Thankful for Blessings - Feet on Vacation

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Thanks, Judy, for helping me keep an "attitude of gratitude!" :)
Some of my blessings this week:
1. This meme - I was absent from this meme last week and I missed it! So let me start off by saying I am thankful for this meme and its reminder to me to be grateful for all that is in my life. Thank you, Lord.
2. My blogging friends - I have some really special blogging friends and I am grateful for them all. When I get too overwhelmed with my blogs, I think of how much I learn from all my buddies. Thank you, Lord.
3. Vacation! Oh how much I needed this vacation. I needed rest and recreation and time to just be. I can sense my writing juices flowing again and my prayer life growing again and I am so thankful! Thank you, Lord.
4. Photos - what would we do without photos and our ability to take pictures at the drop of a hat with our phones etc? I took a lot of pictures, some of them silly, some of them beautiful, some of them redundant! But I had fun and I have memories. Thank you, Lord.
5. My feet - Speaking of vacations and photos and silliness, I took a picture of my feet in the water at the sea near my home and I could not resist posting it here. Notice my feet are only partly tanned! And they look a little funny, probably from my RA. But I am thankful  - I am still walking! Thank you, Lord.
(isn't this a weird list this week? Judy, next week I will be back to "normal." I think.)

What a Meme!

Need a good laugh? You must visit Victor at Time for Reflections to see the new meme!

The Cross is Part of the Story

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." - Matthew 16:24

Every Easter, when I was a child, I would watch King of Kings, a movie about the life of Jesus. Every time I watched it, I would start crying as the story moved closer to Jesus’ passion and death. I couldn’t understand why this had to happen. Couldn’t he just live forever without the cross being part of the story?

Peter seems to be thinking the same thing in this week’s gospel passage. Last week we heard Peter making his bold statement of faith. He tells Jesus - You are the Messiah, the son of the living God.

This week, he shows another side. When Jesus says that he must go to Jerusalem, suffer, die and be raised, Peter won’t hear of it. He is horrified that something like this should happen to Jesus. It is as if his faith has gone out the window.

Peter doesn’t understand that the cross has to be part of the story.

I think that the path of faith is like this for us too. Somedays we are bold and sure. Other days we are doubting and afraid.

One day we say – Jesus, you are the Lord of our life! The next day we turn around and say – I will manage things from now on!

But deep in our hearts, we really know - if we wish to follow Jesus, we too must carry our cross.

Oh Lord, it is so hard to deny myself. I know that I cannot do it without you. Sometimes my cross is light. Other times I cannot possibly carry it. Please, Jesus, help me carry my cross. Help me make this journey to you, for you, and with you. Amen.

Sunday Snippets - August 28

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 for this week:
1. Jesus is the One
2. Sabbath Moments - Pelican on Vacation

Praying the Psalms

"The revelation of your words sheds light, gives understanding to the simple." (Psalm 119:130)

I used to think the psalms were rather boring. I cringe inside to hear myself say that. But other than the responsorial psalms at Mass, I paid little attention to them.
Then I went to Pecos Monastery in New Mexico to take their Spiritual Direction class. The monks there prayed the Liturgy of the Hours 4 times a day and I prayed with them. I chanted the psalms with them everyday, day after day, for a month.
And something inside of me changed ... read more

Sabbath Moments - Pelican on Vacation

Sabbath moments are a way of taking time to rest in God, to enjoy God in silence or in nature. The word sabbath comes from a Hebrew word meaning "cease." And that is what we need to do sometimes, cease our activity and live in the moment and breathe in God.

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.

My hubby and I went on a mini-vacation this week. Vacations give us great sabbath moments!
We drove around a beach area one day. Just exploring. We came upon a bay area that looked so pretty and peaceful. We parked and sat on a bench, watching boats and seagulls, feeling the sea breeze.
A pelican was standing about 10 feet away from us on the stonewall that separated us from the water. It would look at us every few minutes and waddle a little closer to us. I wasn’t sure if I should be excited or nervous. That beak looked pretty strong. Maybe people feed the wildlife around here? I hope not.
Finally the pelican settled down on the wall not too far from us, looking ready for a nap. I took a picture and we three sat there, basking in the sun and the breeze, enjoying the peaceful day.
God is good.

