Friday Fish Eater

2006-08-17T09:37:00.000-05:00

And so another chapter begins in my life. What a blessing from God. I go to my new school tomorrow and meet with my principal to discuss some paperwork and classroom details. I am anxious and nervous about starting next week. But this is normal I suppose. I've only been teaching a few years and I have so much to learn. This job, as my dearest friend puts it, is not about making money or prestige, but all about getting closer to God and getting closer to Him through relationships with the people I work with. I found this interesting and I think she is really onto something here. I have much to work on with myself in being a better Catholic and more focused on the God and the Holy Spirit.

Tonight dear hubby is helping me get my boxes down from the attic and up from the basement for the classroom supplies. Teachers are savers and pack-rats. We have to be since most of our supplies come out of our own paycheck and very little from the district. Hubby will be glad to have the extra space back for storage bless his heart. So next week I will start driving over with carloads full of boxes and go to meetings and unpack and meet my aides and new staff. Our school is brand new and it will be like all of us starting out fresh. The old school, built back in 1953, had seen its days and now we have a new one.

It will take me awhile to get back into the swing of it and hopefully start a whole new career at this school. But I have to remeber, it's all about getting closer to Jesus. I need to turn it over to Him and ask for His will each morning to be done. Thy will not my will, Amen!

2006-07-30T08:41:00.000-05:00

We had Fr. Dan, a retired circuit priest, fill in for Fr. Gould last night for our mass. Fr. Dan is my favorite. He really gets out of the pulpit and down to our level during his sermons. He asks us questions about our faith. He says things that make us really think about our spirituality. He makes you want to learn more, to keep coming back to church, and most importantly to try and remember what the gospel was about and how to apply it in our lives the following week. Now mind you, my pea-brain forgets things very easily these days, but Fr. Dan and his sermons, I remember. I always leave church feeling recharged. Last night was he put a smile on my face as well as hubby's. What a blessing he is to our community. God speaks through him with such joy.

I am nervous about my new job coming up. I teach kids with disabilities---severe disabilites, and it is quite demanding both mentally and physically. Most people wouldn't do it. For some reason it has been my calling, but I have difficulites not with the kids, but the adults I work with...aides, other team members, and so on. They can drive me nuts! The aides usually don't show up half the time, the parents get crazy and want the teacher to work with their child most of the day, the district wants more goals acheived with less support...you know the scene...you do more with less and less resources. uh huh....
So, my greatest challenge is keeping spiritually fit. I have a Christian friend who is going to help me with that this year. She has promised to meet with me on occasion, and to share with me every day the word of God for inpsiration and so that I can learn that I am not in control, to turn things over to God and get out of His way. In addition, I have my own daily prayer and meditation homework. Let's face it, I simply cannot change other people, I can only change me and the way I deal with others. I am going through a learning phase with our Lord; He is opening my eyes to what I need to change in me. It is not pleasent to see, but it is worth the pain and effort to grow closer to Him.

The gospel of John was about the loaves of bread and fish being transformed to feed the multitudes, and Fr. Dan added words about our faith being tested and how if we just simply believe that God will provide, as He always has, we will be closer to Jesus. It was like the sermon was meant just for me and my filled me with joy to hear these things. My gladness comes from Him, and it will a good year coming up....best one yet now that I will work on God being my Principal.

So in the meantime, I will just work on today and doing God's will....and simply draw closer to Him through my prayers and actions.

2006-07-27T22:20:00.000-05:00

And so God delivered a new job for me today. I will be back in an elementary school teaching kids with disabalites. Thank you Lord for answering my prayers. A new chapter, a new chance to do your will, and a new opportunity to help where I am needed the most.

My blogging days have been sparse, and rather bleak in mood, the heat, the fear, the lack of want to write....and now new hope and new challenges.

This means I need to get into the attic and basement to get all my boxes and boxes of books, toys, teaching materials for the classroom. Wow, new job, new state, new school...wow...scary, but if this is what God wants me to do then so be it. Amen.

2006-07-07T19:29:00.000-05:00

Can you swallow what you dish out?

Hmmm..that is a thought I have had on my pea-brain lately. I do not like it when others get pushy or bossy with me, so I need to check and see if I am doing the same before I point the finger at others and go off to my corner and sulk.

There is a saying by Ben Franklin that has me nodding my head in concordance lately.

"No good deeds go unpunished."

Ever felt like that? I have. Several community service projects I have been working on have brought out a case of the nasties in some folks I have to deal with, and it has me baffled. I think I am doing things correctly, timely, and so forth and then, bam, a phone call, a comment, all with a tone of abruptness and sting....and then I have to wonder why I volunteered in the 1st place...oh yes, a nudge from the Big Boss. It was He who planted the seed of service and help--a ministry calling to reach out to our community and help those in need. So why the callousness from a few old timers has me shaking my head and having second thoughts about ever getting involved with them again.

Dear God:
So Lord, you deal with these people, please. I give them to you. And I am sure there is a good, no, a great lesson for me to learn in all of this. But please Lord, make it not too painful okay? I don't do Job to well. Okay, whatever it is I am suppose to learn I know you will be merciful and loving as always. And you do have a great sense of humor. Thanks, Jesus.

Love,
A baffled fund raiser and servant....Ely

2006-07-06T23:07:00.000-05:00

2006-07-06T22:44:00.000-05:00

Ha..I seem to not be able to post without a 100 million-zillion typos these days. The old brain, the old fingers, just don't coordinate as well these days. Boy has it been hot and humid...not the typical weather up here in the cool mountains, and it has me heat beat. Really beat. Even the pups want to nap and snooze most of the day on the floor.

So what is the latest out there? It has been over a month since I have blogged or caught up on the latest. Frankly, I'm sure it is not much good news but we are winning some wars against Satan and his corrupt ways. Yup, my own little corner of the world up here is as just corrupt as yours is over there.

My prayers have been for faith, strength, and endurance...to continue to try each day to know and carry out God's will. Easier said than done when you are human.

"So is your faith growing in the Lord," I ask myself each morning? "I hope so," I answer back...some days, unless I talk to my Christian friend, I feel like I am on an island surrounded by murky waters most of the time. But I sense Jesus on my island, or at least the Holy Spirit present. My faith is being tested in many ways, and some days I am able to pray and be still, whilst others, I fight it tooth and nail, only to go to bed weary and exhausted. Hmmf...this human business can be rather tiresome and I would prefer to be done with it all and go home once and for all!

But then--- then when I think it is all doom and gloom out there, I get to go kayaking with hubby and the dogs in God's beauty. I get to be refreshed by His works of art, and it washes over and through me until I simply smile. Yes, God vacations up here it is that beautiful. And He even books in advance!

2006-06-02T09:37:00.000-05:00

I woke up at 2am with some sort of stomach bug....ughhh. So I offered it up to
God. The next thing I knew it was 5 am and time to get up and get ready for the day.
Eat fish today....do more penance, go to my subbing job, probablyle the last until Sept. and pray. I read from James 3 this morning about wisdome and acts of goodness.
God is so merciful and gives me exactly what I need, not what I want, although He has blessed me beyond my dreams.

This weekend we will say the rosaries for the S. Dakota pro-life law---that it stays in effect and that the pro-choicers will not be able to renig on it.

God,
thank you.

