June 8, 2010

Verse of the Day
"No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear."
Ephesians 4:29

Song of the Day
"Hold Us Together" by Matt Mahrer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-he2DohfwWE

My Thoughts
"This is the first day of the rest of your life." We have heard that a thousand and one times, but what a refreshing thought after those hard to handle days where you feel like you have been impatient and unkind, like I experienced yesterday. God forgives those who seek His forgiveness, and we have the ability to begin afresh the next day or even the same day. And given that fresh start today, I have had a very enjoyable day with my children. I have seen that the real key for me is to stay in the day. When I think of the past, I can become down as I desperately want my mom alive again. I so want to share everything about my life with her and hear her thoughts and opinions about everything. When I think of the future I think of all the sad things that could come my way. But when I stay in today, my life is really quite good. Then I can focus on the tasks at hand whether good or bad. I have these great kids that I really do enjoy, except when Race Car comes out of nowhere to tackle me. He just isn't getting the idea that he has to take it a little easy on his mom. And I have this great husband whose temperment is absolutely perfect for me.

God always knows exactly what we need. Yesterday after my meeting I came home and went to give the kids a kiss. They are usually sound asleep, with the exception of Joke-a-Lot. I was hoping they were up because I wanted to ask their forgiveness for my impatience that day. I was REALLY impatient. As usual Joke-A-Lot was up. She had a poem there waiting for me. I want to share it with you.

Mom's by Joke-A-Lot

"I love my mom. She takes good care of me. She loves me and I love her so much. I couldn't have a better mom than her. Do you have a good mom? I hope you do. I'm glad Jesus made her."

Then in the morning, Artsy gave me her note that she had made for me,

"I love you mom. I love you mom. I love you mom. I love you mom. Love, Artsy"

I felt so unworthy to receive these notes, but it was just enough to invigorate me to do better and try harder, although most importantly to hand these defects of character to God and ask him to remove them just for today.

So, if today was a hard day, turn to God first and ask what He would have you do. I so often turn to human beings first when I really need to turn to God first and human beings second.

May 25, 2010

Verse of the Day
"Yet I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the gospel of God's grace."
Act 20:24

Song of the Day
Amazing Love by Newsboys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTCLw1L_YFc

My Thoughts
I have noticed that I go through periods of feeling pretty overwhelmed with the amounts of "important projects" that I have running through my head. Then I waver back to the "I am almost caught up" end of the spectrum, although I never quite arrive there. I am definitely on the overwhelmed side of things, hence the reason for my lack of blogs. But I did realize something that I have noticed in the past, but was reaffirmed in today. No matter how hectic the day is, or how many things I say "no" to during the day. All seems well in my soul if I just take a few moments at the end of the day to play a game with the kids. So often I don't and then deal with guilt. I love spending time with my kids, and yet I live in fear of missing the many opportunities I have to really enjoy the kids.

As I contemplate the many different activities I can sign the kids up for this summer, yet another one of the "important projects" that I am putting off, I start thinking what would really be better for the kids: signing them up and hauling them to t-ball two nights a week, or scheduling "family t-ball" in the backyard. I am not saying the kids shouldn't have activities, but the reality is that the time spent running to activities is directly proportional to the lack of time spent at home as a family. Good nor bad, I am really praying about how much to sign the kids up for. I want to find the talents that God gave them and encourage those talents, while not forgoing these awesome years when all my kids still want to hang with me.

May 17, 2010

Verse of the Day
"In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."
John 16:33

Song of the Day
"Give me your Eyes" by Brandon Heath
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWIpQuGwSyQ

My Thoughts
I spend way too much time trying "to fit" into whatever situation I am in. And, I typically feel as if I don't "fit". Yet, such a kind soul, helped me to view the world in a completely different way. She said to open my eyes wide and take off the parameters that I have set for myself. She explained that there are so many good people out there with so much love to give, but we tend to continue looking within the same groups. Instead she said to be open to friendships from people in all different circles of life, of all different ages and backgrounds.

I also wonder if the Lord allows each of us to wander in a period of desert in order that we might come out of the dessert with different eyes, eyes open to seeing the broken-hearted (hence the song choice), eyes fixed on bringing God's love to others instead of worrying about our self and how we will fit into a situation. Instead, we seek to see how we could be of love and service to others.

May 12, 2010

Verse of the Day
"To you I raise my eyes, to you enthroned in heaven."
Psalm 123:1

Song of the Day
"I Will Lift my Eyes" by Bebo Norman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhSqJQ9jngs

My Thoughts
My children, as most, usually have a single track going in their mind. Today their track was Jesus' second coming. Lots of questions, hoping I answered them right. But they continually made their desires known that they hope the second coming is soon. "We can all be together in Heaven with all our friends and Grandpa and Grandma". I just kept reminding them that we have a mission to fulfill here on earth and we need to be ready for the second coming while we work on our mission. And they respond with "But I really want to see Jesus."

And on a side note, I can only hope that my children are blessed with such wonderful friends as I have been blessed with. You gals know who you are. In fact, I am saying a novena to St. Therese currently that each of my children would have just a couple really great friends (rather than a whole host of surface friends) who would help them on their journey to Heaven. I am also praying to be relieved from the unnecessary worry and fear that clutters my brain constantly. I would appreciate any prayers as well. Know that I pray for you my blog readers as well.

May 11, 2010

Verse of the Day
"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28

Song of the Day
"Where I am Going" by Glen Campbell
http://new.music.yahoo.com/glen-campbell/tracks/where-i-am-going--54656899

My Thoughts
My thoughts are kind of running away in my head today, so that is why I need to have a gratitude pow-wow.

I am grateful that . . .
- I got to read a whole huge stack of books with Race Car and Curly.
- Joke-A-Lot and Artsy got to enjoy their sewing and art classes.
- we finished all our school.
- Mr. Fix-It found a nicer bus route home from work.
- I got to play Uno and Go Fish with the three older kids.
- I "caught" Joke-A-Lot doing a Novena to St. Therese all on her own initiative.
- since it was a rainy day, we turned on Oliver Twist and made some popcorn.
- despite the fact that the world can be hard and cruel, my children will always have a loving home to come home to where they will be loved and accepted exactly as they are.
- I made a decent dinner tonight.
- I don't remember yelling at all today.
- Curly was "dry" all day.
- Mr. Fix-it has a nice job with insurance.
- I got to sing Wheels on the Bus with Curly before he went to bed. He had the cutest smile.
- I can get old Matlock episodes from the library for free.
- we are all healthy.
- we have a nice home, bed, clothes, food, etc.
- I have such a wonderful husband.
- we are surrounded by wonderful family both near and far.
- I can stay home and homeschool our children.
- I have a loving God who cares about every detail of my family's lives.

May 10, 2010

Verse of the Day
"But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living god, the pillar and foundation of truth."
1 Timothy 15

Song of the Day
"Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH-snsXw1as

My Thoughts
Are you having difficulty figuring out what God wants you to do in a certain situation? Fr. Jacques has some great thoughts. Of course, we need to take time if possible to consider all things and try peacefully to allow God to bring us a solution. "We need to pray for the light of the Holy Spirit and the grace to act in conformity with the will of God and, if necessary, to ask the advice of people who can enlighten us relative to this decision." (page 70, Searching for and Maintaining Peace). But then, when we just feel like we don't know what God's will is, what are we to do? He listed a beautiful prayer to pray in these situations. I thought I would share.

"Lord, I have thought about it and prayed to know Your will. I do not see it clearly, but I am not going to trouble myself any further. I am not going to spend hours racking my brain. I am deciding such and such a thing because, all things carefully considered, it seems to me the best thing to do. And I leave everything in Your hands. I know well that, even if I am mistaken, You will not be displeased with me, for I have acted with good intentions. And if I have made a mistake, I know that You are able to draw good from this error. It will be for me a source of humility and I will learn something from it!" Then we can remain at peace.

May 8, 2010

Verse of the Day
"Perfectionism doesn't have much to do with sanctity."
Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacques Philippe

Song of the Day
"When God Ran" by Phillips, Craig, and Dean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY2f95eDV3A&feature=related

My Thoughts
Legos. Legos. Legos. This is what my mind is thinking about today. They are fascinating little pieces of plastic. All four kids can be completely engrossed in manipulating and formulating them into just the item them they want to make, whether it be a car, truck, church, store, person, house, etc. But all of this bliss can turn on a dime. There just never seems to be enough wheels, windows, doors, or people to go around.

But isn't that the way we are as humans. We can be ticking along just fine until we get blown out of shape because we don't have enough of something. Like right now, I didn't have enough battery left, so I had to leave my comfortable couch to go sit in the cold mudroom. When making a recipe, there is always one ingredient that there isn't enough of. Money, well, we all know there never seems to be enough of that. I never seem to have enough time and I know I am not the only one. And my grand prize winner of "never having enough of it" is
. . . PATIENCE. Some of these things are quick annoyances, but others are chronic concerns.

