Sabbath Sunday - Jan 31

Fr. Christian Mathis has a meme called Sabbath Sunday. You sign into Mr Linky on his site with the link for an old post instead of doing any blogging on Sunday. It can be an old post, not necessarily one from that week.

So if you wish to join in, head on over to Blessed is the Kingdom to meet Fr. Mathis and other bloggers.

Here is my contribution:

God is My Rest and My Refuge

Sunday Snippets - Catholic Carnival Jan. 31

This is the weekly Catholic Carnival! Be sure to visit RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing and check out some posts from other bloggers participating in Sunday Snippets this week. Why not join us and share a blog post or two from last week?
Here are my contributions. They include 2 posts on my retreat and a video on Survivors of Child Sexual abuse.

Do You Know Whose You Are?

Change Today

Let Go, Let Peace Come In

Sabbath Moment - Retreat

Sabbath moments are the moments we rest in God, when we take time to just Be with God rather than Do. Sabbath moments are those times when we live in the moment and find the holy in the ordinary. I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below. If you don't have a blog, share about it in a comment! Hope you will join us!

Here is my Sabbath moment this week:

As many of you already know, I spent last weekend on retreat with my hubby and the diaconate. A retreat is like having many Sabbath moments, one right after another.

This was a preached retreat and the retreat master, Father Melvin Shorter, was wonderful. I enjoyed his conferences very much and he gave me so much food for thought.
I prefer silent retreats so I sought moments here and there, to pray in solitude. I took some time on the porch, in a rocking chair, looking at the scenery which was beautiful. I had plenty of silent time, time in the chapel, time to pray, time to notice nature, including a few alligators!

I thank God for this time He gave me to focus on Him! What a blessing!
Here is one of the young alligators I saw:

Touch of Our Savior's Hand - On Retreat

My blogging buddy, Karinann, hosts Touch of Our Savior's Hand every Friday. This is such a beautiful meme because it helps us to be more aware of how and where and when we experience God every week. If you wish to participate or check out other posts, visit Karinann at her beautiful blog - Blessings For the Day.  Thank you, Karinann, for hosting this meme!
My hubby and I went on retreat with the deacons of our diocese last weekend. There was a Recommitment service on Saturday night for the deacons. It was a beautiful service, which ended with the deacons and wives all going to the cross to venerate the cross and leave our heavy burdens there. I was praying about what I was being asked to let go of and a word kept popping into my head. There was no doubt. I prayed and pondered, but the same word kept coming back to me.
Sunday morning, after our final Conference, we had Mass to end the retreat. In his homily, Father Shorter, our retreat master, told us a story about Martin Luther King, Jr. that was told to him by one of Dr. King’s daughters.
She said that when Dr. King would come home from a trip, they had a ritual they would follow. She would run into his arms and he would carry her to the kitchen and place her on top of the refrigerator and tell her to - Jump. Jump. Jump. She would hesitate, and then say No and he would take her off the refrigerator.
One day when, he came home after a long trip, he looked tried and worn. An attempt had been made on his life during that trip. But they followed the same ritual. She jumped into his arms and he carried her to the kitchen and placed her on the refrigerator and told her: Jump. Jump. Jump. She hesitated for a few seconds and then she jumped! And he caught her.
And then he told her, “Please remember, whenever God is calling you to do something,  do not be afraid. Let go of the fear and trust in the Lord. Jump. Jump. Jump.”
Father talked more about fear, about trusting in the Lord, about being children of God. He told us to never forget that God is always with us. And, he said: Jump. Jump. Jump.
Oh, and you probably have guessed the burden I had left at the foot of the cross.
Fear.

Change Today

We need to find God and God cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. - Mother Teresa
I love going on retreat. I love the times of silence and solitude, when I can listen for God's whisper in my heart.
During our weekend retreat, after listening to Father speak, I would sit in silence and try to absorb what was said. He would repeat phrases that we could take with us so we could remember what was said. And I would repeat these phrases and write them down.
And pray.
One of the phrases that really stuck with me was - Change today. It was about conversion and how we need to be open to the little conversion moments that happen everyday, if we only would notice.
Praying helps us to notice. Silence helps us to notice. Even just a few minutes of silence and focusing on the Lord helps us to be a little more aware.
Tomorrow I will write about the Touch of the Savior's Hand that I experienced on the last day. Amazing grace!