2006-05-28T17:31:00.000-05:00

Okay I am going to finish some things on my mind here.
It has been a tough go ever since we moved north. We absolutely adore living in the mountains, with snow, the changes of seasons, the country life-style, and an easier pace. The draw backs, however, have been that good jobs are extremely hard to come by and the cost of living has gone up so much here that it is tough to make ends meet. Now I can't think that God let us move up here, a dream for years, in order for us to fall on our faces and end up with zilch? No, this is a test we have to endure. We have been praying for some time now for strength and guidance on what to do. My hubby's boss has not been one of those honest individuals and the work crew has all but shut down. He doesn't care a hoot and the ethics of the standard of work has gone down down down. Hubby does not work like that.
As for me, finding a full time teaching job has been a real humdinger as well, so I sub all I can. For now we are making it, but that is coming to a halt.

We have lived here for almost 2 years now. We have not made any real close friends yet either. One couple is sort of becoming our friends because they are strong Christians. Even in our parish, a very samll one at that, there is the main group who runs things, and they are basically a group of rotten apples. I will not tolerate their gossip any longer, their backstabbing our priest, their cursing filthy mouths, and their unholy acts and down rigth defiance to church law. NO! Corinthians Corinthians!

But, we know there must be diligant and kind Catholics going there. We go to mass on Sat. nights. The larger portion goes on Sun. mornings. Luckily, we do not get bothered by "the group" since they mostly go on Sundays. Amen to that, but we do not have a chance to meet many of the others.

Last night, we had a visiting priest. Fr. Dan---and he was a shot in the arm. Absolutely wonderful in his sermon! Very evangelical and it was awesome. Yes, I am one who likes to shout, "Jesus Rocks!" Let's all sing and praise and worship God!

Hubby and I left the church several years ago and started attending Calvary. We learned so much about the bible, to openly praise Jesus, to openly witness....HOWEVER, and I say so with capitals, we missed going to confession, the eucharist, and the tradition, so we came back. Sadly, we came back to a congregation who has a group of real stinkers!

I feel for Father, but I am afraid to even bring the topic up to him. I do not want to make waves, nor stir up trouble, nor give Satan another chance to leave his calling card.

So I will pray, and continue to go to our little country church. Maybe we will find some others who we can talk to. Ones who do not openly slap the church and God in the face. And as I read in James this morning, we are being tested for endurance, so we can become stronger. Maybe God is trying to break down some of my pride and material pride, so that I will place Him 1st above all else?

I heard on EWTN a great topic about putting God 1st no matter what! Before family, job, home, friends....can we really do it....can we do it all the time for the rest of our lives? I have had to stop and really think about this. It's an eye opener as well for me. How can I point the finger at others when that log is sticking in my eye?

Holy Mother pray for me...pray for my friends who seek you in pain and in need of mercy through your Son. I pray for those who have turned from Jesus, have turned away and even scoff now at you. Forgive us Jesus, please help us, and through the Holy Spirit, please send strength and fortitude. Amen!

testing...testing 1,2,3

2006-05-25T18:39:00.000-05:00

No whining today I told myself this morning. It was going great until I claled the hubby and he came home early again and no work tomorrow. His job has all buy fizzled out and I am not suppose to panic or be upset. I haven't been able to understand why He brought us here, only to be jobless and what ever else may go down the toilet.

I am heading out right now--so I will get back to this later...I am really being tested in faith and fortitude and patience like never before...I don't do Job well...I am so weak, such a wimpy, such a baby in all of this...

2006-05-24T16:24:00.000-05:00

2006-05-24T16:12:00.000-05:00

Okay, the morals are so inverted today that what was once an evil is now a good thing. It is like that with so many things today. I feel very isolated at times in life. Even at my church, I am disgusted. Not at our priest, he is awesome and I wish we more like him...but the core parishoners who seem to run the show are really a nasty group of people. The foul language and attitude is horrifying to hear and see. My hubby and I have decided to stay as far away from these people as possible. They do not want to change, nor try, but conitnue to belittle father behind his back, cuss openly, gossip and back stab. Yikes!
All I can do at this point is pray for them and support father in his efforts to give us the best testimony and services possible. Sinners we all are, but to enjoy it is another thing. Satan is alive in our church and reveling in his conquest. WE have backed way off of doing service in our church groups. So we are doing community service elsewhere and have met some awesome people in doing so. We like being around people who worship Jesus openly, support their priest or pastor, and who at least try to be better Christians and confess their sins with true regret.
I know this sounds very righteous--the prideful kind...however, why should we continue to subject ourselves to this behavior? We must love the sinner and hate the sin...yet I will only subject myself to such nonsense as little as possible. You can't force a horse to drink, but I can try to be a good example.

So, teaching/subbing is coming to a close soon. Then we have lots of ATV rides coming up and other community service charities to attend. I hope to be tutoring this summer as well. Blessings, Ely

2006-05-15T18:09:00.000-05:00

yesterday at Bernardo Lookout, our picnic, rosaries, and nice cruise back down the hill....

2006-05-15T18:03:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in a some time...I've been on my other blog lately...tsk tsk..imagine that...a secular blog, ha ha...no one goes there either...ha ha...

Anyway, I have started another novena with the Divine Mercy booklet as inpsiration. Both hubby and I need it...we need to find good work...not easy these days.

We took a ride into paradise again....we love putzing on the ATV's and giving thanks our Father. I took my rosaries with and said them after lunch whilst gazing over the lake....

Praise you Father and may I have more trust in you, and may the Holy Spirit fill me with your wisdom and grace. Amen to you Father....I sing...(not too loud though so you don't cringe)

Your gifts are amazing to us...thank you.

2006-05-04T13:34:00.000-05:00

Jesse, died Monday night and now joins his oldest daughter, Kariann, who was 16, in heaven with Jesus and our Blessed Mother. Now, more than ever does this family need our community support. So, Hubby and I have joined thelocal ATV club, BackCountry ATV of Athol, Idaho, and I am going to start a committee for the ATV ride fundraiser, Ride Wright. I made a ton of calls so far, and emails, and it will take a lot more, but I have hope today because I know God would want me to continue no matter what.

Yesterday was Hubby's b-day so we took a ride in the CdA mountains, and scouted a trail for the fundraiser ride. What do you think? The view is a slice of heaven, eh? It was glorious out there and this Sunday we have a ride overlooking Lake CdA. Church is on Sat. night, so Hubby will get everything together while I am at a writer's conference all day Sat. I am driving straight down from conference to meet him at church. I sub tomorrow and we are having $1.00 hat day. All the school can wear a hat if they pay $1.00. The $$$ goes to the Wright family. Way cool. I am going cowboy....a Catholic cowboy. Giddee--yup Jesus....

So please pray for our fundraiser and this family...PLEASE!

Hubby's day out for a ride--his b-day picnic

2006-05-04T13:30:00.000-05:00

Lake Pend Orielle, Idaho

2006-05-04T13:25:00.000-05:00

Wright Ride

2006-04-29T18:10:00.000-05:00

Finally, I get to sit and post a bit today. I have been subbing all week and Satan has been dogging me like a rabbit on the run. Sheesh! Where do I begin.
One week ago, Friday morning, while driving to the elementary school I sub at, the traffic came to a halt. Off in the distance I saw lots of flashings lights. "Uh oh. An accident, " I said to myself.
I was able to find an alternate route thanks to a man who lived close to the accident. Remeber, I live in a very small country town where the roads are not congested like the city, so accidents can cause just as much a stir as anywhere else, only we know everyone around these parts, so it's more nerve wracking.

