Alleluia!!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Jesus Christ is Risen Today!!!!
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| Easter Vigil this evening. AMEN!!! |
On entering the tomb they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe, and they were utterly amazed. He said to them, "Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Behold the place where they laid him. ~ Mark 16:5-6
ALLELUIA!!!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Holy Saturday
These words touched me....From the Little Black Book (of Meditations) of Lent:
(Reflecting on Mt. 26:14-16)
[So much focus of the Gospels are on the last 18 hours of Christ's life]. Somehow, this captured all he was and what he came to do and all he said and stood for.
Jesus never promised that he would prevent all evil, sickness, tragedy, and sin. After all, he gives us free choice. But he did promise that he could come to any evil situation of our own doing or of someone else's doing - small or great - and pull goodness and life out of it.
Jesus said his goodness would be more powerful than any evil....he was that good.
Well, if he could go even to death on the cross - a senseless death at the age of 30 or so - a humiliating, repugnant, awful death - and pull life out of it, then the good news is true. He can come to any human situation and draw life.
He can come to any human situation and draw life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Reflecting on Mt. 26:14-16)
[So much focus of the Gospels are on the last 18 hours of Christ's life]. Somehow, this captured all he was and what he came to do and all he said and stood for.
Jesus never promised that he would prevent all evil, sickness, tragedy, and sin. After all, he gives us free choice. But he did promise that he could come to any evil situation of our own doing or of someone else's doing - small or great - and pull goodness and life out of it.
Jesus said his goodness would be more powerful than any evil....he was that good.
Well, if he could go even to death on the cross - a senseless death at the age of 30 or so - a humiliating, repugnant, awful death - and pull life out of it, then the good news is true. He can come to any human situation and draw life.
He can come to any human situation and draw life.
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Friday, April 22, 2011
Good Friday
"So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha. There, they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle." John 19: 17-18
From the Lenten Meditations from Small Steps for Catholic Moms:
Be with Christ today. Stand beside the cross and unite your sufferings with his. Compare your wounds with his and see that they are small, but give them to him anyway. Compare your strengths to his and see that you are weak, but give yourself to him anyway. Walk with him, bleed with him, die with him today.
Today, we made and decorated Hot Cross Buns for Good Friday.
Then, we went to our church's 10am Children's Stations of the Cross. It was led by our older children, and such a nice way to reflect on the powerful meaning of Good Friday. We did the stations inside the sanctuary using the wall plates for visuals for each station. The weather outside was perfect for today - dreary, threatening of rain......
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| You can see Lovely in purple in the center. |
We got home around noon, and kept the house very quiet until a little after 3pm. We did not do anything loud, electronic, or energetic. We talked about what Jesus did for us around this time (traditionally 12 noon with his death around 3pm) 2000 years ago. The girls then played quietly, and naptime overlapped with it as well. It was just nice for me to play quiet music, or some chant, and reflect and pray some. After 3pm, Lovely was able to meet up with her best friends next door. The timing was perfect for fellowship - even for me!!
We wrapped up the day a little while ago at the Veneration of the Cross. I had the time wrong for our parish and realized 30 mins late - so we went in the evening to the church Lovely's Godparents attend. She sat with her Godfather and Grammy while her Godmother sang. Hubby and I sat a few rows back with the little ones. It was a truly beautiful service. I was so touched to see Lovely embrace the cross all on her own, and then my turn venerating the cross holding my sweet son, and Hubby holding Valiant...and I just felt overwhelming gratitude for what Jesus did for ME, for US. I can't describe the love. I can't describe the awe. God is so good.
Tomorrow is Holy Saturday - a day for watching, waiting, and remembering Jesus in the tomb and counting down to Easter and all the joy it will bring - including saying the "A" word again and seeing the Easter Bunny! Hubby and I will also be playing at another church's Easter Vigil tomorrow evening. I'm looking forward to it!!
Much love!!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Holy Thursday
"Simon Peter said to him, "Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well." ~ John 13:19
From the Lenten Meditations from Small Steps for Catholic Moms:
Call on Christ today - the same Christ who broke bread, passed the cup, and washed the feet of his disciples. Feel his healing hands. Open your heart and let him in. Let him feed you. Let him quench your thirst. Let him was you clean.
Hubby and I had the opportunity to go to Holy Thursday Mass at a different church than our home one to play violin and flute. Mass was lovely - this community was amazing. I've never heard the congregation so loud before in their spoken responses, participation, and singing. It was incredible and moving. Whatever they do to be a part of the Mass I want to infect our parish with (and we have a great parish!). I just was overwhelmed and touched by what I heard resounding in their sanctuary. It was a beautiful service.