Thankful for Blessings - Grandbaby and God

A special thanks to my blogging friend, Judy, at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings who hosts this inspiring meme! Remembering to give thanks everyday helps us have an attitude of gratitude. Be sure to click on the link above or this graphic on my sidebar to visit Judy's beautiful blog and read others' lists of blessings. Be sure to check out her other blogs as well! 
Here are some of my blessings:
1. The cool weather  - Love wearing sweaters and jackets and sweatpants!! It doesn't last long in Florida so I enjoy every moment!
2. My newest grandchild - My son called to tell me that he and my dil are going to have a BOY! They are so excited and I am excited for them. They had one of those 3-D ultrasounds which is just amazing! My son told me that they could watch him rubbing his head with his hand!
3. My retreat - I had a wonderful retreat last weekend with my husband and the diaconate community in our diocese. The retreat leader was inspiring. I have written one post on it already and will write more. What a joy!
4. My faith - I thank God for my faith everyday. It is one of the greatest gifts God has ever given me. I do not have the words.
5. My husband - I thank God for him everyday, too. I look at him sometimes when he doesn't know I am looking, and I think, what did I do to deserve him?
Your turn!! What blessings do you want to share?

Do You Know Whose You Are?

I went on a diaconate retreat this past weekend with my hubby. It was a wonderful retreat and over the next few posts, I hope to share some of it with you.

The retreat master was Father Melvin Shorter, a Passionist priest, and he was a wonderful preacher and leader, often using stories to make his point. Since I also use stories when leading retreats, I was hoping to learn from him. And I did.

But more important, the Lord used Father's words and stories to nourish my soul. I really needed some nourishment, too. I have been so busy, and my prayer life has been so dry.

Father Mel ended the very first conference with these two questions: 

Do you know who you are?

Do you know WHOSE you are?

Those questions stuck to me all weekend. Especially the 2nd one. Do I know WHOSE I am?

I know the answer. I know I belong to God. I know I am the daughter of the Father. At least in my head I do. But what about my heart?

Do I live like I know I am His beloved daughter? Do I know I am a child of God?

I have been on a journey of healing all of my life. Sexually abused as a child, I had no idea I had a Father who loved me. Or did I? As a child, I loved going to church. I even walked to church by myself sometimes.

I must have known in my heart of hearts that I belonged somewhere. I must have known whose daughter I really was. Do I know now? Do I know in my heart who my true Father is?

Yes, I know. Today I know. I can forget sometimes when my childhood memories threaten my peace of mind. But even when I am deep in the pit, I can sense, deep down inside ... a presence ... a peace ... that cannot be denied.

But just in case I was wavering on that answer too much, the Lord made sure I got the message.

When I came home from the retreat, I caught up on some of my email and visited some of the blogs I follow. One of them was Jean's blog, Healthy Spirituality. The headline on her post?
You're Mine.

Music Monday - You Are Holy

This Music Monday meme is hosted by Shawntele at Saved By Grace. Join in by clicking on the link here or the Music Monday image in my sidebar. Share your favorite songs and learn some new ones! It is fun and inspiring! 

I chose Michael W. Smith again and the song You Are Holy. This song never fails to inspire me. A beautiful praise and worship song that automatically lifts me off my feet and raises my hands to the heavens! Enjoy!

Sabbath Moment - Squirrels

Please note - I am away on retreat so posted this a day early so all can participate as usual if you wish. (Sometimes when I pre-schedule a post, it doesn't work for some reason.)
Sabbath moments are the moments we rest in God, when we take time to just Be with God rather than Do. Sabbath moments are those times when we live in the moment and find the holy in the ordinary. I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below. If you don't have a blog, share about it in a comment! Hope you will join us!
Here is my Sabbath moment this week:

On Monday, I drove to work and backed my car into the parking space. I turned off the engine, and then just sat there. Feeling tired, I knew I did not want to move quite yet. Then I noticed a sudden movement out of the corner of my eye, and saw a squirrel scurry across the parking lot in front of me and then run up a tree.

Soon it came back down out of the tree and scurried over to another one. I watched it intently, amused at its busy-ness, knowing darn well that I have been too busy lately. I wondered if I was like the squirrel, running from one task to another.