When I walked into the school, the staff, teachers, and admin were all crying. The accident was a doozy. A 16 year old, Kariann Wright, was driving the family car, dad was next to her in the front seat, her 2 younger brothers in the back seat, around 11 & 12 years old, were all heading off to school and dad's work at 7am. For some reason, and no one knows today, she veered over the center line and hit another lady head on. Kariann was killed, her father horribly crushed and now on life support and not expected to make it, her 1 brother on life support and a quadriplegic, and the driver of the other car and the other brother are now upgraded to satisfactory. There were 9 children in this family, and the mother is dealing with all of this. I cannot even beging to imagine this type of pain!
They buried Kariann yesterday. She was the oldest child of the family. I have been teaching one of the children in a kindergarten class lately before all of this happened. She has other brothers and sisters who go to our school as well. It has affected our community immensely. The school district is having a fund raiser, since the father, the sole supporter of his family, is not expected to live. He is only 35 years old. This is a young Christian family. The other driver, a lady in her 60's also goes to the same church, so it's a doublely difficult tragedy. She is still very seriously hurt.

I have taken it upon myself to start up another fund raiser by having an ATV ride up Rathdrum Mtn. where my article appeared in this month's issue of ATV Magazine. Since we have such beautiful riding areas, what better way to enjoy a ride than do it for a good cause. Thing is, I have never done such a thing. So today, I took off with hubby to all the local ATV shops in town and started asking questions about how to get this thing going. I was told to contact the owner of the mountain about group liability for the ride, that the ATV clubs might help with this, and support the cause as well. I need to find a restaraunt who will donate food for BBQing and a picnic afterwards. Wow, the list is just beginning. I don't know why I started this...yes I do...God is tugging at me to help out. I ask each morning what I can do to be of service and here I am.

Please pray for me for guidance and heavenly support. Pray for this family too....
and if you have any ideas...send them on over as well! Amen!

2006-04-24T08:45:00.000-05:00

I am having a very difficult time the past few days. I am overwhelmed with life. Ever since I started the Divine Mercy Novena, life has been little tests all day long, every day. It's like Satan has decided to fuel the fire. I am tired today. We had dog emergencies over the weekend, hubby's neck and shoulder has gone out, and I can't keep up, or get ahead on chores withwork these days. Everywhere I turn there is another chore to do!

I have been praying for direction and guidance and that is my comfort. I have a job interview this week and for some reason I feel it will be in vain....doubt is creeping in and I want to cry. Alas, I need to get a sense of humor back, eh?

Like anyone reads these things..... ha ha ha. My guardian angel does though. :)

Divine Mercy Novena

2006-04-19T16:04:00.000-05:00

I totally blipped last week about starting the Divine Mercy Novena. I heard and read other blogs about it, but it didn't occur to me that the novena started on Good Friday. Duhhhh. Sometimes I think my brain stays on the pillow in the morning....many a morning!

So better late than never, I started the novena today. I found my old chaplet that explains all about it--read it and got out my rosaries. It was a wonderful feeling to start doing this after at least a decade. God's mercy is so great---so great I can't even fathom, but just simply know He has forgiven me countless times and let me back.

My week has been a quiet one so far. Hardly any subbing going on, but am writing another article to match the one that came out this month. I would like to write a piece for one of our devotional publishers....who knows, maybe they would accept one sometime. I'm kind of scared to try. I will pray about it.

So the 1st Easter Week is half way through. Geepers...time flies.
HE IS RISEN!

2006-04-17T09:43:00.000-05:00

Hubby is on the far left, then Fr. Nolan, then our friends, Carrie and her hubby Steve.
They joined us for a wonderful Easter dinner. We BBQ'd a turkey, had gravy, rolls, rice pilaff, veges, jello ring & 2 different pies with lots of rich coffee to enjoy each other's company. We really enjoyed ourselves. We all talked until late, so today I am tired, but a good tired. Thank you God!

I hope you all have a nice Easter week and see all of God's miracles in your life!

2006-04-17T09:33:00.000-05:00

Our beautiful little antique church, St. Stanislaus Kostka, built over 100 years ago. It is the oldest brick building in Idaho. This painting is also part of the historical antiquities. WE love it here. Fr. Nolan gave us a wonderful lighting of the candles ceremony and mass celebration.

Easter Vigil Service, St. Stanislaus

2006-04-17T09:28:00.000-05:00

A Good Good Friday

2006-04-14T13:08:00.000-05:00

It is here...Good Friday and we are going to the Stations this afternoon. It has been a week of penance that's for sure! I subbed in 5th and 4th and the 4th graders chewed me up something fierce! I was exhausted after a day with insta-monsters. At lunch time I said the Lord's Prayer and a few Hail Mary's. Ay-yi-yi. Then I subbed back at my favorite Kinder class and it was awesome! Yesterday I walked almost 10 miles while cleaning the carpets upstairs getting ready for Easter day. Then I found mouse-poopies in the garage and that was enough to send me into orbit---so out came everything off the shelves....I tore the entire garage apart, vacuumed, cleaned, and 5 hours later, all done. At first, I was mad....then I offered it up to God as a gift....I could barely walk by the end of the day, but it was a day long prayer. Thank you God!

We are looking ofrward to having Fr. Nolan and some friends come over for Easter dinner. Hubby will do his famous BBQ turkey. Yum. How blessed we are.

I am hungry today---and that is a good thing. My soul is hungy for Christ's mercy as well.

Happy Easter dear friends out there---somewhere....

2006-04-09T09:38:00.000-05:00

I spoke to hubby and he is tired. He found a church up there so he could get to mass this morning. Then he is back to the business meeting. He can't wait to come home. He said several people in the group are belaboring points to no end. One decision took almost 3 hours. That's ridiculous I said to him....he agreed.

So today the girls and I are going to say the rosaries and stay in. I think I have a bad case of seasonal allergies and it is making me quite testy. I am going to offer it up and put on a cheery face.

I read a new blog that I like very much. It is called Approved Apparitions and it is about messages from heaven through Our Blessed Mother. My new story that I am writing contains much of the same ideas as I read these days about the messages sent to us. I believe in these messages and I need to remember to take them more serious and to direct my thoughts more to God and not on this world. Satan won't like that and I am sure he will poke me a few times the more I try to focus. Not fair, so I am calling on my G. Angel to poke him back.

That is one thing I have a hard time figuring out. As a silly, very fallible human, I have no defense against the mystical and spiritual things that can happen. For example, if Satan or one of his Goolies appeared in my room before me and tried to attack me, how on earth can I defend myself against something like that? I know I can and must ask for help form Jesus, St. Michael, and God, but as a human I don't stand a chance. What if the angels don't come? Then what?

Not fair! There's gotta be something I am missing. And I don't mean faith or courage or things like that, it's the even out the odds thing here I am talking about. I hear about stories of evil things happening concerning Satan and such, but I don't hear about the heavenly counterattacks...what gives? I know it must happen.

Okay, enough of that. I have my palm and put it on my car visor. How do you make/weave the cross I see so many people doing? I have never been able to figure that one out either. Mine rips and gets all crinkled up or pops back open. :))

It is raining up here--a good day to stay in read the bible and pray the rosaries. My heart needs a boost. I feel melancholy and sad for some reason. Probably just the darn allergies making me down.

