7 quick March for Life-and other pro life- type things- takes

1. We weren't even sure we were going to be able to go to the March this year, until I got an email from a very faithful prolife warrior friend announcing a fully paid for bus that he was trying to fill. So, we helped him out. And this definitely made us feel that God was involved, but...it was rainy~ and cold! So all the way up to getting out of bed that cold, wet Monday at Four-O'clock-ish, I was deliberating. But Malaika was going this year for the first time, and I knew so many others were going to make the sacrifice, so! We went. OF COURSE I forgot the camera! Yes there are multitudes of photos from that day, but none are us. Malaika took some shots with her phone. If we ever get them onto the computer, I may share them with you. I don't think any of them are us, either.

2. ( or, 1, continued) After seeing all the people that traveled to the march from all over the country and the world, of course I felt shamed. There were people from Canada; and my dear friend Beth told me this morning there were some from Russia! Yikes. There were people with their children in plastic covered strollers, people in wheelchairs, people on crutches. There were many elderly and there were high school and college groups, who gave the very dreary day a great shot of enthusiasm, and well, life! Despite the weather, there was a record turnout. Some estimates have said 400,000. The usual media downplay said things like 17,000. Ha! I know for a fact there were at least 17,000 in line for one of the bathrooms in Union Station.

3. (or 1, continued). ( Like how I still call this 7 quick takes?) I feel glad that so many understand that our sacrifices in attending that day WILL count, if to no one else, to God. And Who Else better? So many who couldn't attend held us all in their prayers, many thanks for that!


7.Now a few personal notes. Drum roll please..bbbrrrbrbrbrbr...tsh! (that was the cymbal crash). Remember that contest in which I asked you all to vote for my husband? Well, he won! First prize! So proud of him. And he wins $1000!  Thank you all for your generous support!

 Me. School. Hard. Exhaustion. That's all.

My daughter Corrie is moving back home this weekend. Please pray for her, if you would. Her seizures returned with a scary incident one night (she now has stitches next to her eye), and other things she really needs lots of prayer support for. Another daughter,Melissa, is doing really well, and I thank you for all your prayers for her, please don't stop just yet! I believe she has a special call on her life, and so is opposed very fiercely. Rachael is going through some tough times as well, so...well, you know the drill. All my kids have green scapulars, and I pray for them with the powerful intercession afforded by Our Lady.
Remember the Taking the Christmas Tree down scenario? Well, I am STILL taking down the other decorations. They are staring at me as I write this. I know, I know. I'm getting there!

Blessings and peace to all my dear readers~

+JMJ+

Kelly

7 quick Back -to -the -Grind takes

Source: saniapell.com via Michael on Pinterest

1. As I take a teeny breather between homework submissions, I will tell you about what the post-Christmas  (for me this is a little later than most--around mid January) period inevitably brings to our house. I love my Christmas tree, and hate to rush to take it down. Then, one day, I suddenly realize that it MUST COME DOWN RIGHT NOW. And then, I take it down about a week from that day. On the heels of that, I get the cleaning bug. No waiting for Spring for me! And, after that, I want to do improvement projects around the house. Which makes me start looking longingly at pictures like the one above. We did begin painting our first floor last summer--not finished yet, and what we did paint is already looking dirty. ( I know--I promised pictures. Maybe when it's all done. Around 2023-ish should work).  It's kind of frightening just how clockwork-y this happens every year. Anybody else go through this?

2. The above photo is on my Pinterest board. For some reason, one needs to be invited to join it. Not sure why? I am late to the game, having heard of it many moons ago, but my daughter Meghann recently joined and invited me, so I am happy to be sharing some activity with her over the miles. Plus, it is fun. It's kind of like a dream organizer and springboard for ideas. If you would like to try it out, I would be happy to send you an invite.

3. Ah, politics. I watch every morning and night for a little. I heard Downton Abbey is back with Season 2, so now I will have a great diversion. I'll have to watch it on the internet, which means another hour at my computer, the place in which I toil away at court reporting school in ever increasing time blocks. But it will be sweet to see it again! It's my all time favorite. Unlike politics. Which I have found to be a necessary evil. I would love to be non-political, but the world we live in requires me to speak and not be silent on some matters. My conscience requires it.



 4. School. I'm still at it. It's hard and getting harder. I always feel like I'm in the weeds. I keep thinking how much easier it would be to, say, be a Pulitzer prize winning anything, or juggle chain saws than to do this. But despite my feelings about it, I am still doing well in the testing. I am even taking grammar, so I now can bludgeon you to death with verb conjugations and dangling participles.When I start bombing the tests, I'll let you know, and maybe you can refer me to a reasonable chain saw retailer.

