice there’s a pink rose on the banner of my blog.  There are a number of reasons it’s there, but one of them involves my special connection with saints named Teresa.

My mom has been praying the novena to St. Thérѐse that includes praying the “Glory be to God” twenty-four times, one for each year of the saint’s life for family members.  The other day she mentioned that the one she’s currently praying has been for Kevin, in part that he will find a job that is a good fit for him soon.  She mentioned how she hadn’t received any roses as is a somewhat common occurrence for those doing the novena as a sign that their prayers have been answered.  When I shared with her the story about the statue of St. Thérѐse that had appeared at church without anyone knowing who brought it in and texting her a picture of the beautiful painting the women brought in to show us, my mom realized that the roses God has been sending her are coming to her in other forms, ones that arrive via technology instead of with thorns.  This reassured her. 

If you are interested in learning more about St. Thérѐse the Little Flower, I highly recommend reading the following books:

Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérѐse Lisieux

Maurice and Thérѐse: The Story of a Love

The Four Teresas

My Sisters the Saints 

How Faith, Technology, and You Can Be Part of the New Evangelization

Each of us has a unique story, a special relationship with God that others can and want to learn from.  There are many ways we can share what God has done in our lives and point out to others what we can see Him doing in, through, and around them.  When it comes right down to it, the most important aspects of life we can share with others are those that stem from a close relationship with Jesus Christ.  Participation in the Sacraments, a conscious effort to grow in holiness, and how we live our lives are three of the most essential, powerful witnesses to God’s unconditional love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, peace, joy, and hope our world.  Because of technology and our ever-changing world, many people are seeking Truth, looking for answers, and learning about faith in new ways. 

What are some types of technology that have it easier for you to keep in touch with family, friends, conduct business, etc.?  Most people answer: cell phones, the Internet, websites, blogs, social media, iPods & MP3 players for music, podcasts, lectures, movies and TV shows, Youtube, and Skype are the main types of technology that has allowed them to connect with friends, family, neighbors, clients, customers, and readers from around the globe. 

Do you use your cell phone as a tool for evangelizing and spreading the love of the Lord?

Here’s an excerpt from a Blog Post I wrote in 2010: Text Messages with Deeper Meaning

      I was having a rough weekend when John, who has become a dear brother to Kevin and me, reached out via text messages to remind me of God’s love, His view of me, and how both remain the same regardless of how I’m feeling.

     While in a cloud of doubt and negativity, John texted me the following messages:

          don't believe the accuser. you are a beloved child of God

          He will give you the strength to keep going

          Remember that every hair on your head is numbered. Not a sparrow falls to the ground          

          without your Heavenly Father's knowledge. u are worth much more than sparrows

          As the Father has loved me so I have loved you. -Our Lord Jesus

          Remember that even Mary said she was the Lord's lowly servant.

          Read psalm 139. He loves you so much. don't worry about accepting it but give Him    

          what little you can.  That will be enough. I promise. Say Jesus I trust in you

          Don't worry about your feelings. God sees your depth and at your depth you truly love Him.

     Pursue Me, a CD by Danielle Rose that has a song titled “Psalm 139” on it.  Danielle Rose, a music missionary who writes all of her lyrics in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament, has inspired me a great deal over the years.  I first heard her music in June 2006 when I made my Cursillo weekend, and ever since, she has served as an amazing example of someone who uses the gifts she’s given to spread God’s love, help others grow in their faith, and glorify the Lord by their lives.

That year John gave us a copy of

     Any tool that makes communication and connecting with others easier can be used to evangelize.  For example, many people have apps on their phones and/or tablets for praying the Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, the Liturgy of the Hours, and the daily Mass readings.

     Social media has become an extremely popular way of interacting with others.  It’s changed the way we find out and what we think about current events.  I know that Facebook has dramatically changed who and how I am in touch with people including family members, friends, other Catholics, Christians, authors, motivational speakers, prominent priests, publishers, writers, bloggers, book enthusiasts, Respect Life advocates…

     Can Facebook and other types of social media actually help us live out our vocation to spread the Gospel with our lives?  Absolutely!  Here’s how:

o   Prayer requests

o   Respect Life photos, stories and advertisements

o   Pointing out discrepancies between mainstream secular media coverage versus what the Pope actually says and what the Catholic Church teaches

o   Spreading awareness of social justice issues and solutions

o   Sharing political concerns and information

o   A fast, fun way to share things with personal connections, family, and friends

o   Sharing the Gospel through articles, cartoons, photos, music, videos

What do your status message, photos, and the things you post on your Facebook wall and other people’s say about who and what is important to you? 