I prayed for hubby's parents/family again. We shall see what happens. Wouldn't it be great if everyone got along and were pleasent to be around? What a miracle that would be...wow..hubby's family actaully laughing and smiling and hugging one another....making plans to see each other and actually looking forward to it,.,.wow and double wow! Okay, I pray...

2006-04-08T11:18:00.000-05:00

okay, i am tired, and i have a big puppy on my lap right now so i am typing with 1 hand.
hubby-he-man is out on a biz trip this weekend leaving me with the 2 pups. they are so funny.
Okay off lap little girl....
The 1 pup snuck out of her crate last night and I awoke in the middle of the night to a lump on my feet. There she was, belly up, legs in the air, sound asleep.

Today, I finally got to the rosaries. I didn't yesterday. I overate for Friday penance and I was in a real funk. I read my meditation book about the Passion, and then I burst into tears. I am so aware these days of how people treat one another. I've never been this aware before of the meanness, the cruelty, the abuse, that we can do to each other. And I am no saint, that's for sure. This Lenten season, God has lifted a veil from my eyes to see how self-centered I can be. So I pray for His will to be the center of my life today. YIKES! It's so shamful to realize one's sins at the truest depth of permeation in thy soul.

Something else has happened that I will sit back and watch the parade, so to speak, about dear hubby. He has not spoken to his family in years. His father, an abusive alocoholic when hubby was growing up, and his mother, who wore and still wears the pants in the family and it's her way or the highway, are dedicated Catholics. His mom does not like any of the in-law kids and we are thorns in her side. To make a painful story short, my dear hubby had to seek counseling with our priest years ago about the issue of honoring they parents when they can be so cruel and outright mean. The priest said to pray for them and to leave them alone when they go out of their way to cause trouble. Of course his parents feel it's our fault that we don't hop when they say jump, that we are bad kids and dishonor them. So we let them be and moved on. My husband became very close to my folks, and they adored him. When they died several years ago he was devasted as much as I was. Flashforward 3 years later and a move out of CALIF. to northern Idaho, they tracked us down and sent him a letter last week, registered mail. Apparantly his uncle died a year ago and his mother is just now getting around to telling him for some odd reason...something to do with a inheritance, although she never honored his grandfather's wishes to give him the watch collection they both worked on when he was a kid. Hubby adored his grandfather--they were so close, but she did that to spite hubby. How sad. But that is trivial and we really don't expect anything from his uncle's will.
I have been praying for healing between all of us, yet trusting them will be a real toughy. I keep them at arms length, and so does hubby.
Well, surprise surprise, yesterday in the mail, was an invitation to their 50th wedding anniversary for this June. We will send a mass card and leave it at that. Can you honor parents without having to get involved with them? We have learned through past experiences that doing family gatherings and things is not a good thing with them and the nasty abusive comments start popping out like a soda machine. Maybe just acknowledgment through cards and prayers during the year is way we can honor them without getting involved??? Forgiveness is one thing, but getting involved with these people is highly destructive.

So, I am home alone with the pups, contemplating the Lord's will, going to confession and church tonight. Palm Sunday is here. We have invited our priest for Easter dinner and we have decided to BBQ a big turkey. It will be nice to get together and enjoy the Lord's goodness.

I have other things I want to discuss, but maybe tomorrow. I need to rest my thoughts and just pray and meditate.

Scattered thoughts

2006-04-06T13:07:00.000-05:00

And so the day began at 5 am with coffee, prayer, rosaries, and then the meditation part at 5:45 am walking the dogs and watching the sun rise. I thought it was going to be another day subbing in Kinder. I was in the mindset for another full day and 40 students. But things changed very quickly the moment I got home from our walk. My oldest pup was bleeding from her behind, and so I told my hubby that he neede to take her in, as you can't get a sub for a sub, and so he stayed home waiting for the vet's office to open at 8am. Then at the last minute before I was heading out the door to go to the school, the teacher called and changed the schedule--she needs me next week unless he husband's condition get worse while he is in the hospital. So, I sent hubby to work, changed my clothes, called the vet and drove in. Wheeew! It is raining and kind of chilly. But my head/brain is tired. I want to eat lunch and go take a nap. The dog is fine now, thank you God, the day is just weird, that's okay God, and I will do some extra prayers, you'll like that God. So, just a bink-bonk---mish-mash day. Thank you God.

Sun Up

2006-04-03T08:33:00.000-05:00

The time change has me a bit groggy today. I am behind in my schedule, but hopefully will get in step here quickly. My early morning walk was a beauty to behold. The sun rising in the east and streaks of red and orange pushing their way through dark clouds. God's beauty is breathtaking.

My rosaries this morning were a bit unfocused. I am having difficulty concentrating. zzzzz....I offered them up for a friend's son who is dating a gal in college who happens to be Mormon and wants the boy to convert to becoming a Mormon. They are serious about each other. Mom and Dad are pretty worried, and rightfully so. Idaho, like Utah, is a strong Mormon community...but we Catholics came in first, so we have a good foothold.

Also, my other dear, dear friend went to church and seemed to concentrate on the homily and then the transubstantiation. I think he may be coming back around to believing the host actually changes and that the priest can and does have the Holy Spirit in him.

I invited our priest over for Easter dinner and he seemed pleased. A small gathering and lots to celebrate. We are simple folk up here, and my parish is very small town. We have maybe, tops, 100-200 families??? But our church, St. Stanislaus, is the quite a beauty. Built back in the 1800's, and the oldest brick bldg. in Idaho, it is truly a gem in our hearts. On the 11th a group of us are going into the church to clean it and get it ready for Easter mass. I am honored.

Today I wait for phone calls from the school district to either sub, or go in for a much needed job interview. I give it up to God and want Him to decide for me.

And I ask my guardian angel to PLEASE give me a hand in the energy dept...time change...yuk! blessings, eat fish

my hike

2006-04-01T16:54:00.000-06:00

SAturday

2006-04-01T16:35:00.000-06:00

It is windy out, some sprinkles, cool, and God's beauty is amazing up here. I went on a 5 mile hike with the pups this morning and again, the green moss blanketed the forest floor. It was easy to talk to our Blessed Mother this morning while hiking in such glorious beauty.

I am going in early to mass tonight to say the rosaries. I need to continually pray and do penance. God is urging me to get closer....I have been gone for a long time and there is much to repent for. Although, going to a non-denominational Christian church was not a bad-bad thing; in fact I never learned so much in the bible as I did those couple of years I was away from the Catholic church. I now see the gospels in a different light. I am glad to be back, and God has been showing me things about myself I need to correct.

I am worried about finding a good teaching job up here. I have applied at our local Catholic academy and waiting for a response, if God wants it so. Either that I pray He will guide me to a good teaching job locally for the K-1 levels. I am subbing right now and just barely keeping my head above water...holy water ha ha...I am learning about faith and trust...a lot about it...

I have started another online writing class to help me with my characters--to learn to make them more appealing ot readers. My latest book, Rebecca's Sign, a spiritual apocolyptic romance, needs help beefing up the characters, so this class will be good for me...and fun.

I am praying for many people these days...any prayers you want me to add to my rosaries and daily recitations, please leave me a message...prayer is so powerful...especially in these times.

