Do you ever have those days when too many things start do go horribly wrong and the timing is really bad? Well, yesterday was that day! Actually it started on sooner than that.
This weekend was our Ministry Fair at church, which is one of my major responsibilities and takes months of planning. It is part of a month of stewardship activities.
It began on Tuesday when I asked our maintenance man to bring over the ministry books we had stored from last year. He couldn't find them, ANYWHERE in the hall or church. So, we began praying to St. Anthony. And we looked some more, but to no avail. I am talking about 1200 books here, gone, vanished like we all wish our wrinkles would! No problem, I printed mini booklets we had sent out to non participating parishioners.
On Friday I go to the bakery to pick up bread we need and it's late. Not a big deal, they give me a cafe con leche while I wait 30 minutes. While I am waiting for the bread, my food rep leaves me a few voice mail messages at the office to explain how he forgot to put my order in and when did I really need the food? He assures me the food will be at the parish by 9 am Saturday, so I schedule the volunteer chef to come at 10 am to make the finger sandwiches. 9 , 9:30, 9:45 finally I call and again I am assured the food is on the way. By 10:30 part of the food is delivered, the rest comes at 1 or so, but at least the sandwiches get made.
Then I get a message that the person in charge of preparing and serving the food is on the way to the ER with her mom, with another stroke or an allergic reaction to her medication.
At this point I am truly starting to wonder if I am doing anything that I should be in my life since this must be God's way of telling me I am in the wrong place, wrong time, wrong, wrong, all wrong. But I keep praying, thinking, thinking, praying, and making phone calls trying to put out the fires.
Of course, while I am doing this I am setting up for the fair and thinking about all the other things that have happened this week, including three people being hospitalized, two of whom had surgery.
And in the end, every single need was taken care of and the hospitalized people are recovering.
Were all these little problems tests, was it the devil, was it poor planning? I don't know. I do know that instead of giving up I just kept doing what I could and praying that whatever should happen would. God provided and cared for me, as he always does.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Crystal Gayle - Eddy Rabbit - duet - you and I
Our Wedding Song! At the end of our reception, the waiters all came out with sparklers and made a cirlce around us as we danced. It was odd.
7 Quick Takes
1. Today is our 26th wedding anniversary. Let's look at some pictures: 
2. Here is our wedding song:
3. We are celebrating with a romantic dinner at home, just the two of us. I bought all the food already prepared from a great Italian market. We are having Antipasto:cold shrimp, mortadella, prosciutto, bruschetta, olives, bread sticks, and bread. Dinner: Mini-ravioli with sun dried tomatoes, Chicken breasts with eggplant, broccoli rabe. Dessert: Cannoli and Baci chocolates. I think champagne and/or wine will also be served.
4. Our son is living on his own now and I find I miss him more now than I did when he was away at college or living in New York. I think it is because now, he is close by while when he was away, he was far away.
5. Ten pages written out of the forty I need to write for my final paper!
6. Please pray for our parish's youth minister. She has a serious infection on her foot and may have to have a toe amputated. She is diabetic, which is a further complication.
7. Now, this is very random, but my pastor/boss and I usually get a haircut the same week. Bizarre, isn't it.
More 7 Quick Takes at Conversion Diary!
26 Year Anniversary
My husband and I have been married twenty six years. It seems like it was just yesterday and that it has been forever. So, to honor our life together, 26 things which make me happy and I am thankful for:
1. We love each other.
2. We have two wonderful children.
3. We still hold hands in public.
4. We kiss in the kitchen.
5. Our faith sustains us.
6. He folds my laundry.
7. When I can't sleep, he holds me until I do.
8. He thinks I look just like I did when we started dating.
9. We go to the opera and he likes it now!
10. He puts gas in my car.
11. We ride bikes together.
12. We call or email to say "I love you" during the day.
13. We like each other's cooking.
14. He is a great painter; walls, not pictures.
15. We enjoy spending time together.
16. He listens to me rant about work.
17. I miss him when we are not together.
18. He runs my baths for me.
19. He learned to dance for me.
20. Our days are not complete without hugs.
21. I have all his letters to me. Someday I will put them in a scrapbook.
22. We look better in pictures when we are together.
23. He's not my better half, he's my other half.
24. He opens the car door for me.
25. He helps me help others.
26. He loves God.
Sometimes I wish things had been different or easier or or or, but in the end, I would still want us right where we are, together.
1. We love each other.
2. We have two wonderful children.
3. We still hold hands in public.
4. We kiss in the kitchen.
5. Our faith sustains us.
6. He folds my laundry.
7. When I can't sleep, he holds me until I do.
8. He thinks I look just like I did when we started dating.
9. We go to the opera and he likes it now!
10. He puts gas in my car.
11. We ride bikes together.
12. We call or email to say "I love you" during the day.
13. We like each other's cooking.
14. He is a great painter; walls, not pictures.
15. We enjoy spending time together.
16. He listens to me rant about work.
17. I miss him when we are not together.
18. He runs my baths for me.
19. He learned to dance for me.
20. Our days are not complete without hugs.
21. I have all his letters to me. Someday I will put them in a scrapbook.
22. We look better in pictures when we are together.
23. He's not my better half, he's my other half.
24. He opens the car door for me.
25. He helps me help others.
26. He loves God.
Sometimes I wish things had been different or easier or or or, but in the end, I would still want us right where we are, together.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
November is Stewardship Month
At least at our parish it is. And since I am director of stewardship, I am quite busy. Now, many people are very much against stewardship and I am aware of this. But, you don't stop preaching God's word and truth because people don't like it.