What do we teach our children when there just aren't enough doors, wheels, windows and people to go around? Make it work! So, I leave you with that thought. Whatever you don't seem to have enough of today, make it work! God is there to help you. Just ask and trust. I know "Easier said than done".

May 5, 2010

Verse of the Day
"No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear."
Ephesians 4:29

Song of the Day
"Flood" by Jars of Clay
http://s0.ilike.com/play#Jars+Of+Clay:Flood:59038:s2981835.8811065.14492875.0.2.130%2Cstd_635e71f357534e4e8a188cd3b6757f53

My Thoughts
My thoughts today are simple and precise. Words can be used to teach, reprimand, discipline, build up or tear down. Basically, they either help or hurt. Too often, I find myself hurting someone close to me through the use of thoughtless words. I love to talk which sometimes leads to rambling. I talk to my children about not talking just to talk, yet there I continue to talk. Well, I need to heed my own advice. I am really trying to take the super microscope and watch all that comes out of my mouth. I am married to someone completely opposite in nature. He hardly talks at all and loves silence. But when I complain to him that I have yet again stuck my foot in my mouth, he has said more than once "That is why I don't say much, then I don't stick my foot in my mouth." And yes, the two extremes can happily be married together. I just talk constantly, and he nods once in awhile. Just kidding. But there is a healthy middle ground I believe, one where we integrate with healthy conversation, but politely bow out of the conversations that lead down the "negative" road. God wants us to fill our minds with things that are holy, lovely, and pure. He knows what he is doing.

So, join me in really looking at what words leave our mouths in the next 24 hours. I think we might be surprised at what we hear!

May 4, 2010

Verse of the Day
"and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

Song of the Day
Free by Steven Curtis Chapman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTD69JfhMgo

My Thoughts
Manners Matter. I have always told my kids that people notice and appreciate good manners, especially since they seem harder to find these days. Saturday was a great example of this. Artsy and I were at Target. They had a ton of samples, one in particular was tortilla with melted cheese. I asked her if she would like one. "Yes" was the instant reply and so I handed her one. Immediately, she said "Thank you" to the lady. I was just happy that I didn't have to do the "What do you say?" That gets tremendously old, tremendously fast. Then as we were walking away, this middle aged man that had been in front of us and on his way down the aisle eating his tortilla, came back and said "I can learn something from that little girl" and he turned to the lady handing out the tortillas and said "Thank you". He must not have said thank you the first time around and then heard Artsy say it. Very cool that this man took the time to say that, as it really reinforced to Artsy what I always say to her and the other children "Manners Matter".

Then as we checked out, the woman behind me and the manager that happened to be standing there seemed flabbergasted that I had so many groceries "Are those all for one week?" "Yes, these are all for one week." "Do you go through all of that?" "Yes, we go through all of that." Then I explained that I have 4 children and their ages, and I got the normal "WOW" response. Then I said "They are great kids. I love them so much." And that is when the cashier said music to these little ears of mine. "Yes I know her kids. They are so nice and so well behaved." I was really wishing I had my "cassette" tape recorder there, so I could play that at home when I am ready to rip my hair out of my head. The interesting thing is that I don't think things always go that smoothly for us as we plod through Target, but I can only imagine what they must see in other children.

So, for all of you moms who think you might go crazy reminding your children to use their manners yet another time, remember "Manners matter and people notice and appreciate them."

May 1, 2010

Verse of the Day
"Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens." Ephesians 6:10-12

Song of the Day
"How Great Thou Art" by Elvis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf0vJiyeLIo&feature=related
OR
"How Great Thou Art" by Crystal Lewis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T664Z3dkudo&feature=related

My Thoughts
My thoughts are this. The fact that my dad doesn't appear to be healed after going to the healing conference is irrelevant. That is why I chose this song. It doesn't change the fact that God is God. He is awesome and knows what he is doing. He is stronger than the evil one. He loves my dad. If it is His will he will heal him. And there will be a day when he can experience peace again. I just hope he doesn't have to wait until he gets to Heaven. He is tormented constantly throughout the day. Please keep praying for him. It was so noticeable at the conference that people who didn't even know him were coming over and praying for him.

April 30, 2010

Verse of the Day
"When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, 'Do you want to be well?'"

Song of the Day
"Thank You" by Ray Boltz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFrdJ2V3r7Y

My Thoughts
Thank you for praying for my dad today while he went to the healing conference. The man that prayed over him, Chris White I believe, spoke healing to his mind as if the Lord spoke to him and told him exactly what was wrong with my dad. My dad had the miracle of experiencing peace from his anxiety for about 10 minutes. He wants to go back again tomorrow. Please keep praying that if it be the Lord's will, he will remove my dad's anxiety.

April 29, 2010

Verse of the Day
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." March 12:30

Song of the Day
"Look Me in the Eye" by Margaret Becker
http://s0.ilike.com/play#Margaret+Becker:Look+Me+In+The+Eye:2822641:s34521313.9637967.6125552.0.2.135%2Cstd_15b4b34ecf6f4785bc49eb7ffc92ee36

My Thoughts
I always learn the darnedest things in Joke-A-Lots reader, McGuffey's Third Eclectic Reader (as seen on Little House on the Prairie)
Copyright originally 1879
The title was "Courage and Cowardice"

Robert and Henry were going home from school, when, on turning a corner, Robert cried out, "A fight! Let Us go and see!"

"No," said Henry: "let us go quietly home and not meddle with this quarrel. We have nothing to do with it and may get into mischief."

"You are a coward, and afraid to go," said Robert, and off he ran. Henry went straight home, and in the afternoon went to school, as usual.

But Robert had told all the boys that Henry was a coward, and they laughed at him a great deal.

Henry had learned, however, that true courage is shown most in bearing reproach when not deserved, and that he ought to be afraid of nothing but doing wrong.

A few days after, Robert was bathing with some schoolmates, and got out of his depth. He struggled, and screamed for help, but all in vain.

The boys who had called Henry a coward, got out of the water as fast as they could, but they did not even try to help him.

Robert was fast sinking, when Henry threw off his clothes, and sprang into the water. He reached Robert just as he was sinking the last time.

By great effort, and with much danger to himself, he brought Robert to the shore, and thus saved his life.

Robert and his schoolmates were ashamed at having called Henry a coward. They owned that he had more courage than any of them.

Never be afraid to do good, but always fear to do evil.

So, this story led to a great discussion about who we are on earth to please- Our Lord! I explained that we often go to activities with expectations. We usually judge them on how well it went, how excited we felt, how much fun we had, when really we should look at them and discern if our behavior was pleasing to God. So, even if a particular activity wasn't a blast, if we pleased God with our behavior than it was a success for that is to be our primary goal. I also made sure she knew her own Mommy could use this advice very much as well.

April 27, 2010

Verse of the Day
Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets." Luke 5:5

Song of the Day
"I Wish You Jesus" by Scott Wesley Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xz5gaOJwec&feature=related

My Thoughts
The verse of the day made me think of my dad again. We (my dad's family and friends) have worked hard to help my dad and we have caught nothing, not even a glimmer of hope, but we are lowering the nets. He is going to the healing conference as we feel strongly that the Lord is calling him go. If the Lord desires it, my dad will leave and the nets will be full.

I also think of prayer life and wishing I could do better. I really struggled with patience with Artsy today. But why is it so difficult to turn to the Lord at those times to restore our peace. It needs to become a regular part of my prayer life.

One last thought from the book on peace that stuck with me today.
"If we wait until we are saints to have a regular life of prayer, we could wait a long time. On the contrary, it is in accepting to appear before the Lord in our state of sin that we will receive healing and will be transformed little by little, into saints." (page 65 Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacques)

April 26, 2010

Verse of the Day
"I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly." John 10:10

Song of the Day
"I'll be your hands" by River
Go to this site. There will be a song playing on the bottom of the screen. Turn it off. Then click on "media" at the top of the screen. Then click on "music". Go to #12. You should get an almost 2 minute clip. Reminds me tremendously of my dad whom I will be discussing in my blog. It will probably touch you as well in your lives, worth the extra effort to hear it.
http://www.riverministries.net/

My Thoughts
My dad's 66th birthday is this week. He looks more like he is turning 80. My wonderful aunt is taking him to a healing conference soon. I ask for your prayers for him. I hope the fact that he is willing to go shows enough faith for the Lord to work to heal him in any of the three areas, physical, spiritual, or emotional. He is a train wreck in all three areas. He has been blind since a few days before I was married years ago. When my mom died, he was walking 11 miles a day. Now, 3 years later, he can barely make it to the neighbors house. He has suffered from severe anxiety and depression since my mom died. And I won't share his private spiritual issues, but he has them. He needs to know the love and forgiveness of our Lord in a powerful way. I pray that he will receive this at the healing conference.

Losing my mom at 62 was one thing, but then to switch roles so quickly with my dad too, was certainly something I didn't expect. But I go back to the verse of the day, knowing that God wants to not only give life to my dad but to give it abundantly. And the Lord hasn't abandoned me either, he has left me a beautiful Heavenly mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and a Heavenly Father to grasp onto since my mother isn't alive and my dad isn't mentally present.

