Joy in the Memories

Today I join Meri for Share the Joy.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Joy comes in many forms.
And this day has the potential of
being just as grand as
celebrating the beauty in
all that surrounds me.

I must be open to it!

           
~~~~~

It's been a number of months since I've ventured here.  But now that I am retired I am going to try to rejoin this community with eagerness and anticipation.  Joy comes to me in the strength and integrity of this tree on grounds of Saint Mary-or-the Woods, home to the Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and, most importantly, the shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, founderess of the congregation.  This tree was well over a hundred years old when it finally had to be cut down.  There is sorrow in that because an old friend has passed.  On the other hand, the joy I get from the memories far outweighs the sorrow.  I am a graduate of SMWC and a Providence Associate. Walking the campus, praying with the sisters and gathering on retreat with Associate sisters and brothers is such a JOYFUL time.  So it is that I anticipate a weekend of JOY as I "retreat" to The Woods to gather in community of prayer and reflection!

~~~~~~

Strong and gnarled tree

Comfort for the weary

Shelter for us all

For those who labor

Shade from the sun and heat

Beautiful branches

~~~

There is nothing so beautiful as memories of times past and nothing more exciting than anticipating the joy in new memories!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

I will also be joining Weekend Reflections for the first time.  You might want to visit as well.

Christmas Trees and Angels

Why, after all these years, when I'm finished decorating the Christmas tree does the treetop angel still listing to the right?  No matter how I try she will not stand straight.  And why, after all theses years do I expect perfection in this tree?  Perhaps there is a lesson to be learned here.  My focus on perfection should be focused elsewhere.  Yes, indeed, it should be focused on perfection itself and "the reason for the season." My during this season of Advent will focus on the love our Savior showed us by becoming like us.  

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy  

Hope in Time of Change

Know it's been a long time since I have offered A Bit of the Blarney.  I have had so much going on that the computer has not been part of the plan.  But now, times have changed.  

Changes come in so many ways and the last 6 months have offered many opportunities  for change.  I have learned a great deal about change of late.  

So what has changed?  I have retired.  Yes, indeed, and that is a change.  Friends have asked me what my plans are for retirement?  My answer, "I don't have any plans."  The truth is my plans include just trying to adjust.  I have time to spend doing things I've wanted to do and yet it will have to wait...

Well, because we are moving...not far, but moving nonetheless.  And considering the season it will take some time to get organized.  Those who know me know that organization is something in which I have limited skill.  So, the reason for "hope."  I think that just getting the house decorated will be the first thing I will work to achieve at this early time in my retirement.  

Thanks be to God!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Cathy  

Summer Memories

                           

Summer days spent with Mom in Billings inevitably meant a walk.  And at Mission Ridge where she lives means a walk in the garden.  There are glorious flowers everywhere.  Mom was particularly fond of the deep purple petunias.  Memories!!!

                                                                       ~~~^j^~~~

                                                     

                                                                 Thanks be to God!!!

                                                                             Cathy

A Gathering of the Clan

The best way I know how to gather the Clan when we can't all be together! Oh, the memories!!! 

Wishing all dads a very special day!!!

~~~^j^~~~

AND

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Easter Blessings

Happy Easter!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Sunset on the Ohio

There is something about a sunset that inspires hope.  In its beauty we anticipate the glory of the new day to come.  I have much for which I am to be grateful and in reflection it has been a glorious day!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

  Today's link to Provident God.

A Gift of the Spirit

Saint Meinrad Archabbey Church

St. Meinad, IN

On this cold, icy, dreary day I found the sunshine I was seeking in the words of the Psalms.  I found them at The Path of Life, the blog of Br. Francis de Sales Wagner a Monk at Saint Meinrad.    I have found more treasures since I left retreat there on 2/23/14.  And as I read his post I remember thinking where can I read these words of Saint Therese of Lisieux again.  For her beautiful words were offered during morning prayer on Sunday morning.

And so, today this day that finds my lovely pine tree bowed again from the weight of the ice, this gift was given to me.  Please join Br. France when you can.

God will show me 

the pat to life

the fullness of joy 

in his presence

Psalm 16:11

~~~^j^~~~

Thank you, Br. Francis 

and

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Mosaic Monday...Hoping for Spring

Enough Said!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Please visit Mosaic Monday at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.

Hoping for Sunlight

Saint Gregory Hall

Saint Meinrad Archabbey

Unlike this Sunday with no sun, only ice and sleet, last weekend was like a refreshing preview of Spring.  There is hope that his weather will not cause problems, but reflecting on this morning's Gospel reading [Matthew 6: 24-34], I should not worry but trust in the Providence of Almighty God.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Pleases stop by and visit Karen at Sunlit Sunday and offer your bit of sunshine today.
  

  Today's link to Provident God.