Monday, June 29, 2009

True Heart Award


"Those who receive this award are of the sweetest nature. They are kind, friendly, funny, loving, eager to share their love for Jesus with others, and brave in their efforts to reflect Him to this darkened world. They are the kind of folks you're blessed to know, even if it's only in the bloggy-sphere."

I am sincerely humbled by this gift given by Jennifer at My Chocolate Heart. And so I offer this award to those who have been models for me along this Blogging Journey. This is only a few of those who have touched my life.


1) Esther at Catholic Mom in Hawaii
2) Ann at Poetry, Prayer and Praise
3) SuzyQ at Sailing by Starlight
4) Lisa at Are We There Yet
5) Mrs. Pogle's World
6) Bia at La Dolce Vita: my life with three sons
7) Abbey at Abbey's Road
8) Deb at UKOK's Place
9) Sojourner at A Catholic Notebook
10) Tracy at a Catholic Mom in Minnesota

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Friendly Accolades

In the last week I have been privileged to be awarded distinguieshed awards. I will continue with the award that Abbey at Abbey's Road extended to me.

"This is how the award works: This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

The award also asks that I tell 7 "random" things about myself. There probably isn't much I haven't already said about myself but I will do my best.

They are:

!) I dislike summer in IN. It's HOT and HUMID. Having been born and raised in CO where the altitude is high and the air is dry, this is AWFUL! (It was 59 in Denver this early a.m. It was 72 here!)

2) I like the music of CCR, the Beach Boys, Jim Croche, Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, and Billy Joel.

3) My favorite old movies are mysteries like Charlie Chan, Sherlock Holmes and the Thin Man. (Kellie, my grand daughter has spent enough time with me that she likes to watch them too.)

3) My favorite television show is on PBS. It's Mystery and this next few weeks they are airing newly produced Agatha Christi movies.

4) My youngest son will be married in December, 2009. And my 10th grandchild will be born in October, 2009.

5) 41 years ago in July Ron I were married and our honeymoon was overnight in Aspen. Wish we could go back again, but in 1969 none of the celebrities had found it yet and is was much less expensive to stay there.

6) Seeing the Grand Canyon was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. If you don't believe in God before you visit there, surely you will find Him while you are there.

7) This year on our numerous travels we hope to have visited everyone in the family including our brothers and sisters as well as all the kids. Thanks be to God!!!!

To those who have who touch my life nearly daily I offer this award:

1) Marcy at Blessing Each Day

2) Bernie at On My Own

3) Sue at In Him We Live and Move and Have Our Being

4) Cathy at From the Field of Blue Children

5) Sue at Made for Joy

6) Angie at Sonflower

7) Kim at Falling On His Grace

8) Laura at Catholic Teacher's Musings

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Wash Day




My friend Maggie has gifted me with this "little ditty." Please enjoy as I did!


~*~


Monday Wash Day

Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and
Vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility
through the week ahead.


Tuesday Ironing Day

Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles
of prejudice I have collected through the years
So that I may see the beauty in others.


Wednesday Mending Day

O God, help me mend my ways so I will not
Set a bad example for others.


Thursday Cleaning Day

Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults
I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.


Friday Shopping Day

O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase
eternal happiness for myself and all others
in need of love.


Saturday Cooking Day

Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly
Love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness.

Sunday The Lord's Day
O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please
come into my heart so I may spend the day and the
Rest of my life in your presence.


~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Trek to the Biltmore

We had some more fun last weekend. We took a trip to Ashville, NC to visit Biltmore House


Grandpa and Dad get the kids
settled in the car.


Then we follow the leader.

It's a really good picture of the Clan.


The boys are off to get their hands wet in the fountain


And as we drove to the winery
we passed the garden.

Will have to return just to do the garden walk.
It was a lovely experience and a grand way
to celebrate
Father's Day!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Honest Scrap Award

My sincere thanks to Lisa at Are We There Yet and Eileen at Umma's World for this delightful award. Both of these ladies offer me a place to go and enjoy the environment and down home friendliness. I will try to do justice by them in accepting this award and sharing a bit of who I am.