On the flip side, I noticed a small, red tractor in our yard today that didn't belong to us. After questioning Race Car, I found out he took it from the neighbors yard. I am so thrilled with myself that I didn't blow a gasket. I calmly asked him what it is called if you take something that doesn't belong to you without permission or paying for it. Then we went into the ten commandments and how it was so important that people don't steal, that it made the top 10. Then we proceeded next door with the tractor in hand. Race Car did good. He was very serious and said "I am sorry. I took this tractor from your yard. I want to give it back to you." The wheel was broken. Thankfully, the boy from their house said it was already broken. Hopefully, I handled this one good and it will be the last experience with stealing. I don't think he wants to next door again and do that.

April 25, 2010

Verse of the Day
"We know that we belong to God, and the whole world is under the power of the evil one." 2 John 5:19

I didn't have a quote that stuck out to me today, so I said "Okay Lord, I am going to put the first highlighted verse I see as my verse for the day". So, this may not have been my choice, but it must have been God's.

Song of the Day
"I'll Lead You Home" by Michael W. Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcakUX2swGI

My Thoughts

I am currently printing off important things from my old computer, so that we can get rid of it. In its day, it was a fine piece of machinery. But my first computer right out of college, the 165C Mac, has past its glory days. But as I sit here multi-tasking, I have also found the perfect job for Curly. He stands at perfect height to see the papers coming out of the printer and then hands them to me. He is fully entertained at this moment. Praise God!

I am feeling a lack of direction today, so I will keep this short and leave you with one thought from my book.
"We must know that one of the weapons that the devil used most commonly to prevent souls from advancing toward God is precisely to try to make them lose their peace and discourage them by the sight of their faults." (Pg. 63 Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacques)

April 24, 2010

Verse of the Day
"The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit it grew in numbers." Acts 9:31

Song of the Day
"Everything Falls" by Fee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V11E0VTlmY&feature=related

My Thoughts

Peace as described in the Merriam-Webster Online dictionary has several listings, but the most important for my soul is "freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions". This peace is only found in our Lord, but how to obtain it seems to be my quest right now. My children are young, yet I lose my peace so quickly. I can't imagine what I will be like when they are older if I don't learn how to embrace this peace from our Lord. I know He has it there for the taking despite what life deals out to me.

I think of my life and how much I enjoy it, but yet how much I allow Satan to steal that peace away. It can get extremely frustrating to have a strong desire to react differently to experiences my children go through, but despite that strong desire I continue going down the path that rips my peace away. According to the book on peace that I have mentioned in my earlier blogs, it becomes a question of how to regain our peace as quickly as possible when we have been troubled by our imperfections, therefore avoiding more sadness and discouragement.

The reasons I need to do this are #1) God acts in the peace of one's soul. I loved the verse of the day because the church was in peace and Holy Spirit's consolation was upon them. Was it no surprise that there were so many miracles in the book of Acts? So, peace is essential to allow God to work. "Rather than troubling ourselves, it is more efficacious to regain our peace and let God act." (p 58)

The second reason is that it is more pleasing to God for us to react this way. Fr. Jacques listed a beautiful prayer that I am going to copy to use frequently. I mean what could be better than when we are discouraged and tormented to react by saying this prayer:

"Lord, I ask Your pardon, I have sinned again. This, alas, is what I am capable of doing on my own! But I abandon myself with confidence to Your mercy and Your pardon, I thank You for not allowing me to sin even more grievously. I abandon myself to You with confidence because I know that one day You will heal me completely and, in the meantime, I ask You that the experience of my misery would cause me to be more humble, more considerate of other, more conscious that I can do nothing by myself, but that I must rely solely on Your love and Your mercy."

The third reason is that when we are troubled, the sadness and discouragement are rarely pure, usually pride exists in there somewhere. In fact, this excessive pain is actually a sign that we have put our trust in ourselves - in our own strength and not in God.

I don't know. Maybe by focusing on peace and working to obtain it, I will get better at handing things over to God and over analyzing the kids experiences less. It is as if I wish I could just get my brain to stop thinking sometimes, but I am realizing that isn't the solution. Maybe I need to stop thinking about a certain situation, but I need to start thinking more about God. This blog is helping me to do that. It is just so evident why I felt such a strong call to blog my experience of Lent this past Ash Wednesday - to help me keep my focus where it belongs, on Our Lord!

April 23, 2010

Verse of the Day
"Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Matthew 14:27

Song of the Day
"Be Not Afraid" by Michael John Talbot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBH-Eh9Bjjg&feature=PlayList&p=0FFD26345FE4A297&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=4

My Thoughts
Parenting isn't for the faint of heart. I struggle continuously with fear and letting go of control, entrusting my children to God daily. To me these are monumental tasks. Today, I even put on my Pope John Paul II bracelet on that says "Be Not Afraid". I get so anxious in regards to certain areas of my children's lives. Gratefully, I have friends that remind me that God does have a mission for each child. He loves them. He is preparing them, so they can successfully complete that mission. I view all situations that aren't perfect as horrible, instead of viewing them as a great opportunity to teach my children how to deal with adversity and quite frankly how to deal with other children that aren't nice. I am an adult and there are still people that simply aren't nice, but how does God want us to handle this?

I went back to my book on peace as I was feeling a definite lack of peace. Interestingly enough, the next section I was on was "Patience Toward Others". I am thinking "Okay Lord, I am listening." I always think that if others would behave better than I would be peaceful and without distress. Well, I will spend my lifetime waiting for that. "How many people lose their peace because they want, at any price, to change those around them!" (page 55) But again, what does the Lord ask us to do? He asks us to bear with patience the faults of others. So often I get upset, but what I need to do is pray for these people. "This patience is all the more important in that it brings about in us a purification that is absolutely indispensable." (page 56)

So, I feel great blogging again. Today while my compulsive head was spinning about one of my children, the 3:00pm alarm went off. Time for the Divine Mercy Chaplet. All the kids gathered round, except Curly who was sleeping. Again, I was reminded of our goal here on earth: To know, love, and serve our Lord in this life, so that we can be forever happy with him in the next. I revelled in that five minutes with Race Car on my lap and Joke-a-Lot and Artsy on either side. Life is good.

April 22, 2010

I am thinking out loud now. On Ash Wednesday, I felt the Lord calling me to blog about my experience of going through Lent with a family off of sugar. I had no idea why. Can't help but to wish the reason was that my blog was going to be wildly popular and I would end up using this as a source of income. But in reality, God's intentions are clear to me. Doing the blog helped me to focus on the positive things in life and helped me to focus on God. Period. End of Story. That is why I have decided that I need to once again begin blogging. I am still trying to figure out how to adjust things to make it more reasonable. I used to spend 2 hours doing my blog, which is just not possible to sustain long term. Thirty minutes is my goal. I also have another idea for a different blog, more of a monthly blog, but I don't want to let the secret out until I have it set up. This one will stay spiritual in nature. I like the verse of the day and the song of the day. I know the family stories were a hit. Unfortunately, I have probably lost most of my followers since I took such a long break while preparing for Joke-a-Lots First Holy Communion. But true be known, I have to do this for me. I am seeing that this is a necessity for my spiritual walk. Stay tuned for more as I figure out the layout.

April 20, 2010

I am finally getting back to let you know how Easter went, although I fear many of you are no longer checking. Joke-a-Lot had her First Holy Communion on Saturday, so I have been busily preparing for that. It was an absolutely beautiful day from beginning to end.

As far as Easter goes, they all really enjoyed the sweets. I haven't noticed a huge change in behavior except for Curly. When he has sugar, he acts crazy. Even the girls have picked up on it. One night when we (the girls and I) came home from religion and Curly was in that crazy mode, Joke-a-Lot said "Dad must have given him sugar" and sure enough he had. So, I try to skip the sugar for him giving him Lara bars as his treat. He enjoys those, too.

When pondering what to do with the blog, I am still unsure. I have to admit that doing the blog helped me tremendously to keep my focus on God and on the blessings in my life, but I can't justify the two hours a night it takes me. I have considered doing it once a week, or possibly maintaining it throughout the year with a monthly update and then repeat the daily blogs through Lent again next year. So, all I can say is check back periodically and when I feel more direction I will make it known.

Thank you to all my faithful followers who kept up with me during Lent. It was really fun and spiritually enriching for me.

April 4, 2010

Song of the Day
He's Alive by Don Francisco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbSnk1R31vg

I am so exhausted today. I will be back soon to tell you how everything went with Easter, but not today.



Divine Mercy Chaplet

THIRD DAY

"Today bring to Me ALL DEVOUT AND FAITHFUL SOULS and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

April 3, 2010

Verse of the Day
"Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you." James 4:10

Songs of the Day
Worlds Apart by Jars of Clay
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCezEbaMHdA

Humble Thyself in the Sight of the Lord by Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU8MAQKSbEI

Food
This Lent was successful. They will thoroughly enjoy their sweets tomorrow. I haven't had refined sugar in 4.5 years, so I will continue with my journey of recovery. I am one of those people who does not respond positively to sugar. It causes too much obsessive thinking within me, whereas now I am free from that.

