tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38015175569543270242024-03-12T19:16:29.669-04:00A Mom for Life-the unconventional familyA mom of seven discusses the ins and outs of raising kids in a Catholic home with all the modern world issues knocking at the door.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.comBlogger289125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-62371639893138342632017-06-06T20:21:00.000-04:002018-05-20T08:45:00.461-04:00Believe it or not, this was the easier topic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, it really is easier for me to talk about humility than many of the other posts I have bouncing around in my brain. I think because it is plainly evident that I am still so far from achieving even the smallest portion of this list, that it is pretty safe to look on from a distance. Almost as though it was a zoo animal in an enclosure, some other species with an unknowable mind.<br />
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Everything I have learned about myself and about how to walk with God in this life comes back to humility.<br />
One can't acknowledge God's existence, ask for anything in prayer, have faith or ask for the gift of faith, or even seek out God at all - without being able to first admit that we are not the master of our lives. That we have need and that need can only be seen in relation to our smallness before the Creator of creation.<br />
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It's a relief, really, to realize I am not in charge, or in control of anything. Who wants that! Anywhere I do have authority, God has granted it though favor or through natural law, and the better I understand my authority is really just another form of servanthood, the better for everyone concerned.<br />
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I mean, take a gander at that list! It's not a question of whether I don't live up to any of the points, but HOW MANY TIMES EVERY DAY . Let's see, yes I talked about myself, and oh, curiosity! How many things/people did I Google today alone? I want to know ALL THE THINGS. And incidentally, any time I give up or cut back on social media, I find that my stress level decreases, and golly gee, I have more time and inclination to pray! And pay attention to the people God puts in front of my face! Imagine that. I am working on being able to use social media and not let it <strike>slap me around</strike>, <strike>overtake my life</strike>, <strike>pull me Alice-like down rabbit-hole-labyrinths</strike>, distract me from what is most important.<br />
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And oh boy, those small irritations. Those get me every time. And I am not by nature an irritable person, but often it is the rude cashier, or the lady that zooms in front of me as I am headed to the checkout line at the grocery store (you know exactly which one I mean, she comes flying over from your peripheral vision and never once looks at you), that will be the last straw if I am having a day with a lot on my mind.<br />
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And 7-15. I mean. They are so far from my natural inclinations so as to maybe be written in hieroglyphics. WHO DOES THOSE THINGS?<br />
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And the answer is of course, Jesus did those things. And the Blessed Mother. And many saints. And I want to do those things.<br />
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So every Friday, as part of another group of prayers I say (Auxilium Christianorum), Is the Litany of Humility.<br />
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<i>Litany of Humility </i><br />
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<i>O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, hear me. </i><br />
<i>From the desire of being esteemed, deliver me, Jesus. </i><br />
<i>From the desire of being loved, deliver me, Jesus. </i><br />
<i>From the desire of being extolled, deliver me, Jesus. </i><br />
<i>From the desire of being honored, deliver me, Jesus. </i><br />
<i>From the desire of being praised, deliver me, Jesus. </i><br />
<i>From the desire of being preferred to others, deliver me, Jesus. </i><br />
<i>From the desire of being consulted, deliver me, Jesus. </i><br />
<i>From the desire of being approved, deliver me, Jesus.</i><br />
<i>From the fear of being humiliated, deliver me, Jesus. </i><br />
<i>From the fear of being despised, deliver me, Jesus. </i><br />
<i>From the fear of suffering rebukes, deliver me, Jesus. </i><br />
<i>From the fear of being calumniated, deliver me, Jesus. </i><br />
<i>From the fear of being forgotten, deliver me, Jesus. </i><br />
<i>From the fear of being ridiculed, deliver me, Jesus.</i><br />
<i> From the fear of being wronged, deliver me, Jesus.</i><br />
<i> From the fear of being suspected, deliver me, Jesus.</i><br />
<i>That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. </i><br />
<i>That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.</i><br />
<i> That in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease, Jesus,
grant me the grace to desire it. </i><br />
<i>That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. </i><br />
<i>That others may be praised and I unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. </i><br />
<i>That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to
desire it. </i><br />
<i>That others may become holier than I, provided that I become as holy as I should,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
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At first, just having those words come out of my mouth seemed kind of ridiculous. But I have come to love them, even the pain I sometimes feel when the contrast to my actual life is so great. I realize that I am asking Him who is able to do these sorts of things. To change things I can't. Even to make me willing to change things I don't want to let go of.<br />
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I realize that without some measure of humility, I will not be able to grow in the spiritual life and be the person I was created to be. Which I really want to be, if for no one else then at least for my family.<br />
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Not the least of whom are these two--<br />
--you didn't think you were getting away without the grands--<br />
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<i>Blessings and Peace.</i></div>
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<i>Kelly</i></div>
<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-11916546563715343962017-05-24T22:34:00.000-04:002017-05-26T07:08:41.700-04:00beginning, and beginning again<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "pt serif" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>“He who climbs never stops going from beginning to beginning, through beginnings that have no end. He never stops desiring what he already knows.” -St. Gregory of Nissa</i></span><br />
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<i>“This is the very perfection of a man, to find out his own imperfections.” -St. Augustine</i></div>
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<i>“To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.” -Bl. John Henry Cardinal Newman</i></div>
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Well well, it seems I will come out of blog-retirement and throw some words at whomever would like to read them. It has been roughly a year, and I could go all What I Did on my Summer Vacation on you, but don't worry. I don't have the strength.<br />
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What has motivated me is simply that I would like to share some of my spiritual journey. It has been quite a year in many respects, and have thought recently that some of my experiences might resonate with -someone- and so if even one person is encouraged, I will be completely happy with that.<br />
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I am not even going to attempt to go chronologically. I would drive myself and any reader crazy, and besides, since God exists outside of time, it's all good.<br />
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But really, first things first. In the post immediately preceding this one, you will see a precious newborn. Who happens to be my granddaughter. So, following Rule Number One in the Grandparent handbook, I must, under threat of losing my membership, show you updated pictures.<br />
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Okay! A year in the life of a baby. Every day another milestone! I could go on.<br />
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But I mentioned some spiritual growth or some junk, so I will tell you about that.<br />
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I want to start with a period of fasting and prayer that I joined in with back in February. It is called <a href="https://www.nineveh90.com/">Nineveh 90</a>, which is a 90 day program of prayer and fasting. It is similar to a Lenten period, with prescribed prayers and disciplines. The round I joined in actually encompassed Lent and so was interesting to have Lent within a Lent. The 90 days wrapped up on May 13, the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. There were small groups that one could join online, which I did, and we met each week to check in and see how everyone was doing, what was a struggle, and shared prayer intentions. I got to know some lovely people, and we hope to keep up with each other online. If you follow the link you can read for quite a while on the Nineveh 90 website, there are many articles and prayers.<br />
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Those are the nuts and bolts, but it's what comes about on a personal level that is the real point. These sort of groups have many scores of people praying, which is in itself a wonderful thing. But the idea that I am but a cog in a larger movement of prayer, saying prayers here in my South Philadelphia row home; effecting change in the world for the salvation of souls for eternity--that alone gives me a sense of humble awe--and hope for all the many issues of our day and for poor souls. It appeals to my sense of wanting to DO SOMETHING for all the needs in my world and the larger world, that I otherwise would be powerless to address.( I was born on the feast of St. Martha, so--).<br />
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This period also helped me in my ability to grow in self-discipline. Out of the prayers, dietary guidelines, fasting days, exercise, limit of internet and TV for entertainment, and regular adoration and confession, I would say that incorporating prayer into my day was the best benefit. I pray at regular times throughout the day, short prayers, and say the Rosary daily, along with some other prayers I say at night. I try to examine my conscience every night, though I have fallen off of that a bit. It does make for a much better confession. Sometimes, especially in the beginning, the prayers did not_feel_very spiritual, as I had to read them until I got them memorized, but as I persevered, I began to see that simply the offering of my time and devotion was producing something in my life. Even if I didn't immediately have pious emotions, my prayers were doing the work in which they were intended. Which, honestly, is not ever to make me feel holy, but to go towards the greater will of God, which I only know but a crumb. My life, my world, my reality, while real, is not the ultimate reality that God sees. but he allows us to participate in his plan anyway. And he makes each person important to the whole, and somehow, every small act contributes, whether for good or for ill. That is something I want to share with you in a future post.<br />
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I also want to tell more about my journey to come to know Mary better. As a convert, I did not always think of her first when I would go looking for an intercessor. Now, I try to give everything to her first. That will be a post unto itself.<br />
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Until then, I leave you ,Clementine:<br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-64761763806462421012016-03-22T21:03:00.000-04:002016-09-30T18:39:33.941-04:00Holy Week is upon us, Lent has been a bear, and, a baby.<br />
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I trust you have been having a blessed and holy Lent. I seem to remember last year as not needing a lot of additional disciplines, as they came pre-packaged. Well, this year was no different. Maybe it was just God's way of consolidating all my spiritual growth into one Lenten package, all tied up with a pretty purple bow.<br />
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I will not share all the ins and outs. Suffice it to say the challenges have been coming fast and furious. Kind of like a treadmill that makes you keep running or you'll go flying. But don't let me give you the impression it's been all bad; far from it! I've had many many lovely blessings. My daughter, son-in-law and grandson came from Michigan for a visit; the occasion being another daughter's baby shower.<br />
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Annnnnnd, the amazing, sweet, adorable, yet natural, outcome of that-------drum roll----<br />
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Ta Da!<br />
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Clementine Willow Corrine, born March 4, 6 lbs. 15 oz.<br />
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Of course we are all completely smitten.<br />
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Yet, all of life continues, much as we wish it would just pause long enough for us to sit and rock her seventeen hours a day.<br />
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Back to Lent.<br />
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I came across the book, <i>Abandonment to Divine Providence</i>, by Jean-Pierre de Caussade, while re-reading <i>The Way of Serenity</i>, by Father Jonathan Morris. He referenced it somewhere along the way, and I became curious and went and found it.<br />
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It has become truly a book full of Things I Needed To Hear Right Now. Ironically, following with the book's theme, God brought it along when I needed it most. The idea that God is present in every moment, and our job is to be abandoned to his will, trusting that He has got our life handled in a way we never could, is not a new one, in fact I am sure one could quote scripture to say the same thing. But de Caussade does sort of a Francis de Sales with the language and examples he uses, making the whole idea of the Christian life absurdly simple, and still highly profound.<br />
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The simple part I really need right now. Haha. Just remembering to look to God in every circumstance, instantly changes the entire baseline reality of that moment.<br />
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When I am driving to work in the morning on the expressway (total misnomer. there is nothing express about it), I like to start with a Rosary. It helps quiet down my racing mind and focus on hearing Jesus. One day while praying the sorrowful mysteries, I got to "Jesus carries His Cross" and remembered how he allowed Simon to help him. I mean, Simon didn't even want to. He had to be forced! But also, Jesus<i> chose</i> to stay within the limits of his beaten, torn, human body. Nothing was done to Him on Good Friday that He didn't allow. And he wanted a reluctant human person to help him on His darkest day. When I, in my human limitations, am having a dark day, do I allow people to help me? Do I turn to Jesus and ask his help? Conversely, Jesus wants our help. He wants us to pray for one another. He wants us to just talk to Him, to get to know Him for who he really is.<br />
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I was able to ponder all that because I made myself available to listen and pay attention.<br />
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It's kind of a limitless possibility idea, and I like it. It gives us the chance to tap into God as He is in every moment, and get to know Him as the living Father that he truly is.<br />
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Since I am experiencing challenges, I now have daily, even hourly conversations with God that offer opportunities to see all my situations through His eyes. He reminds me that my freaking out accomplishes nothing, and I can remain serene and docile to His work in my life, knowing He has it all handled.<br />
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My prayer is that you can experience God in your daily life, abandoning yourself to Him and knowing His peace.<br />