So, last weekend we invited everyone to "take a step" in time, talent, and treasure. This weekend we have our ministry fair and lay witness speakers. Then it is commitment weekend and we end before Thanksgiving with a ministry blessing for all those involved in ministry.
So, what is the point of all this? Well, our Bishops have a document called, "Stewardship: A Disciple's Response" , which gives you a detailed explanation along with study questions. If you'd rather not read the whole thing I can sum it up:
1. Stewardship is not optional for the baptized.
2. All that we have comes from God.
3. Gratitude is the only response possible for all that he has given to us.
4. A good steward is a good Christian.
5. All sin can be seen as a lack of being a good steward.
Think about it.
So, last weekend we invited everyone to "take a step" in time, talent, and treasure. This weekend we have our ministry fair and lay witness speakers. Then it is commitment weekend and we end before Thanksgiving with a ministry blessing for all those involved in ministry.
So, what is the point of all this? Well, our Bishops have a document called, "Stewardship: A Disciple's Response" , which gives you a detailed explanation along with study questions. If you'd rather not read the whole thing I can sum it up:
1. Stewardship is not optional for the baptized.
2. All that we have comes from God.
3. Gratitude is the only response possible for all that he has given to us.
4. A good steward is a good Christian.
5. All sin can be seen as a lack of being a good steward.
Think about it.
A Public Person
My husband is in the diaconate formation program. At times wives are expected to attend events. At two out of the three we have been told we will become public persons when our husbands are ordained. I am already a bit annoyed it is mentioned over and over without it explained and because I am already a public person. Now, don't think I am making assumptions, I'm not. I have been employed in parishes for almost ten years so it is safe to make this assertion. I don't always like being a public person, but it comes with the territory. My husband is also a rather public person in our parish. One, he is married to me and so attends almost every activity with me. Two, he is involved in ministries of his own.
On the flip side is a good friend who is a deacon's wife. She tells me I will become invisible when my husband is ordained. Well, that would be a welcome change. I'd be quite happy if I could attend Mass on Sunday without hearing a litany of complaints before I even reach the holy water font.
To me, being a public person means people notice your presence or lack thereof at your usual Mass and at parish events. I look at it as part of my responsibility as a parish employee and someone who is trying to spread the Good News. I don't think I could become more public with my husband's ordination and I will wait and see if I become invisible.
On the flip side is a good friend who is a deacon's wife. She tells me I will become invisible when my husband is ordained. Well, that would be a welcome change. I'd be quite happy if I could attend Mass on Sunday without hearing a litany of complaints before I even reach the holy water font.
To me, being a public person means people notice your presence or lack thereof at your usual Mass and at parish events. I look at it as part of my responsibility as a parish employee and someone who is trying to spread the Good News. I don't think I could become more public with my husband's ordination and I will wait and see if I become invisible.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Sunday October 25 Gospel
In the gospel, Mark 10:46-52, Bartimaeus cries out "have pity on me" and then when Jesus asks him what he wants, he says, "I want to see." I think of all the times I have cried those very words. How many times have I cried those words, in way or another, imploring, pleading, begging "please, let me see what I am to do, what am I to say, where am I to go, what is the plan? "
And sometimes, I get an answer and other times I am not so sure. Or, I get an answer, but I don't like it.
Jesus tell Bartimaeus, "Your faith has saved you." Why then, do I struggle with believing that for myself? Jesus saves me from our whatever I am lacking if I believe with the faith I profess I have.
My eternal struggle, is living out in my daily life that truth that it is in me.
And sometimes, I get an answer and other times I am not so sure. Or, I get an answer, but I don't like it.
Jesus tell Bartimaeus, "Your faith has saved you." Why then, do I struggle with believing that for myself? Jesus saves me from our whatever I am lacking if I believe with the faith I profess I have.
My eternal struggle, is living out in my daily life that truth that it is in me.
Graduate School
Since January of 2006 I have been enrolled in an extension program of Loyola University of New Orleans. It is called LIMEX, Loyola Institute for Ministry, Extension. I am almost done. Almost done meaning I have to write a 35 to 40 page paper, a synthesis - praxis paper which will help me see my ministry more clearly and enable me to mobilize my learnings into a coherent and focused practice. This is a pretty tall order and most days I'm sure I'm not up to it at all. This week, though I started thinking more about the paper. Well, maybe not so much the paper, but how my life has changed since I began this program.
I am no longer a religious education director but the stewardship director.
My children no longer live at home. My son has graduated college and is about to start a new job while my daughter is still in college.