"Stuff" Detachment
I cleaned out another cupboard and got rid of things that I haven't used EVER.

Spiritual Growth

I will continue with the Divine Mercy Novena. See Good Friday for a further explanation of this. I thought parts of the Jars of Clay song above went well with this novena.



SECOND DAY
"Today bring to Me THE SOULS OF PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS, and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave Me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind."

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard - upon the souls of preists and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

April 2, 2010

Being that today is Good Friday, I am going to depart from the norm. Today is the day that many people start the novena to the Divine Mercy. Understanding that many of you may not be familiar with what a novena is in general and particularly what the Divine Mercy novena is, I thought I would do my best to explain.

Taken from EWTN (Eternal World Television Network) website http://www.ewtn.com/index.asp, a novena is a nine-day period of private or public prayer to obtain special graces, to implore special favors, or to make special petitions. (Novena is derived from the Latin "novem", meaning nine.) As the definition suggests, the novena has always had more of a sense of urgency and neediness.

The Nine days represents the nine days of prayer performed by the apostles as they waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit after Jesus' ascension.

The Divine Mercy Novena is my absolute favorite. On Good Friday, 1937, Jesus requested that St. Faustina make a special novena before the Feast of Mercy, from Good Friday through the following Saturday. He, himself, dictated the intentions for each day. By means of a specific prayer she was to bring to His Heart a different group of souls each day and thus immerse them in the ocean of His mercy, begging the Father - on the strength of Jesus' Passion - for graces for them.

Each year, the Sunday after Easter is Divine Mercy Sunday thanks to Pope John Paul II declaring it such. Not by coincidence, Pope John Paul II actually died on the feast of Divine Mercy, April 2, 2005. Today is the anniversary of his death, but I believe he will become a saint and then today will be called his feast day, the day he entered into Heaven. This is clear in my memory because today is also Joke-A-Lot's 8th birthday, so I remember him dying on her birthday, but also remember how crazy it was that it was also Divine Mercy Sunday, the day that he declared.

Our Lord described a very specific image of himself to St. Faustina which I will display on my page during this novena period from today until the Sunday after Easter. This image must say "Jesus I trust in you" below it and it will have two rays representing the showering of the depths of His mercy upon us.



It is recommended to say this novena with the actual Divine Mercy Chaplet, but I am going to keep things simple and state the daily prayers.

The Novena to the Divine Mercy

First Day of the Novena
"Today bring to Me ALL MANKIND, ESPECIALLY ALL SINNERS, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.

April 1, 2010

Verse of the Day
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Song of the Day
In the Light by DC Talk
http://www.rhapsody.com/player?type=undefined&id=alb.7149801&remote=undefined&page=undefined&pageregion=undefined&guid=undefined&from=undefined&__pcode=

Food
Curly pulled a fast one today. When I was getting his haircut another kid was screaming, so then Curly joined in the party and started screaming. Soooo, he got a yummy sugared sucker. Seemed to soothe him just fine, yet another exception.

"Stuff" Detachment
We have a nice pair of girls clogs that for some reason the girls don't like, so I will donate them, along with a rosary and a couple belts.

Spiritual Growth
I am not feeling much spiritual growth right now. I just went in the kitchen to find out that the water container thing in the refrigerator was leaking all over. Recall that I just cleaned out the entire fridge yesterday. It was all over the floor, under the refrigerator, in all the fridge drawers. I completely blew a gasket and there was Mr. Fix-it sound asleep through it all despite my requests for help. He never heard a word. In fact, water continues to be under the refrigerator because I can't move it. So, I once again see my sin before me, to completely lose my cool over something so minuscule.

On a more positive note, since it was Holy Thursday and we had some colds in the family, we decided to stay home from church. But tonight before bed, I read the reading from the Bible about when Jesus washed the disciples feet at the last supper. Now, all the children had already had a bath, so they didn't need their feet washed, but after the reading, I did rub lotion on their feet and then kissed each of their feet. Other than the giggles because they are so ticklish, they loved it and asked if we could do that again. I would rather have done the actual feet washing, but this worked okay for this year.

Book Discussion
Title: Searching for and Maintaining Peace
Author: Fr. Jacques Philippe
Section: The Faults and Shortcomings of Others

This was a fabulous section for me. "It often happens that we lose our peace not because suffering affects us or threatens to affect us personally, but rather because of the behavior of an individual person or group of persons who hurt us or preoccupy us. . . Or, more simply, in everyday life, one becomes irritated, because one close to him behaves in a way that he imagines he should not behave. How many nervous tensions are due to this type of situation!" Nervous tension is exactly what I would call my previous reactions to my neighbor kid.

"Because the thing that we want is good, even seen as desired by God, we feel justified in wanting it with that much more impatience and displeasure if it is not realized. The more a thing seems good to us, the more we are agitated and preoccupied to realize it! . . . That is to say that our wanting must always be caring, peaceful, patient, detached and abandoned to God. It should not be an impatient wanting, hurried, restless, irritated, etc. In the spiritual life it is often there that our attitude is defective."

"A desire that causes us to lose peace, even if the thing desired is excellent in itself, is not of God. It is necessary to want and desire, but in a free and detached way, in abandoning to God the realization of these desires, as He desires and when He wishes."

Next Section: Patience Towards Others

Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for today and help us all to have a good and holy Triduum. Help us to continue to show your love in all that we do. Amen.

Today's Menu
Breakfast: Tortillas with cheese and ham, fruit cup (grapes, grapefruits, oranges)

Lunch: Pepperoni pizza, pears

Dinner: Hodge Podge of leftovers

March 31, 2010

Verse of the Day
"On the eve of our life we will be judged by how much we loved." Saint John of the Cross

Song of the Day
Prayer by Petra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSw0DdMmXWQ&feature=related
I would listen to this after you read the prayer below.

Food
I think the natives are restless. Artsy was running around the house today talking about how she can't wait to eat all the Easter treats. I better work on helping her focus on the real meaning of Easter. It isn't about being able to eat sugar. Maybe that was a detriment to giving up sugar.

"Stuff" Detachment
A refrigerator magnet, a crummy onesie that always fell off of Curly's shoulder, and a cracker holder thing a ma jig all departed from my home today.

Spiritual Growth
My growth today was in my trust in God. I was fretting last night as I went to sleep about how I don't want to have to deal with the neighbor kid and his friends again, also wondering if the boy across the street was going to knock on our door a hundred times, just wishing I could enjoy the day with the kids. It was the first day in a long time with nothing on the schedule. Well, guess what? The worrying was a complete waste of energy. It was a beautiful day. No problems with the neighbors. The boy across the street didn't come over even once, it was 73 degrees, and we went for a walk. I got to work on school with the kids, but also got outside with them for a bit. I even cleaned the refrigerator inside and out after they all went to bed. I couldn't have asked for a better day, except that I didn't get to Mass. Curly woke up with a snotty nose, so I thought it best to stay away.

Book Discussion
Title: Searching for and Maintaining Peace
Author: Fr. Jacques Philippe
Section: In All People Who Suffer There is Jesus

As Jesus says in Matthew 25:40 "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." Well, this is especially true of the suffering. Jesus is there. We need to try our best to relieve suffering, but to view it with hope. In 1Thessalonians 4:13, it says do not "grieve as other people do who have no hope." It is that underlying trust again, that the Lord has the big picture all figured out.

Tomorrow's section: The Faults and Shortcomings of Others

Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for the gift of such a beautiful day. I guess our crummy days help us all the more to enjoy our beautiful days. Today, I would like to pray for those reading this blog and especially for the neighbor boy and his friends. Show me how to love them and teach me how to pray for them. I pray that you will bring a great role model into their lives who can lead them to you Lord. I hear their ACDC music cranked and think of my own days in the past where I also cranked ACDC and even went to their concert (along with many others that I am not too proud of). You have restored me and renewed me. Please restore and renew them in your perfect time. Amen.

WOW! Again I sit here with tears. God keeps doing this to me. I started this blog late. I had the song above in my song list and decided to use it for no real reason. I didn't listen to it today as I had already done so in the past. I proceeded through this blog all the way until I was writing the food down and decided to listen to the song as I wrote the food. I was stopped dead in my tracks. It is almost as if a small miracle has occurred. As I was writing the prayer above, I was brought back to days of old, thinking of all of the terrible concerts I went to. I don't even care to mention the bands. Although, I was never disrespectful like the kids next door, I could have easily been taken down the wrong road. And to my friend, KK, I am ever so grateful as her teaching of the Bible to me in college is what lead me back to the Lord. At that point, I was taking steps away from God every day.