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Have a blessed Holy Week~</div>
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Kelly</div>
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-91270586031800125852016-02-09T15:57:00.001-05:002016-02-09T16:00:40.269-05:00Lent 2016, the gauntlet<br />
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Well, here we are at the doorstep of yet another Lent. I remember last year's Lent and that it was hard or something, and for general forgetfulness, I am truly thankful.<br />
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I am fully on board with the saying, " Lent is not a diet." In some ways, I think that just omitting certain foods is a cop out from putting real thought into the furthering of our spiritual life.Just being hungry is not enough, though it has its merits. I personally need something that will point me toward God in a more conscious way. Many days, okay, most days, I get all caught up in the events of that day and go merrily on without Him.<br />
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So I want to have a multi-point approach this year. A little of this and a little of that.<br />
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The Plan.<br />
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1. Ransom some time back by going off of Facebook. I may blog here and there, and throw the post up on Facebook, (and try really hard not to chase after the piled up notifications). I do this every year, and find I am looking forward to it more and more.<br />
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2. Generalized good eating but no specific dietary restricting. Except Fridays, of course, and just keeping things modest. We have several celebrations throughout Lent, and this year, the birth of our second grandchild, so there will be some appropriate times to indulge a little. I have heard that NOT participating in someone's joyful celebration, (when possible), would in itself be, if not sinful, at least sort of ungenerous.<br />
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3. Reading. I began <a href="http://cart.dynamiccatholic.com/Free-Rediscover-Jesus-by-Matthew-Kelly-p/1rj-sc.htm">Rediscover Jesus</a> by Matthew Kelly, and want to continue that. I also have lots of great spiritual books lying about. Unplugging to some extent and watching less TV will clear some space.<br />
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4. Going to daily mass, adoration, stations of the cross, and more frequent confession. I am not going to say this day or that day, because my life just doesn't support that. I do want to say a daily Rosary.<br />
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5. Doing <a href="http://www.whitehouseblackshutters.com/40-bags-in-40-days/">this</a>.<br />
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6. Give alms wherever an opportunity arises. Sometimes this happens with giving someone time rather than money.<br />
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7. Little sacrifices. Doing something someone else wants rather than what I want. Praying while driving instead of listening to music. Doing something extra for someone that is not expected.<br />
Offering up all difficulties of the day. Hurt feelings, bad drivers, crowded stores, disappointments, heartaches. You get the gist.<br />
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8. This may seem counter intuitive, but be joyful! Laugh. Find the humor in things. Smile at someone. Don't indulge in grumpiness or irritability. Hug someone. (be appropriate! haha). Give good vibes away. Jesus said, <i> <span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "trebuchet" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "trebuchet" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "trebuchet" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">that</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "trebuchet" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"> your joy may be made full." John 15:10-11.</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">That all may seem like a lot, but really, it's more of a mindset. Setting the mind on Jesus. That's the goal, right?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Here's to a joyful and holy Lent!</span></span></div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-37347034447919447542016-01-08T10:26:00.000-05:002016-01-12T10:37:48.398-05:00What is stopping you?<br />
<img height="406" src="https://joshsommers.smugmug.com/Art/The-Droste-Effect/i-Nnk5bWT/2/S/x-S.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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As a parent, I always want my kids to tell me if they need something. It makes me unhappy to know that any one of them has suffered in silence because their shoes got too small or they were down to one pair of jeans, or they fell behind in algebra; or they wanted to sign up for a sport/club/class, but weren't sure they could handle it. Anything. It's fine if it's just a material thing, or help over an academic or social hurdle. Or something more. I truly wish they knew my heart for them never changes, and that I always want their best, highest good. It is painful when they don't seem to know that there is nothing that can change my heart toward them.<br />
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God is our Father, and we can understand the quality of that love because of the love we have for our own. But do we ask Him for all our needs? How many times do we suffer in silence, flounder around in our difficulties, surrender to our wounds, get stuck in a rut, or become paralyzed with fear? I would venture to say, we all do it in some way every day, simply as a part of being human. How much must the Father's heart hurt when we don't ask him for what we need? When He reaches out to us in a hundred different ways every day, and just gets brushed off because we are not open to the idea that it is He that is offering us His love, tenderness and assistance? When He only wants our highest good, and that we know that His heart for us never changes?<br />
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I think that we can't see it because we haven't asked Him for what we need. And maybe that is why we are stuck.<br />
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Where are you stuck?<br />
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A long time ago, I heard this teaching:<br />
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If you have an area in which you are struggling, identify the goal, and then isolate every step of what you need to reach it. I am approaching this as a spiritual process, but it can apply to anything.<br />
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A Scenario.<br />
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Fred has been away from the Church. He is questioning his faith, but is also feeling an emptiness in his life that he has not been able to fill by pursuing his own ideas. What does he need? Faith? A connection with God? If he starts right where he is, he can ask God for the strength and courage to take the first step. He can say one Hail Mary a day, and ask that God reach out to him with a path. If he has a hard time praying at all, he can ask for the ability to pray. Just that one request. He can keep backing up until he reaches the point where he can begin. If he is open, he will recognize it when that person talks to him about faith, or that book comes across his path.<br />
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What is a goal you have not been reaching for because the path to you seems blocked? Write down that goal and work back, asking God for the ability to go forward. Be clear about the steps, and what is stopping you from doing them.<br />
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I have been working out now, consistently, at least for a little over two years. results have been slow, and there were a lot of roadblocks along the way. Scheduling, health concerns, injury, depression. But, one by one, I was able to ask for the thing I needed to go forward, even if I had to start with asking for the desire to do it. Sometimes, even the desire to be open to doing it. Or the desire to have the desire! I wanted the goal, but felt blocked. So I needed enough desire to take the first step to getting unblocked. God sent many little concrete steps for me to follow. An at-home, free, online exercise program with a huge array of workouts, in all styles, time frames and intensity levels. No having to leave the house, no fancy wardrobe, no special equipment, no AUDIENCE, especially in the very beginning. I could do ten or fifteen minutes if that was all I could manage. I would even workout in whatever I had worn to bed. But now, I do have the desire. The inertia has been overcome. I want to feel that sweaty burn. Even when it hurts, I like it, because I see and feel the results and the benefit goes far beyond the physical. I look forward to having days I can do longer workouts, but doing five days of 30 intense minutes is just fine. God provided everything I needed.<br />
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The goals in the beginning seemed large, wide-ranging, and unattainable. I was struggling with the effects of an under active thyroid, compounded with life events that felt overwhelming and a proclivity to depression and anxiety. I just wanted to trust God as I once had, and feel at peace. And have some energy. So, I asked Him for some beginning steps. Finding that workout program was a big one. It helped me improve my physical and mental health, it increased my energy levels and helped with sleep and made it easier to desire healthy eating. It also has made it possible to see the way ahead more clearly and set further goals.<br />
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Another help along the way was finding my NarAnon family group. This has truly been a larger piece of life-help than I first imagined. And has much more impact than solely in the arena of addiction, It is a support for ALL aspects of life.<br />
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I mentioned further goals. I have been limping along in my spiritual life, at least in my own estimation. I suspect God has been leading me down the Attainable Path all along, but I have always striven for certain goals and not been able to maintain the discipline. So with the help of the upcoming Lent, and asking God for a daily devotional habit that I can sustain after Lent and beyond, and most importantly, the desire for God to increase. I know this is a good request and that He will answer, indeed is already answering, and I will be looking for those answers.<br />
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<img src="http://www.mondaymorningmemo.com/cabinet/Lester.jpg" /><br />
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I want to give sources to all the puzzle pieces I mentioned above:<br />
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1. The lovely young couple, Daniel and Kelli Segars and their online site, <a href="https://www.fitnessblender.com/">Fitness Blender.</a><br />
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2. Matthew Kelly's outreach, that I first found as Best Advent Ever, but the whole shebang is called Dynamic Catholic. Best Lent Ever is going to be available as well, and I intend to take advantage of the daily emails! You may have seen his books, <i>Rediscover Jesus</i>, being given out at your parish. I highly recommend <a href="http://dynamiccatholic.com/?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRokvKTNeu%2FhmjTEU5z16e0pXKW1gYkz2EFye%2BLIHETpodcMSsJiMa%2BTFAwTG5toziV8R7LMJc1o0toQWBbl">this</a> program. Highly.<br />
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3. If you have a loved one or family member struggling with addiction, or suspect it, you can find a NarAnon or AlAnon in your area by searching NarAnon or AlAnon family group meetings.<br />
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And by all means, gladden God's heart by asking Him for what you need. Do it today. It is my prayer for you.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Peace, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Kelly</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>+JMJ+</i></span></div>
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-10191702895271338542015-11-29T16:16:00.000-05:002015-11-29T16:16:23.381-05:00Advent 2015 aka, trying again<br />
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" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a>Hello! And yes I am still alive! I thought advent would be a fitting time to rejoin all, er, both of you on the blogosphere once again.<br />
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Today's TLM was extra beautiful. We are blessed enough to always have confession available to us before mass, so I went. Perhaps this gave me an extra appreciation for the rest of the mass, since my heart was softer and more in tune than usual. I don't know, but I still say that Reconciliation is to me like a good drink of cold water after a dry, dusty wait; or like the feeling after a workout when the body feels stronger and the mind clearer, only spiritually. Okay, these are terrible analogies, I know. But I feel better. And ready to try again.<br />
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The scola was acapella today, and it was no sacrifice. we began with Creator of the Stars of Night, one of my absolute favorites. The motet they did Conditor Alme Siderum, by Charles H Griffen was breathtaking, but alas, I can't find a recording of it. It means "creator of the stars of night" but the music is different than the hymn in English. Gor.Jus.<br />
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All the prayers today were beautiful, here is just one:<br />
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Introit:<br />
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To Thee have I lifted up my soul: in Thee, O my God, I put my trust, let me not be ashamed: neither let my enemies laugh at me: for none of them that wait on Thee shall be confounded. Show me, O Lord, Thy ways: and teach me Thy paths.<br />
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I am receiving emails with daily Advent reflections from Dynamic Catholic. I read the first one today and really liked it. It also comes with a short video.<br />
In case you would like to check it out:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CaAicDXGU-c" width="560"></iframe><br />
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And go <a href="http://dynamiccatholic.com/year-of-mercy/best-advent-ever/">here</a> to sign up for the daily emails.<br />
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Happy Advent-ing everybody! Definitely share your Advent adventures with me, or even just what you had for breakfast. I'll take it.<br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-11682907433153533162015-09-30T21:03:00.000-04:002015-10-01T08:13:39.333-04:00The day of a lifetime<br />
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I had no intentions of going to the Papal anything, as crowds are Not My Thing, and Bob generally dislikes anything done outside, so we were pretty much in agreement.<br />
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But then, on Saturday morning, we started wondering if maybe we should go downtown and just wander about anyway. Something had stirred in us, but I hadn't been feeling well, so we were still very on the fence. We went to morning mass, where I proceeded to say a few uncomplimentary things about our new priest and his way of celebrating mass. Smallish things, but still.<br />
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After mass, we decided to "just go and see" if there were still any tickets at the rectory. We were told there were a few left for that day, for the events bridging the World Meeting of Families and the Pope's arrival. Father happened by outside the office door and said, "You looking for tickets? Hold on." To which, he disappeared for a few minutes, and came back with two tickets to the mass in his hand. He said he had done his Pope thing with John Paul II, had even appeared on TV with him when he came to Philly, and was glad to give them to us.<br />
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So, yes, as usual for me, foot in mouth disease, though Father didn't know it, And now we had tickets to EVERYTHING. It was starting to feel kinda meant-to-be-ish.<br />
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We decided to go down right away, so as soon as we were ready, off we went. We only stopped for some hand sanitizer, having seen the pictures of endless rows of porta-potties as far as the eye could see.<br />