Jesus is the One

… And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church … (Mt 16:18)

I reflect on my relationship with the Church and with Peter. I remember when I went to RCIA classes to become Catholic and how amazed I was to learn about the church and Peter and the apostolic succession.

I think about the troubles of the church in recent years, with the sexual abuse scandal and the abuse of authority by a few bishops and priests in the church. But I know the majority of bishops and priests are good and holy people. And I know the gates of hell will not prevail against the church.

I worry about some of the divisions in the Catholic Church these days and the quarreling that seems to be going on among some of us. I cannot help but think that while diversity can be good, charity seems to be missing in some places.

I reflect on my husband’s homily this Sunday and his point - that we can know Jesus’ church by just one sign – how we love and serve the least of our brothers and sisters.

I have been watching the World Youth day events. So many of the youth are really experiencing the universal church for the first time in their lives and they are so excited. I am excited for them.

I was reading some of the youths’ quotes in an article from the Catholic News Service. One pilgrim was talking about how awesome it was to see the Pope and she wondered what he thought as he looked out on the huge crowds. And then she added that there was one thing she knew for sure - “He knows that it’s not for him, but that it’s for Jesus Christ …”

In a reflection by Father Ron Rolheiser, he quotes Raymond Brown from his book The Community of the Beloved Disciple - “Raymond Brown reminds us that ‘the greatest dignity to be striven for is neither papal, episcopal, nor priestly; the greatest dignity is that of belonging to the community of the beloved disciples of Jesus Christ.’”

So after all this pondering, how do I answer this question from Jesus?

“But who do you say that I am?” (Mt 16:15)

I have to answer it the same way Peter did.

You are the Christ, the son of the living God.

You are the one who will heal us and help us to grow more loving.

You are the one who will save us and unite us and love us no matter what.

You are the one who will make all things new.

Lord, I love you with all my heart. You are all things to me. You are my everything. Help me to love and serve the little ones among us. Help me to love like you love. Please give our Holy Father wisdom, strength and love. Guide his hands and heart, Jesus. Guide all of our shepherds. Amen.

Sunday Snippets - August 21

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 for this week:
1. Trusting God's Silence
2. Thankful for Blessings - Family Pix
3. Saintly Meme

Sabbath Moments - Holy Moments

Sabbath moments are a way of taking time to rest in God, to enjoy God in silence or in nature. The word sabbath comes from a Hebrew word meaning "cease." And that is what we need to do sometimes, cease our activity and live in the moment and breathe in God.

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.

Finding small little moments in my days helps me feel closer to God. Here are some of my sabbath moments this week:
1. Spending more time with the Rule of St. Benedict than usual. I receive the rule and reflections in my email now and it works great! It serves as a reminder as well as a convenient way of reading them. And the reflections are great. They become another Sabbath moment.
2. Seeing the sunset at the beach with my grandson and family. Spending time in nature and watching the pure joy of my grandson. Being with his mom and dad and exploring new sights and sounds. Such a blessing to behold!
3. Eucharistic Adoration. A holy hour to be sure. Different from all others. A time of silence and peace.

Saintly Meme

Mary, of the Beautiful Gate, tagged me for this saintly meme.

Assuming you are a saint, and your cause has been executed, your miracles confirmed, your date on the calendar established, all that is required is select that of which Holy Mother Church will name you Patron(ess).

For this meme, you must name your patronage and then tag 5 other people who would like to play along. Link your answer to your nominator's post.

I doubt any one will be surprised at my choice of patronage. I hope the Lord would name me the patron saint of survivors of child sexual abuse. I already have a head start on saying intercessory prayers for all survivors and I am doing my best to shine Jesus' light into the dark corners of the world of child sexual abuse.

All I know for sure is that I long for the day when there are no more victims and I can sit on Jesus' lap and watch as He wipes away the tears from everyone's eyes.