I ordered some Catholic teaching materials for primary grades. Even if I do not get a job at our academy it will be nice to get prepared and possibly help out at church. The diocese in Spokane, not far from where I live, is in serious trouble and is bankrupt, so I don't think they will be able to hire teachers next year. I live close to the border in Idaho. No one in my parish speaks about it. It's pretty bad what is going on. Lots of prayers needed there too.

I hope to meet some other Catholics who blog .... I had another blog but I was getting away from what I truly wanted to write about...God, the church, and our lives centered around God. Somedays I feel so alone, so isolated and on the other blog I had to watch what I say so as not to offend anyone....blurp blurp....I am tired of it so I started this blog where I can talk openly with other Catholics (and Christians) about the world affairs and so and so on...

Okeedookee...homework, church, and zzzzz

2006-03-30T20:59:00.000-06:00

You know, tonight I am flat out tired, worn out, and the cause is mostly a severe case of seasonal allergies. The birch trees are letting loose a thick haze of powder when the wind picks up. You can actaully see the white foggy cloud drift toward your face when you are outside and a breeze starts. I will take one of those benydrel (sp?) pink thingies and go to bed. Tomorrow is Friday--fasting and penance will do me a world of good. I have a particular prayer request for a conversion of someone very dear to me. I am saddened today to find out that this person, who is Catholic, does not believe in the transubstantiation, or that priests have the power from the Holy Spirit to forgive sins under God's authority. This person says priests are just men of the church like you and me. He is more Protestant than Catholic, yet he goes to church and takes communion. Why?
Blessed Mother, pray for me to have a better attitude of tolerance and perserverence in prayer for others. I am tired. I want to say Phooey...
Pray for my steadfastness to your son Jesus. Amen.

2006-03-22T14:46:00.000-06:00

I listened to EWCN, the Catholic radio station, yesterday while driving to do some errands in town. A lady was discussing the latest Sex-Ed. class that MUST be taught in all CAtholic schools now, due to the 10,ooo children in the 1990's, who were allegedly molested by priests/staff. (Of course, there are 45 million children today and several million are abused daily either physically, verbally, or by neglect. And sexual abuse is still inthe millions as well. A horrible account even if for 1 child the radio host said, which I agree. Since the church has undergone such a crisis and is now rectifying the problem as best as they can, it seems now the insurance company for the Catholic schools has mandated that this special sex-ed. class is taught to all students, even as young as Kindergarten. It is a course designed to show explicit inappropraite touching and contains point-blank graphics about this, and the little innocent children in the elementary levels are required to see these films and to discuss the situations. The concern for this is this; we are trying to protect our little kids from sexual abuse, to maintain innocence, and now the schools are forced to shatter this innocence and make the little guys look at pictures of other people doing deviant behaviors and to look at pictures of genetalia and so on. This is absurd! And why the little guys when they aren't just beginning to develop relationships with others and the world in which they live? It is 2 wrongs that do not equal a right here folks. No way. The parents are outraged and I don't blame them. The malpractice insurance people should be banished. I bet if you asked them if they wanted their own kids to watch these sexually explicit films, their 4 & 5 year olds, they would scream, "NO!" But we are forced to have our little kids watch so they can attend a private school. Here we go again.

Ay yi yi....you might as well go back to public school if this keeps up. Pray--eat fish--do penance for Lent and do so with a happy heart.

"Where's the Beef?"

2006-03-16T20:26:00.000-06:00

Friday, St. Patty's day, and already people are complaining that they want their church to lift the no meat abstinance. Why? Why can't you have corned beef on Saturday? Who cares if it's the 18th, besides, it's on a Saturday and you can watch the parades and drink your green beer (yuk) then! Geez, is it really that difficult to give the day up to God and stop all this whining? For Pete's sake. All this fuss over physical wants. How about a reminder what our Blessed Lady said at Fatima. Penance, fasting, prayer. The world is in serious trouble and getting worse. Please take a look and use the day for good. Be obedient like Jesus was, like Mary was, like the Apostles, the Pope. Give up the meat for the poor, for the sick, and the homeless.

I will pray for you that tomorrow will be a glorious day offered up to God, and that your corned beef and cabbage come the next day. Fast and abstain with a joyful heart. Give your meal up for a homeless person. Give him or her your c. beef dinner. Pray for strength to do the right thing. Go in peace, go in love and honor the Father.

Leave your prayer requests here. Eat fish--ELY

Fasting for abortionists

2006-03-10T07:51:00.000-06:00

Today has been recommended to fast for the abortionists. A marvelous idea I am going to join in on. Bread and water, prayer and worship. I will focus on keeping life very simple today so that I can study the Good News and contemplate on God's message.
Happy Lenting--Eat Fish on Fridays, observe the Sabbath....all that good stuff, and have a blessed day.

BLESSINGS ABUNDANT

2006-03-03T12:00:00.000-06:00

Mass today was a true blessing. I am concentrating on the Blessed Virgin and her Son, our Lord. Something, I am not sure, is going to happen. A miracle? A test? A big change? I do not know, but Our Mother instructed me to go to mass this morning, confession, and continue to fast. And now, I am going for a long walk. To meditate. To listen. To talk to Jesus and Mary....I am so blessed. May God bless you today.
Leave your prayer requests and I will pray for you. Through God all things are possible.
Eat fish today--be joyful--ELY

GOOD READS FOR LENT

2006-03-01T13:41:00.000-06:00

Conversion & Penance

2006-03-01T12:37:00.000-06:00

My new books to start Lent are a wonderful read already. The daily meditation book, In Conversation With God, starts out with recalling why it is we fast, pray, and return our hearts to the Lord. A purification of souls, placing of ashes on the forehead, and a reminder that without God, we are nothing. The reason for ashes is to remind us of this---that we are but a pile of dust existing when we leave God out of the equation. And the same goes if we live a life full of sin without remorse or repentance. Repentance is an ugly word today in our modern times. It parallels the word sin. These two words are now thought to be classified with hate words. I laugh.

But back to our Lenten readings. "Jesus is looking for a contrite heart within us, a heart that acknowledges weaknesses and sins and is prepared to disencumber itself of them." (I like that word, disencumber. It will be my new word for the week. It has a striking sound, yes?)
Fasting also helps us in our repentance, along with confession and alms-giving, and the mortification of our of our nasty little habits we seem to overlook so easy. ( I am speaking for myself here.) A detachment of material goods and a focus of His Holy Presence is the desired concentration.

One section in this daily meditation speaks of stimulating our soul to go back and be closer to God. The examples in this book are enlightening:
"When any of us is sad, he must think; it is because I am not close enough to Christ. When one of us becomes aware of ill-humor, bad temper, or putting the blame on others or things around him, it is because he is not close enough to Christ."
True humility places us closer to Christ, and this I seek today and I pray for this type of humble heart, for the rest of this Lenten season, so that I may learn again.

I eat fish today, I eat only 2 small meals, I confess my sins, I pray for others, and I pray for you too. I also read blogs concerning Christ. There are some goods one out there. And yes, (CS)Catholic Ragemonkey, the priests' blog is a way to deter ill-humor.

Lent Ready

2006-02-22T16:55:00.000-06:00

I ordered some new booklets to use during Lent. One book is about Fasting, and the other two serve the ecumenical approach to the true meaning of Lent through Christ's suffering and having our sis, past, present, and future, completely forgiven. I am looking forward to praying the stations of the cross and meditating. I ordered them from one of my favorite Catholic online websites:
www.catholiccompany.com

They are reasonable in prices, and they have been trustworthy to order from so far. I am going to pull out my recipe books and box for my Lenten recipes. What are some of your favorites?