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It was very strange to see the Philly streets devoid of cars, but full of people biking, running, walking dogs, even one enterprising guy piloting a taxi-bike. Then we got to what I like to call The Pope Zone.<br />
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As my friend, Manny, <a href="http://ashesfromburntroses.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-papal-mass-christ-in-city.html">posted on his day at the Madison Square Garden Papal Mass</a>, we also had to wait in rather long and slow security line. During which people were told they may not take any fruit inside, so folks were either eating up all their fruit (there was a surprising amount of fruit-toters) or giving it away, I was the happy recipient of a lovely banana. But then! A little later, the Fruit Rule was revised to just no Round Fruit. No apples, plums, oranges. Bananas were now okay! The woman did ask for hers back, but it wasn't readily available. We all did speculate on the Round Fruit rule for a while. It passed the time. As Manny also experienced, as we got closer, folks started to cut the line. Nobody said anything. Spirit of the day and all. Our whole line experience was an hour, maybe hour and a half-ish.<br />
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Then we were In. With the idea we might get within sighting distance of seeing Papa leave the Basilica, we went in that general direction, only to find that all the fences and cattle chutes kept us literally corralled into certain areas. We spotted a place right up against the fence a little ways from the Basilica and just parked ourselves there to figure out what we wanted to do. Here was our view:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnsG-7O-lJywIx3RuYXt7JPK9dye0-NuJ7abGuGph-NSR_cUAYaQuBNG_fTgxvXQPBC-Fvi8VYe_tctkLf31kIJLv6rTXXPqXRHugfJpR4V3ranxMgE1rRI039UDhwSvThd83BpWF0EJQ/s1600/20150926_163601+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnsG-7O-lJywIx3RuYXt7JPK9dye0-NuJ7abGuGph-NSR_cUAYaQuBNG_fTgxvXQPBC-Fvi8VYe_tctkLf31kIJLv6rTXXPqXRHugfJpR4V3ranxMgE1rRI039UDhwSvThd83BpWF0EJQ/s640/20150926_163601+%25282%2529.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioP2DFIF0gmUFNXHVYYBSjNa7hGyDNbKV5iXiFO2cr0M4ApGmGZW1y50G_05BfZJAIVAaArWUwScaLHMjPeppn9-kwgzRXdMzu4HeCpLfgRACDh81hJpAIKsfKBNtPPofDaYPnn7kqAWNj/s1600/20150926_162002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioP2DFIF0gmUFNXHVYYBSjNa7hGyDNbKV5iXiFO2cr0M4ApGmGZW1y50G_05BfZJAIVAaArWUwScaLHMjPeppn9-kwgzRXdMzu4HeCpLfgRACDh81hJpAIKsfKBNtPPofDaYPnn7kqAWNj/s400/20150926_162002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This one tells better where we were standing, the above one shows the beauty of the Basilica. You can see how people are mostly all hemmed in by fences.<br />
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Turns out, we were too late for seeing the conclusion of the mass, so after much speculating, we decided to stay put and hope we were on the parade route, for when Papa would ride around after speaking at Independence Hall, and before the evening's festivities. All we knew about that was that there were going to be musical groups. Beyond that, we hadn't a clue.<br />
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Just to illustrate how clueless we really were; later, a lovely young lady from Pittsburgh, Katie, who was studying at Drexel took up a spot near us. When we mentioned we had tickets, she said, "you know you're not in the ticketed area, right?" Well, no, we didn't, actually. We thought our tickets had been to get through the security line. Haha, and duh! But still, we decided to stay put, and gave her one of our tickets to see the evening part. I hope she got to make good use of it!<br />
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While we waited, we were joined by many, many other Papal parade speculators. We had looked up the parade route and thought our chances were good. The police, when asked about anything, always said they didn't know. There were state troopers from all over. The one in front of us was from, again, Pittsburgh. We saw NYPD also. They were good natured, but apparently as clueless as everyone else regarding the movements of the Holy Father.<br />
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Here was one lovely addition to our cluster of neighbors for a day:<br />
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Yes! A Pope Baby! There was another one that made headlines because the Pope stopped and blessed her, but we liked ours best. People on the other side of the divide would chant Ba-by!Ba-by! so her father would hold her up for pictures. And everyone would cheer. She remained entirely placid throughout the long day. Much more so than some of the adults...<br />
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Her name is Daniela Francesca. She stole our hearts.<br />
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So, eventually, we heard the speech from Independence Hall begin and end. We were not in sight of any of the jumbotrons, so it was just kind of a blur. Music groups began to play nearby over the loudspeaker. A young girl named Jackie Evancho (13!) sang like an absolute angel. But we were all getting antsy for the arrival of the Holy Father. Time dragged. We spent some time sitting directly on the ground, some children were stretched out on blankets, asleep. But the crowds were really gathering now, and if you gave up and inch of space, it got filled. Soon, I was pressed up against the fence and Bob directly behind. I started feeling kind of claustrophobic and asked him to move back a little, I was sorry I did though, because a group of young (college age-ish I guess) girls wormed up beside us. One reached through and grabbed the railing, causing me to have her elbow planted in my ribs until I moved. I still didn't want to ruin the general bonhomie that was prevalent there by saying anything, but yeah, it bugged me. We had waited upwards of seven hours at that spot. They had just appeared and wiggled their way forward.<br />
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It began getting dark, and rows of police-escorted vehicles started going around the circle, so we knew it had to be close. It was fully dark and fully 7:00 before the shouts began that preceded the Pope's procession coming towards us. Of course, both our phones were almost dead, and now Bob had been pushed back away from the fence, so his only view was over my head. <br />
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Nevertheless, we readied our phone cameras. He came FLYING by in the lit up Popemobile. Everyone erupted in screams.<br />
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Here is how my picture tuned out:<br />
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Tragic, isn't it? I don't even know if it is right side up. I like to call it, Flying, Picasso-ish Pope.<br />
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Well, thank God, Bob got a good shot. A video nonetheless! A miracle, I tell you!<br />
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And yes, the young lady to the right is my unwilling "neighbor" whose hand and later, fist, appear in the video. And screams. In my ear. She inserted her entire body in a two inch space. So many ways to offer things up ...<br />
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But! All the logistics notwithstanding, we were in the same airspace as the POPE! He came within FEET of where we stood! I did offer the day for all my friends and family, and know those prayers and offering were well heard by God on this special day.<br />
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We did not hang around, for what turned out to be an incredible impromptu speech given by the Holy Father. Our feet and backs just couldn't do it. We heard it live from home, though, and it felt as if we were still there. (I hope Katie stayed!) We did not venture to the mass either, and I am told people waited up to four hours in the lines that day. I am sure it was well worth it, but we enjoyed it from home, still exhausted from the bit we did manage to do.<br />
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I still feel it was a divine appointment. I told you all the nuts and bolts, but in the end, this Pope managed to make each one of us feel he did everything for love of each and every one of us. He radiates so much love, and well, purity I think is the word that strikes me. He never looked bored, tired, or like he wished he were somewhere else. Well, except in this meme:<br />
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Haha. But really, Aretha, Nessun Dorma? Poor Puccini. My ears!<br />
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I think Pope Francis is exactly the right Pope for our time. We may not understand it yet. But this visit made me love him as much as I love Benedict and JPII. And I feel like I can trust him now better than before. I only was hearing about him. This time, we heard FROM him and saw what he did and the love with which he did it.<br />
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If you were anywhere near him or even watched his events, you couldn't help but feel the love.<br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-24424905777425666942015-09-10T11:19:00.001-04:002015-09-10T11:19:18.419-04:00Under my Skin<br />
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Cranky. Edgy. Touchy. Cross. Prickly. Crotchety. Cantankerous. Grouchy. Over-sensitive. Quick -tempered.<br />
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All these are synonymous with irritable.<br />
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I don't see myself as a generally irritable person. But I have noticed that I do get irritated with certain things quite frequently. Usually small things. As I gave it some thought, I realized that being irritable over something is kind of indulging in a mini temper tantrum. Say, on the road when I encounter less than considerate drivers. (Inner city driving is a challenge unto itself, and I submit that the Philly and Jersey drivers are their own special breed. I'll leave it at that). (And if you take to the road on a Friday afternoon or evening, God help you). Anyways! You can see how my mind set might affect my outlook as I get behind the wheel. And how, just maybe, I think I that I know better and am, if not better, perhaps a more considerate driver than some.<br />
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So what I've got here is a way of thinking that assumes something.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6orF1qaiqagdz39fDxV_98iv_NDbPl4LBnkFIL6s4bUOCR2eMvMAn3NT_Kc3Quud2ENragXYNNdtGy1grCiJ7BZ2fVhhd302BGk2vsWZK0FM65I-GVw7LU7lE7ChG-mZphacsSDdTb6p/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6orF1qaiqagdz39fDxV_98iv_NDbPl4LBnkFIL6s4bUOCR2eMvMAn3NT_Kc3Quud2ENragXYNNdtGy1grCiJ7BZ2fVhhd302BGk2vsWZK0FM65I-GVw7LU7lE7ChG-mZphacsSDdTb6p/s1600/images.jpg" /></a>Firstly, I am completely in my own head about what I am trying to accomplish, usually trying to get from Point A to Point B, and darn it, you are slowing me down. If you have stopped in the middle of the street to chat with someone you saw walking, especially if you did so right next to a parking spot the size of a football field, or if you shot out of one of the tiny side streets, causing me to slam on my brakes, only to immediately turn down another, I am either silently or out loud indulging in some Language. I am assuming you Do Not Care and are oblivious that anyone else exisits, and therefore my objective of Getting Somewhere is not on your radar. And really, how dare you. Now, on occasion, I have noticed that you are elderly, and have felt a little pang of guilt. If you are a young person, I have felt no such pang and have assumed you are an arrogant, spoiled little person who should have your allowance revoked.<br />
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Yes, these are some of the thoughts that go through my mind.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz2Pg-m-uG1Srw3Zwltr_r5kUd2EVSJp-rw9QwFKjaXtz9JqQUiqFEJCWLAypaMiZVnY-oY0ZpwaCtxU1fXT4LpLJKuORBDm2tARQFcq_NNTmeFni7A4BnlFEkcSGAjp6FZldmxe8f-S7/s1600/30003792-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz2Pg-m-uG1Srw3Zwltr_r5kUd2EVSJp-rw9QwFKjaXtz9JqQUiqFEJCWLAypaMiZVnY-oY0ZpwaCtxU1fXT4LpLJKuORBDm2tARQFcq_NNTmeFni7A4BnlFEkcSGAjp6FZldmxe8f-S7/s1600/30003792-300x300.jpg" /></a>On a larger scale, being irritable kind of says, "hey, I am feeling a certain way right now, and I should not have to deal with X,Y, or especially Z." This ties in to my <a href="http://amomforlife-theunconventionalfamily.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-red-carpet-treatment.html"> Red Carpet </a> theory. Ironically, in that post, I also used a "driving while in South Philly" example. I guess not much has changed, haha, and yikes.<br />
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But seriously, I have been trying to do a more frequent examination of conscience so that when I go to confession, I am not trying to remember everything from the last month or longer. Because I can't remember things from yesterday. So the quality of my confessions leave something to be desired. I can tell you I regularly confess a lack of discipline, especially in my spiritual life. I am working on it, pray for me!<br />
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My frequent bouts of irritability are telling of my thought patterns, and those are what I am trying to pay better attention to. Those thoughts that assign me the Higher Plane of Living Award, if you get my drift. You may occasionally have them if you ever think, "I shouldn't have to deal with this, or do this menial thing, or deal with so and so's faults, or have to rouse myself from this well deserved rest to (gasp) do something for someone else." I could go on.<br />
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What I really want is to be able to see people the way that God sees them. To see people the way that Mother Teresa saw them. To be able to use these tiny moments of service to humanity as offerings for my sins. To offer them for the souls of others. To get myself off that all fired throne.<br />
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I realize this may never happen, at least in any large way in my lifetime, and I am not beating myself up over it. But I do wish to live with this intention a little closer to the surface, again for which I ask your prayers.<br />
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Have you ever met a person that so shined with the love of Christ that you felt it? Who was so free of self absorption that they made you feel as though you were the only person on earth at that moment? Whose mind and heart were so clear of clutter that it shone right out of their eyes, who could look straight at you with no self consciousness at all? This is what I hope to be a fraction of before I leave this earth. I told this to my spiritual director when he asked what was my goal in spiritual direction. Yeah, we definitely did not achieve that, but, hey Father, if you're reading, we definitely did make progress.<br />
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So , as everyone knows, one should never talk about problems without talking about solution, right?<br />
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Here are some of mine, what I refer to as the Master Plan. (haha, the irony).<br />
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1. Daily Mass.</div>
I can't begin to tell you the benefit this is to my life, Once again, the Church provides structure for me to plug in to and do the work of prayer for my family that I just can't do nearly as well on my own. Add to that the rewards that go with attending Mass. I truly believe some of the blessings we have experienced as a family have stemmed from the prayers and attendance of mass done by us and others for us.<br />
I have a new job that begins in October, If you have seen the TV ads, you may have heard of Visiting Angels. It is a company that provides home care for the elderly or home bound. One of the reasons I left my other job was to free up weekends to be with my family, and also because this new job will be part time, allowing me to go to daily mass again. I believe this is part of my work as a wife, mother, and grandmother and friend, so I am trying to arrange my life to make it possible.<br />
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2. Exercise.</div>
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some of these were birthday presents. I outgrew some of the lighter ones<br />
