Monday, December 15, 2014

It's My Birthday


Today I am 68.  Yes, I claim it.  It is mine.  I just retired after nursing for 46 years in different environments.  I have been privileged to serve many beautiful, wonderful people.  I have a wonderful husband, five remarkable children and children-in-law (is that a word?) and 12 delightful grandchildren.  

Life is good!!! Revel in it!!!  

And so this I pray.

"My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.  I do not see the road ahead of me.  I cannot know for certain where it will end.  Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.  But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.  And I hope I have the desire in all that I am doing.  Hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.  And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it.  Therefore, I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.  I will not fear, for  you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone."  Thomas Merton

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

Cathy


Sunday, December 14, 2014

Christmas Shakers





I don't have many Christmas salt and pepper shakers...Thought about collecting them at one time but decided I didn't need ANOTHER collection so I stopped after these four sets.  Just the right amount to set a table.  

Wishing all a good week as we continue to prepare for that very special celebration, Christmas Day!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God

Cathy


Please visit Judith at Lavender Cottage for Mosaic Monday and share in the beauty offered there.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

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.



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.



Wednesday, December 10, 2014

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  


Monday, December 08, 2014

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