I felt myself relaxing as I watched this cute show. I took a few more deep breaths, breathed the word Jesus. And got out of my car to begin my work day.

Every morning since then, I have done the same thing. I pull into the parking space, take a deep breath, put myself in the moment, and watch the squirrel(s). Then I thank God for the show, breathe Jesus in, and start my day, feeling blessed. A sabbath moment.

Have you had a sabbath moment this week?

Touch of Our Savior - Retreat

One of my closest blogging friends and kindred spirit, Karinann, hosts Touch of Our Savior's Hand every Friday. This is such a beautiful meme because it helps us to be more aware of how and where and when we experience God every week. If you wish to participate or check out other posts, visit Karinann at her beautiful blog - Blessings For the Day.  Thank you, Karinann, for hosting this meme! 

It was this quote that touched me this week - 

"And what could be more pleasing to Him than that we should leave all things and all company to be with Him and think only of Him and know Him alone, in order to give Him our love?" - Thomas Merton

What wonderful timing to find this quote now. Of course, the Lord's timing is always perfect. I am going on retreat this weekend and I really need it. I need some time away from "all things and all company to be with Him." Reading this quote makes me all the more anxious to get there. Please pray for me this weekend. You can be sure that you will be in my prayers as well.

Let Go, Let Peace Come In

Let Go...Let Peace Come In Foundation has made a video on YouTube to tell people about their foundation and their mission to help adult survivors of sexual abuse. The video is 10 minutes long and gives some of the stats about child sexual abuse. There are also quotes from survivors and some pictures that survivors have submitted to their website including yours truly! My picture is at minute 6:28 of the video. It is a picture of me as a little girl wtih my dog!
The video is well done. So check it out! And please pass it on, too. The more people become educated about child sexual abuse, the more children we can save! This is for sure a pro-life issue. Want to know more about my own personal journey? Go to Surviving by Grace.

Thankful for Blessings - Jan. 20

A special thanks to one of my blogging friends, Judy, at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings who hosts this inspiring meme! Remembering to give thanks everyday helps us have an attitude of gratitude. Be sure to click on the link above or this graphic on my sidebar to visit Judy's beautiful blog and read others' lists of blessings. And maybe you would like to add some of your own! 
Here are some of my blessings:
1. My next speaking engagement  - it is coming up in a few weeks. I love to speak about God and the spiritual journey as well as witness about God's healing action in my life. I look forward to it and am busy writing!
2. Retreats - I am going on a retreat this coming weekend and cannot wait! Time to go away and have time to JUST BE with the Lord.
3. Sunsets - another beautiful one tonight. The Master Artist is treating me to an art show every day! Thank you, Lord.
4. The blogging community - the blogging community has give me support, encouragement, opportunities to write, new friends, a sense of belonging.
5. My hubby - for making me laugh, for loving me even when I am unlovable, for encouraging me and supporting me with everything I do, for taking over the cooking and feeding me so well!!
Your turn!! What are you thankful for?!?!

What A Surprise

My Thoughts on Grace blog is being featured at Daily Blessings on the Blogger Spotlight! It was a wonderful surprise from my generous friend, Judy, at Daily Blessings and Benmakesten and other blogs and websites that you just need to check out. I am so grateful and blessed.Thanks Judy!

Music Monday - How Great is Our God

This Music Monday meme is hosted by Shawntele at Saved By Grace. Join in by clicking on the Music Monday image in my sidebar. Share your favorite songs and learn some new ones! It is fun and inspiring! 

This week I chose How Great is Our God, sung by Chris Tomlin. This is a beautiful praise and worship song which really moves me. When I pray with this song, I understand what St. Augustine meant when he said that singing is praying twice. Enjoy!

Sabbath Sunday - Jan 17

Fr. Christian Mathis has a meme called Sabbath Sunday. You sign into Mr Linky on his site with the link for an old post instead of doing any blogging on Sunday. It can be an old post, not necessarily one from that week.
So if you wish to join in, head on over to Blessed is the Kingdom to meet Fr. Mathis and other bloggers.