The rosaries have been extraordinarily helpful lately. EAT FISH--ELY

Eat Fish

2006-02-20T09:17:00.000-06:00

Oh what a beautiful weekend. The sermon gave me strength in spirit and in mind, and the hike I went on yesterday was testamony of God's beauty. I have struggled this week with frustrated annoying people who found it necessary to spread their annoyance, but I have opened the Bible to find:
"Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the
company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all." Rom. 12:16

So that is my prayer and meditation this morning. I will ask our Blessed Mother to pray for me and intercede. I need to get reaady for Lent. EAt fish--lots of fish--serve the Lord, be humble & be happy!

Catholic Mannered II

2006-02-17T09:24:00.000-06:00

Okay, another in the series titled the Catholic Mannered. I must admit, I must confess, I got somewhat angry on the phone this morning with the manager of customer service for a TV satellite company that has lied to me twice now about sending me boxes to return their equipment to them. I switcheded services last weekend to another satellite service, which has proved so far to be much better all around. In the meantime, I have been waiting for these boxes to come to me by UPS so I can return the old equipment. I was told I had 10 days to get it back to them or else they would charge me $300.00! So I have called 4 times now asking where the boxes are, and each time I get a different story. I asked for the UPS tracking number, got one, but it was bogus and then the manager said we don't have a UPS number yet. I lost it on the phone and threatened her with the BBB and a letter from my attorney, whomever that may be....so I need to pray the rosaries and start this whole day over. I have run into one gliche after another lately with people at companies not being honest. One editor tried to stiff me and others for payment on an article--and this was a Christian Teen magazine--yikes! She finally paid up after months of emails and letters, but I will not do business with her again. Then a well respected national organization I joined back in January has not sent my new membership packet--they are having serious computer problems, now going on for 2 mos, yet they were able to cash my membership check in the first week! Without my member number I cannot access my account, I cannot attend local meetings; and do you think they will prorate my membership the several months I cannot use my membership? NOT likely. Do you think they could send me a packet through the mail? I guess not. So, another dead beat customer service for a supposedly top notch afilliation.

Satan is alive and doing well I can see. Why are many of us having to resort to getting very angry at certain people in order to get things done honestly and above board? If you display patience with these types of people they use it against you. But sadly enough, it appears that if you get angry and nasty, they back down and then do what they are suppose to do and respect you. ?????
I guess things haven't really changed in 2,000 years have they? And Christ still forgives us.
So my pet peeve today, do not let the dishonesty of others bring you down. Turn and pray for these people. This is what I am going to do. Satan will hate that. I am lookng for my sense of humor--have you seen it? I misplaced it recently.

Today is Friday---EAT FISH! ELY

The Catholic Mannered

2006-02-16T10:37:00.000-06:00

Manners & Etiquette are not politcally correct these days. It's a do-whatever, me me me attitude that corrodes the terminals of the battery of kindness. Here follows some things that I find people do in society these days. And it really drives me to prayer!

1.) "I'm sorry. I've been so busy lately I can barely keep up. I'll talk to you later." You've heard this for the 3rd time now.
Is this how you treat your friends when they call or email or write? If you're that busy then you don't have time for friends---period! Don't pretend to be their friend and call whenever it suits YOU. This is superficial and the norm these days. You probably don't have time for family either which is the first phase of decay in the family unit, the dying institution of today. And when people get tired of the same neglectful answer, they won't be apt to return your calls or emails. Do not use I am too busy in your responses to your family and friends, even if you are that swamped, ehcih then you need to reset your priorities.

2.) "Oh gee, was it your birthday, anniversary...? I'm sorry I'v been so busy I forgot. Sorry."
Another form of self-centeredness. Do you like it when friends or family forget about you? Do you think it would take a labotomy to clear your brain to have some kindness and responsibility and tact to say happy birthday, or you're the best husband/wife around?

3.) Here's one of my all time favorites that a woman told me, who considered herself a pillar of the community in a spiritual sense and a friend to many she says:
"I don't do birthdays or Christmas for friends. It's just too much to deal with." Although she considered herself a good friend to many, she told them (and me) to our faces don't ask her to get involved in celebrating special occassions like our birhtdays or doing things at holidays. It wasn't her style.

Yes, folks, this woman wanted to know everything going on your life, would advise you in spiritual matters, claim to be your best friend, and then say those things to your face. Would you consider her worth knowing? Pray for the sorry sap.

4.) Next on the list of No-No's:
Don't fill up your friends email accounts with tons of those pyramid chain-type letters. Especially when you never take the time to write a note, email, or call. Can I send you all my junk mail from my mailbox? Would you like that? And if you don't forward it to 10 friends in 10 minutes, you'll be cursed and have bad luck for 10 years.
PLEASE stop sending those ridiculous mass mailers to your friends. Occasionally a real interesting or funny one will happen along, but for the most part, DON'T DO IT!

5.) When a person askes you a question it's usually because they are looking for an answer. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ANSWER the question with a snide remark. Two examples (one recent) of this type of snottiness happened when I asked some questions. Their responses, "Well, it's wrong because if you look at www.snopes.com you'll find the correct answer." The other reply is similar, "It's in the book." Oh I used to get furious on the last one. If I knew where in the book I wouldn't have asked your royal hineness for the answer. Learn how to reply in a positive manner to people. One of the gals that replied about snopes is a customer service technician at a company. I wonder if she is as blunt in answering questions to customers as she is to her friends when people call in for help? I can hear the reply now...."Well if you go to snopes you'd find the correct answer."

All right, enough of my pet-peeves for today. When people, God's children, act like children all the time, some days, it's just best to not answer phones, nor open your emails, but to simply pray for these people who are too busy to say hi to you or God.

I wonder what people would do if God said these things to our prayers? "OH, too busy, sorry." Or, "Go to www. askGod.org and look it up."

Hardy har har!

2006-02-06T15:16:00.000-06:00

Okay, I read CS's blog about the super bowl....and I have to admit I agree with her about the game overall. It was boring to me. Is is just me? I found myself channel surfing a few times. I hear all the hype today about the Squawks, as CS calls them, complaining about the ref. calls. Some of them were not good calls, but hey, the game overall was a sleeper....sleeper in Seattle.

But what I was more impressed about was the miracle that happened to Curt Jester the other day. The sacraments changed to blood and bread for him at church. Amazing! God in His glory, God in His gifts and blessings....I have been in need of some miracles these days and that is exactly what the doctor ordered. God power!

Do check out his blog.

Regroup

2006-02-02T15:42:00.000-06:00

Okay--I am having to regroup, pray, and have faith here. It seems my day, or rather the people in my day whom I am encountering, are so rushed that when I start to ask a question or reply, they put words in my mouth. I have been interrupted by countless people today who think they know what I am asking and they have the answer. Well, they are WRONG! And Lord I am tired of it! They end up having to stop and say, "Oh sorry, yes, hang on, let me show you or direct you here..." Why is it that we are in such a rush? So now I am frustrated and in terrible need of peace and prayer. Is this what God feels likes when He tries to speak to us and He is constantly interrupted? Ignored? Brushed aside? Even told to go away!

poohey!

Lord give me patience to handle the impatience today. Amen!