Now as I just listened to this song, it seemed to fit with everything I was feeling, the gratitude to the Lord for what he has done in my life, the need to stay focused on the work we have to do here on earth, etc. I fear those of you reading this may fail to see the connection, but there is a clear connection for me in regards to the kids next door, especially the first couple sentences and then the second verse after the chorus (starts "Let me be the evidence . . .). Then the third verse relates to the Verse of the Day, which I hadn't planned either. This even coincides with the verses in the Book Discussion. For the first time EVER, I actually feel a bit of love for those kids. Isn't that crazy? I am thinking maybe God wants us here next door because he knows we will get down on our knees and pray for them. Who knows? I may be complaining about them again tomorrow, but for today I am going to pray. And I thought this would be a short blog tonight. You just never know what God has planned. I love that when he surprises me.


Today's Menu
Breakfast: Special K Protein Plus cereal with whole milk, fruit cup (grapes, grapefruits and oranges)

Lunch: Toasted cheese (Nature's Pride 100% whole wheat double fiber with marble jack cheese and butter), Amy's Organic Tomato Bisque Soup with rotini noodles

Dinner: Ham steak, mashed potatoes (made with potatoes, milk, butter), canned pineapple in own juice, canned green beans, corn

March 30, 2010

Verse of the Day
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Song of the Day
Immanuel by Michael Card
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-vTQqbofuM&NR=1
Oddly, this is one of my favorite Christmas songs, so why I am sharing it now, I am not quite sure. But I never hear it on the radio during the Christmas season, even the Christian stations, and I wonder why? It is so beautiful. This was the best clip of the song I could find.

Food
The food continues to go well. The toughest sell throughout this season has been Mr. Fix-it. I am quite sure he can't wait to be face first in a hot fudge sundae. I did make some oatmeal raisin cookies. I used the recipe on the Market Pantry oatmeal container, except that I took out the two sugars and replaced it with 3/4 cup mashed banana, 3/4 cup applesauce, and 3 packets of Stevia. The good news was that Mr. Fix-it didn't throw it away. The bad news was that he never had another one. They did all disappear and quite honestly I didn't care how many they ate. There really wasn't anything bad in them, oatmeal, bananas, unsweetened applesauce, butter, vanilla, eggs, raisins, Stevia.

"Stuff" Detachment
I have to come clean and confess that I was not religious about getting rid of my three things a day while on my "blog break". But, I did make up for it today by filling up another garbage bag full.

Spiritual Growth
Today was a beautiful day filled with many twists and turns. I hosted a Lenten Tea this morning with two other wonderful families. One mother just had her 7th baby. Although most of her children were able to come, she couldn't make it as her newborn ended up going to the hospital. Thankfully, baby will be okay. The other mother is in town visiting her family. She brought her 4 beautiful girls. So, excitement and noise were not absent.

I set my table as beautifully as I could. Since we were actually doing the Good Friday tea early, I had red candles, but the rest had more of a lilac theme. There were several foods present all representing a part of Christs' passion. So, the older girls took turns reading scripture out of the Bible, then they were able to taste the item that went with the reading. It is kind of hard to explain. Here are two links that show pictures and everything. This is what we followed today.
http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/2009/04/lenten-tea-on-good-friday.html
and
http://alice.typepad.com/cottage_blessings/2006/04/a_second_lenten.html

Then after that fun morning, I had more frustration with my neighbor boy and his friends. They are about 12 and think it is okay to drive their conversion van in and out of the driveway, backing in way to close to our fence. Also got to enjoy their ACDC music cranked. This happens every spring. I hate it, yet the other night when one of the friends yelled something to me as I was driving by, I realized something.(Keep in mind, I have never even talked to this kid, so why he is yelling I have no idea. They have no respect for any of the neighbors.) I realized that this is what the Lord is talking about. It is easy to love my family, but He is calling me to love them AND pray for them, which I really haven't done much. So, this has been added to the nightly prayers.

Book Discussion
Book: Searching for and Maintaining Peace
Author: Fr. Jacques Philippe
Section: Attitude When Confronted With the Suffering of Those Close to Us

"We sometimes feel more troubled and preoccupied by the suffering of a friend or a child than by our own suffering."

"How much excessive anxiety sometimes reigns in families when a member is tested in matters of health, unemployment, depression, etc. How many parents torment themselves over a problem concerning one of their children, for example."

I witnessed this just today, when I saw a behavior in Artsy that was completely out of character for her. She is my "love to dress up as a princess and play tea party" girl, so while some of the girls were playing dress up, out of nowhere she pretends she has a gun and is getting Joke-A-Lot. Now, this caused a lot of anxiety at first. My poor friend who had to listen to me lament about what was going on with my daughter, helped me figure out where this came from. The little boy across the street. She certainly didn't learn this in our home. But do you know when the anxiety departed from my soul? When I realized that this happened for a reason, an early signal of sorts. It was as if God was opening my eyes, so that I could take some action. I am not sure how much, but I am going to significantly reduce the amount of time they spend together. To be honest, I wanted to do that anyway. When I see just my four kids in the backyard playing, it is fabulous. I see them usually doing so well together, always watching out for and playing with the little guy, Curly. And when I have other close families over, there is this same camaraderie. But when the other little boy is over the dynamic is completely different, it is like someone set them on fire, there is no cohesiveness, just wild craziness, with Curly on his own. Mr. Fix-it says that all little boys play war and stuff. And we do have water guns which I always enjoyed as a kid. He still thinks there isn't a problem, but I am going to go with my gut on this one since I am home with them all the time and witness far more than he does. Curious if anyone else has any thoughts on this one?

I am going to end this section with a fabulous quote from this section. It is long, but it is good.
"On the contrary, our compassion for ourselves is often disturbed and anxious. We have a way of implicating ourselves in the suffering of others that is not always correct, that sometimes proceeds more from a love of self than from a true love of others. And we believe that to preoccupy ourselves excessively with another in difficulty is justified, that it is a sign of the love that we feel for the other person. But this is false. There is often in this attitude a great, hidden love of ourselves. We cannot bear the suffering of others because we are afraid of suffering ourselves. The reason is that we, too, lack confidence in God. . . if we torment ourselves to the point of losing our peace, this signifies that our love for the other person is still not fully spiritual, is still not in harmony with God. . . In order for it to be a true Christian virtue, compassion for others must proceed from love (desiring good for others) and not from fear (fear of suffering, fear of losing something)."

He closes by saying that we should persevere in prayers and petitions for healing for these people and help as possible, but always in a spirit of peace and confident abandonment into the hands of God.

Next section: In All People Who Suffer There is Jesus

Prayer
Dear Lord,
You know the things that wear at our soul and try to steal our peace. Please fill us with strength and confidence in you. Help us to pray for those who persecute us and love our enemies. So many times Lord, I just get mad instead of turning to you in prayer and seeking your guidance.

As I am coming to the end of my Lenten journey, I also ask for your guidance with this blog. I am sure that this blog was your will. I have grown immensely and hope others have too, but please make it abundantly clear what you would have me do after Easter Sunday.

Help us to know, love and serve you in this world, so we can enjoy you forever in the next. Amen.

Today's Menu
Breakfast: Since the lenten tea was this morning and Curly slept late, everyone but Artsy skipped breakfast. She made herself peanut butter toast.

Lunch: Peanut butter sandwiches, strawberries

Dinner: Chili, tortillas with melted cheese, strawberries and fruit cup (grapes, oranges, and grapefruits)

Not the best day nutritionally. I'll try to do better tomorrow.

March 25, 2010

I will temporarily be away from my blog. I have a paper that is due this weekend for the graduate class I took. I haven't written one word yet. So, I am hoping to be back on by Sunday or Monday at the latest. I really want to blog during holy week. God's Blessings on all of you.

March 24, 2010

Verse of the Day
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, . . .Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?' And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25:31-40

Song of the Day
Blest are They by David Haas
It is really nice and again follows the theme which is the poor. For some reason, the first time I listened to the song, it took awhile to download. I just let it completely download before I listened to it. The second time it was fine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chqY9S1Lm2w

Food
I let the kids have the normal salad dressing with the sugar. I have given up in that area. I can't find anything the family likes. I have tried.

I would also like to say that the kids are eating me out of house and home. I would never have guessed what good healthy meals they would eat by only taking out the sugar. I know, sometimes they aren't the most healthy, but I am doing my best.

"Stuff" Detachment
Can I count the item that I already threw out, but Artsy took it out of the garbage? I threw it away again. I also got rid of a pair of Curly's socks. Unfortunately, he took one of his shoes off when he was outside, then walked through the garage stepping in the oil pan that is usually under Mr. Fix-it's car. Bummer.