Here is my contribution:
Out of the Blue

Sunday Snippets - Catholic Carnival Jan 17

This is the weekly Catholic Carnival! Be sure to visit RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing and check out some posts from other bloggers participating in Sunday Snippets this week. Why not join us and share a blog post or two from last week?
Here is my contribution:

God is Our Greatest Agenda

Sabbath Moment - Be Still

Sabbath moments are the moments we rest in God, when we take time to just Be with God rather than Do. Sabbath moments are those times when we live in the moment and find the holy in the ordinary. I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below. If you don't have a blog, share about it in a comment! Hope you will join us!

Here is my Sabbath moment this week:

I need more time to be with God. I know I do. I have sensed that call for a while. More than a call really. More like a longing. How do we balance Martha and Mary? Sabbath moments is certainly one way.

I have been reading an e-book called Be Still and Know that I am God, by Amy and Judge Reinhold. One of the meditations I read this week was written by Dallas Willard. This is part of what he said - "If you can learn to associate this stillness and solitude with your cup of coffee in the morning and begin by blessing that and thanking Him for it, then you will meet God there, and your day can grow out of that."

For some reason, this really touched me. So I started noticing that my first cup of coffee in the morning is usually in solitude. So I thanked God for it and let my day grow out of that. A "tiny" Sabbath moment, but one that means a lot and one, I hope, that will be come a habit.

Touch of Our Savior's Hand - Jan 15

Karinann, my blogging pal and kindred spirit, hosts Touch of Our Savior's Hand every Friday. This is such a beautiful meme because it helps us to be more aware of how and where and when we experience God every week. If you wish to participate or check out other posts, visit Karinann at her beautiful blog - Blessings For the Day. Karinann also has another beautiful blog, Daughter of the King (I love that title!) Thank you, Karinann, for hosting this meme!
(The following story told with permission)
Several weeks ago, someone told me in spiritual direction that she had been praying for her loved ones who had various needs. As she talked about her concern for them, a thought flashed in my mind that she never mentioned praying for herself and her own needs or desires or problems, etc.
I have learned over the years of doing spiritual direction that when I get that kind of thought from seemingly out of nowhere, I need to pay attention to it and often need to speak it. The "real" spiritual director is, of course, the Holy Spirit and I need to be aware of and sensitive to the Spirit's presence.
So I asked her - "Don't you ever pray for yourself?" She got a shocked look on her face and said, "No, I don't."
This week I saw her for the first time since that last visit. She was all aglow and spoke of how that question I had asked her had stuck with her all this time and how she had been changed. She still prayed for others, of course, but now she had started praying for herself as well and asking God for what she needed.
And what a difference it had made in her life. She became more aware of God's presence in her life. She became more aware of God's love for her and her answered prayers. She had allowed herself to become vulnerable enough to risk asking God for something she needed or wanted. And what she got was - a growing trust in God, a growth in her relationship with God.
Which, in the long run, is what we are all asking for and craving.
It never ceases to amaze me how God works in our lives and how a seemingly innocent word or question can change someone's life. With God's grace, of course.
God is good.

Small Successes - Jan 14

Our days are filled with "small successes." Danielle Bean, our hostess for this meme, says that "small successes can add up to one big triumph." Let's share them! To participate in this meme or to read other submissions, click on this graphic on my sidebar and visit Danielle at Faith and Family. 
1. I actually went to bed before 12:30 am 2 nights this week.
2. Hubby and I were too over-scheduled over the next 2 weeks so we actually backed out of an activity in order to be sure to have time to pause and renew and rest. Once unheard of for us to do, we need to do this. And we need to do it more often.
3. First week of diet. Only cheated a little, forgave myself and moved on. Lost 2 pounds. Not bad.
Your turn! What are some of your successes this week?

Thankful for Blessings - Jan 13

A special thanks to Judy at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings who hosts this inspiring meme! Remembering to give thanks everyday helps us have an attitude of gratitude. Be sure to click on this graphic on my sidebar to visit Judy's beautiful blog and read others' lists of blessings. And maybe you would like to add some of your own!
Here are some of my blessings:
1. My blogging friends - what a blessing it is to have such wonderful friends who support and encourage each other. I am so grateful to be a part of this community.
2. My mother - she supports and encourages me with everything and anything I do. She is always in my corner. What a gift.
3. My grandbaby on-the-way - we are all excited about our newest grandchild, due to be born in early July. Please keep this young family in your prayers!
4. My hubby - he spoils me. I came home from work yesterday, I was cold, and he had hot chocolate waiting for me!! It hit the spot - it was hot AND it was chocolate! Plus, it was guilt-free - only 1 point in weight-watchers diet!!
5. The Eucharist - a miracle that happens on altars around the world everyday. I have Adoration this week and I cannot wait! Come, let us adore Him. 
Your turn! What are some of your blessings?