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I have been working out regularly for over two years, at least in this incarnation of working out. Back when I was suffering from depression and agoraphobia, I was told that to help combat some of it, that I should get regular exercise. These days, depression only lurks, but I do have to manage some anxiety and some of the wonderful effects of being a Woman of a Certain Age. Regular working out has truly been my medicine. I sleep better, eat mostly better, have much more strength and energy, am _somewhat_better balanced emotionally (just being realistic here) and my clothes fit more comfortably. I use a free You Tube Channel called <a href="https://www.fitnessblender.com/">Fitness Blender</a>, hosted by an adorable young couple from the Northwest. I never have to leave my house, I can work out any time I want, and there are so many workouts to choose from, of all different difficulty levels, types and lengths, I am never bored. I highly recommend them.<br />
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3. the Twelve Steps.</div>
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Still twelve stepping along! I have mentioned before that I attend a NarAnon group. It has strengthened my faith and given me tools for life. I have also, and still do recommend the book, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0062119133/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=54042135905&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4584532932328990362&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_8th2gsb963_b/">The Way of Serenity</a>, </i>by Father Jonathan Morris. A while back, I posted a song that I later learned and sang for my group, because I just thought it spoke so well about God's heart for us. I also recorded it and shared it with them, at their request. I will share it with you <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kelly.seppy/videos/10205954542875639/?l=2881020758605626677/">here</a> with a huge disclaimer that I just whipped it off quickly, with no time to make it perfect or even better than I could do it that day in only one take. With allergies that made me stuffy. But it is such a nice song. And so I will leave you with this. Also with a request that you pray for my family, as we are walking through many challenges.<br />
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Here are the lyrics:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> All the Way, by Kat Edmundson</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Don't feel bad, I'm so
glad that you are here tonight.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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Sometimes we lose our way.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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Take a ride with me, and forget yesterday.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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Way up high, and way down low. Most things we can't control.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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But you don't walk alone. Wherever I may be, there you'll have a home.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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If you forget the wonder that you are I will remind you.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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And if you lose yourself, don't worry darling, I'll know where to find you.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
I'm right behind you, all the way.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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Da dada da, da dada da</i></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-59392271570548260352015-09-01T20:37:00.000-04:002015-09-02T08:32:39.757-04:00photo album<br />
Here are the rest of my trip pictures. Pardon that I have not done any editing. I usually try to make the photos the best they can be, but I am short on time, for all things, because I have to go to the dentist. (Gulp)<br />
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Here is Kaden on the 4th. We had such fun day, a small town parade, back yard grilling, and then culminating in fireworks. There was a drone taking pictures from the sky! I do have the video from the drone. I was able to find it online. It's kind of long and less spectacular than you might think. It was actually kind of distracting flying around as we watched the fireworks, which themselves were very good.<br />
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the parade<br />
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The Beach.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToPgJiCWDWaCVqy_pnlOPUjf204821IfNHLFfqShc3zltbj7NQ-yURRy00NWh1pd4e6izMJy1jeDgCBUk_c0Z2eICZ11y-ACT16LEF5BEBfMg6cnwR2IAPRxJiIpXpP2_OYSptI5sPvd1/s1600/beach+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToPgJiCWDWaCVqy_pnlOPUjf204821IfNHLFfqShc3zltbj7NQ-yURRy00NWh1pd4e6izMJy1jeDgCBUk_c0Z2eICZ11y-ACT16LEF5BEBfMg6cnwR2IAPRxJiIpXpP2_OYSptI5sPvd1/s640/beach+3.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxSPn1xVwhy-7OPWiRAcSvrS4BXpeKl8ChSlDFndqLKMMVZVK7FYMhS44g9jMKN8HnMKyedk_KucT9YdnKTOZ1HR9G5NxBftmHuTMnL7RI4TiGkZKbfl6Phyphenhyphenr0-Zx-PWhe6tCdGBLv5d8/s1600/beach+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxSPn1xVwhy-7OPWiRAcSvrS4BXpeKl8ChSlDFndqLKMMVZVK7FYMhS44g9jMKN8HnMKyedk_KucT9YdnKTOZ1HR9G5NxBftmHuTMnL7RI4TiGkZKbfl6Phyphenhyphenr0-Zx-PWhe6tCdGBLv5d8/s320/beach+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYs9S0Dp6VgVsJ7zT2pbZmCt4NNcN7yLMFrO1gxVjGMKOug5w1YqkrDJJQuPQ64tUewL1xJKE-xkIFZDALFYssg_bBDS6a8UCocbFClTaLPdk6j8jSM5GkgwxjMDXfQdiKZQ6etUc8Ki_M/s1600/beach+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYs9S0Dp6VgVsJ7zT2pbZmCt4NNcN7yLMFrO1gxVjGMKOug5w1YqkrDJJQuPQ64tUewL1xJKE-xkIFZDALFYssg_bBDS6a8UCocbFClTaLPdk6j8jSM5GkgwxjMDXfQdiKZQ6etUc8Ki_M/s320/beach+4.jpg" width="192" /></a>I love the beach at Lake Michigan. We did all the obligatory burying in the sand, sand angels, and Malaika hiding from the sun.</div>
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The Beer Tour.</div>
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I may have mentioned that Kalamazoo is a big brewery town. This summer, there was a thing happening where you could get a passport book and have it stamped after visiting certain (not all) of the breweries. My kind and thoughtful daughter and son-in-law procured a passport for me, and whenever we found ourselves with a free evening, off we went in pursuit of the filling of these. I can't find my actual passport, but here are a few of my photo memories.</div>
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Here we are at Rupert's. And out friend here is the very one. He mostly just hung out on his bed, but would occasionally speak his chest rattling woof.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBRNmoZYgEVERI5DWkfGHawLT9TxwteTYJbV5TqxKOOAazFcPNYWMzBH9dQb4Tpm6RO43ixZp4OhlWO2nN4Hw3JG49WpuDZBabagjPyzRzj20sJ2JYHW3c-hGu9LZCkE7q55ciFNzj9fA/s1600/big+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBRNmoZYgEVERI5DWkfGHawLT9TxwteTYJbV5TqxKOOAazFcPNYWMzBH9dQb4Tpm6RO43ixZp4OhlWO2nN4Hw3JG49WpuDZBabagjPyzRzj20sJ2JYHW3c-hGu9LZCkE7q55ciFNzj9fA/s400/big+dog.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The Coaster is from a DIFFERENT place, the one pictured below outdoors. I got things mixed up and was ever so kindly corrected by Meghann. Thanks! So many dog-places. There was also the Old Dog, which I do know is where we heard Meghann's dad playing in his brass quintet.</div>
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Here are are chronicling shots of the various places.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9JV8MV0ZSyqIT7FQv45hLCobg9ST-t_fP4FgCFoFSIIQ9hNeYXeb9Cy9UwKn64OO4flS4U-2JFzHalP08-O9JB7tLFkfpQwPeIxGr1Z9ijlaSE4fbNU0KBZ_MD5c2GRVvvHnvXOL2k5u/s1600/passports+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9JV8MV0ZSyqIT7FQv45hLCobg9ST-t_fP4FgCFoFSIIQ9hNeYXeb9Cy9UwKn64OO4flS4U-2JFzHalP08-O9JB7tLFkfpQwPeIxGr1Z9ijlaSE4fbNU0KBZ_MD5c2GRVvvHnvXOL2k5u/s320/passports+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KxdCXQ8UdeADmv5vjHnWPhyphenhyphen7kpg5vsFuBNCzySbW7LwDEGep71-m0up1rMFeaukQpxWrfRntginghCLc43J8U976HUBOLbMcHsdsor9TREZxgEkDtSe2LFv3uUXkoWjAlVsr98yktLWo/s1600/passports+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KxdCXQ8UdeADmv5vjHnWPhyphenhyphen7kpg5vsFuBNCzySbW7LwDEGep71-m0up1rMFeaukQpxWrfRntginghCLc43J8U976HUBOLbMcHsdsor9TREZxgEkDtSe2LFv3uUXkoWjAlVsr98yktLWo/s320/passports+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't think I will remember every place we went. There are two shots from Olde Peninsula, and then the outside place pictured that had awesome tacos, (which I now know was Gonzo's), Bell's and the Beer exchange, which I don't think were even on the passports, another place in the downtown area that we only got tasters at, and another place we didn't expect to like but did....er, maybe Meghann can weigh in on the comments?</div>
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The line up of glasses is from the Beer Exchange. It is operated like a stock exchange, so that there is a board up with a list of beers, and whatever is selling well gets cheaper. It resets every ten or fifteen minutes. Here we tried the mead, which at Bells is heavenly. This one was so so. But as you can tell, we had a fun time trying to fill up our books.</div>
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A few other things we did--</div>
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Here we are out to breakfast one day at a favorite place, Studio Grill.<br />
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This is a church that is literally a stone's throw from their house that has a TLM. They are few and far between all over the country and here they have one in their back yard. It;s not really their thing, but I was very happy.<br />
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They went climbing at a place called Airway, which also has Laser tag and an arcade, which we also did on another day. I have the laser tag pictures around someplace...<br />
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I did not climb. I took as many pictures as I could before my neck gave out from looking up. Kaden did a great job after conquering his initial fears. Malaika zoomed around up there like she was a born circus performer. There was a zip line at the end, which they all did several times.<br />
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Meghann, who also had to swallow some fear, but did it!<br />
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Malaika in her natural habitat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GFklQEu_XSVUYUn19YLoklDX_NOj2whYbpAsnwg2BJK3DEiJCXHPt5naZ9joP9TdzcUehMFD2J4UYwST5V2B3Z0pqjqKYm5p_tatEQ4usjHhzKHiJm-q0FmbV0SnmkwEzKIvJ5Y6iVuO/s1600/climb+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GFklQEu_XSVUYUn19YLoklDX_NOj2whYbpAsnwg2BJK3DEiJCXHPt5naZ9joP9TdzcUehMFD2J4UYwST5V2B3Z0pqjqKYm5p_tatEQ4usjHhzKHiJm-q0FmbV0SnmkwEzKIvJ5Y6iVuO/s640/climb+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Malaika, Kaden and Jeff</div>
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Here is Kaden, still getting the feel of it, staying close to his daddy.<br />
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Malaika, on the level above Kaden and Jeff<br />
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Malaika, on the zip line,in the background, going by Kaden and Jeff<br />
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Blurry, but this is what it looked like from the car, where I was resting my neck and warming up. The nights were still chilly in June!</div>
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Doing a little craft project on a rainy day--</div>
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--and playing outside on the sunny ones. This boy needs to be in motion!<br />
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Meghann's vegetable garden that we had fun with. I wonder what it looks like now...?<br />
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At the last little league game of the season--<br />
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The master magician, doing his tricks for me<br />
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this is what getting a pedicure is like in the digital age, haha. :)<br />
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Their neighbors ( I have given them the Nicest Neighbors in the World award) allow us to swim in their pool. We were out there every day possible!<br />
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Again, this is Malaika in the sun.<br />
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Kaden is most definitely part fish.<br />
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Here, he snuggled up to me . I had to capture it. </div>
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On June 22nd, (this picture may have been from that night), all our phones went off at once, at 10:58 PM exactly, with an "imminent extreme alert" that a tornado was spotted in the area, and we were told to take shelter. Well, let me tell you that my daughter is not one to miss her sleep, especially on a night before work. We had to coax her to the basement until the warning was lifted. And while down there she kept saying, in the twangiest twang, "here comes the tar-nade-a!" And she was back in bed two minutes before the time allotted. She is something else. Haha.</div>
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We went out to Jeff's dad's place in Battle Creek, a couple times during our time there. He has awesome tree-swing that goes out over a steep hill. Here is Kaden taking a ride on it.</div>
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Here is Tony taking Malaika for a ride on one of his motorcycles. Between this and the climbing, I guess you can tell what a daredevil she is. She also wants to skydive one day. Sheesh.<br />
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A few souvenirs--<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j-kpDXLqCPiBxFGUuPulXHzoIrF7HCh3gdmDO9ZyiqRLMHjAooHoQiN2FrxAa96KC1lSrjQ1Br2IK2OeBaBv5aVd21XXIVEUwXWtQHMR86yebSwUdaquC9hhG2Ua3nttWQsyBVcscP3M/s1600/20150901_185500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j-kpDXLqCPiBxFGUuPulXHzoIrF7HCh3gdmDO9ZyiqRLMHjAooHoQiN2FrxAa96KC1lSrjQ1Br2IK2OeBaBv5aVd21XXIVEUwXWtQHMR86yebSwUdaquC9hhG2Ua3nttWQsyBVcscP3M/s400/20150901_185500.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tT0yFDdUmMepBiioxzU9s1J3NaOKqq2iTJhb6qcWxluleta8G6p3sFmSWUnnh8MrWQB7Q-zHn7IKk2bEsabnUvSSXLdztKNhrfmLv7P-wqpSpwG51TcAaWSnoq8hB2Xju3SuNqs4zRxp/s1600/20150901_185447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tT0yFDdUmMepBiioxzU9s1J3NaOKqq2iTJhb6qcWxluleta8G6p3sFmSWUnnh8MrWQB7Q-zHn7IKk2bEsabnUvSSXLdztKNhrfmLv7P-wqpSpwG51TcAaWSnoq8hB2Xju3SuNqs4zRxp/s320/20150901_185447.jpg" width="192" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjghh92xHzr1AQO-Nb-83NTvrvCSGKhjdSQMWHG8KVTH9U4YNrPKTFXwFKY4Zsfaq3hofY9eRBTMT5scU6ZbuX0O61KiGfshK4g5SjvGCZCuIzNSjFGj7SBcTJQs9cJV3MncV4bHJMLIS/s1600/20150901_185513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjghh92xHzr1AQO-Nb-83NTvrvCSGKhjdSQMWHG8KVTH9U4YNrPKTFXwFKY4Zsfaq3hofY9eRBTMT5scU6ZbuX0O61KiGfshK4g5SjvGCZCuIzNSjFGj7SBcTJQs9cJV3MncV4bHJMLIS/s400/20150901_185513.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have an awesome tank with this logo from Handmade Kalamazoo that I got at the Farmer's Market. Another favorite place. </div>
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Miss this place.<br />
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And this view with my car in the driveway.<br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-71338100397110049802015-08-24T20:50:00.002-04:002015-08-24T20:50:10.122-04:00what we did for (part of) our summer vacation, or, the saga of the shoes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkgeEQUY92TGkiVtSuVjljxje_z1lr47CdxY6HaDTruP_E-bCoySeU5w3tXE2XgITqa55GssRjmhCXZ1keNBcH9HF5BjAtKvdDIb-STmaDW51gUXGrU98y9ZF9bo6WYlbpL9t9yOM5V1v/s1600/SR12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkgeEQUY92TGkiVtSuVjljxje_z1lr47CdxY6HaDTruP_E-bCoySeU5w3tXE2XgITqa55GssRjmhCXZ1keNBcH9HF5BjAtKvdDIb-STmaDW51gUXGrU98y9ZF9bo6WYlbpL9t9yOM5V1v/s640/SR12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Jeff, Kaden and Malaika, expertly posing at the base of one of the waterfalls.</span><br />
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This June and early July, Malaika and I were able to spend three glorious weeks in Michigan with Meghann and family.<br />
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Meghann, lover of waterfalls and also Adventure Planner Extraordinaire, did some research and combined those things into a lovely camping trip for us all to do together. So, exactly two days after our car made tire tracks in her driveway, we all piled in it and headed for Starved Rock State Park, located in Illinois, about four hours from said driveway.<br />