Our girls were with my parents, and our boy with our dear friend next door - so it was just us, and it was nice to have time to pray at the Tabernacle of Repose. It was also a lovely night to pray together, play together, and be together as we embraced the Triduum.
Blessings!!!!
From the Lenten Meditations from Small Steps for Catholic Moms:
Call on Christ today - the same Christ who broke bread, passed the cup, and washed the feet of his disciples. Feel his healing hands. Open your heart and let him in. Let him feed you. Let him quench your thirst. Let him was you clean.
Hubby and I had the opportunity to go to Holy Thursday Mass at a different church than our home one to play violin and flute. Mass was lovely - this community was amazing. I've never heard the congregation so loud before in their spoken responses, participation, and singing. It was incredible and moving. Whatever they do to be a part of the Mass I want to infect our parish with (and we have a great parish!). I just was overwhelmed and touched by what I heard resounding in their sanctuary. It was a beautiful service.
Our girls were with my parents, and our boy with our dear friend next door - so it was just us, and it was nice to have time to pray at the Tabernacle of Repose. It was also a lovely night to pray together, play together, and be together as we embraced the Triduum.
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| picture Hubby snapped of me as we headed to play at Mass |
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Prayers Needed
~ For a dear friend, who learned she will miscarry her baby (would have been her 4th child, but 5th pregnancy). She had her ultrasound today and learned while the sac was 12 weeks, the baby was only 8 weeks.
~ For another dear friend who was diagnosed with Lupus (skin attacking kind), knows her father will pass away soon from lung cancer, and her FIL in Spain was just diagnosed with colon cancer.
~ And a quick one for me...on the eve of the Triduum. I have lost my temper left and right today. I feel terrible during this Holy Week to act as such (or anytime). I'm not really feeling this "special time". I want to. Thanks for any thoughts. But please pray for those 1st two requests.
Sincerely in prayer,
Me
~ For another dear friend who was diagnosed with Lupus (skin attacking kind), knows her father will pass away soon from lung cancer, and her FIL in Spain was just diagnosed with colon cancer.
~ And a quick one for me...on the eve of the Triduum. I have lost my temper left and right today. I feel terrible during this Holy Week to act as such (or anytime). I'm not really feeling this "special time". I want to. Thanks for any thoughts. But please pray for those 1st two requests.
Sincerely in prayer,
Me
Sunday, April 17, 2011
"Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!"
Palm Sunday - 2011
The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road,
while others cut palm branches from the trees
and strewed them on the road.
The crowds preceding him and those following
kept crying out and saying:
“Hosanna to the Son of David;
blessed is the he who comes in the name of the Lord;
hosanna in the highest.”
And when he entered Jerusalem
the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?”
And the crowds replied,
“This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.”
while others cut palm branches from the trees
and strewed them on the road.
The crowds preceding him and those following
kept crying out and saying:
“Hosanna to the Son of David;
blessed is the he who comes in the name of the Lord;
hosanna in the highest.”
And when he entered Jerusalem
the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?”
And the crowds replied,
“This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!!!!!!
Friday, April 15, 2011
"I Can Pull Life Out of Anything."
I read yesterday's Lenten Meditation from the Little Black Book for Lent which has been meditating on each Sunday's Gospel and it was again, wonderful, and spoke to me. I wanted to share it:
(Read Jn 11: 17-21) - The Raising of Lazarus.
Sometimes I feel the same about the Lord as Martha did when Jesus took so long to arrive in Bethany (to see dying Lazarus): 'Thanks for coming Lord....a little late'. I know you are with me Lord, but where were you when I needed you?"
But Jesus reassures me as he reassured Martha: "Look no matter when I seem to get there, I've been with you all the time, and I can pull life out of anything. I can do that with your sins...I can do that with tragedy... I can do that with stress...I will do it with the crucifixion. Life will come.
That is the lesson of Lazarus' rising, if I can believe Jesus brought Lazarus back to life, it makes all the difference. I never need to lose hope. I can always put my faith in Jesus. I can respond to situations his way (even sin and violence), and know he can pull life out of it.
It's a powerful belief.
As we approach Easter, I can catch the spirit of this Gospel and live this belief. This belief will change my whole life if I really accept it and trust in the Lord.
I'll be praying tonight that Jesus is pulling life out of a situation you need life from. I hope you know how prayed for you are. Much love!!
(Read Jn 11: 17-21) - The Raising of Lazarus.