God is Our Greatest Agenda

"The point is clear: there is to be no time, no thing, that absorbs us so much that we lose contact with the God of life; no stress so tension-producing, no burden so complex, no work so exhausting that God is not our greatest agenda, our constant companion, our rest and our refuge. More, whatever other people worship, we are to keep our minds and hearts on God."

I love this quote. I love this quote because I know I need it.

I make all kinds of excuses to delay my prayer time. I have this to do first or that to do. I am tired. I am hungry. I am stressed.

I forget that God needs to come first. I forget that praying would make all of those things I just HAVE to do so much easier to do, so much more successful or fruitful or meaningful or life-giving.
I desire to put God first. I desire to make God my greatest agenda. So why don't I? Like St. Paul said, "What I do, I do not understand. For I do not do what I want, but I do what I hate." (Romans 7:15)

Well, at least I know I am not alone.

Lord, I long to make you my greatest agenda. In my heart, you are my constant companion. I long to put you first. But I am human and I forget and sometimes I put other things ahead of you. Lord, help me to love you more and to keep my heart and mind on you, always. 
The author of this quote speaks to my heart, but I do not remember who wrote this. I want to give him or her credit but I have no idea. If you recognize it, please let me know so I can give proper credit.

Decisions, Decisions

Sigh.

I just cannot decide. I have been trying to change the look of this blog but cannot decide if I like this one or not. I love the picture. Of course. I love sunsets. Duh.

So I am going back and forth between this blog background and a blue one I like. I think I will use this one for a while and then switch over to see how I feel.

I am telling you this because I dont want you to wonder what is going on  - Every time you come to visit, there is a new look!

The other day I read Nancy's blog at Be Not Afraid. She is having the same problem. Indecision, she called it.

Well, at least I am not the only one. Maybe we need to start a support group. The only problem is, I cannot decide what to call it.

Sigh.
:)

Music Monday - Your Grace Still Amazes Me

This Music Monday meme is hosted by Shawntele at Saved By Grace. Join in by clicking on the Music Monday image in my sidebar. Share your favorite songs and learn some new ones! It is fun and inspiring! 

This song is sung here by Phillips, Craig & Dean. I first heard it at the Women of Faith conference I went to in August. It is a beautiful song, a song both for meditation and praising God. The title is enough of a reason for me to love it - Your Grace Still Amazes Me.  Amen to that!

The Baptism of Jesus

My husband and I were blessed with a trip to the Holy Land a couple of years ago. It was a gift from our children.

On the first day, we went to the Jordan River. Some people were being baptized there.

Rich and I renewed our baptism vows and blessed each other with the water. It was a special moment.

You can read my reflection for today at Simple Reflections.

Sabbath Sunday - Jan 10

Fr. Christian Mathis has a meme called Sabbath Sunday. You sign into Mr Linky on his site with the link for an old post instead of doing any blogging on Sunday. It can be an old post, not necessarily one from that week.
So if you wish to join in, read about Sabbath Sunday at the link above and then head on over to Blessed is the Kingdom to meet Fr. Mathis and other bloggers.

Here is my contribution:

God's Most Beautiful Word

Sunday Snippets - Catholic Carnival Jan 10

This is the weekly Catholic Carnival! Be sure to visit RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing and check out some posts from other bloggers participating in Sunday Snippets this week. Why not join us and share a blog post or two from last week?
Here is my contribution:
Thankful for Blessings - New Year's Gratitude

Review of Blueberry Muffins

Judy, a special blogging friend at BENMAKESTEN, has written a beautiful review of my e-book, Blueberry Muffins. Please check it out and while you are at it, visit a few of her other sites. She is a special person that I would love you all to meet!