Here is a smattering of the different types of things you can share on Facebook that could be considered a form of evangelization:

An article about Pope Francis from a Catholic, not secular news source

·         A personal prayer: Lord, help us this day and each to glorify You by embracing the Truth that we are made in Your image, known by You intimately, and loved by You unconditionally. Amen.
·         A quote from Scripture
·         A prayer request or a praise to the Lord for something He’s done in your life
·         A song that has inspired you in your walk with the Lord and understanding of your calling to be a light for others

          A video about someone who is living out their faith in an inspiring, unique, and/or exceptional way

1.   How have the internet, cell phones, and social media changed the way we interact and communicate?

2.   Have you been using technology to evangelize others?  If so, how? If not, why not?

      There are a number of great books that deal with the topics of technology and evangelization, but
these are two of the ones I've read in recent years and found particularly well-written, creative and informative:

The Church and New Media by Brandon Vogt

The Evangelization Equation by Fr. James A Wehner STD (Sacrae Theologiae Doctor

Whose Requests Are Pending?

     Is it a more a sign of the times or willful defiance that makes me not feel too disturbed by the fact that I have seven pending requests God wants me to know?  Maybe both, or perhaps it’s because the messenger in this case is merely an application on Facebook telling me there are seven things God has been trying to tell me between January 31 and today. 

     Quite honestly, I’m sure there have been a whole lot more than just seven things He’s been trying to get through to me in the past nineteen days.  Fortunately, I do unplug from the computer, TV, my phone, etc. to tune in to God’s will during the day, so He’s reached me through a number of other methods.    
     Lent is just around the corner.  I’ve begun asking the Lord in my quiet prayer time how He would like me to observe this holy time of preparation and transformation leading up to Holy Week and Easter.  I’m still listening and waiting for specifics.  
     Recently I’ve been inspired to do Morning and Evening prayer in addition to attending daily Mass.  All three have been very powerful ways and times during which the Lord has spoken to me and/or helped me understand an aspect of Scripture in a new way.  My husband and I have also been praying the Rosary, especially as we are lifting up the participants of the Men’s Cursillo weekend going on right now. 
     I can't even tell you how many times the Lord speaks through my husband.  Sometimes, I'm more open to that messenger than others. :) I’m clearly feeling a nudge to spend more time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  This evening Kevin assured me that he's not giving daily Mass up for Lent, which is indeed some great news!

Questions for reflection:

     When was the last time you spent some unplugged quiet time alone with God? 

     What methods has the Lord used to speak to you or through you in the past month?

Third Time's the Charm?

     “I hope I don’t see you soon,” I said, heading out the door.  “Happy new year!” 

     It doesn’t seem like a very nice thing to say, but under the circumstances it was the truth.  Around Dec. 17^th I began experiencing problems with my cell phone.  When I slid out the keyboard, the screen would go blank.  I couldn’t see what I was typing when the keyboard was out, but the rest of the phone worked normally, so I dealt with it. 

     In the next couple days, my screen decided to stay white and blank all the time.  And because it wasn’t supposed to be blank, there was no short little message indicating “This Screen Left Intentionally Blank.”  I always find that message amusing as it makes the screen, card, or paper no longer blank when it’s on there.  I could still make calls and text, but I couldn’t see anything on the screen, so I was limited to those people whose numbers I know or whose place on my list of contacts I could remember. 

A Delayed Reaction

     My husband and I went to the Verizon store before Christmas, and they suggested I just upgrade my phone since we were eligible and it wasn’t likely my phone could easily be fixed.  I got the newer version of the phone I had.  The salesman added my contacts to the new phone, and I got a new car charger.  The one I had before would have worked if it hadn’t somehow gotten bent.  Yes, there is a pattern here: cell phones, accessories, and I don’t always work well together. 

     I thought the surreal screensaver on the new phone was kind of cool, and it was nice to have a screen that worked.  A few days of using the phone, though, and I got a little frustrated.  When I pushed a button, it would take literally 5-7 seconds before the phone would respond.  Holy delayed reaction, Batman!  It was a minor inconvenience most of the time, but a real project when I tried to text someone quickly. 

It Could Be Worse

     Now mind you, this has been in no way as bad as the cell phones and mobile service through T-Mobile that my mom and sister have.  Their issues have been significantly worse.  My mom texts Theresa, and it will sometimes take 8 hours for the text to show up on my sister’s phone.  As you can imagine, it is more than just a tad inconvenient that it would literally take about as much time to drive all the way up to Ohio, roughly an eight hour trip from here, and talk with my sister in person rather than text her. 

     One of the most extreme signs of needing to get a new cell phone and new service

Texts from Your Mom

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

“How are you doing?” 

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

     “Your mom,” was the reply. 

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

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

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

     “Remember to get more bandages.”

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

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

     Last night, he got a voicemail from