Sometimes I feel the same about the Lord as Martha did when Jesus took so long to arrive in Bethany (to see dying Lazarus): 'Thanks for coming Lord....a little late'. I know you are with me Lord, but where were you when I needed you?"
But Jesus reassures me as he reassured Martha: "Look no matter when I seem to get there, I've been with you all the time, and I can pull life out of anything. I can do that with your sins...I can do that with tragedy... I can do that with stress...I will do it with the crucifixion. Life will come.
That is the lesson of Lazarus' rising, if I can believe Jesus brought Lazarus back to life, it makes all the difference. I never need to lose hope. I can always put my faith in Jesus. I can respond to situations his way (even sin and violence), and know he can pull life out of it.
It's a powerful belief.
As we approach Easter, I can catch the spirit of this Gospel and live this belief. This belief will change my whole life if I really accept it and trust in the Lord.
I'll be praying tonight that Jesus is pulling life out of a situation you need life from. I hope you know how prayed for you are. Much love!!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Small Successes "I'm TIRED" Edition and Thankful Thursday
I'm so tired. I'm writing this before bed Wednesday, so it can auto post so I can do the "Small Steps" Lenten edition "Pray/Fast/Give today (Thurs). I'll share it with you (actually blending two days, since I got off a day):
Fast: After you complete any essential morning tasks at the computer for the first time today, turn it off. Do not return to the computer today unless it is essential for the running of your household or care of your children.
Pray: "The silence is so great that I look and do not see, listen and do not hear. The tongue moves in prayer but does not speak" (Blessed Teresa of Calcutta).
Give: "It is not how much we do, but how much love we put into the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving" (Blessed Teresa of Calcutta). With every "gift" of service you give today, give a smile too.
The other one I'm doing:
Fast: What is standing between you and greater holiness today? Rip it out. Throw it away.
Pray: Kiss your crosses. Find something small that annoys you. Embrace it. Give it to God.
Give: Make your husband's favorite dinner tonight, Serve it with candles and tablecloth.
Want to join me on some of the above?
As for successes:
1. My 40 bags/40 days has been in hyper gear and going SO well. I'm learned so much in the cross of doing it, and my tiredness, but my soul is singing.
2. The laundry is caught up....for now!!!
3. I'm doing a pantry clean out - both to save $$, use up items we have, and sacrifice some faster, more tasty meals. So far, I've stuck to it.
BONUS: I have an 11 month old today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW!!! Love you sweet Gift....
How are you doing?
Thankful Thursday
This week I'm so thankful for...
1. naps.
2. my bed.
3. clean sheets.
4. my pillow.
5. the gift of sleep - so fleeting and rare.
Blessings, and MUCH love!!!
Monday, April 11, 2011
What I've been up to...
I've been away from blogsphere. I've also been slow to answer e-mails - so I'll get back to reading/commenting/e-mailing soon, but we had spring break last week, and this week I'm doing state required standardized testing. But we had a great and BUSY break (more pics to come to join the below posts) and I've been going strong on my 40 bags/40 days Lenten challenge. I even wake up at 2am and have to attack something in order to back to sleep (nesting? lol). I think the extra time at Spring Break put my 1 bag a day (though some days this Lent I haven't done it, and then do catch up bags) into hyper mode.
I'm hoping to go to sleep soon and stay asleep (unless the monster storm hits and wakes us all up) but I can't tell you how GOOD it feels to bring more peace and soul cleansing to my home. My garage looks like a storage unit as it serves as a holding room for outgoing items, but I have a guestroom again (oh...it was so full of clothes I pulled out from closest and the attic), Gift has a painted bedroom instead of a storage room, lots of toys are donated, TONS of clothing has been sorted, stored, loaned, or given away, a friend borrowed my baby swing to help me have more room downstairs for her upcoming baby girl. I worked on the learning room, and have made a goal for things downstairs to have a "place" - so I'm not having to declutter and put things in our bedroom when family comes over. Our bedroom has also been decluttered, cleaned, and is more of a sanctuary than dumping ground - though it still needs work. My counters in the kitchen are still not clean and decluttered...but it is on my list too. I also need to redo my pantry.
When things feels settled in the main rooms, and I can rest up and enjoy the peace - I'll start phase II - closets, storage areas, and under the beds. Some things from phase 1 filled those places to the brim, and are not functional (or are scary! HA!). Since doing that will create a mess, I want a wait a bit and have a break from constant "stuff" anywhere.
I was telling someone I feel torn between feeling so blessed that our family and children have things to enjoy in their home and having pride in my home, to wanting to move to Africa and join a village where the focus is on community, and there is a lack of owning material goods. I don't want to be materialistic....I want balance. I don't want to hoard. If I'm not using it - I need to try and share it, bless other with it, etc. But I love my home, my house, and want it to reflect our spirit!