Spiritual Growth
Today was the coolest day. I went with kids to a local Lutheran church. They were sponsoring a day for Kids Against Hunger. We began by bringing Curly to the nursery. Unfortunately, as soon as he went in the little tunnel another girl growled at him and scared him half to death. So, I left carrying a screaming baby and 3 other kids to begin our mission. I'm thinking that things are not really going so hot at this point. Thankfully, I had the umbrella stroller, cheese-its, and a sippy of water. We proceeded into church adorning our beautiful hair nets. We watched a brief video about the organization. Onward to our station. There we, along with about 50 other people, assembled about 10,200 meals within an hour to be shipped to Haiti. Six meals were in a pack and the packs were sealed and boxed along with special art work that the kids brought. Artsy made a ton of paper fans all decorated since it is so hot in Haiti. We also enclosed a picture of the four kids. It was really a fabulous experience. Kids as young as four can work on the assembly line. So, what are you wondering, was Curly doing? He sat happy as a clam in his stroller by our table just watching all the action around him. The other mom's were commenting about what a good little boy. The other three kids took turns, scooping either rice, crushed soy, dehydrated veges, or the chicken flavor vitamin supplement.

When I sat watching the video at the beginning, it felt like God was pounding me over the head saying "Why don't you do this at your church once a year?" I felt really convicted. Something like this is totally up my alley, but of course the fear is there. How in the world could I get something like that organized and homeschool the kids, along with all the other stuff of life? I will continue to pray and learn more about what it would take and then start taking small steps praying that if it isn't the Lord's will, He would block the path. But then I think, how could it not be the Lord's will? Those children that receive that meal will get one cup for the whole day and most of them will try to somehow save half of it for their parents, if they have parents, because they know they don't have food either. The church also has to raise the money for the food, which is $0.23/serving. I have a free video to watch as well that Jason Davis from Channel 5 did in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti two years before the hurricane. Now the need is obviously so much greater. Here is the link if anyone wants to just check it out or read the founder's story. It is neat. http://www.kidsagainsthunger.org/

The kids were so excited, up and dressed before I even woke them up. Joke-A-Lot wanted to do more shifts. She became very competitive, somewhat like her mother, while we were bagging. If Artsy or Race Car paused for even a second or got distracted, she was all over them. She wanted to get as many meals done as possible. It is hard to find service opportunities for kids when they are young and this was a gem. Thank you God for leading us to this place. Just so happened a mom at Artsy's dance class last Saturday told me all about it.

Book Discussion
Sorry, putting it off again, want to get to bed.

Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity we had today. Your hand was upon it from the minute that woman told me about it. Thank you for keeping Curly company while I worked with the other three. How else could he have been content just sitting in his stroller for over an hour? I ask for your guidance on whether you are calling me to bring this to our parish. Also, please bless those that are reading my blog today. Help them to feel your closeness and your power this day. We all love you and seek to know you better. Amen.

Today's Menu
Breakfast: Flour tortilla with scrambled eggs and melted cheese, cantaloupe

Lunch: Toasted cheese sandwich, Amy's organic tomato soup with rotini noodles

Dinner: Pasta dish with penne pasta, ground beef, classico spicy red pepper sauce, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, salad, dinner rolls

March 23, 2010

No Blog tonight. Mr. Fix-it asked me on a date, which consists of getting the kids to bed and watching a rerun of Matlock. First things first. I'll be back tomorrow.

March 22, 2010

Today's blog is in memory of my mom whose 66th birthday would have been today. Happy Birthday Mama!

Verse of the Day
"The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
In green pastures you let me graze;to safe waters you lead me; you restore my strength.
You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.
You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come." Psalm 23 1-6

I know I chose this verse a few days ago, but I am choosing it again. This was the psalm today at church. I vividly remember after my mom died, my dad getting these cards from this woman at his church almost daily for probably two weeks. This verse was always in the cards. Being that he is legally blind, I read most of his cards to him. Looking back, I am sure God was comforting me at the same time.

Song of the Day
Angels Among Us by Alabama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey0HrEvh44c

About 11 years before my mom died, I convinced her to go on a retreat that really impacted my life. I wanted her to have the same experience. She was willing. I brought her there. They made accommodations to help make her comfortable as her health was starting to decline. I stayed and helped out in the kitchen and stuff, but she didn't know that. When they welcomed us helpers in, this song was playing. She was so touched that I was there working. After that retreat, I would find little white paper angels pop up everywhere. This became the song where we connected.

When I got married, I gave her a silver angel jewelry case and engraved it "Remember, there are always angels among us." We know the Bible talks about real angels that exist. "No evil shall befall you, no affliction come near your tent. For God commands the angels to guard you in all your ways. With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone." Psalm 91:10-12. But it is also common to in gest call people angels because they are there for you through really difficult times, etc. My mom was an angel to me in this sense. Her character, her love, her joy, and her faith propel me to work not at doing more, but "being" more, really "being" in the present moment and enjoying all that it has to offer. The things she has said to me in the past continue to run through my head, encouraging me at every turn. Even though she is dead physically, she continues to influence who I am and where I want to go. I was very blessed.

Food
I always seem to find excuses. Since we always go out to eat with my dad on my mom's birthday, I did allow the kids to have a sugared drink and a dessert. Joke-A-Lot was hesitant since it is a lenten sacrifice. She asked "Do you think Jesus would have it?" I said "Yes". Hope that was the right response. How the heck do I know if Jesus would have the ice cream or not?

"Stuff" Detachment
I cleared out the shelf in the bathroom closet. Threw a bunch of stuff out that I never use. Also, let go of a baby toy.

Spiritual Growth
Artsy got up today and put on her best outfit, beautiful yellow dress, sweater and yellow hat because it was Grandma's birthday. She decided to make a card and leave it out for her. We headed to Mass. Artsy went up to the altar to see if the last heart she placed there was "taken by Jesus" and it was. Curly seems to do something cute every time we go. Today, he kept saying "Hi Jesus. Hi Jesus". The girls wanted to get a present for Grandma, so I said we could pool our money and have a Mass prayed for her. So, we did.

The Divine Mercy Chaplet was cool again because Race Car wanted to lead it. He could even say the Apostle's Creed. I couldn't believe it. And they just cuddle so close. I don't want these years to end.

I want to end this section with a quote from 1 Corinthians 13:
"If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. . .So faith, hope, love remain, these three; bu the greatest of these is love."

This is something that has really struck me lately. I can try and do everything "right" in this world and Lord knows we all have a lot to do, but if it isn't done with love we are a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. I don't want to be a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. I heard enough clashing cymbals growing up with a drummer for a brother, I don't want to be one. And just today, when I keep this in the back of my head, I notice myself linger just a couple seconds longer when I look at my kids. And what a delight to really make good eye contact with them. I am so often yelling from another room or talking while washing dishes. My mom showed me how to love. I have a clear vision of what love looks like in my head and for that I am grateful. Thankfully, whether we have someone in our lives like that or not, we can all just keep looking up to the cross, the ultimate vision of love.

Thanks for bearing with me as I ponder my mom on her birthday. I did not play a game with the kids today which was my challenge from yesterday. Boy, I am not very good at accomplishing my own challenges, BUT we did crawl in bed and read the book about my mom that I had made after she died. It was fun to reminisce.

Prayer
Dear Lord,
You are Love. Help us to sleep, eat, work and play with a heart of love. Guide us safely through this next day and help all of us make the time to play a game with our kids. Amen.

Book Discussion
I will continue soon.

Today's Menu
Breakfast: Oatmeal made with whole milk,bananas, and cinnamon (I should really try the steel cut oats. They are much better for you.), Jones sausage patties

Lunch: Peanut butter sandwiches, vege tray with dip, strawberries

Dinner: "Not Healthy Alert" Culvers fried walleye, french fries, sugared soda, and concrete mixer for the girls, hamburgers, fries, sugared drink and ice cream for the boys (except Curly had water).

March 21, 2010

Verse of the Day
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8

Song of the Day
Thou Lovely Source of True Delight by Jars of Clay
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7T7CxwWXiow
This song proved interesting. I never heard it until just now. Didn't care for it at first, but it grew on me. Then I realized that after writing the quote above, this song was perfect as there are beautiful flowers to gaze upon. I am thinking it is meant to touch someones soul out there.

Food
Artsy was excited when she remembered there was still some of the Stevia sweetened Banana cake left. A couple bites in, she said "Mama, it really isn't so good. It tastes like flour." So, we will just toss that recipe in the garbage.

"Stuff" Detachment
I didn't want to, but I stopped blogging to go through the craft bin. I threw a boat load of stuff out and reorganized it. These small steps work for me.

Spiritual Growth
I took the time to sit with the children and play Rummikub. That was spiritual growth for me. It is good for my soul to take the time to play with the kids, to listen and laugh with the kids, and to really look at them and watch them. It's beautiful. I need to do it more often. That leads me to a challenge. Let's make a commitment to take the time to play a game with our children on Monday. You must laugh and smile. It is a requirement! Anyone want to join me? Enjoying these lives that have been entrusted to us by God feeds our souls.

Book Discussion
I am going to defer for another day.

Prayer
Dear Lord,
You know our struggles whether it is with our spouse, children, job, finances, parents, or health. Please come to all of us in these troubling times that all of us can face. Show your power in these situations as we try to do our best to trust and let you take control. We love you and want to serve you in this life and be happy with you in the next. Amen.