Tomorrow I eat fish...amen squared!

Good Morning God

2006-02-02T09:34:00.000-06:00

Today is the Presentation of the Lord. How excited Joseph and Mary must have been. I found a prayer in mother's Sunday Missal prayer book (1953) for the Morning Offering:

Lord God Almighty, who hast brought us to the beginning of this day defend us during this day by Thy power, that we may not fall into sin but that all our words, thoughts, and deeds may always proceed and be directed toward that which is just in Thy sight. Amen.

Rosary Party Feast

2006-01-28T13:54:00.000-06:00

Maci-cheese and all its variations. Either boxed or homemade. You choose which is easiest.
For some other dishes that go great for Rosary Parties, try some Jell-O dishes, some tater-tots, some fish sticks, nachos with salsa, or whatever you like that is easy and fun for your guests.

Potlucks are big around here. In fact it is a way of life in my state and most of the surrounding states. It is a culture in itself and there could actually be a thesis written on the social aspects and dynamics of the potluck. People are more apt to participate when the gathering is a potluck. This much I know for sure. I have participated in potlucks for decades. When my family moved to a new neighborhood, all the neighbors had a potluck so we could meet everyone. Pretty neat. It was a custom and still is in these parts. I hear from other folk who move away to big cities and very populated areas, potlucks are not traditional. They usually meet at restaraunts. I think that is fine once in awhile, but you can't very well stay and get to know one another and be relaxed when you get glares from the server that other people might want your table, so beat it! No, in-ome potlucks, even in the rectories, are much better. Plus, it's hard to say the rosaries at a restaraunt. Oh well.

So what recipes do you enjoy? Do you know how long a rosary party should be? Do you prefer to say the rosaries before a meal? I have found saying the rosaries before a meal is usually the best. That way people seem to be more open and relaxed afterward. Maybe it is the Holy Spirit working effectively in us.

Well, recipes are to follow. Today, I see is the day dedicated to St. Thomas of Aquinas, the priest and doctor of the church and patron of schools. Supposedly he was considered a huge oaf because of his size and his silent, quiet mannerism. But he was actually a very good student nad he left us with wonderful writings. His family was upset that he chose to go the Order of St. Dominic and they tried for several years to get him to leave, but he was steadfast. St. Thomas was very humble--something I need ot focus on today.

Recipes and prayers to follow--thank you God. Peace!

Maci-cheese & Bush-- dish it out

2006-01-26T07:35:00.000-06:00

Okay, I can't resist talking about Pres. Bush today. It seems he is in some more hot water--up to his eyeballs. There is a lynching group that has discussed impeachment, especially now that he has announced that the country must take seriously and heed the warning from the one of the terorist leaders, O.B. Laden, in which an audio tape played last week. Before, Bush has told the news media since 2002, not to worry about him anymore, that this guy has been on the run, that he might be dead, he's not really a threat anymore. Now, Bush is saying the complete opposite and no one knows how to react to this. So, what do we do? Actually, how do we prepare for a threat that we will be attacked again, and soon? I do not have any anti-nuke clothing or a basement. I do not wipe the top of my soda cans, I lick my envelope seals, I do not wipe the telephones, so I guess I am unprepared.
Bush said to keep our eyes open and be alert for anything suspicious, such as packages left unattended, conversations that seem threatening...so on...

Okay, now that should be interesting to say the least. So I will move on and get to my maci-cheese recipe for your Rosary Party. That is worth preparing for. (We can pray not to get nuked I suppose. Sheesh... )

You have basically 2 styles you can make; the box kind or the made -rom-scratch kind.

Most people, including big kids like me, love maci-cheese. It is a perfect dish during lent, and for Rosary Parties. You can do so much with maci-cheese. You know, doctor it up to make it fancy, or you can savor the simple cheesey curls all by themselves.

More to follow.

Rosary Party #1

2006-01-24T10:37:00.000-06:00

You can check out this Catholic Store website for a wonderfully quick and easy reference on how to pray the rosaries.

http://www.catholiccompany.com/howtopraytherosary.cfm?&AID=775&new=yes&engine=email

I have purchased some items through them, and they were very reliable and the products were true to nature from the pictures.

This will get you started on your next rosary party.

Next, you need to get your friends and family members together. You can do a luncheon party, or a dinner party.

I will post some easy food items to prepare for your rosary gathering. Also, it can a potluck which is really nice and more affordable these days. Party recipes to follow.

Friday Soup

2006-01-19T07:47:00.000-06:00

Friday is almost here and already I am craving fish, maci-cheese, and my infamous vege-Friday soup. Yes, I came from the era where we all ate fish or non-meat foods on Fridays at my home. It was the same for many of us in our Catholic neighborhood whilst growing up in the DC area back in the 60's. Irish Catholic--yup, with a sprinkling of German in there. But I can share some of these recipes for you as well. You will be prepared for Lent this year.

Friday Soup
In a large kettle add:
2 bay leaves
6 vege. flavored soup stock cubes
1 lg. can diced tomatoes
1 TBS. dried basil
1 onion diced up
2 cups baby carrots
2 yellow squash, cut in large chunks
2 green italian squash, cut in large chunks
1 bunch of cilantro chopped loosely
1 eggplant, peeled, chopped in 2 inch chunks
1 package white mushrooms, cut up in large chunks
1/2 cup parmesian cheese sprinkled in
Enough water to fill the kettle 3/4 (about 12-16 cups)

You may want to add your own salt to taste but this usually is salty enough on its own. On Fridays, serve with bread sticks or garlic bread to a large group of friends, family, your favorite priests and nuns. It is very low cal, very filling, and very good.

Next blog--How to Host a Rosary Party. Coming soon.

Eat fish!

St. Anthony

2006-01-17T07:37:00.000-06:00

The founder of monasticism and patron of the gravediggers. Having sold all his possessions and exiling himself to the Egyptian desert for 20 years, where he was tormented by satan relentlessly, he fasted and devoted his life to God and became quite a miraculous person. He attracted a large following and founded the religious community of cenobites, who lived in detached cells. (Not unlike the cubies at work places today!) He lived to be 105.

St. Anthony recalls us to the importance self denial. I need this today as I totally pigged out at dinner at our potluck at the community center. Ughh. Gluttony. So today I fast and exercise and give it up to God.

In the news I heard the movie Brokeback Mtn. won several awards. Why? There seems to be no controversy surrounding it in comparison to The Passion several years ago. Our society has acquiessed to awarding immoral behavior yet punishing fervant followers of Christ.

As St. Anthony reminds of us self denial, the Brokeback movie is all about the opposite. Sexual love between two men who call themselves cowboys. No self denial there. John Wayne would have a shootout I reckon'. And I wonder how many parents will alllow their kids go to see it?

St. Anthony, pray for us. Pray that we fast and deny oursleves the excesses, so that we may see the importance of not giving in to our bodies--the flesh.

Beginnings

2006-01-15T09:34:00.000-06:00

Church last night was uplifting. Father gave a wonderful sermon about hope and serving our Lord--that it is He who will take us places, motivate us, and direct us where we need to be. What is my direction today? I start out by acknowleding the Lord. I say, "Good morning, God, good morning Blessed Mother," when my feet hit the ground. And then the day begins.

