Friday, May 30, 2008

Peace...

Photo by Robin


When I least expect it the beautiful words of another awaken me to the glory of God. It has happened again today as I read Bread for the Journey, A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith by Henri J. M. Nouwen. The gift to me is my gift extended to you today, as I cannot give what has already been given.

Jesus Is a Peacemaker

Jesus, the Blessed Child of the Father, is a peacemaker. His peace doesn't mean only absence of war. It is not simply harmony or equilibrium. His peace is the fullness of well-being, gratuitously given by God. Jesus says, "Peace I leave to you, my peace I give you, a peace which the world cannot give, this is my gift to you" (John 14:27)

Peace is Shalom--well-being of mind, heart, and body, individually and communally. It can exist in the midst of a war-torn world, even in the midst of unresolved problems and increasing human conflicts. Jesus made that peace by giving his life for his brothers and sisters. This is no easy peace, but it is everlasting and it comes from God. Are we willing to give our lives in the service of peace?

I guess this what I am asking myself as I make the application to be a Providence Associate. "Am I willing to give my life in the service of peace?" I'm stepping into the unknown, so I pray heartily for the companionship of the Holy Spirit.

God bless you all and have a Grand Weekend!!

~~~~~~~^j^~~~~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

I'm Behind Again...


I always have such good intentions and though I started it late in the year I had hoped to stay on course. "What IS she talking about?!"

Just after Lent I found at Cornerstone, while shopping for First Communion gifts, My Daily Catholic Bible, 20 minute Daily Readings. Thinking this would keep me focused on reading the Bible in a more regular format, I purchased it and began my sojourn. I can make all sorts of excuses for what happened but none will really do. Suffice it to say I am now behind. I entirely missed the reading for Nehemiah and the text is already four days into Tobit. Well, Tobit is one of my favorite books so I will endeavor to be more committed. I will try to catch up and stay on course.

I Pray:

Please, Father, allow this wayward child to find my way through your word to the Word, without taking so many side trips that I lose my way. Keep me focused and attentive to your wishes, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Wonderful Holiday Weekend...

I had such a nice weekend. It wasn't hectic, just nice. Attended Mass Saturday evening at St. Joseph's where Kellie, our grand daughter, received the Serra Award. Sunday went to Anna's graduation picnic!!! Monday was just quiet...

Mom sent me this via email and so I think I will share it with you as we start back to work for a "short week" and take a walk down memory lane. At least it's memory lane for me as I graduated from high school in 1965...Please enjoy!

Cars We Drove


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For the good times and the not-so-good times
Thanks be to God!


Sunday, May 25, 2008

Gifts of Words, Music and Flowers.

I was given this beautiful gift today. The words hopeful, the music restful, and the pictures reflective. It's for all who dream and hope and love. It was given in friendship and mutual concern for ponds and waterlilies, but it is also wonderful because of the gift itself. So to SMA at A World of Beauty, I say a most sincere, "Thank you!" I also say, "Thank you," to you all and please enjoy!!!





~~~~^j^~~~~

Thanks be to God!

Friday, May 23, 2008

The Pond Has a Hole In It...

The Upper Pond
Taken 5/18/2008


I will make rivers well up on barren heights,
and fountains in the midst of valleys;
turn the wilderness into a lake,
and dry ground into waterspring.

Isaiah 41:18
(The Jerusalem Bible)

Well, it would seem that we have another hole in the larger of the two lily ponds. We had one in it before but Ron was able to find it and repair it. He hasn't been that successful this time. The water lilies in both ponds, however, are really very pretty this year. The fish are gone and Freddie, our resident frog has taken up residence elsewhere, I suspect. Last year the lily pond was the only thing in the garden that didn't need work. Now, with the results of the drought last summer and the ice storms this winter it has really taken a toll on the yard. I have been glad that the dandelions that Ron worked diligently to keep down for the last two years did not return. So we have our work cut out for us with the "barren heights" and the "dry ground."

It just means we'll just have to keep pluggin' along, little by little.

Have a Grand Weekend!!
~*~*~*~*~*~
Thanks be to God!