5. Spiritual-wise, I am still thinking a lot about that way Jesus has of being involved in our lives. How He doesn't wait until we get everything right. About that Mother Angelica quote that goes, “Unless you are willing to do the ridiculous, God will not do the miraculous. When you have God, you don’t have to know everything about it; you just do it.” And the passage in St. Louis de Monfort's Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary that says, "In this most of all hast Thou showed me the sweetness of Thy love, that when I had no being, Thou didst make me; and when I was straying far from Thee, Thou brought me back again, that I might serve Thee: and Thou hast commanded me to serve Thee. O Fountain of everlasting love, what shall I say of Thee? How can I forget Thee, Who hast vouchsafed to remember me even after I was corrupted and lost? Beyond all hope Thou showest mercy to Thy servant; and beyond all desert, hast Thou manifested Thy grace and friendship." ( in turn taken fromThe Imitation of Christ). Both these quotes remind me that, A. I should just keep going and do what I do know to be good and right, what ever next step is given to me, to take it, and not worry that I don't know what the step after that will be; and B. Don't worry that because I am not "finished" yet that He will not answer my prayers and cries for help, for me and for my loved ones, or listen to their prayers and cries for help, for said reason stated above. And of course, my prayers that they will cry out to Him in their need... and so on. It's that principle I learned via Father Corapi, of backing up and asking for everything we need, even the ability to ask.

6. Still praying for Father Corapi, whose website has recently been taken down. Immaculate Heart of Mary, have mercy on us.

7. March for Life, DC. Want to go. Need a low priced bus. Perhaps this year, one with heat. We do like going with Father Tom and the Chinese kids from his school, they are really nice. But they leave on the early side, making it hard to do the testimonies with theSilent No More group. Every year, I  imagine the inner dialogue of the coordinators, Janet and Georgette, as I run up to them and pull on their coat sleeves, saying, " I need to go, like first or second (out of sixty plus) because my bus is leaving!" going something like, "Here she comes again! (eye roll) Don't they have any other buses from Philly?" In fact, they sometimes do have, but we are usually too late, they are too expensive, or like last year, the one we signed up for got cancelled due to low registration. Sigh. So I guess we should get on it!--also in the same vein--this month's pro life mass at Saint John the Evangelist in Philadelphia, on Jan. 21, two days before the March for Life, will be attended by youth groups and some others, (yikes my memory!) but if you are in the area, please come! I will try my best to get a few pictures! Justin, Rachael ,Steve and I will be singing, Bob at the piano. It is lovely when we have additional attendees, especially on this landmark occasion.

~Blessings and Peace~

Kelly

Seven quick Between- Christmas- and -New Years- takes

1. Here are a few moments of our Christmas day. 

Morning--fortunately we do not get up ultra early. We go to midnight mass and this year didn't hit the sack till an eye-watering 3:30 AM. But we still had to rouse ourselves because we had some visiting to do in the afternoon. We do gift opening one person at a time so we can all admire and properly enjoy the effort each person took in choosing each gift to give. Or in Rachael's case--making each gift . Hers were spectacular. Many of our photos turned out blurry (see the bedtime above), so I probably can't do her work justice. I will only post a few of the pics in which you can make out human forms.

 Malaika's new coat.




Ben's China cymbal. That's his ecstatic look. Really!

                                       This is also Corrie's pleased reaction. As well as Justin.


Then we went to my friend Marie's for the afternoon and evening.

I like this photo. It has nice composition. And just the right touch of silliness.

 Melissa really liked that juice.

 Marie and I have been friends since we were old enough to realize we were alive. That's a long time. No reference to age here...except that the cropping did me big favors....she still looks good in the uncropped part. I am frequently mistaken for Elizabeth...


Our family really had a lovely Christmas together. It was a couple days filled with a real closeness, bonhomie,  peace and good will toward men and all that stuff.



  2.  A few nights ago, I dreamed I was a member of Congress, and people wanted to know my thoughts about all things political.The funny part was that I wasn't entirely sure if I was a member of the Senate or the House--lol. And yet--I was addressing a group about the current GOP race, and they still listened, even though I was obviously pretty dumb.