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That part of the country had been getting lots and lots of rain, so the waterfalls were flowing beautifully. However, that also meant the mud was flowing pretty well, too.<br />
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This is a gazebo outside the office where we got our trail maps. The trails are situated near and along the Illinois River, which had gone over its' banks. A bit.<br />
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But we had driven four hours with a seven year old and all the camping gear, so dang it, we were going hiking.<br />
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While we were still clean.<br />
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I don't know if you can see just how far down that goes.<br />
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Far.<br />
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It was a particularly humid day. And for any of the down stairways, there were also many up ones.<br />
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Inhalers were used.<br />
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Here is one of the flooded areas of the trail.<br />
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And here is the result.This was day one of a two day hike, so that night, we tried to dry our shoes out by the campfire in the hopes of knocking the dried mud off the next day.<br />
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1. The heat from the fire melted Jeff's soles so his shoes fell apart the next day, held together only by a couple of Malaika's hair ties, and that only poorly.<br />
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2. We could not leave our shoes out all night, because of the raccoon that stole Grandma's dentures once. So they hung out in the car overnight. When we opened the car up in the morning, well, just conjure up the smell of slightly melted, pungent mud, sweaty foot smell...<br />
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That's all the humorous, sort of messy details, but here are some of the beautiful rewards.<br />
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A natural sculpture of an alligator or horse, or something. Depending on which angle you look at it.<br />
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that's Kaden behind the water<br />
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the light was so beautiful. it was pretty slippery here, as you can see where the greenish areas are. there were a few butt-falls and slides.<br />
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here is Malaika.<br />
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Second day, we were lucky to be mostly on these board trails. Or Jeff would probably have lost his shoes completely.<br />
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I'm sad I forgot to take any photos of our campsite. But here are our shoes after a trip to the laundromat. Jeff had to throw his away and get new ones.<br />
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We did lots of other fun and wonderful things, which I hope to share with you soon!Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-80981808364853987392015-05-29T10:56:00.001-04:002015-05-29T14:44:07.619-04:00the 3 quickest takes ever<br />
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Because I should be doing something else.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. </span>My absence from blogging was mainly because of a mini health crisis. I had symptoms x,y and z, which pointed potentially to roughly 137 ailments, some of which were serious. So I had several tests, a couple that were unpleasant. I came away with a few thoughts.<br />
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a. Increased respect and a small understanding for those that go through this stuff much more than I do, and who don't always get good news or good outcomes. It's a whole other world, that of sickness and pain. It opens wider the eyes of faith, and so many of the things I spend time and energy worrying about become kind of ridiculous.<br />
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b. Just how much our bodies are linked with our emotions. When you carry stress around like a backpack full of bricks, eventually, you'll notice the weight. Or, say, if you keep ingesting something that you know is bad for you and tell yourself it is gone now because it's out of sight, guess what? It's going to come out somewhere, somehow, whether you want it to or not! The same with stress. You can only take in and harbor so much, until it starts exiting your body, whether it be in headaches, stomach ailments, anxiety attacks, you name it.<br />
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c. Along with the stressful uncertainly about what might be percolating in my abdomen, there was a lovely peace and assurance that whatever the outcome, I had the support of my family and my Lord. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, which also increased my appreciation of everyone and everything around me. My garden, the birds singing in the mornings, the ability to get comfortable when I lay down at night. Good stuff.<br />
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d. The long and short of it is that 1. All the tests ruled out the scary stuff.<br />
and 2. Still have some of the symptoms, but am taking a break to forget about it all for a while. My own gut, pardon the pun, tells me it is probably along the lines of IBS (yay, another difficult to nail down thing) and was exacerbated by stress. Workin on that part.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. </span>Happy and proud to be an American. Just thought I would throw that out there. Hoping the future generations come to appreciate all that we have and what it means to be free.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3.</span> The Duggar debacle. I have read so very many posts excoriating them and of course Christians in general for "causing" what happened with their son and the girls. Sigh. So many people in the "I would never" club. Listen. There is NO sin out of bounds for anyone. It is only God's grace that keeps us at every moment. Now, because I say that, am I defending anyone or anything they did? Because that's where it always jumps. NO. All I am saying is, unless you are actually inside their shoes, you don't know why-- anything. Their being Christian, conservative, in TV, whatever. I don't know their motives. All I can do is pray for them. So, please, jump down off your bandwagon in case it goes into a ditch.<br />
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That's all I have time for today. Hope to be back again before my summer road trip!</div>
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Peace, </div>
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Kelly</div>
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-84089678387614539462015-04-30T21:00:00.000-04:002015-04-30T21:59:08.690-04:00on cognitive dissonance<br />
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That's the fancy name for living in a way that is in conflict with your conscience.<br />
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It's like a permanent stone in your shoe, or a feeling that something is always just, well, off.<br />
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Some who live in a way that is not in alignment with our deepest beliefs experience depression, anxiety, and even physical ailments. I remember having this conversation with myself at different points in my life:<br />
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Me #1:</div>
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"I wish I knew why I am feeling this overwhelming sadness and having all these frightening, negative and critical thoughts"</div>
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Me #2:</div>
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"But you do know!"</div>
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Me #1:</div>
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"Do not!"</div>
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Me #2:</div>
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"Do so!"</div>
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(after several repeats)</div>
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Me #2:</div>
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"Look, there are these several things that you are doing that you know you really don't feel good about, and they are actually hurting you, spiritually, emotionally and physically." </div>
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Me #1:</div>
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"But to stop any of it would mean major changes. It's too scary! I don't know what my life would be like! What if I will be lonely, or lose my friends?"</div>
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Me #2:</div>
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"It's true that there is an element of the unknown, but who's to say it would be a negative change? Maybe good things will happen. One thing is true, that at least you will be free of the burden that is eating you up on the inside!" </div>
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Me #1:</div>
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"Maybe I am just like this. Maybe I should just accept the way things are now. I can rearrange the furniture and put a new coat of paint. Maybe then I will feel better about everything. </div>
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Me#2:</div>
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"That's pretty much what you have been doing, How's that working out?" </div>
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Me#1:</div>
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"Okay, I know. I guess I really have known. Maybe it is harder to try to keep the plates all spinning than to hope for some peace. Maybe I will do one thing and see how that goes."</div>
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Me #2:</div>
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"Yup. And you will find that if you do the first thing, the next one will be easier."</div>
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I'm sure you have heard the saying, "Better to face the devil you know than the devil you don't."<br />
Perhaps this is one rationalization we have for staying stuck in patterns in life that are holding us back. I would say that if the "devil we know" is the thing we are finding comfort in and the "devil we don't" is the thing we are afraid of on the other side of change, then, friends, the only devil is the real one who is whispering in your ear that you just can't do it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzDyoRv9nUlEhBzaU57WHC_jm3Dr6YpZF8-zQgsC-26P8tcwrPJweZcGB7-hj-gnpKPLbQZxvEURZkNz2U1ErrvXGitZR8m9YmFldDCTMm7qFGY9ppxXMHytgvdM1gfN3o-tIUq0VgvFk/s1600/blog+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzDyoRv9nUlEhBzaU57WHC_jm3Dr6YpZF8-zQgsC-26P8tcwrPJweZcGB7-hj-gnpKPLbQZxvEURZkNz2U1ErrvXGitZR8m9YmFldDCTMm7qFGY9ppxXMHytgvdM1gfN3o-tIUq0VgvFk/s1600/blog+3.jpg" height="216" width="400" /></a>For my part, changing my life was not something I did on my own. All I did was humbly admit that my own tactics of never confronting my fears or challenging my methods was definitely NOT WORKING. I knew deep down all along, that God was calling me to follow and trust Him, and all my efforts to do it _my way_ were only amounting to sadness and harm. I had several light bulb moments that pretty much woke me up to the fact that I had to do SOMETHING and soon.<br />
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The biggest thing I did was to simply allow God in. I considered what He had to say to me, and asked His help. For me, the turning point was the hardest part. Overcoming the fear was like the drop of oil that got the gears in motion. It wasn't all kittens and picnic lunches from there, but the huge relief that ensued from gradually resolving the cognitive dissonance was like being able to breathe again. It was one step at a time, and frankly, still is.<br />
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Cognitive dissonance, in the language of the Church, is simply conviction of sin. And it is a huge grace, not a negative, shaming thing at all. The only shame is in refusing His love and grace.<br />
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I think living the Christian life is one long, continual conversion, as we allow Him to conform us to His life for us. It is resolving cognitive dissonance one sliver at a time, towards ultimate peace. The Church provides the vehicle for us to ride upon, partaking of Christ in the Eucharist and the other sacraments that help care for us in this life, and assist us to the next.<br />
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It is a great gift and grace, to be able to lay our heads on our pillow at night, and be able to sleep in peace and security. We know that we are not perfect, but that we are on the road with Him, going where He leads, and not flailing around on our own.<br />
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I would ask your continued prayers for my family and for me.</div>
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Peace, </div>
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Kelly</div>
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-9425889578925917102015-03-27T10:27:00.000-04:002015-03-27T10:27:49.364-04:007 quick takes, the Lenten foible edition<br />
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I don't know about anyone else, but hasn't this been the Lentiest Lent ever? I am ever so glad to nearing the end. Yes, there is the big stuff, but it's the little stuff that threatens the sanity.<br />
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Station of the Cross, when we get to --<br />
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"I searched for comforters, but I found none."<br />
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here is where my mind goes.<br />
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2. Our exchange student made himself some hot dogs:<br />
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3. Two kids had this happen at the same time<br />
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4. I had a new dryer installed and nobody could be happier than I am about not having to be a laundromat dweller anymore. But the vent keeps coming loose and so I have this metal tape I have to put on, resulting in something like<br />
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5. Slightly stressing out over different things one day, decided to go to bed after dinner and watch <i>Rainman</i> on my Kindle. Forgot it was Stations night at church. Ate these while watching movie.<br />
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Not good for Lent or diet, or the fact that they were meant for Easter baskets. I did only eat a few handfuls, and only the pinks and purples. That's Lenten, right?<br />
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6. Maybe it was that prayer I prayed, you know the one. Goes something like, "I<br />
am willing to suffer for this and that prayer intention, for the good of my soul and others..."<br />
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Perhaps that was a mistake.</div>
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7. When this movie begins echoing my life---<br />
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See you on the other side, God willing!</div>
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-69195876910972023002015-03-19T09:48:00.000-04:002015-03-19T09:48:41.081-04:00De Sales strikes again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy St. Joseph's Day! I especially think of my friend <a href="http://saintbyhalves.blogspot.com/">Joyce</a> today, and her special love and devotion to Glorious St. Joseph.</div>
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I want to share with you another bit of <i>Roses Among Thorns</i>. </div>
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This is from the Chapter called, Saint Peter in Chains.</div>
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Do we love our sweet Savior? Oh, he knows full well that if we do not love him, we at least desire to love him. Now, if we love him, let us feed his sheep and his lambs, for that is the mark of faithful love. With what shall we feed these dear little sheep? With love itself, for they either do not love at all, or they live upon love. Between love and death there is no middle. We must die or love, for he who loves not, as St. John says, remains in death.</div>