Sabbath Moment - Living in the Moment

Sabbath moments are the moments we rest in God, when we take time to just Be with God rather than Do. Sabbath moments are those times when we live in the moment and find the holy in the ordinary. I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below. If you don't have a blog, share about it in a comment! Hope you will join us!
Here are some of my Sabbath moments this week:
 1. One night I was so tired that I fell asleep during my prayer time after dinner until about 10 pm. Then I was wide awake! My husband had gone to bed so I decided to continue my prayer and meditation at that time. I was reminded that God works in us even as we sleep. I was sleeping, but my heart kept vigil. (Song of Songs 5:2a)
2. A few times this week, I walked to the church from the parish office to check on some things. I enjoyed the sun and the birds and thanked the Lord as I walked. Then I took a few minutes to visit Jesus in the chapel. I was only there perhaps 5 minutes at the most but it was so restful and peaceful.
3. I had my Remicade infusion this week for my RA. I was there for 2 1/2 hours and I spent a large part of that time doing some spiritual reading. It was not a silent place and I was not alone, but I had time inbetween blood pressure checks to pray and offer the moment up to the Lord!

Touch of Our Savior's Hand - Jan 8

My good friend Karinann hosts Touch of Our Savior's Hand every Friday. This is such a beautiful meme because it helps us to be more aware of how and where and when we experience God every week. If you wish to participate or check out other posts, visit Karinann at her beautiful blog - Blessings For the Day. Thank you, Karinann, for hosting this meme! And I love the new picture!!
Earlier this week, on my submission for Judy's meme, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, I thanked God for the beautiful sunset I saw this past week.
Well! Thursday, I saw one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen in my life. I was again on my way home from work. In front of me, I saw a beautiful pink and peach sky and I remember thinking that I was going to be blessed with another beautiful sunset.
After I crossed over the river, now on the last 15 minutes of my trip, I saw ahead of me and all around me, the most beautiful sky I have ever seen. Dark red mixed with bright orange and pink and some wisps of gray and white clouds. As the sun was setting, the colors became even more vibrant. Truly the Lord outdid himself.
Of course, I only had my camera phone and no place to really stop to get a picture of it. And the colors were almost gone by the time I got home. But I found this picture that is almost as gorgeous as the one I saw - but not quite.
All the fatigue I felt from a tough week just melted away. God is good.

Image source

Small Successes - Happy New Year

Our days are filled with "small successes." Danielle Bean, our hostess for this meme, says that "small successes can add up to one big triumph." Let's share them! To participate in this meme or to read other submissions, click on this graphic on my sidebar and visit Danielle at Faith and Family.

1. Had a very quiet, lazy weekend with my husband. We needed that time badly. Time to rest and time to rejuvenate. And I didn't feel guilty.

2. Our Christmas decorations are still out. We are still in the Christmas season, but normally we have everything put away by now. And I get stressed out about when we are going to do it, etc. Not this year. I am pretty laid back about the whole thing. It will get done when it gets done. (who is this person?)

3. I am trying to reorganize my writing schedule a little better. This was the first week with the new system. Worked pretty well so I am going to stick to it and see how it goes!

Thanks for stopping by. Now your turn, what were some of your small successes?

Thankful for Blessings - New Year's Gratitude

As we begin our new year, may I extend my prayers and gratitude to all. A special thanks for Judy at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings who hosts this inspiring meme! Remembering to give thanks everyday helps us have an attitude of gratitude. Be sure to click on this graphic on my sidebar to visit Judy's beautiful blog and read others' lists of blessings. And maybe you would like to add some of your own!
I am thankful for many things. Among them are the following:
1. The gorgeous sunset I saw on my way home from work yesterday. I just love God's artwork!
2. The amazing hospitality of the women who had invited me to speak at their meeting today. They were so welcoming!
3. The opportunity to speak about my book and witness about God's loving and healing presence in my life. The story is painful but knowing that I am helping to shed light on a dark subject, knowing I am doing what the Lord has called me to do ... well I am filled to the brim with joy!
4. The cold weather we are having. What a treat! Actually feels like winter. However, I am also concerned about the citrus growers and will pray that their crops do OK and we do not go below freezing like they are predicting.
5. The long weekend of rest. My hubby and I did very little. We watched movies and read and went to Mass. Slept late. I really needed a weekend like that!
Your turn!! What are you grateful for today!?!?