Today's Menu
Breakfast: Peanut butter toast, blueberries (Artsy made it.)

Lunch: Scrambled eggs, bacon, pears, strawberries, and baked apples with cinnamon

Dinner: Chuck roast, potatoes, carrots, onions, corn, strawberries, pears

March 20, 2010

Verse of the Day
"Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2

Song of the Day
We Belong to God by ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owP7FwQyekE&feature=related
I had a hard time finding this song, so it isn't the best recording, but the words are on the screen, so focus on the words. I have loved this song for a long time. It coincides with the verse of the day, too.

Food
Joke-A-Lot had a birthday party where she very much enjoyed a mint dilly bar.

"Stuff" Detachment
Mr. Fix-It threw away enough for the both of us. The problem with him throwing things away is that he throws away whatever is currently in his way without regard to whether it is actually something we should keep it or not. Makes me insane. I guess I am not making much of a dent with my three things a day. But I will continue to plow forward anyway.

Spiritual Growth
If you read yesterdays blog, you probably remember how the Song of the Day came about, a blunt blow, hadn't though of the song in years. I continue to see God's hand on this blog. I received an email today from a friend who was having trouble calming some spiritual fear in her child. Clearly, the song of the day was for them. It was absolutely perfect, yet I didn't know at the time. The words were such a comfort to both her and her child. Thank you Jesus. What an honor to have you working through this blog! The words from yesterday's song that seemed especially striking were "Mercy said no, I'm not going to let you go. I am not going to let you slip away. You don't have to be afraid." She was able to play this song for her child, to reassure the child that God's love and mercy are far greater than the power of the evil one.

I once heard it explained this way. Picture the ocean like God's mercy. Now, picture all of our sin along with that of everyone in this world past, present, and future. God's mercy is so over-flowing that just a single drop of that ocean would cover all of that sin. Amazing. Gives us a glimmer into the unfathomable, doesn't it?

Book Discussion
I am going to pass on this tonight, just feeling extra tired. Tomorrow's section title is "Attitude When Confronted With the Suffering of Those Close to Us". Should be a good one.

Prayer
Dear Lord,
How amazing are you works! That you would place that song in my head, so that my friend and child might be comforted through it. Thank you for leading me to the book about peace Lord. It has been such a strength to me and even just this week when I placed my trust in you in a certain area, you provided me with exactly what I needed. Thank you, Jesus. Please bless those reading this blog with an increased measure of faith and again as requested yesterday, please shower your mercy upon us all. Amen.

Today's Menu
Breakfast: Oatmeal made with whole milk, mashed bananas, and cinnamon

Lunch: Lipton noodle soup, peanut butter sandwiches

Dinner: Pizza Hut pizza (kids earn free personal pizza's through the Book-It program as a reward for reading a certain amount), fruit cup (grapes, grapefruit, and oranges)

Snack: Popcorn made on the stove with corn oil and salted

March 19, 2010 Happy St. Joseph's Day!

Verse of the Day
"Happy are the pure in heart; they shall see God." Matthew 5:8

Song of the Day
Mercy Said No by Greg Long
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E4hFUDwZHw
As you read the Book Discussion, you will see how God threw this song into my head out of nowhere. So cool! And again, the date is January 19th, 2008, the one year anniversary of my mom's death. Seems a little strange that January 19th keeps popping up everywhere.

Food
Since it is St. Joseph's Feast Day, the church lifted our Lenten sacrifices for today. We had lunch at a friends house. She had cookies, the girls each had two and Race Car said "No thank you." Remember, sweets have been few and far between and he says "No, thank you." Then my kind friend sent three more home with me. Tonight at dinner, I offered each of them one of those cookies and one of the cookies they had received earlier in Lent (in the freezer). The girls and curly enjoyed them thoroughly. Race Car tried one of them and asked to save the other one. Huh? Can he really be one of my descendants?

"Stuff" Detachment
Guess what I found under the girls bed? The item of Joke-A-Lot's that I threw away yesterday. Artsy saw it and pulled it our of the garbage. I wasn't kidding when I said Artsy has a hard time detaching from stuff. Let's see, today I threw away an old plastic cup, a small useless funnel, and a book.

Spiritual Growth
We did our Family Formation packet tonight. Joke-A-Lot kept asking what exactly Mercy was. I kept trying, but even until the end of the discussion, I could see that it didn't click. I explained that Jesus showed Mercy when he suffered and died on the cross for our sins when he didn't do anything to deserve it. But just now I looked up the definition and this is what I found as a definition for mercy:

"A moral virtue that prompts its owner to have compassion for and to succour those in spiritual or temporal want."

I looked up succour as well, it means to help in a difficult situation. So, my question to any of you who would like to attempt, how do you explain mercy to an almost 8 year old girl? If you have an idea, you can either leave me a comment so others can also learn or email me if you have my address.

Book Discussion
Title: Searching for and Maintaining Peace
Author: Fr. Jacques Philippe
Section: The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want

Yesterday, I put Psalm 23 as my verse of the day. This psalm is clear that the Lord has left us wanting for nothing. Yet, we are prone to succumb to the temptation of believing that our situation has left us lacking something that prevents us from progressing spiritually.

"I am concentrated on the negatives of my situation, on that which I lack in order to be happy. This renders me unhappy, envious and discouraged and I am unable to go forward. The real life is elsewhere, I tell myself, and I simply forget to live. Oftentimes it would take so little for everything to be different and for me to progress with giant steps: A different outlook, a view of my situation which is one of confidence and hope (based on the certitude that I will lack nothing). And then doors would open to me of unhoped-for possibilities for spiritual growth."

"It is not the exterior circumstances that must change; it is above all our hearts that must change."

"Our minds are sometimes so clouded over by that which is not going well, by that which (according to our own criteria!) should be different in our situations, that we forget the positive."

"The fundamental problem is that we employ too much of our own criteria as to what is and what is not good and we don't have enough confidence in the Wisdom and Power of God."

"Many of the circumstances that I consider damaging could, in fact, be for me, if I had more faith, precious opportunities to love more: to be more patient, more humble, more gentle, more merciful and to abandon myself more into the hands of God."

"God may allow me to occasionally lack money, health, abilities and virtues, but He will never leave me in want of Himself, of His assistance and His mercy or of anything (song of the day just popped into my head, amazing how God does that!)that would allow me to grow unceasingly ever closer to Him, to love Him more intensely, to better love my neighbor and to achieve holiness."

I know that was a lot of quotes, but they were so meaningful.

Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Some days the theme of the blog really comes out strong and on others it doesn't, but today the message was clear Your Divine Mercy! Praise you dear Jesus! Thank you for the tremendous gift of your mercy to us and help us to in turn show that mercy to others (even those who work for our flex benefits who frustrate me to no end). If you can send down such mercy upon us, we can work to shower it upon others. Thank you dear Jesus! Amen.

Today's Menu
Breakfast: Smuckers natural peanut butter on either Natural Ovens Brainy Bagels or Nature's Pride 100% whole wheat double fiber bread, whole milk (running late, had to get going)

Lunch: Ate at friends house: peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, ham and cheese sandwiches, tortillas and salsa, mandarin oranges, and cookies

Dinner: Angel hair pasta, Classico Red Pepper sauce, take and bake ciabatta roll, Wisconsin Sausage Company meatballs (Mr. Fix-it said they were average. We are on the search for some good meatballs that Mom On A Mission doesn't have to make), cookies

March 18, 2010

Verse of the Day
"The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
In green pastures you let me graze;to safe waters you lead me; you restore my strength.
You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.
You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come." Psalm 23 1-6

Song of the Day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plx5HLi7HHs
"He gives the strength to rise above through the power of His love", thought this was an encouragment. You will see why I was discouraged today in Spiritual Growth.

Food
I tried a banana cake with buttercream frosting sweetened with stevia powder. Mr. Fix-it took one bit and threw it in the garbage. Artsy and Race Car liked the cake, but no one liked the frosting. So, I asked Mr. Fix-it if it would have been better with fresh unsweetened whip cream instead. His exact words were "No, the cake was disgusting" and then he added "I meant that in a nice way". I may try again in the future. But for tonight after the excitement of trying the cake was over, fresh fruit was again the best dessert. But even after all that, Race Car asked "Can I have some sort of dessert or something?" I just looked at him and then he laughed and said "Oh yah, I forgot."

"Stuff" Detachment
The things I see when I am really looking. I found two Diaper Genie refills sitting in plain sight. I don't have a diaper genie. I used to, but it is long gone. I also got rid of something Joke-A-Lot was willing to get rid of. It is much easier for her to let go of things than Artsy or Race Car. I hope I can lead by example, that things are only things.

Spiritual Growth
My spirit is discouraged today as it seemed satan took full advantage of the fact that I really wanted to fulfill my challenge from yesterday which was: Let's see if we can make it one full day with only kind, patient, loving words. I wanted to come back with good news, but it seemed I had less patience and love rather than more. But, I won't give up. How can I? I have four beautiful souls in my hands, so I am going to keep my blog short today and get a good nights rest, so that I am fully ready to again try to be more patient and loving.