Rules:

1) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award.
2) Share "ten honest things" about myself.
3) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me.
4) Tell those 7 people that they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving it.


Ten Insights I may not have shared before:

1) I knit, crochet, embroider, and do counted x-stitch (not all at the same time) but cannot skillfully use a sewing machine. My poor mother really tried, but I am totally inept!

2) I played the organ at church for 5 years, but found it to be the most difficult thing I ever had to do. I felt as if I never celebrated Mass on Sunday because I was so concerned about "getting it right." I am grateful I was able to assist in this ministry, but am most grateful to have passed it on to another.

3) I take real pleasure in being a part of the RCIA process here at St. John the Baptist Church. Being "used" in the preparation of those entering the Catholic faith has been one of my great joys. Witnessing the work of the Spirit in the lives of those choosing to enter is a thrill!

4) I love to travel. Will spend a good deal of this summer on the road! YEAH!

5) I have 5 children born in four different states, Colorado, California, Oklahoma and Indiana.

6) When in nursing school I found that the worst patients in the hospital were the Dr. and nurse. I was determined that when I was in the hospital I would not be demanding and bad humored. I hope I was successful.

7) Giving birth in a military hospital is an interesting experience. One is not allowed to lie around and feel sorry for oneself. The next day the corpsman comes in with your sheets and towels and gives them to you so you can get ready for breakfast. You shower, change your sheets and then get breakfast. (That was 30 years ago so I'm not sure if it has changed.) Not much time to develop postpartum blues.

8) I enjoyed Forensic and Debate in high school. There's a lot to be said for being able to stand in front of a group, perform, and take the criticism...Like American Idol?

9) Would much rather watch a live sporting event than watch it on TV...No on can hear me yell when I'm home alone watching!

10) One of my favorite flowers is the day lily! When we were in NC this last weekend I saw BLANKETS of day lilies on the highway medians!!!! It was glorious. I just wish I could have gotten a picture to show you all!!!!!

Now for the hand-off (football term)!

Abbey at Abbey's Road

Anita at Castles, Crown and Cottages

Eileen at Eileen on Him...at least I try!

Dorothy at Musing at 85

Jennifer at My Chocolate Heart

Sarah at Ora et Labora--Journey of Truth

Esther at A Catholic Mom in Hawaii

It just occurred to me that two of the women above are in Hawaii! INTERESTING!

~~~^j^~~~

For all this fun and ecxcitment I say,
"Thanks again
and
Thanks be to God!!!"


Gold Fever II - Clint Eastwood

So, Paint Your Wagon is a family standard. Unless you have ever experienced gold fever or been around someone who has it you probably won't understand. It's a disease...

We laugh about it now, but 30 years ago it was an all consuming "hobby." Weekends were spent at the placer, concentrating and the rest of the week after work was spent panning it down.

It was fun! We got to take the kids to wonderful places. They learned what it was like to be a '49er. Totin' bucket, dirt, sluice, diggin', pannin'...all that work! When all was said and done it was a great lesson in life. One in which none of the kids wanted to pursue. All passed on the back braking work and chose to go on to other endeavors, no less demanding, but less physical.

Following are more pictures.




The owner, mine boss, and miners-in-training


The Stamp Mill where the gold was processed.


Tight quarters...


Not a glamorous job, at all, at all.

And so ends chapter two of the Gold Saga. There's still gold out there. It's still hard work and of all the jobs in the world out there, it has the most risk and the least guarantees. All for the sake of GOLD!


~~~^j^~~~

For the gift of adventure,
Thanks be to God!!!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Gold Fever Part I

This last weekend we spent Father's Day in North Carolina with David, Kelly, The Boys and Maddie. I cannot tell you how much fun it was for us. It was a weekend full of fun and surprises. The first surprise came Saturday morning when David announced we were going to Reed's Gold mind. Ron's eyes lit up and his ears turned red.