Music Monday - Breathe

This Music Monday meme is hosted by Shawntele at Saved By Grace. Join in by clicking on the Music Monday image in my sidebar. Share your favorite songs and learn some new ones! It is fun and inspiring! Happy New Year!

I chose the song Breathe, sung here by Michael Smith, I love this song and I never tire of hearing it. It is a great song for meditation and the video is beautiful. God is the air I breathe.

Sabbath Sunday - Jan 3

Fr. Christian Mathis has a meme called Sabbath Sunday. You sign into Mr Linky on his site with the link for an old post instead of doing any blogging on Sunday. It can be an old post, not necessarily one from that week.
So if you wish to join in, read about Sabbath Sunday at the link above and then head on over to Blessed is the Kingdom to meet Fr. Mathis and other bloggers.

Here is my contribution:

God Desires to Be With Us

Sunday Snippets - Catholic Carnival Jan 3

This is the weekly Catholic Carnival! Be sure to visit RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing and check out some posts from other bloggers participating in Sunday Snippets this week. Why not join us and share a blog post or two from last week?
Here is my contribution:

Mary, Mother of God
Light in Our Darkness

Saturday Evening Blog Post - Jan 2

It is the first Saturday of the month and time to join Elizabeth Esther. She is hosting The Saturday Evening Blog Post where we share one of our posts from the previous month. This month, however, we can choose any post from the whole year! Follow the link to read other posts and perhaps add your own. Happy New Year!
Here is my contribution:
Letter to Our Lady

Sabbath Moments -Light in Our Darkness

Sabbath moments are the moments we rest in God, when we take time to just Be with God rather than Do. Sabbath moments are those times when we live in the moment and find the holy in the ordinary. I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below. If you don't have a blog, share about it in a comment! Hope you will join us!

1. My BIG sabbath moment was at Midnight Mass. Every year it reminds me of what Christmas really is. It is like taking a sanity break from all that running around before Christmas. Stop wrapping. Stop writing cards. Stop baking cookies. Focus on Jesus. Celebrate the Birth. The Light shines in our darkness. A new day is dawning. God is with us.
2. On my way home from work Wednesday, I saw a full moon. The clouds were all pink and orange from the sunset. Once the sun disappeared, the moon really brightened. It was a blue moon!! The second full moon in a month. Did anyone else see it? Such miracles we see every day.We just need to stop and look and listen.
Happy New Year!

Mary, Mother of God

My husband gave a wonderful homily at the New Year's Eve Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. He told a story that I have read before. But this time I heard something new and it brought tears to my eyes.

It is a story told by William Bausch called "Erik." It is about a mother and her 12 month old child (Erik) and a homeless person, who is dirty and wearing ragged torn clothes. And the child really likes this stranger, and is so excited to see him. The boy stretches his arms out wide and practically jumps into the man's arms.

The homeless guy is Us. We are him. Lost, without a home, sinful, raggedy.

The little boy is Jesus. He loves us no matter what or who we are and is so excited to see us, he stretches his arms wide open to us and practically jumps into our heart!

And the mother? She is Mary. Mary who gave birth to our Savior. Mary who gives us her Son every day. Over and over. Even now.

Mary, the Mother of God.

And my husband made the point that we are all called to motherhood. We are all called to bring Jesus to others. Like Mary did.

And still does.

Patron Saints for 2010

My friend Karinann at Daughter of the King picked out 2 patron saints for me for 2010! They are St. Padre Pio and St. Bernadette. I am so thrilled and feel so blessed. These pictures will appear on my sidebar when I re-do this blog for the new year. Thanks, Karinann!

Have A Happy and Blessed New Year!

Sisters in Faith Award

My special blogging friend, Karinann at Blessings for the Day, gave me an award she just created herself! Sisters in Faith Award! I am so honored and grateful for this award! Thank you Karinann! Be sure to visit her blog post about this award and why she created it.

Now I am supposed to pass it on:

1. To sisters who have been blogging with me almost from the beginning

2. At least one new sister in faith

3. Post links to their blogs

So here goes:

1. Karinann at Blessings for the Day. You were one of my first friends in this blogging world. Of course, you don't have to pass it on again. You get to break your own rules! :)

2. Nancy at Be Not Afraid

3. Just Be Real

And Judy, Anne and Mary who received the award already from Karinann! 

Happy New Year!