Housekeeping and deep cleaning are just not my things. I like the peace that comes from it, but I don't like doing the work involved. I'm hoping that this Lenten practice will translate into new habits so my focus, soul, and mind can be in a better place to be of service to God and my family, as well as my loved ones, and to ENJOY life. I have far too much anxiety....(another post for another day) and deserve to feel lighter in my home, not constantly feeling smothered by it. Let's see how long this lasts.
How are your Lenten practices coming?
I'm hoping to go to sleep soon and stay asleep (unless the monster storm hits and wakes us all up) but I can't tell you how GOOD it feels to bring more peace and soul cleansing to my home. My garage looks like a storage unit as it serves as a holding room for outgoing items, but I have a guestroom again (oh...it was so full of clothes I pulled out from closest and the attic), Gift has a painted bedroom instead of a storage room, lots of toys are donated, TONS of clothing has been sorted, stored, loaned, or given away, a friend borrowed my baby swing to help me have more room downstairs for her upcoming baby girl. I worked on the learning room, and have made a goal for things downstairs to have a "place" - so I'm not having to declutter and put things in our bedroom when family comes over. Our bedroom has also been decluttered, cleaned, and is more of a sanctuary than dumping ground - though it still needs work. My counters in the kitchen are still not clean and decluttered...but it is on my list too. I also need to redo my pantry.
When things feels settled in the main rooms, and I can rest up and enjoy the peace - I'll start phase II - closets, storage areas, and under the beds. Some things from phase 1 filled those places to the brim, and are not functional (or are scary! HA!). Since doing that will create a mess, I want a wait a bit and have a break from constant "stuff" anywhere.
I was telling someone I feel torn between feeling so blessed that our family and children have things to enjoy in their home and having pride in my home, to wanting to move to Africa and join a village where the focus is on community, and there is a lack of owning material goods. I don't want to be materialistic....I want balance. I don't want to hoard. If I'm not using it - I need to try and share it, bless other with it, etc. But I love my home, my house, and want it to reflect our spirit!
Housekeeping and deep cleaning are just not my things. I like the peace that comes from it, but I don't like doing the work involved. I'm hoping that this Lenten practice will translate into new habits so my focus, soul, and mind can be in a better place to be of service to God and my family, as well as my loved ones, and to ENJOY life. I have far too much anxiety....(another post for another day) and deserve to feel lighter in my home, not constantly feeling smothered by it. Let's see how long this lasts.
How are your Lenten practices coming?
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Date Night!!
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| Tired parents....but happy couple! |
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| Enjoying his chocolate...I think? |
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| Me...LOVING my chocolate! |
Our back patio...candlelight...nice breezes.....good conversation....silence....laughter....Godiva chocolate (strawberry flavored - get it? Chocolate covered strawberries? Impressive I know)....vino....my dearest best friend. It's so good to nurture our marriage and take time for him and I. We DON'T do it enough. Thank you to those who inspire us to DO so! It can be this simple....just light a candle....step outside your home (or in!) and take some time.
Wait...should I follow my own advice? I guess I should! *sheepish grin*.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Spring Break Captures
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| Happy Boy |
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| Happy girl |
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| Sleepy Girls |
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| Chilling out... |
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| We love Aunt S's lap lol! |
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| Valiant joins in! |
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| Another park day... |
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| Gotta love naps... |
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Small Successes and Thankful Thursday - "Spring Break" Edition!!
It's time to celebrate us and the little things we can accomplish in our big lives!!!
1. I updated our home educating blog!!!
2. I have been keeping up with our 40 bags/40 days!! Some days are "make up days" but the bags are equaling out to the days. Now...I just have to tackle the garage where the donation stuff keeps piling up.
3. The house is decently straight, the laundry is washed (still working on folding and putting it away), and I've been cooking healthy dinners. The weather has been motivating me.
Bonus 4th: We've been enjoying Spring Break. Today is our 1st day to really chill out, but we've enjoyed a few days at my sister's home, park playdates, and today after a relaxing morning - we'll be going next door to work on making robots out of recycled materials. Thanks S for putting this together!!!
How is your week???
Thankful Thursday
This week I'm grateful for...
1. incredible weather.
2. answered prayers for peace from anxiety.
3. Lent.
4. my family.
5. my friends.
Bless you!!!!!
New posts
Howdy! I posted two new updates at our homeschool blog! Please, come check them out!!! We've been having fun this week, and last.
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