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Or Lord said to St. Peter, "When you were young, you fastened your own belt and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will fasten your belt for you to carry you where you do not wish to go"(cf. John 21:18). Young apprentices in the love of God fasten their own belts. They take up the mortifications that seem good to them; they choose their penances and make up their own minds about God's will. But the old masters of the craft allow themselves to be bound by others and submit to the yoke imposed upon them, and travel down paths upon which they do not wish to travel. In spite of the resistance of their inclinations, they voluntarily allow themselves to be governed against their will and say that they would rather obey than make an offering, and this is how they glorify God, by crucifying not only their flesh, but also their spirit.</div>
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All I can say is. wow. With typical clarity and yet profundity, St. Francis de Sales strikes again. </div>
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For me, this has been a very Lenten Lent. God knows how hard it is for me to put aside my own plans and preferences, so He has arranged that I am mostly doing things that I am called upon to do, with a little of what I wanted to do for Lent and a small bit of just what I want to do period, thrown in. I have also been dealing with some aches and pains, illness, emotional ups and downs and just a whole bunch of challenges from within and without. But this passage encourages me in that typically Saleseian way. </div>
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His loudest message, to me, is always, not to fret about the limitations of my life or my humanity, but to graciously accept everything and also offer everything. Though I am worlds away from the "old masters" referred to above, I take heart that the small ways I am able to serve God through my daily life's path of running about doing small services, are taken into account. </div>
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Lastly, friends, know that I am praying for you and offering my small struggles. Please pray for me also, especially my family and friends who are going through trials galore.</div>
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I am still being blessed with moments of joy this Lent, despite everything else! Not doing super great with some of my self imposed disciplines, but trying to hold that all loosely and let God lead.</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-45711546550583485502015-03-09T11:17:00.001-04:002015-03-09T11:17:36.607-04:00Pardon Your Heart<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbV7Vo4tTBpXrNqjdAifZRctC50dMZWaVDiTOhsu3gsX2Vk72sr9AgLD9c6SO2UYb1lBiZW1UbGTNp2lTQsjkT_7qmP5SVThimQ9q-5Z-wM-Bkk7JQX-eI5FZJMMaRsESJdBO79bF6T5l/s1600/nose+blowing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbV7Vo4tTBpXrNqjdAifZRctC50dMZWaVDiTOhsu3gsX2Vk72sr9AgLD9c6SO2UYb1lBiZW1UbGTNp2lTQsjkT_7qmP5SVThimQ9q-5Z-wM-Bkk7JQX-eI5FZJMMaRsESJdBO79bF6T5l/s1600/nose+blowing.jpg" /></a>I wanted to do a 7 Quick Takes on Friday, but the snowstorm on Thursday pushed all my errands to Friday, plus there is a nasty cold going around my house of which I was one of the lucky recipients. I am still coughing, sneezing and blowing my nose. And my voice has dropped an octave. I made it through work this weekend, but missed mass, Today I am trying to do some chores but also get some rest, which is admittedly not very realistic. But blogging is at least a sitting down thing, so. All that as a preface, here are some things I wanted to share.<br />
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This lovely passage from <i>Roses Among Thorns</i>, which I will type out, to avoid that weird box that comes with pasting text.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Be patient with all, but especially with yourself. Do not trouble yourself about your imperfections. Always have the courage to pick yourself back up and begin again every day, for there is no better path to success in the spiritual life than always to begin again and ever to think that you have done enough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We must always desire to carry out our spiritual exercises well and with precision, both prayer and the exercise of the virtues, and we must never be troubled, anxious, or surprised if we fail to do so. Our desires depend upon our fidelity, which should always be total and yet should grow from day to day; our failures are caused by our infirmity, which we will never be able to leave behind during this mortal life. When we have committed some fault, we should immediately examine our heart and ask ourselves whether we retain a lively and thorough resolution to serve God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One hopes for a heart that would rather suffer a thousand deaths than fail to keep this resolution. We reprove our heart, "Why, then, are you hesitating now? Why are you so cowardly?" And we make our excuse,:"I was taken by surprise, and I hardly know how it happened, but now I am again thinking of my resolution." The heart must be pardoned. It is not through infidelity that it failed, but through infirmity. It must be corrected gently and calmly, that it not be brought to anger or further trouble. We should say to it, "My heart, my friend, in the name of God, be courageous. Let us walk together, taking care as we go, lifting ourselves up to our help, to our God." And, we must be charitable toward our soul, not taking it to task severely, provided we see that it is not offending purposefully. Do you not see that in treating it this way, we practice a holy humility?</span></div>
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It really strikes me how many times he unapologetically uses absolutes and commands; always, never, must, should. We in this present day are taught to avoid speech like that, yet if you read it and glean the message, it is anything but offensive, just clear and forthright. Yet, the message is one of having patience, compassion, and clearly seeing oneself. Which is as De Sales says at the end, the very definition of humility. Seeing ourselves as we really are.</div>
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My Lent has been full of such messages, and I do take them to heart as being straight from God. Not only as a way of dealing with myself, but also with others. The tender conversation between the person and his heart is so gentle but spot on in its message. "Okay, that thing happened, (maybe AGAIN). Let's go forward and offer it to God, asking for the grace to remember next time before we do that." Or something. If you have kids, what a good message about correcting with patience and without rancor. That correlation of God as Father and we as parents can also be applied to our souls/hearts. </div>
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For those of us enjoying our first tastes of Spring, hurray! Right? </div>
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Peace, </div>
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Kelly</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-48182480392028572682015-02-27T12:18:00.000-05:002015-02-27T12:18:23.033-05:00A fast and sloppy 7 quick takes. with a lot of links.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8suN7eTcfGkzjSItRv6xa6c5_jRa9WJSZAhWi0SwMo7XSByiXB6_57lv9WI1u09v8jX7AVcHe1PXp5v5HsoUXmCMBTPoH_KYvkd51T0jQ_8G5wtk5Q3u5D9sRQt6Z6oC48P6RiI_aCz1I/s1600/dumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8suN7eTcfGkzjSItRv6xa6c5_jRa9WJSZAhWi0SwMo7XSByiXB6_57lv9WI1u09v8jX7AVcHe1PXp5v5HsoUXmCMBTPoH_KYvkd51T0jQ_8G5wtk5Q3u5D9sRQt6Z6oC48P6RiI_aCz1I/s1600/dumb.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a> Because I have to go to the laundromat, and my idea-maker, also loosely referred to as my brain, is not working at optimal speed.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. </span><a href="http://vultuschristi.org/">This</a> blog is one of my favorites to read. Not only is it inspirational, instructional and beautifully laid out, the monks are based in Ireland, where I dearly would love to go someday. <a href="http://vultuschristi.org/index.php/2015/02/what-has-god-got-to-do-with-fasting/">Today's post</a> about fasting is outstanding. And I am referring to <a href="http://vultuschristi.org/index.php/2015/02/cum-gaudio-sancti-spiritus/">this</a> one throughout Lent, as a reminder. And Ireland.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2.</span> Our Chinese student, who I will refer to as Chili to protect his identity, and because that is what I actually call him, had a birthday this past week. we took him to an Italian restaurant (owned by a couple that happen to live on our block, and have incidentally appeared in an episode of Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares). It was definitely no nightmare, the food being the kind of Italian you enjoy at your Nonna's on a Sunday. Chili likes Italian second best to Chinese. And waffles. Oh and Bacon, eggs, cereal, hot dogs, steak...anyway. He is 18, so. But the POINT is, Lent went out the window that night. As it rightly should have for a birthday celebration. But so did Bob's diet, my sorta kinda diet, and any sense of restraint. Chocolate Mousse Cake. I am still burping a little. Scusi.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-Q6jofD1Ev57xspBO_Q94VEbQ35d0dbkLQfJ_H16exGtFVFp62lPfmolZHCXUB4On3Tn9osGiH9vgmWEzumVY2c9BQhRuqMW0FgzG9bqf9nPT_4VyXdMtverSp1WKpew-Fxa7GGi2EzU/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-Q6jofD1Ev57xspBO_Q94VEbQ35d0dbkLQfJ_H16exGtFVFp62lPfmolZHCXUB4On3Tn9osGiH9vgmWEzumVY2c9BQhRuqMW0FgzG9bqf9nPT_4VyXdMtverSp1WKpew-Fxa7GGi2EzU/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-Q6jofD1Ev57xspBO_Q94VEbQ35d0dbkLQfJ_H16exGtFVFp62lPfmolZHCXUB4On3Tn9osGiH9vgmWEzumVY2c9BQhRuqMW0FgzG9bqf9nPT_4VyXdMtverSp1WKpew-Fxa7GGi2EzU/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-Q6jofD1Ev57xspBO_Q94VEbQ35d0dbkLQfJ_H16exGtFVFp62lPfmolZHCXUB4On3Tn9osGiH9vgmWEzumVY2c9BQhRuqMW0FgzG9bqf9nPT_4VyXdMtverSp1WKpew-Fxa7GGi2EzU/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-Q6jofD1Ev57xspBO_Q94VEbQ35d0dbkLQfJ_H16exGtFVFp62lPfmolZHCXUB4On3Tn9osGiH9vgmWEzumVY2c9BQhRuqMW0FgzG9bqf9nPT_4VyXdMtverSp1WKpew-Fxa7GGi2EzU/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-Q6jofD1Ev57xspBO_Q94VEbQ35d0dbkLQfJ_H16exGtFVFp62lPfmolZHCXUB4On3Tn9osGiH9vgmWEzumVY2c9BQhRuqMW0FgzG9bqf9nPT_4VyXdMtverSp1WKpew-Fxa7GGi2EzU/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3.</span> You should also read <a href="http://ashesfromburntroses.blogspot.com/">this</a> blog. Today's post is funny AND spiritual. Good combo. But if you, like me, are bookish, you will like it all the time.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4</span>. One of the good things I am reading a lot about this Lent is that we shouldn't try to do things that interfere with our vocation. Such as, the well worn scenario of the woman that goes to mass all the time and neglects her family. Or the person who fasts so strictly that he or she feels terrible and can't do their work well. Stuff like that. Something that comes to mind when I want to say, go to a morning weekday mass but can't due to duties or chores is this: When Bob and I used to play/sing music weekly for our parish's Sunday 5PM masses, we liked to arrive as early as possible to set up and rehearse in the church before people started to come and sit in the pews. Father Kelley would sometimes be praying in the empty church, at the side of the altar. We would come bustling in, lugging Bob's keyboard and all our stuff, and when we saw him, would apologize for having disturbed his prayer. I forget his exact words, but he never made us feel bad, saying something to the effect that he never would complain about that, because people were more important. I try to remember that when I am trying to BE SPIRITUAL but, people.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5.</span> If you like to cook or bake, or know anyone who does,<a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/"> this</a> is the very best recipe blog around, Any time my kids ask me for "that cheesecake recipe"or "that chili, or chocolate cake recipe'" it's always from Smitten Kitchen. She is a funny writer as well, and has wonderful step by step photos.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. </span>On a more serious note, I would ask you once again for your prayers for my family. Everyone has their own thing right now. Also for a couple of dear friends going through deep trials. Also for a family that has recently been in a terrible car accident and are all in various stages of injury, some serious. Their last name is Kurtz, they are from the area west of Philadelphia, and they are an amazing pro life family, having adopted 20 and helped scores more. This link takes you to the St. Francis house, which they helped start. It tells the story and asks for donations.<br />
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https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/glj7<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">7.</span> And now, because the laundry awaits, a joke,<br />
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">GOD to ST. FRANCIS :</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #424200; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Frank: </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> You know all about gardens and nature. What in the world is going on down there on the planet? What happened to the dandelions, violets, milkweeds and stuff I started eons ago? I had a perfect no-maintenance garden plan. Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought and multiply with abandon. The nectar from the long-lasting blossoms attracts butterflies, honey bees and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see a vast garden of colours by now. But, all I see are these green rectangles.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">St. FRANCIS:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> It's the tribes that settled there, Lord. The Suburbanites. They started calling your flowers 'weeds' and went to great lengths to kill them and replace them with grass.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Grass? But, it's so boring. It's not colourful. It doesn't attract butterflies, birds and bees; only grubs and worms. It's sensitive to temperatures. Do these Suburbanites really want all that grass growing there?</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Apparently so, Lord. They go to great pains to grow it and keep it green. They begin each spring by fertilizing grass and poisoning any other plant that crops up in the lawn.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">GOD:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> The spring rains and warm weather probably make grass grow really fast. That must make the Suburbanites happy. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">ST. FRANCIS:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Apparently not, Lord. As soon as it grows a little, they cut it - sometimes twice a week.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">GOD:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> They cut it? Do they then bale it like hay?</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">ST. FRANCIS:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Not exactly, Lord. Most of them rake it up and put it in bags.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">GOD:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> They bag it? Why? Is it a cash crop? Do they sell it?</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">ST. FRANCIS:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> No, Sir, just the opposite. They pay to throw it away!</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">GOD:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Now, let me get this straight. They fertilize grass so it will grow. And, when it does grow, they cut it off and pay to throw </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">it away?</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">ST. FRANCIS:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Yes, Sir.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">GOD:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> These Suburbanites must be relieved in the summer when we cut back on the rain and turn up the heat. That surely slows the growth and saves them a lot of work.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">ST. FRANCIS:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> You aren't going to believe this, Lord. When the grass stops growing so fast, they drag out hoses and pay more money to water it, so they can continue to mow it and pay to get rid of it.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">GOD:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> What nonsense! At least they kept some of the trees. That was a sheer stroke of genius, if I do say so myself. The trees grow leaves in the spring to provide beauty and shade in the summer. In the autumn, they fall to the ground and form a natural blanket to keep moisture in the soil and protect the trees and bushes. It's a natural cycle of life.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">ST. FRANCIS:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> You better sit down, Lord. The Suburbanites have drawn a new circle. As soon as the leaves fall, they rake them into great piles and pay to have them hauled away.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">GOD:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> No! What do they do to protect the shrub and tree roots in the winter to keep the soil moist and loose?</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">ST. FRANCIS:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> After throwing away the leaves, they go out and buy something which they call mulch. They haul it home and spread it around in place of the leaves.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">GOD:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> And where do they get this mulch?</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">ST. FRANCIS:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> They cut down trees and grind them up to make the mulch <b>.</b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">GOD:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Enough! I don't want to think about this anymore. St. Catherine, you're in charge of the arts. What movie have you scheduled for us tonight?</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <b>ST. CATHERINE:</b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> 'Dumb and Dumber,' Lord. It's a story about... </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">GOD:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Never mind, I think I just heard the whole story from St. Francis.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><i>Happy weekend everybody!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><i>+JMJ+</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><i>Kelly</i></span></div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-76748109383338632562015-02-26T10:43:00.000-05:002016-01-29T20:03:26.850-05:00so, how YOU doin' ?<br />