3+4-(cause it's not that quick) We recently had some dear friends over to dinner and had a lovely evening. We discussed all sorts of things. Both our families have been and are going through some rough stuff, and the topic would make it's way back to some of the weightier issues, especially how it all fit into the light of faith. The next morning, I was thinking on it all, and a phrase I heard Elisabeth Elliot say once, (years ago when I would listen to family radio while baking my own bread, etc..) came to mind. "Do the next thing." I have so often thought of this over the years when I was overwhelmed by life and paralyzed into inactivity. I always took it to mean to keep moving forward-- by inches, if necessary. There always seemed to be at least one small thing I could do in response to whatever problem I was facing. A lot of times I would just clean the house like mad, which has a way of helping me clear my mind. I could make a phone call, try to find resources to help with said problem, and of course, pray. Not just vague prayer here, but specific requests. Like--"Lord, we do not have money for heating oil, please send help"--or, "or, Lord, I have no groceries or money until I start my new job in two weeks, please send help!" Both these specific requests were answered. One pretty miraculously, the other in a more roundabout way, but my needs were always met. The Next Thing, sometimes is a Thing that we do not want to do, or face. Sometimes we positively dread it, but know in our heart of hearts that it must be. Sometimes it involves suffering. There are so many instances in life that cause us to suffer, and within those times are the many "next things" in which God is very present in love, compassion and mercy. When we look back, we can scarcely believe the graces He heaped upon us, but yet, if possible, we avoid those times. We just are not cut out, in our natural selves, for trust. Especially that nuts and bolts kind of trust that causes us to have to rely on him for our next step, or our next breath.
Anyways--I would ask  your prayers for this dear family, our friends, who are in one of those dire seasons.


5. The March for Life is approaching really quickly. I don't think I have yet warmed up completely from last year. (high temp. of 21 degrees...). But I have a stunning red hat to wear this year.











So, I've got the really important part covered, right?






6. New Year's makes me want to clean and do house projects. Does it affect anyone else this way? It really kicks in when I take down the tree and Christmas decorations. Which is roughly around Valentines Day. If I can get away with it.


7. I probably mentioned the Jesus Retreat in my last post--so excited for a couple reasons. One is that Bob and I will get away for the first time since our quasi-honeymoon. There is a tiny chance we will not be able to go---so pray for us and for my poor mother in law, who is in terrible pain from severe arthritis. I'll be fine if we have to miss, but if at all possible, I would rather go!

In case I don't get to post again before  I am back pounding away on my steno machine for school, and we are all back to the grind, here's wishing and praying for all (both?) of you, my dear readers.

Peace, Joy, and General Goodwill!

Kelly

+JMJ+

Forgiveness

7 Quick Advent Takes, or, I'm free!

1. I am "off"(in a way)--from school until after Jan 1st. Hooray! Well, except that I have to turn in a grammar test. Oh, and learn two chapters of theory. Oh, yes, and practice enough to stay up to speed. And actually get up to speed. Oh well. At least I don't have any school for two weeks...(?)

2. By some miracle I have been able to do most of my shopping, get some decorating done, and make several batches of cookie dough put in the freezer. Rachael was a big help with most of that list. But I think knowing I wasn't going to have much time due to school and other responsibilities forced me to think about things a little more thoroughly than usual. So I guess that saying that says something about asking a busy person if you want something done really is true. Especially a busy person that has a hard time saying no. And Super Especially a busy person that thinks it's always possible to squeeze in One More Thing. Here is my grandson. He apparently is a hard core cookie maker and requires stripping to the waist to really get into it. Rest assured in our house, we are not as progressive as he. A comforting thought for all our friends and fam.


3. My husband plays piano, (if you haven't read here before)--and recently made a You Tube recording of Rhapsody In Blue. With it, he entered a contest sponsored by Music Minus One. He could win $1000, if chosen. To be in the running for the prize, he has to be voted into the top ten by the public. So, public, if you don't mind too much, please vote for him! Besides--he actually is good! Listen--






--you can give him as many as three votes!--go here-- and type Seppy in the search box.

4. Hope everyone is having a Blessed Advent! We got out our Advent wreath, but didn't manage to buy the candles for it until the second week. And then forgot to light them each Sunday. And I couldn't find where I had put the prayers. (what was that I was saying about the busy person thing?) Then, when my eldest son whom we rarely see, came for a visit, I lit three, because they are pretty, and it WAS Gaudete Sunday...
I think Malaika took her Advent calendar with the daily chocolate in her room to avoid anyone stealing from it for a snack--who knows she may be reading it daily on the appropriate day--or SHE may be randomly snacking on it...

Anyways, haphazard as it may be, I am looking forward to His coming, and thankful for all He is doing in our lives.


5. As a Christmas present to me, my husband is giving me a weekend at The Jesus Retreat! I just became aware of it, and it is happening the first weekend of the New Year (Jan 6, 7 &8). Of course he is going too, and we are stoked! It's held at the beautiful Black Rock Retreat Center in Quarryville, Pa. I think the registration is closing soon, but take a look.