Background: Ron is a '49er! Born too to late but a '49er non-the-less. He has dredged for gold in Colorado instead of attending classes at Colorado School of Mines. He has dredged for gold in California, from the American River to dry creek beds on the Monterey Peninsula. He and his children, all, have panned for gold in Indiana at Gold Creek. (no kidding...that's the name.)

So, you see when David told his dad of this adventure, Ron was up and ready to go. The following are videos of Dad/Grandpa panning and instructing.




"There's gold!"




Grandpa teaches them how!

*******^j^*******

It was a glorious day.

Thanks be to God!!!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Bad Haiku Friday

Haven't done this for awhile so thought that I'd use it as a preview for what is to come on our travels this weekend.


We're off to Charlotte
Fun,
Family and play

Happy Father's Day!



Wishing all a grand weekend of family and friends. ENJOY!!! Will be back Tuesday!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

A Victorian Birthday Tea


A wonderful time was had by all.


There was dancing, singing, gifts and the special
birthday cake.


Before the cake we had tea. Constant Comment,
fruit punch and Lemonade. There were chicken salad
and egg salad sandwiches with the all time favorite
peanut butter and jelly sandwich, all courtesy of
Aunt Ruthie's Tea Room

A wonderful way to spend your 5th birthday.

Happy Birthday, Lindsey.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God~



Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Can You Read This?



RoyaltyLady posted this at her blog and I just had to pass it on. As I told her I had no problem reading this as this is the way I type...This is MY brain at work!
Please enjoy and take time to visit Royalty Lady.


fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too.

Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe can.
i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno’t mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! if you can raed tihs forwrad it.
~~~^j^~~~

Have a grand day
and
Thanks be to God!




Uploaded on May 17, 2009
by Linda Cronin (away till Friday)

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Valid Question


Orange Question Mark Button
Originally uploaded by jhhwild
Sue from In Him We Live And Have Our Being asked a valid question in my comments for the previous past. "[H]ow would you differentiate between blogging and journaling? I'd have a hard time doing so; it seems that, at minimum, it would be easy to "blur the lines" between the 2."

And so I pondered this question. I agree there is a fine line. And perhaps my best answer comes this way. The blog, A Bit of the Blarney, is my home for public discussion and friendly banter with time for serious communication.

The journal, Provident God, is my way of separating the frivolity from a serious time of reflection. And because sitting with paper and pencil in hand does not work for me. I have chosen to exchange paper/pencil for keyboard/monitor.

And so you see the key word here is "separate." Blog/Journal is my way of keeping separate two different worlds for me, the public and private. The Journal is private in as much as I choose not to add comments to the post and those who wish to comment on a particular reflection may do so by email. The Blog, my public domain, is where I have not placed any restrictions on my offerings.

It seems it's simply a matter of semantics. I have chosen to call these two worlds by different names in order not to confuse me. In one I can focus on the inner me. In the other I can be frivolous, witty (?), and/or serious. Friends may stop to add to the "blarney" and share it with all.

So, Sue, I say, "Thank you," for asking me the difference. And what I have come to see is that my journal is an extension of my blog.

Have a grand day one and all.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!!!


Picture by ihhwild

Monday, June 15, 2009

Hoping

Hoping this is just another step in my life as a maturing Christian, I have started another blog, simply for journaling. It's called Provident God, and a place I know I can go to put down my feeling.

Since I have failed in journaling with paper and pencil, perhaps I will be more successful in this media. I HOPE so. I would invite others to do the same. It is not for validation, support or justification. It is simply my thoughts on my personal journey for me. If others find themselves at Provident God and wish to comment they may do so via email.

I would encourage others to reflect in this way, either in this media or with paper and pencil. All of us need to look inside and learn a little more about who we are. It's not always a pretty picture, but you can't fix anything without looking at it.

So now I have two blogs...I hope in this case "expansion" is good. Please stop by Sailing by Starlight and Holy Experience who have wonderful examples to offer.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!!

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Just a Mom

Again the wise have entered my world. I'm as sure as I can be that there are those of you who have already seen this Bit of Wit-n-Wisdom. But for me it is new. Offered to me by a friend I now offer it to you.


JUST A MOM


A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office,
was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder, 'do you have a job or are you just a ..?'

'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman. 'I'm a Mom.'

'We don't list 'Mum' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,’ said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, 'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.'

'What is your occupation?' she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out. 'I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.'

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in m midair and Looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest, 'just what you do in your field?'

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, 'I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?)
And I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, Testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mum.' Motherhood! What a glorious career specially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers 'Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations?' and great grandmothers ‘Executive Senior Research Associates?' I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts' Associate Research Assistants

Anonymous


~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~

So by way of sharing some of the research I have been part of the last week I offer you all an opportunity to do the "Hokie Pokie" with Lindsey and all at her Birthday Tea last Saturday. Being the 'Senior Research Associate' I must commend Annie, Lindsey's Research Associate, for having planned a most successful "project.!"




~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!


Friday, June 12, 2009

Thatched Cottage

I know school is out! It doesn't hurt to take a minute to look back to reflect on the past and marvel at how FAR we have come. This came to me from my friend Kay and so I offer it to you.