On a positive note, I have really enjoyed watching the relationship between my boys foster. Every morning, Race Car asks if he can outside with Curly. They go out and sit back in all the pea gravel surrounding the play set and play with their trucks forever. Very sweet.

Book Discussion
I will continue tomorrow. The next section had some really good things to share, so stay tuned.

Prayer
Dear Lord,
I continue to hand this blog over to you that I may do your will through it. I pray that those that experienced a day full of love and patience will be blessed with another one tomorrow. And for those of us who struggled in this area, I pray that you fill us with your courage and peace, that we will wake up fully rested and filled to the brim with God's love. Amen.

Today's Menu
Breakfast: Yogurt smoothie made with Stoneyfield Farms plain whole milk yogurt, frozen blueberries, banana, flaxseed oil, Special K Protein Plus cereal with whole milk

Lunch: Leftover hamburgers with whole wheat buns and one had Van's blueberry waffle with peanut butter and sliced banana, still hungry, bagel with peanut butter, oranges, apples with peanut butter (we all like peanut butter, natural of course)

Snack: Mixed nuts, no oil, no salt, just plain

Dinner: Chuck roast, carrots, potatoes, corn, stevia sweetened banana cake (see Food for the family response), fresh fruit (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, grapes, pomegranete seeds, and bananas)

March 17, 2010 Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Verse of the Day
"Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me." St. Patrick

Song of the Day
The Lord's Prayer by Andrea Bocelli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIh2gnlHP-U

Food
This shouldn't be a surprise, but the kids seem to be eating a lot more. The truth is they are just eating more good food and less garbage.

"Stuff" Detachment
I threw one of Race Car's many Race Car shirts. It really needed to go. Also, got rid of a baby squish book and some cheap brand of Legos. Seeing Joke-A-Lot struggle just to get them to click together didn't look like too much fun.

Spiritual Growth
Artsy brought another heart to give Jesus today at Mass. I continue to struggle with patience and doing everything with love. I think I need accountability. Anyone out there want to do the one day challenge? Let's see if we can make it one full day with only kind, patient, loving words. Even discipline must be done with patience and love. Hmmmm. Any takers? I'll let you know how I do tomorrow.

I am also struggling in handing out all of the worries to God. I keep grabbing them back and trying to figure out what I can do to make things work out. I have a lot of fear, fear of missing an opportunity with the kids, missing pictures or video at a certain special event. My memory isn't always the best, so I have fear that I will forget and I believe pictures and videos will help me to remember.

Book Discussion
Title: Searching for and Maintaining Peace
Author: Fr. Jacques Philippe
Section: God Asks For Everything, But He Doesn't Necessarily Take Everything and What to Do When You Are Unable to Abandon Yourself?

"Faced with certain goods that we possess (a material good, a friendship, an activity that we enjoy, etc.), the devil, in an effort to prevent us from abandoning ourselves to God, causes us to imagine that if we put everything in God's hands, God will effectively take everything and "ruin" everything in our lives!"

" . . .the Lord asks only an attitude of detachment at the level of the heart, a disposition to give Him everything. But He doesn't necessarily "take" everything."

"The proper attitude then is simply to be disposed to give everything to God, without panic, and to allow Him to do things His way, in total confidence."

So, if you are at all like me, you are thinking "Yah, right." I couldn't even make it one day letting go. What do you do when you simply have a hard time abandoning yourself to God? Thankfully, the subsequent section was about just that, and this is what he said.

"Abandonment is not natural; it is a grace to be asked of God. He will give it to us, if we pray with perseverance: Ask, and it will be given to you (Matthew 7:7)."

"Abandonment is the fruit of the Holy Spirit, but the Lord does not refuse this Spirit to those who ask with faith . . ."

So, the answer is simple, but not easy. We must persevere in our prayer life, continually asking for the ability to abandon ourselves to God.

Tomorrow: The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want

Prayer
Dear Lord, please bless all those reading this blog. Help them on their spiritual walk that they may continue to grow closer to you. Please bless all of us with the ability to abandon ourselves to you with complete and utter trust Lord. You are trustworthy. We have nothing to fear. Amen.

Today's Menu
Breakfast: Flour tortillas with scrambled eggs and cheese, oranges

Lunch: Chicken, brown rice, and broccoli stir fried in olive oil and soy sauce, fruit cup (grapefruit, oranges, and grapes), still hungry so, triscuits and cheese, still hungry, so peanut butter bagel

Dinner: Hamburger on a whole wheat bun with reduced sugar ketchup, tortilla chips (we were late for religion)

Snack: Artsy had another hamburger, Race Car had an orange, Joke-A-Lot had the whole wheat bread mentioned in earlier blogs with butter, and Curly had plain yogurt sweetened with four drops of Stevia.

March 16, 2010

Verse of the Day
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6

Song of the Day
The Coloring Song by Petra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXSugnTCWbs&feature=related

Food
A sugar-free lent is not proving to be as difficult as anticipated. I am wondering why I provided so many treats before. I also found the key to getting the kids to eat vegetables. Eat at 7pm and then make sure the steamed broccoli is done first! I thought Race Car was going to eat the entire bowl. Then he proceeded to eat 3 helpings of chicken, 2 helpings of rice-a-roni, yams, corn, some of my roasted cauliflour and 2 bowls of fruit. Scares me a little, since he is a bean pole and only 5 years old. Can you imagine when he is 16?

"Stuff" Detachment
Boy, a trip to my jewelry box is like a trip back in time. Found some real treasures today, two of those handmade weaved ankle bracelets and a mood ring. I am so sad to be riding this house of those items.

Spiritual Growth
The Divine Mercy Chaplet has been going well, other than the fact that I forgot today. Race Car took it upon himself to lead a few days ago without even being asked. I have also really enjoyed the simple fact of a break in the day where they all come and cuddle around me. Who wouldn't like that? We do it at 3pm, the hour of Jesus' death on the cross.

Mass is also going well. Curly has become a little amusing. During the prayers of the faithful, the priest offers up a prayer and we respond "Lord, hear our prayer." Well, Curly has caught on to the word "prayer", but instead of saying it in unison with the rest of us, he says it nice and loud right after we say it. For example, priest says "For all the poor in spirit, that they may find comfort in our Lord, let us pray to the Lord", we say "Lord hear our prayer", then Curly says "PRAYER!"

Book Discussion
Book: Searching for and Maintaining Peace
Author: Fr. Jacques Philippe
Section: One Abandons Oneself Completely or Not at All

I decided to separate this section, so that those who aren't real interested in this can pass over it and those that love the deep stuff can find it immediately.

What a fabulous section today! I spent the last hour prior to writing this cutting up fruit for my "fruit cup" which entails sectioned oranges and grapefruits and grapes cut in half. Takes me about an hour. By the time I was done, I was so worked up. My mind was in spin mode. Within the next month, Joke-A-Lot has her birthday, we have Holy Week and Easter, and then Joke-A-Lot is celebrating her First Holy Communion. I was getting overwhelmed with all the details, but also with all the costs that would arise. Then, I sat down to read this section to discuss with you. It couldn't have been more perfect. I am pretty confident that I am not the only one out there with things similar to this running through their heads. So, hopefully you will find this as useful as I did.

"We must put everything, without exception, into the hands of God, not seeking any longer to manage or "to save" ourselves by our own means: not in the material domain, nor the emotional domain, nor the spiritual . . .The measure of our interior peace will be that of our abandonment, consequently of our detachment."

"The one who clings to something, who wishes to protect some domain in his life in order to manage it at his convenience without radically abandoning it into the hands of God, is making a very bad mistake: he devotes himself to unnecessary preoccupations and exposes himself to the gnawing sense of loss."

"This is the way to happiness, because if we leave God free to act in His way, He is infinitely more capable of rendering us happy than we ourselves are, because he knows us and loves us more than we can ever know or love ourselves."

Saint John of the Cross said "All things were given to me from the moment when I no longer sought them."

"If we detach ourselves from everything and put them into the hands of God, god will return them to us a hundredfold, from this day forward."

So, the last hour while cutting the fruit was an utter waste of time, managing only to take minutes off my life because of the worry. I think I need to go back and listen to the God is Faithful song from a few days ago. I try so hard to control things and manage things because if I can just look at things differently, than maybe I can make things work out. It is far more comforting and freeing to just let go and trust God. In the past, when I have done this in very small ways, I have seen the miracles that God had ready to give when I loosened my grip just a bit.

Today's Menu
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, toast with butter or peanut butter, pears

Lunch: Flour tortillas with taco meat and cheese, baked apples with cinnamon

Dinner: Baked chicken with salt, pepper, paprika and onions, yams with butter and cinnamon, corn, Rice-A-Roni (I know it isn't good for you), steamed broccoli, fruit bowl (strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, pomegranate seeds, grapes, bananas, and pears)