I am a routine kind of person who likes things quiet in the morning so as to get my physical bearings. I must admit, I do not watch much TV, therefore I am ignorant on many social and community issues, let alone international issues. I only get the Sunday paper; however I do listen to talk radio, especially at night when I toss and turn and my back aches and wakes me up.

Last night I heard NASA is awaiting the arrival of comet dust. It will hopefully give us insight and information about our universe and how it was formed. I know of a good book that describes the very thing--it is several thousand years old. Have you read it? It begins with a B.
Nonetheless, it would be interesting scientifically to see what data they conclude through their experiments. I wonder if the BiG Bang theory will finally be put to rest? And yet, I believe their conclusions will come back inconclusive (again) and the age old questions will still remain;
"How was the universe formed? Where did we come from? And who is God?" Have you noticed it always recylces back to these questions? The apriori of creation. Back to the drawing boards. Drove the philosophers nuts. And still drives the athiests and agnostics bonkers to boot. Proof! Show us proof! The rantings of beguiling nonsense for those who are befuddled. (More B words.)

Now, on to politics--for the church. Our Pro-Life march is coming up. We have a similar mini version in town and the diocese has asked us to support the parade and walk by showing up on the sidelines or to participate in the walk. Bravo! Get involved. Show our faith, and support those who cannot help themselves. Yes, yes, a fabulous walk indeed.

Ordinary time--not so ordinary. Contemplation on the rosaries today. Saint Ita (Ida) born in Waterford county, Ireland, organized a convent which also became a wonderful training school for little boys. Apparentlyy she had wonderful insight and bishops sought her counsel. She was extremely faithful to God. The things she loved: "True faith in God with a pure heart, a simple life with a religious spirit, and an open hand inspired by charity." The things she disliked, "A scowling face, obstinancy in wrongdoing, and arrogant trust in the power of money." Oh Saint Ita, how we need to pray to you today for our leaders and for our country. Yes, join hands with us and we shall bow before His Majesty, Christ our King, and ask for His mercy. How we need to put the priorities straight in our lives. Me included.

May your day have its priorities straight and you heart pure. The miracles will flow around you.
Oh & no scowling today.

Saint Hilary

2006-01-13T10:21:00.000-06:00

Saint Hilary, the patron Saint for January the 13th. He was deemed the protector against snake bites. Hmmm...that means I shall watch out today when going about my business that I do not encounter any snakes. I wonder if this includes the not so slithery kind, but the snakes who stand upright and speak with forked tongues?

2006-01-11T10:39:00.000-06:00

A new day begins. Thank you Holy Mother.

Yesterday was spent with a friend who needed support and reassurance that her life will not go down the drain from some past mistakes. I asked God this morning why is it when we repent, clean up messes from before, and start over, do we sometimes have these awful labels and stigmas that do nto go away. I don't think there is one person alive who doens't have skeletons in his or her closest. This mornig during rosaries, I asked Our Blessed Mother to intercede for this woman. She has turned her life around 180 degrees and is an outstanding person in the community. Some poor choices in her past are haunting her today, even after years of living a good and Godly life.

Trust in God for He has all the answers. I do not understand to know what His plans are for any of us. None of my business anyway. I prayed for stronger faith for me and this woman. Her heart is breaking, and it so sad to see. Faith, hope & charity---may your day be blessed in an abundance of all of these. FFE

Patterns

2006-01-09T08:46:00.000-06:00

I have noticed a pattern with agnostics and athiests; the pattern by which circumstances in their lives have made them feel that there is no God or that if there is a God, how could He do or allow such a horrible thing to happen. Examples of the horrible acts or things range from the Holocaust, to severe hunger in nations, or devastating diseases that wipe out large populations, or a child being molested and tortured.

Why it we blame God when it is mans' attrocities that commit these acts?
A small child who runs in front of an oncoming car and gets killed. Where was God then you ask? The child who is born severely disbabled---and why did God allow such a thing?

Nations dying from hunger---why in God's mercy does He allow such things?

So many more situations like these I have noticed turn souls from God and to the blundering world of darkness and separation or to a cult. Tragedy can either bring us closer or separate a soul from the light. This is the pattern I have seen in those who have turned away from God. I too have done this, so I can speak candidly on this matter. When I walked to the other side of the tracks and lived for awhile in the land of agnosticism, my vision became distorted, yet I thought I was being rational and needed to protect my heart (and life) from any further pain. Hardy har har...like that can happen. Run from pain only to find it at the next corner. Eventually I ran so far that I get lost! Truly lost.

Hunger in the world could be and can be alleviated by us. This nation alone, has enough money and food to feed the starving nations. People starve because we let them. Many of their leaders do not want them fed either. They want the money for themselves and do not distribute the donations from other countries. Did God do this?

Child abuse is not God's fault--the evilness of man does this. Why does God allow it? He doesn't approve of this! He doesn't want man to hurt another human. I don't recall where it says in the Bible, thow shalt molest and kill. God gave man the freedom of choice. Man choses to do this, and there will be severe consequences for these acts. We do not get away with evil acts. Sit back and watch the parade---just observe.

Children being born with disabilities. Because they are not "perfect" like the majority? Ay yi yi.
God sees their perfection, why cannot we? Why cannot we see our own defects first before we see those of others? The log in the eye? Those who need help, need just that; help.

Equality is not everyone getting the same; it is everyone getting what they need. Big difference I was told. So true. I do not need a new pair shoes like the homeless person on the street might need. I could, however, use some advice and instruction on the retirement plans that seem to confuse and annoy me because I have difficulty understanding such things. I also need to be more focused on God in my everyday life, whereas, my friend puts God first in everything.

But it is the pattern of pain and suffering that I see causes most people to fall away from God. Why some of us are able to cope better than others; there within lies the key. Coping. This is what got me into trouble several times in my life. The inability and immaturity of my reactions. When I was in horrendous pain resulting from a tragedy, instead of turning to God, I blamed Him and got mad at Him. And the price, substantially high, cost me years away from God and searching for the true meaning of life. How futile. If I simply accepted the pain and asked God to help me cope with it, I would have been so much better off in the long run. I could have matured earlier in my life. Now, I have years of garbage to get rid of. What a distasteful and "painful" way to learn to mature. I chose the harder road in the long run.

Which leads me to a book I am beginning. "How Come I Chose Hell & You Didn't?"

But for today, I will say the rosaries, I will ask Our Holy Mother to help me find the words to put on paper, hoping they will be of benefit for someone, to do God's will not mine and be of soem use to my fellow friend out there.

Our Lady of Hope fills my heart with a joy like no other. The beads are my food today.

Epiphany--the Divine's Appearance

2006-01-08T09:53:00.000-06:00

Church last night was on the epiphany of our Lord. What a wonderful contemplation for the rosaries this morning. My head is full of nonsense and I wish to be closer to the Blessed Queen today. I have hardness around my heart that only the Holy Spirit can pierce and break through. Meditation and fasting as the Good Book advises is my dose of medicine perscribed. To have joy in the heart by simply loving Him is a gift he gives us that far exceeds all the treasures of this world.

My journal entry today will be about my epiphany--my heart coming unto the presence of our Lady and joining hands with her in prayer to her son, Jesus.

And a day of silly things in store as well---going to the bakery to see if there is a King Cake; and if not, then I shall make one. That will be a first. I have not had a King Cake in years, and although I am a few days late for the beginning of Carnival, better late than never.

Why is it I look forward to Lent this year? My sould needs a good sweeping!