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I hope you all are having a fruitful, holy and joyful Lent! Doin' okay over here.<br />
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I want to share a few small excerpts from my readings. Here is one from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Roses-Among-Thorns-Renewing-Spiritual-ebook/dp/B00JLVNNP8"><i>Roses Among Thorns</i></a>:<br />
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Jesus in Our Heart</div>
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"How happy you will be if while you are in the world you keep Jesus in your heart! Remember the principal lesson he left to us, and in only a few short words, so that we would be able to remember it: "Learn of me, for I am meek, and humble of heart"(Matt. 11:29, Douay-Rheims). It is everything to have a heart that is meek toward our neighbor and humble toward God. At every moment give such a heart to our Savior, and let it be the heart of your heart, You will see that to the extent that this holy and considerate friend takes up a place in your mind, the world with its vanities and trifles will leave you."</div>
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As my friend <a href="http://theinklingsetc.blogspot.com/">Caroline</a> mentioned, I also just love the practicality of dear St Francis De Sales. Frankly, it s refreshing to have someone say, JUST DO THIS! So many times, we hear, "well, I can't tell you what to do.." Haha.<br />
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Another book I am reading is <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0062119133/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=54042135905&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4584532932328990362&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_8th2gsb963_b">The Way of Serenity</a>, Finding Peace and Happiness in the Serenity Prayer, </i>by Father Jonathan Morris. You may have seen him on EWTN or Fox News. In the book, he takes apart the Serenity Prayer; you know:<br />
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God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, </div>
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courage to change the things I can, </div>
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and the wisdom to know the difference.</div>
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This prayer is most associated with twelve-step programs. If you are a reader here much, you may remember I attend Nar Anon. So, I am familiar with the prayer, and was attracted to the book's title, and somewhat also by the author, having heard him on TV and Sirius Radio's Catholic Channel. He is candid about some of the struggles in the life of his family that initially caught my ear. </div>
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Here are a few passages I have highlighted:</div>
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"The serenity to accept the things we cannot change must involve the ability to be patient with those things and decide they will not alter our state of mind and heart."</div>
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*(My observation-Notice how well this goes with the above passage of De Sales). </div>
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"Given the fact that we cannot avoid all trouble in life, we have a choice to make regarding how we will deal with what comes our way. We can live in bitterness and sorrow, either from the real and present woes that afflict us or from the fear that trouble could be just around the corner. Or we can choose to live in peace despite our real trials and tribulations and in the confidence that nothing can befall us that we cannot handle with God's grace."</div>
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and</div>
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"Although we have sinned and chosen to do things our own way, God makes a promise to us that out of every instance of suffering and sin in this world, he will bring out of it a good even greater than the good that has been lost and that now we mourn. We see the fulfillment of this promise most perfectly in the person of Jesus Christ who gave up his life so that we might live with him forever in eternity, where every tear will be wiped away."</div>
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Did you see that? A good even greater? Hard to wrap our minds around, especially since we are not able to look into time in such a way as to see what may have happened in the past had different choices been made. We CAN however, look into our own past at certain choices, then follow them forward, and see where God really did bring immense good out of what seemed at the time to be extremely sorrowful, even hopeless.</div>
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So, on that note! </div>
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I was awakened last night by some knucklehead who rang my phone at precisely 3AM. Not recognizing the number, I let it go to voicemail, when said knucklehead must have realized he or she dialed wrongly. But then I was awake. (big sigh). Sometimes when awakened, I just cannot get back to sleep. This was one of those times. I remembered that the <a href="http://www.praydivinemercy.com/">Divine Mercy Prayer</a> is traditionally prayed at 3:00 PM, the hour when Jesus died, also called the "hour of mercy." I know 3AM is NOT the hour Jesus died, and is thought by some to be the hour that those who hate Jesus use as their "holy hour." I decided, in reclamation of that time, and for the souls of all who are undergoing persecution and slaughter around the world, to pray as much of the Divine Mercy prayer as I could until falling asleep as I could. So, a grace there. </div>
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Happy Lent-ing, everyone! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">winter scene photo source:http://www.naportals.com/winter-scenes-hd-wallpapers.html</span></div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-85936832668727089182015-02-23T09:41:00.001-05:002015-02-23T09:41:31.931-05:00Some musical inspiration for your Monday<br />
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Today, February 23 is Handel's birthday. I heard this piece on the radio as I was driving this morning. I couldn't find the same version and arrangement, which was absolutely breathtaking. It had robust sweeping strings and a lovely choral hymn. Here is a nice arrangement, but it is not the one I heard.<br />
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Hope it adds some joy and peace to your Monday.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5vmO-AF4NbA" width="560"></iframe>
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-53015365824885231472015-02-20T13:16:00.001-05:002015-02-20T17:18:55.349-05:007 Quick Takes; the portal edition<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">O gates, lift high your heads; </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Let him enter, the king of glory!</span></div>
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from Psalm 24</div>
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<img alt="St Marys Church West Porch Door" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/de/ab/a6/deaba65c9e800f978888bb6d0ae53a04.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Go within his gates, giving thanks.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Enter his courts with songs of praise.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Give thanks to him and bless his name.-</span>from Psalm 100<span style="font-size: large;">-</span><br />
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<img alt="Maison du Maillot | The Middle East's Beachwear Boutique | Worldwide Delivery | Free Returns | www.maisonmaillot.com | Peace.Love.Bikinis |" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/8c/fa/73/8cfa73f7d5a03b59a5967e2191241ff2.jpg" width="328" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3.</span><br />
The glory of these forty days<br />
We celebrate with songs of praise;<br />
For Christ, by whom all things were made,<br />
Himself has fasted and has prayed.<br />
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Alone and fasting Moses saw<br />
The loving God who gave the law;<br />
And to Elijah, fasting, came<br />
The steeds and chariots of flame.<br />
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So Daniel trained his mystic sight,<br />
Deliver'd from the lions' might;<br />
And John the Bridegroom's friend, became<br />
The herald of Messiah's name.<br />
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Then grant us, Lord, like them to do<br />
Such things as bring great praise to you;<br />
Our spirits strengthen with your grace<br />
And give us joy to see your face.<br />
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O Father, Son, and Spirit blest,<br />
To you be every prayer addressed<br />
And by all mankind be adored,<br />
From age to age, the only Lord.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Text: Latin , sixth century</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Translation: Maurice F Bell 1906</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He has strengthened the bars of your gates, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">he has blessed the children within you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He established peace on your borders,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">-from Psalm 147-</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5.</span> So, numbers one through four were taken from today's morning prayers, called Lauds. They are from the Salesian tradition. I thought, since I am reading De Sales, it would all kind of go together.</div>
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The doors, gates, portal-like theme kind of jumped out at me, though it is by no means a dominant theme in the whole of the prayers. But I did find it to be very Lent appropriate. You know, like the "turning a page" saying, also we can, "go through" to a new way, a new and different season, which indeed we will.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. </span>The hymn, the Glory of These Forty Days, struck me especially as I read it instead of singing. The words had different meaning somehow, the way they brought me through time, all the way from Moses forward. I have to admit, while reciting the words, William Shatner leapt to mind, and I had to work to banish him.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">7. </span>I hope the grace and mercies that float around in the air (or seem to) during this season are touching you. </div>
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The next stanza of Psalm 147 talks about sending down snow and scattering hoar-frost. Which, if you are anywhere in the Northeast or Midwest United States, you can relate to, but probably would rather not. </div>
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So, I pray any floating graces and mercies are of the warm variety.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Peace-</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Kelly</span></div>
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<img alt="Parham Park - Cootham, West Sussex, England" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2a/ea/27/2aea27173c9074c065a088a1570eb781.jpg" /></div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-18559449090194747672015-02-18T22:01:00.004-05:002015-02-18T22:01:41.358-05:00Found a gem to kick off Lent 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the books I am reading this Lent is <i>Roses among Thorns, Simple Advice for Renewing Your Spiritual Journey</i>. by St. Francis De Sales<i>. </i>If it sounds perfect for Lent, that's because IT IS. I was going to reread <i>Introduction to the Devout Life</i>, and then I saw this. I have only read the first two pages because I couldn't stop reading them over and over.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><i>Jesus the Gardener </i></span></div>
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Do not be anxious. Rouse yourself to serve the Lord with steadfastness, attentiveness, and meekness. That is the true way to serve him. If you can refrain from trying to do all things, but instead attempt to do only some one thing, then you will do much. Practice the mortifications that most often present themselves to you, for that is the first duty to be done. After that you can take up the others. Lovingly kiss the crosses that our Lord himself lays upon your arms, without looking to see whether they are of precious or aromatic wood. They are more truly </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">crosses when they are made of a wood that smells dirty and is considered useless. Mary Magdalene tried to hold on to our Lord; she wanted him for herself. His appearance was not as she had wished it to be, which is why she looked at him without recognizing him. She wanted to see him arrayed in glory, not in the common clothes of a gardener. Yet in the end she knew that it was he when he said to her, “Mary” (John 20:14-16). You see, it is our Lord garbed as a gardener whom we meet day by day, here and there, in the ordinary mortifications that present themselves to us. We want more noble-seeming ones. But the ones that seem the most noble are not best. Before we see him in his glory, he wants to plant many humble flowers in our garden, according to his plan. This is why he is dressed the way he is. Our task is to let our hearts be ever united to his, and our wills to his pleasure.</span></i><br />
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I am so glad I stumbled upon this book. I won't try to interpret this passage because the way it fits into my life may well be different from the way it fits someone else's. But ALREADY, it is solving some of the problems I routinely encounter. Good ole St.Francis De Sales. And I haven't even gotten my ashes yet!<br />
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Tonight, the TLM at Holy Trinity is being offered for my MIL Louise. So that makes it all the more special. This is what we get to immerse ourselves in as we pray the Mass:<br />