~~~~~~~


The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature isn ' t just how you like it, think about how things used to be. Here are some facts about the 1500s:

Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May and still smelled pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. So began the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.

Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies, by then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.”

Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof. Hence the saying It ' s raining cats and dogs.

There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence.

The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. And so began the saying, “dirt poor.” The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entranceway, hence the saying a “thresh hold.”

In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme, “Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old.”

Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could, bring home the bacon. They would cut off a little to share ith guests and would all sit around and chew the fat.
Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.

Bread was divided according to status.. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the upper crust.

Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would sometimes knock a person out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for d ead a nd prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. And so the custom of holding a wake began.

England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift.) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be, saved by the bell or was considered a ....dead ringer..

And that’s the truth. Now, whoever said History was boring!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!






Thatched Cottage
Originally uploaded by My Life - Orla CahillI

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!


What happens when you open you cellular phone bill and see a $4000.00 bill? No, not $40.00 or $400.00 bill but $4000.00. Well, today I opened our bill and saw just that. Now I know what it's like to have a PANIC ATTACK! You hyperventilate, sweat, your heart races and then you look at the clock to see what time it is...Still have time to get to the ~~~~~Store.

Warren, the manager, held HIS chest when he saw it! Then immediately got on the phone to speak to Corporate. Yes, I had been fraudulently charged for 7, yes 7, $600.00 phones. And from where, you may ask, were these phones purchased? Phoenix, AZ. I live in IN!

The company was very generous and kind. Calmed all my fears and will be investigating. Whe asked how often they had to investigate such things the young man simply said, "I have job security." How very sad! Not that he has job security...that there are that many dishonest people in the world.

This indeed was an eye-opening experience. And though I am laughing now, all I can say is,
"THANKS BE TO GOD!!!"






Picture by Mobigates

Monday, June 08, 2009

The Tale of the Seed


The Seed

A successful business man was growing old and
knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business.
Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children,
he decided to do something different. He called all the young
executives in his company together.

He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO.
I have decided to choose one of you. "The young executives were
Shocked, but the boss continued. "I am going to give each one
of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant
the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with
what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then
judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be
the next CEO."

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others,
received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the
story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted
the seed. Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had
grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began
to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.

Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew.
Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing.
By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have
a plant and he felt like a failure.
Six months went by -- still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he
had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but
he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however.
He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - He so wanted the
seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company
brought their plants to the CEO for inspection.
Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot.
But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick
to his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing moment
of his life, but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty pot
to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety
of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful --
in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and
many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!