In the meantime, I tag the following saints-to-be:

 

Kathleen, at So much to say, so little time

Sue, at Sue Elvis Writes

Judy, at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

Evan, at Evan's Cove

munchesmom, at Four Blessings Academy

Thankful for Blessings - Family Pix

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Thanks, Judy, for helping me keep an "attitude of gratitude!" :)
Some of my blessings this week:
1. Thank you, Lord, for your gift of family! (We had a great visit this past weekend with my two sons, daughter-in-law and one grandson, who is now walking all over the place like it was no big deal. (except on the beach, it is  a little tough! but there were plenty of helping hands!)

2. Thank you, Lord, for your gift of joy!

3. Thank you, Lord, for your gift of beauty!

4. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of World Youth Day! We have some teens going from our parish and it is quite a joy to see the pictures and videos being sent back for us to see!

5. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of summer and beaches and time off from work and school and more time with family and how about those ice cream cones?!?!?!

Trusting God's Silence

But he did not say a word in answer to her. – Matthew 15:23

Silence.

I sometimes get the same answer from Jesus when I pray.

No answer. No response. Nothing.

Just silence.

I have always heard that God answers prayers in one of three ways - Yes, No and Maybe.

Maybe? Is that what silence means?

Or is God just trying to get my attention?

The longer God is silent, the more choices I seem to consider in how I can respond. I can surrender. I can persist. I can fall to my knees and beg.

I can fall to my knees with my face in the dirt and I can beg for crumbs.

Or I can be open to the possibility that God is calling me to a deeper level of faith.

I do not believe that God ever ignores us or our prayers. God may be silent. He may give us an answer we do not like. But He loves us and He knows our hearts. And He knows what we need … even when we don’t know.

So sometimes we will persist and question and beg for crumbs if we feel we must. But may we always believe and know in our hearts - God hears our every word and feels our every heart beat.

Dear Lord, help me to grow in faith. Help me to believe in your everlasting love and mercy and compassion. Help me to trust your silence. Amen.

image source

Sunday Snippets - August 14

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 for this week:
1. Jesus Holds Us Up
2. Run to the Lord
3. Small Moments with God

Sabbath Moments - Small Moments with God

Sabbath moments are a way of taking time to rest in God, to enjoy God in silence or in nature. The word sabbath comes from a Hebrew word meaning "cease." And that is what we need to do sometimes, cease our activity and live in the moment and breathe in God.

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.

Finding small little moments in my days helps me feel closer to God. Here are some of my sabbath moments this week:
1. I was driving out of a shopping center and I had to stop and wait for a big duck to cross the road in front of me. There was no water near this area and I have no idea where that duck could have come from. I didn't see any other ducks either. I was amused by the whole thing and I couldn't help thinking that God has a great sense of humor.
2. On my way home from work, I stopped by the small lake in my park and, for a few moments, watched the raindrops causing ripples on the surface of the water. It was so peaceful.
3. I am usually the first one in the office in the morning. I have been taking a few minutes, sitting there alone in the quiet, just listening and praying to God, thanking him for the gift of another day. It is just for a few moments but so peaceful.
4. Listening to an online retreat in the car on my way back & forth to work passes the time and inspires me at the same time. Or I listen to Christian music and sing up a storm!
What were your Sabbath moments this week?

Thankful for Blessings - Giving Thanks

My blogging friend, Judy, has an inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. Join her every Wednesday in giving thanks for the many blessings we receive from God. Write a list of 5 blessings and then link to Judy's blog. Thanks, Judy, for helping me keep an "attitude of gratitude!" :)
Some of my blessings this week:
1. This meme - it reminds me to give thanks for all the blessings in my life, no matter what is going on.
2. Today I am giving a short reflection on Mary to a homeschooling group at my parish. Any time I can share my faith and love for Jesus and his mother - it is surely a blessing.
3. My job - many people are struggling. I feel fortunate to have a job and not just any job. I am working at my church and can talk about God all day. What a joy!
4. Allergies are bothering my eyes this year and I am reminded to be so grateful for my vision and all my 5 senses. It is easy to take them for granted.
5. My husband, the sunshine of my life. I am so grateful for his love and his presence in my life.
 