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Day one, Not too shabby.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><i>"Let us, then, continue to put one foot in front of the other. Provided our hearts be true, we will walk aright"</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Roses Among Thorns: Simple Advice for Renewing Your Spiritual Journey by de Sales, St. Francis</span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JLVNNP8" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/dp/<wbr></wbr>B00JLVNNP8</a><br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-46950044975928677422015-02-17T14:37:00.000-05:002015-02-18T14:59:07.831-05:00the best laid plans, with a few updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few thoughts before Lent gets going.<br />
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Today I am enjoying a snow day and having a few treats. I certainly am enjoying a slower pace and only have to go out into the Philadelphia tundra once.<br />
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Typically, I want to do too many ambitious Lenten practices and sacrifices and burn out two days after Ash Wednesday. This year, I actually gave it some prayerful thought and came up with something a little different.<br />
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The overriding theme I want to pursue is to get clear, once and for all about guilt vs. conscience. I am growing weary of not being clear on my examination of conscience, so that by the time I reach the confessional, I have very little as far as well defined sins and lots of generalizations. I am very aware of my thought patterns, but not so confident about how they have translated into actions, and less sure still about what was definitely a sin. I can define what constitutes a sin, venial or mortal, clearly, but when it comes to my own inner life, things become muddy.<br />
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So, I am setting about doing some reading, praying and doing better, more conscious, examinations. Already I have come to a few preliminary conclusions.<br />
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1. God's voice does not cause confusion.<br />
2. Generalized feelings of guilt are not inherently virtuous, helpful, or from God.<br />
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Certainly, I want to increase daily mass, adoration, Stations of the Cross, the Rosary and frequent confession.<br />
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Definitely going to unplug. This blog and doing some reading on my Kindle will be the exceptions. Looking forward to that. A little TV, not none, especially a certain PBS drama on Sunday nights. Ahem.<br />
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Anyways, that's it. I am already watching my dietary intake. Besides, I agree with the adage ," Lent is not a diet." I do try not to overdo anything during Lent, food-wise. But I don't plan to go into full monastery mode.<br />
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I DO hope to go to the silent retreat at the Carmelite Monastery though. So, Monastery mode for that one day.<br />
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I especially want to try to do one act of love for someone every single day. It could be something I do that I normally avoid because I don't like it. or something that comes across my path to do for someone that makes me go out of my comfort zone (read-anything that makes me talk to someone I don't know--eek). Whatever. And to do it as secretly as possible. To try to be generous with my precious alone time or with my (our) resources. Try is the operative word. This could prove to be more challenging than giving up all the chocolate in the world for the rest of my life. Because, if you know me, you know I love to sit and read. Love. it. I can get through many things in the course of a day if I know my book is waiting.<br />
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So, there is the plan. I will try and blog as Lent trundles along.<br />
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I recently read this, from Saint Scholastica. The brother she refers to is none other than Saint Benedict.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1dec1; color: #373737; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;">My venerable brother says that Lenten joy is the most important thing of all. Some would make of Lent a time of gloom and lamentation. Not my brother! When I asked him on my last visit to Monte Cassino how my nuns were to keep Lent, he smiled broadly and said, “Let each one spontaneously in the joy of the Holy Spirit make some offering to God concerning the allowance granted her” (RB 49:6). My brother is known for his </span><em style="background-color: #f1dec1; color: #373737; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;">gravitas</em><span style="background-color: #f1dec1; color: #373737; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;">, but to me he reveals a heart brimming over with joy in the Holy Spirit. It is true that he has no time for silliness, or giddy laughter, or talkativeness — he has always loved silence more than talking, even from the time we were children — but that silence is the seal of his joy. He pours out his joy like a fine wine, with discretion; but his joy itself is boundless.</span><br />
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A perspective we don't often consider. I often wonder at the passage, "the joy of the Lord is my strength." Nehemiah 8:10 God undoubtedly sees all that goes on the the world, and much of it is not joy-inducing. But, one must conclude that His joy is a constant, and not a reaction to the world. In fact, His perspective sees everything beyond time. He freely shares His joy, and though we cannot escape the bounds of earthly time, we can escape the bounds of earthly sorrows and worry. <br />
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Update:<br />
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I'd forgotten to include this article from Catholic Vote which I think sums up the spirit of the whole deal nicely: http://www.catholicvote.org/40-ways-to-win-lent/<br />
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Update 2:<br />
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Last year I wrote <a href="http://amomforlife-theunconventionalfamily.blogspot.com/2014/03/lent-and-battle-of-guilt-vs-conscience.html">this</a> post about the very thing I wrote about here. Sometimes I frighten myself.<br />
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Happy and Joyful Lent everybody!</div>
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Peace, </div>
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Kelly</div>
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-31618385694801891002015-02-04T15:49:00.000-05:002015-02-04T15:49:21.468-05:00All the Way<br />
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This song has probably been around for a while, but I just started hearing it. As usual, it has been one of those songs that feels like it comes straight from the mouth of God. I hope to learn it, and maybe share it with my Nar Anon group. I don't know if people ever sing songs at those meetings, but I guess there's a first time for everything.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Don't feel bad, I'm so
glad that you are here tonight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Sometimes we lose our way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Take a ride with me, and forget yesterday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Way up high, and way down low. Most things we can't control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">But you don't walk alone. Wherever I may be, there you'll have a home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you forget the wonder that you are I will remind you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">And if you lose yourself, don't worry darling, I'll know where to find you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I'm right behind you, all the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Da dada da, da dada da<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Way up high<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Da dada da, da dada da<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Way down low<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you forget the wonder that you are I will remind you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">And if you lose yourself, don't worry darling, I'll know where to find you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I'm right behind you, all the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I'm right behind you, all the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-49188479288587318032015-01-30T13:10:00.001-05:002015-01-30T13:10:49.403-05:00Timely words from The Author of timely words<img height="320" src="http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/fingers-holding-mustard-seed-faith-25568777.jpg" width="235" /><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Today, by God's grace, I was able to get to morning mass. The Lord didn't let my paltry effort go to waste, either, as the liturgy hit me right between the eyes. Several times. In a good way.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Here is a snippet from the first reading: (from Hebrews 10:32-39)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Therefore, do not throw away your confidence; </span><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">it will have great recompense.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">And another from the Reponsorial Psalm: (From Psalm 37)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">. </span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: 700 !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">By the LORD are the steps of a man made firm, </span><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">and he approves his way.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Though he fall, he does not lie prostrate,</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">for the hand of the LORD sustains him.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Right cross!</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #073763;">And then the Gospel: (From St. Mark 4:26-34)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Jesus said to the crowds:</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">“This is how it is with the Kingdom of God;</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">and would sleep and rise night and day</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">and the seed would sprout and grow,</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">he knows not how.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Of its own accord the land yields fruit,</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">And just for good measure, the communion antiphon: </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Look toward the Lord and be radiant, let your faces not be ashamed.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Annd, the KO.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Father's homily went on to describe how the mustard seed of faith is accepted by God and multiplied beyond our human ability and comprehension. How Mother Teresa carried one person off the street at a time. How God's power is what is needed, not our own. We just have to come up with that little seed. That small act. Offer that sore heart.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Today, He lovingly encouraged me. I always can recognize His voice because of the profound love and gentleness, even as I am corrected.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Once again I am overwhelmingly grateful for the gift of the Church, where I can go and just plug into the mass, or adoration, or if I can, say a Rosary, and if I can't, just hold some Rosary beads. I don't have to come up with anything on my own at all, except the mustard seed of getting myself in the doors. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">As Father said, " We just provide the mustard seed of faith, and God does all the rest. All we can do is what we are able." He even mentioned letting go of control. Nice one, Father.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">How true, how comforting. What a relief when life threatens to overwhelm, and I am tempted to try to tough it out on my own. How easy to forget! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">*no idea why all the white boxes around the text. will come back and fix it later!</span>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-4965898547684692042015-01-08T21:32:00.000-05:002015-01-08T21:32:06.545-05:00 Comfort for troubled timesThis was the entrance hymn this past Sunday at the TLM at Holy Trinity. Not this arrangement, of course. I couldn't find anything similar to the presentation we enjoyed, but I thought this was a nice arrangement. It is good for a live recording, not my favorite usually. I don't know if they do all the verses I have added below, but there are beautiful to read just the same.<br />
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It is a comfort to know that He is the Alpha and Omega, in all and above all.<br />
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This was the offertory prayer:<br />
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I will praise Thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify Thy Name for ever; for Thou O Lord, art sweet and mild, and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon Thee, alleluia,<br />
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1 Of the Father's love begotten,<br />ere the worlds began to be,<br />he is Alpha and Omega;<br />he the source, the ending he,<br />of the things that are, that have been,<br />and that future years shall see,<br />evermore and evermore!</div>
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2 By his Word was all created;<br />he commanded; it was done:<br />heaven and earth and depths of ocean,<br />universe of three in one,<br />all that sees the moon’s soft shining,<br />all that breathes beneath the sun,<br />evermore and evermore!</div>
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3 O, that birth forever blessed<br />when the Virgin, full of grace,<br />by the Holy Ghost conceiving,<br />bore the Savior of our race,<br />and the babe, the world’s Redeemer,<br />first revealed his sacred face,<br />evermore and evermore!</div>
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4 This is he whom seers in old time<br />chanted of with one accord,<br />whom the voices of the prophets<br />promised in their faithful word.<br />Now he shines, the long-expected.<br />Let creation praise its Lord,<br />evermore and evermore!</div>
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5 O ye heights of heaven, adore him.<br />Angel hosts, his praises sing.<br />Powers, dominions, bow before him,<br />and extol our God and King.<br />Let no tongue on earth be silent;<br />every voice in concert ring,<br />evermore and evermore!</div>
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6 Christ, to thee with God the Father,<br />and, O Holy Ghost, to thee,<br />hymn and chant and high thanksgiving<br />and unwearied praises be.<br />Honor, glory, and dominion,<br />and eternal victory,<br />evermore and evermore! Amen.</div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3801517556954327024.post-16545463424828912932014-11-17T09:08:00.002-05:002014-12-09T20:02:02.464-05:00A Special Prayer Request- Update<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I know this is blurry, I took it on a silent retreat a few years ago, at a nearby Carmelite Monastery.</span></div>
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Today, I ask that you would stop and take a few minutes from your day to say a prayers for some dear friends. They are dealing with the grave illness of the husband that may have taken a downturn that would place him in hospice.<br />
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I am so sad that I cannot be there to make soup, clean up, or otherwise lighten their load, so instead I will have to place my trust in Him who is everywhere all the time to carry them and to shower them with His grace.<br />
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Know that you are in my heart and my thoughts. </div>
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I love you.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #20124d;">My dear friend Marie lost her husband Bill suddenly on November 29th. I ask your continued prayers for his soul and for her and their 14 year old twin boys.</span></i><br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10847572866285311259noreply@blogger.com1