When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young
executives.

Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees,
and flowers you have grown," said the CEO. "Today one of you will
be appointed the next CEO!"

All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with
his empty pot. He ordered the Financial Director to bring him to
the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, "The CEO knows I'm a
failure! Maybe he will have me fired!"

When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened
to his seed - Jim told him the story.

The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim,
and then announced to the young executives, "Behold your next
Chief Executive Officer!

His name is Jim!" Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow
his seed.

"How could he be the new CEO?" the others said.

Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this
room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it,
and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds;
they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow.

All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and
flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you
substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the
only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with
my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new
Chief Executive Officer!"

* If you plant honesty, you will reap trust

* If you plant goodness, you will reap friends

* If you plant humility, you will reap greatness

* If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment

* If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective

* If you plant hard work, you will reap success

* If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation

* If you plant faith in God , you will reap a harvest

~~~^j^~~~

For Friends and lessons they share
Thanks be to God!!!




Friday, June 05, 2009

What's In a Name?

A reflection I came upon today. I wish to share it with you as we begin the weekend.

[After healing and teaching many people the disciples, whom Jesus had sent out,] came back in great joy. "Lord," they said, "even the demons obeyed us when we gave them a command in your name!" ~Luke 10:17~

An American tourist was walking down a deserted rural road in Germany. She came upon a shepherd grazing sheep. A dog was diligently guarding the flock. "What's the dog's name?" she asked.

I'll spell it for you," said the shepherd. "I don't like to say it out loud unless I have something for him to do."

The shepherd's comment reminds us of how personal and powerful a name is. People in biblical times held names in extra-special reverence so it's no surprise that Jesus' name--when invoked--had power over demons

How aware am I of the power of the name of Jesus? How reverently do I use Jesus' name?

The Name of Jesus is honey for the mouth, music for the ear and gladness for the heart. ~Saint Bernard of Clairvaux~

from Vision 2000
Praying Scripture in a Contemporary Way
by Mark Lind, S.J.

We're off to INDY this weekend to celebrate Lindsey's 5th birthday early and deliver baby crib and nursery items to Marianne and Eric. Everyone have a grand weekend.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Trust it to Providence

My journey to Providence has been, thus far, one of enlightenment and self-knowledge. But the last two days I have been reminded repeatedly in word and deed about God's gentle hand that nudges us if we only will respond to it.

My visit with Sister Dorothy yesterday was fulfilling. The quotes I posted yesterday and today, too are reminders of His ever presence.

Take time today and reflect on the providence of God in your life. It is truly grand and exciting to remember how he has journeyed with us.

~~~~~~

Thanks be to God!


Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Road to Providence

Taken at Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods
October, 2006


Tomorrow I again travel to Sullivan to meet with Sr. Dorothy. As my companion on this journey we will be discussing "Relationships and Commitment." During the sojourn of this subject, I was to journal for the month, reflecting on my life's encounters. First, I really dislike keeping a journal. (Odd since I do so enjoy blogging.) It's not that I have not tried...I have several journals I have started, writing a page or two in them, and then quit. It was too much like work.
Secondly, procrastination is one of my flaws and I had not kept a daily journal as I was supposed to. So here is the miracle. Sr. Dorothy called last month to tell me she would be on retreat when were due to meet and would have to wait until next month (June) to meet. I was soooooooo relieved. Just like a child I was giddy! I had a second chance. I did journal. Not every day, but I did do the reflections and learned a good deal more about myself than I had known before I did the journal reflections.

Indeed, the mercy of God had intervened. I still do not like to journal (maybe it's the pen, ink, and paper part of the writing). Because (I'm laughing at myself, out loud here) isn't what I'm doing now writing in a journal? Perhaps, it's the validation, critique, live response that makes blogging different. At any rate, journal or blog, I enjoy the blog so much more!

~~~^j^~~~

God bless you
and
thanks be to God for
Second Chances!