Run to the Lord

Run.
That seems to be the word of the week.
Ever have a word that repeats itself over and over in your head? You wonder what it all means and then when you finally give up wondering, the meaning becomes obvious.
I have been reading the Rule of St. Benedict daily and in one of my favorite books about Benedictine spirituality  (Living with Contradiction, by Esther deWaal), she writes that the Rule mentions “run” quite frequently. “St. Benedict tells me to run to Christ.”

Read more ...

Jesus Holds Us Up

But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" - Matthew 14:30

Peter takes a chance, he steps out in faith, and his doubts and fears get in the way. Doesn't that happen to all of us?

When I am troubled or afraid, I often picture myself sinking below the waves, my hand reaching out and Jesus grabbing onto it. That image in my mind can often be enough to ease my fears.

But I have come a long way. There was a time when I would not even get out of the boat. Nowadays, I will at least put my big toe in the water to check things out. And sometimes, I will dive right in.

Either way, deep underneath, along with my fear, is that trust that Jesus is near. And the more I dive in, the more I trust.

For me, I don't think the point is that we learn to walk on water.  I think the point is that we need to get out of the boat in the first place, trusting that Jesus is holding us up all the time.

Dear Lord, thank you for calling me to step out in faith. Help me to remember that, no matter what fears I may have, you are there to grab my hand. Every time. Amen.

Three Years

Thank You!!!

I am celebrating my 3rd blog-iversary today!

Thank you to all my readers and blogging buddies for your friendship and comments and inspirational blog posts over these years! You have touched my heart and taught me yet another way of how we can experience God's love and compassion through community.

God bless!

Sunday Snippets - August 7

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 for this week:
1. Sabbath Moments - God is Near
2. Jesus Multiples Our Giving

Sabbath Moments - Time with Jesus

Sabbath moments are a way of taking time to rest in God, to enjoy God in silence or in nature. The word sabbath comes from a Hebrew word meaning "cease." And that is what we need to do sometimes, cease our activity and live in the moment and breathe in God.

I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below.

Here are some of my sabbath moments this week:
1. Eucharistic Adoration - what a blessing this special hour is. I so look forward to it. Total peace and quiet and the Real Presence of Jesus. What love he must have for us!
2. Silent moments after dinner each night. Taking time to rest and listen to Gregorian chant. Fell asleep one night!!
3. Taking more time also for Lectio divina - praying with scripture.
4. On my way to work one day, I saw large gray clouds filling the sky. Looked stormy and beautiful at the same time. Moved to say thank you to God for such a sight. I was also grateful that I made it into the office before it started pouring! This picture below looks almost exactly like what I saw although there was less blue sky!

Thankful for Blessings - A Benedictine Life

Wednesdays is the day I join my blogging friend, Judy, in this meme at her inspiring blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. While you are there, be sure to check out her website and other blog. We give thanks for the five things we are most thankful for this past week and then link to Judy's blog. Thanks, Judy, for helping me keep an "attitude of gratitude!" :)
Some of my blessings this week:
1. I celebrated my 11th year as a Benedictine Oblate this week. What a blessing this has been for me. I am far away from my "home" monastery but that is just a physical distance. Thank you, Lord.
2. I was getting tired of having different books to lug around in order to read the Rule of St. Benedict and pray the morning and evening prayers. I was so excited to find a Benedictine abbey (in Limerick) with a free app on the iphone! And the app has Gregorian chant everyday, PLUS morning and evening prayers PLUS a portion of the Rule everyday! Thank you, Lord! It is just perfect.
3. I am so grateful for my family. My husband is the love of my life. I am so thankful for my children and stepchildren and grandchildren! And by the way, my youngest grandson has started walking!
4. I am thankful for the gift of laughter. Laughing is healing and helps us get through so much in life. Thank you, Jesus!
5. Thank you, Lord, for ice cream cones and mocha frappaccinos on hot summer days!