6.We still have many prayer needs in the fam. My Corrie is facing lots and lots of challenges, from within and without. She is being evicted from her present apartment if they don't settle their delinquency by the 31st.  Melissa has housing issues as well, and also some spiritual issues going on.  Daniel (the son mentioned above) has so many responsibilities for a young man of  24, some foisted upon him. I bear some of the responsibility for it, though I don't understand the entirety of why he remains there, now that he has the ability to change it, I still ask your prayers for him. All seven need prayers for one thing or another, Meghann and her little fam., Daniel, Corrie, (and boyfriend Justin), Melissa, (and I'm not sure of his status-Adam) , Rachael, Ben and Malaika--also Bob and I.  I am so grateful for any of you who include us in your prayers. My overarching prayer is that we all end up with the Lord in heaven. Though it would be nice to live lives on earth that include and glorify Him.

7. It is nice to be able to listen to music with words! While I practice on my steno machine, I play music, but it can't interfere with my thinking, so it has to be instrumental.(okay, well yes it is true that it doesn't take much to interfere with my thinking)  So as I write this here is what I'm listening to--




Bob, Rachael, Justin, Steve (our newest member, a bass) and I hope to include this in our music for January's Pro life mass at Saint John's in Center City Philadelphia. We are told our new Archbishop, Charles Chaput, may be there! How exciting!


While not making any promises, I hope to blog a bit more in the coming days. But the meantime, have a  wonderful remainder of the beautiful latter days of Advent.

Peace and Joy!

Kelly

Lowness and Mercy

I have a few minutes before class today and no ambition to clean or practice or do any of the many things I ought. So you're stuck with me!


I am finding it heart-wrenching to bear the difficulties my children are encountering lately. I am praying, of course, and doing what little I can to help, but it is not enough to alleviate their suffering, at least in the present. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God has come to my rescue when I was definitely not doing anything at all to warrant it. " But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" Romans 5:8. So I guess I shouldn't be surprised at His assistance. But place that next to the law of sowing and reaping. Does the mindset of the sower, if ignorant, matter? Ah,well. All the same, in my lack of understanding, I pray and hope. And keep trying to help.

And there is this-

"Every Christian must be thoroughly convinced that his spiritual life can in no way be viewed as the quiet unfolding of an inconsequential life without any problems; rather it must be viewed as the scene of a constant and sometimes painful battle, which will not end until death - a struggle against evil, temptation and the sin that is in him. ... And this combat is, correctly viewed, the place of our purification, of our spiritual growth, where we learn to know ourselves in our weakness and to know God in His infinite mercy." Father Jacques Philippe

Rising Above

Helllooooo!

That's me calling out from the deep well of court reporting school. I am approaching the end of my first term which includes a research paper (haven't started yet) and a scary final. It will be all dictation that we have to write out on our steno writer--and have to get a 92% just to PASS. O-kay! I have been working hard, and will continue to do so--and time will tell if it was enough.

Tonight, Bob, Rachael, Justin and I will be providing music for a holy hour at St. Francis of Assisi in Springfield, Pa. Cause of course, I must have another project to balance on top of the swaying pile, right? Actually, this one will bless me more than anything else I do, or anything I may try to contribute. If you happen to be in the area, it starts at 8:00.

The other night, after pounding away on my machine until my eyes crossed, I crawled into bed, and since Chopped wasn't on, I put Parenthood on. It's "my show" and I watch it on On Demand every week. I won't go into the whys and wherefores of reasoning but a hint would be ( it's about a crazy family that reminds me of a certain other crazy family I may or may not be a part of) This week, there was a character who is in a situation he finds difficult and distasteful, and was counseled by his brother that he must "rise above."  His response--" I hate rising above."

That line just grabbed me--yes absolutely in the funny and identifiable way, but also it kind of resonated because--who doesn't get weary? Who doesn't want life to be easier?  One of my daughters, known for her hilarious yet relevant one liners, said, "everybody--stop freaking out!" I suggested she embroider it on a little pillow for the sofa.

I know that feeling of emotional exhaustion that goes with having a large family making our way in the world, some of us making our way out of some dark times. It requires fortitude that can't always be drummed up from our human frailty.  This is when my prayers start going like this, "Jesus, I need you. I cannot do this. You have to. Help!" Along those lines.


The crazy part? He does!


Hope you all are well, whoever is left of my dear readers. For as little blogging I do anymore I appreciate you stopping by!

The Lord's Peace~

Kelly