My husband has changed careers after a long stretch without full time employment and he has entered the diaconate program.
My grandmother died, my husband's grandmother died, my dad had quadruple by-pass surgery, and my dear friend has had cancer twice.
I am not the person I was when we began. The things I've mentioned are just the beginning; I have to yet to determine how these events have impacted the way in which I function as a "professional minister."
I know that I am more compassionate, listen better, and care more deeply for others. I have more knowledge about the church, scripture, and theology. However, the most important thing I have learned is that trust in God's unending love, grace, and mercy is what got me through the tough spots on the list above.
The task now, is to blend my life, ministry, and lessons into one paper that ties it up neatly. No small task, but I must persevere.
I am no longer a religious education director but the stewardship director.
My children no longer live at home. My son has graduated college and is about to start a new job while my daughter is still in college.
My husband has changed careers after a long stretch without full time employment and he has entered the diaconate program.
My grandmother died, my husband's grandmother died, my dad had quadruple by-pass surgery, and my dear friend has had cancer twice.
I am not the person I was when we began. The things I've mentioned are just the beginning; I have to yet to determine how these events have impacted the way in which I function as a "professional minister."
I know that I am more compassionate, listen better, and care more deeply for others. I have more knowledge about the church, scripture, and theology. However, the most important thing I have learned is that trust in God's unending love, grace, and mercy is what got me through the tough spots on the list above.
The task now, is to blend my life, ministry, and lessons into one paper that ties it up neatly. No small task, but I must persevere.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Random Thoughts
1. Somehow we have arrived in the month of October. I truly have no idea how, because I am still working on June's to-do list. I have fallen far off the path in my prayer life, exercise, personal time, basically everything that nurtures me. And why, how did this happen? All the needs of others and work suffocated me to the point that I was always anxious and slightly depressed.
2. As I was trying to deal with that, some great things happened. My husband got a permanent teaching job at a local high school and we went on a short vacation. Our son and his girlfriend temporarily stayed with us and now both have found new places to live. So, now our nest is empty again. I'll miss them, but I do enjoy being alone with my husband. In some ways it makes us feel very young again.
3. Through all of this, I am constantly wondering what the higher purpose is in the trials we go through and why things change so often. Each change has a domino effect. Since my husband is working full time now, I have to do housework. Thankfully he still goes grocery shopping. It's not that I am incapable of doing housework, but now I have to think about it and remember to do it.
4. Sometimes I think God's plan is to teach me humility, other times I think it is trust. I think trust in him is so important and really that is what sustains me and tells me to not lose hope, even when that seems like the best option.
5. This week I am going to Dallas for a Stewardship conference. It will also be an opportunity for some quiet time and prayer time. There is daily Mass, excellent speakers, and time to meet new people. It renews in me a sense of purpose in regard to my ministry, which is always a good thing.
6. Someone said that in our course of study over the last 3 1/2 years she has learned that there is no objective truth. I disagree, but couldn't find words to express myself. I hate when that happens.
7. I keep praying to find peace and contentment, my trust in God knows it is there, even if I can't find it.
8. My son and his girlfriend are not living together and people seem surprised by this!
9. Prayers for some friends:
All my friends who are having cancer treatments
A colleague whose dad died
The group of our parishioners who are in Guatemala on a mission trip
T's mom who had a stroke
2. As I was trying to deal with that, some great things happened. My husband got a permanent teaching job at a local high school and we went on a short vacation. Our son and his girlfriend temporarily stayed with us and now both have found new places to live. So, now our nest is empty again. I'll miss them, but I do enjoy being alone with my husband. In some ways it makes us feel very young again.
3. Through all of this, I am constantly wondering what the higher purpose is in the trials we go through and why things change so often. Each change has a domino effect. Since my husband is working full time now, I have to do housework. Thankfully he still goes grocery shopping. It's not that I am incapable of doing housework, but now I have to think about it and remember to do it.
4. Sometimes I think God's plan is to teach me humility, other times I think it is trust. I think trust in him is so important and really that is what sustains me and tells me to not lose hope, even when that seems like the best option.
5. This week I am going to Dallas for a Stewardship conference. It will also be an opportunity for some quiet time and prayer time. There is daily Mass, excellent speakers, and time to meet new people. It renews in me a sense of purpose in regard to my ministry, which is always a good thing.
6. Someone said that in our course of study over the last 3 1/2 years she has learned that there is no objective truth. I disagree, but couldn't find words to express myself. I hate when that happens.
7. I keep praying to find peace and contentment, my trust in God knows it is there, even if I can't find it.
8. My son and his girlfriend are not living together and people seem surprised by this!
9. Prayers for some friends:
All my friends who are having cancer treatments
A colleague whose dad died
The group of our parishioners who are in Guatemala on a mission trip
T's mom who had a stroke
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Respect Life Sunday
In preparation for Respect Life Sunday, a statement by Cardinal Justin Rigali. It is always difficult that our priests do not preach on this topic. I am never sure why as it seems to me the issue of respecting all life and taking care of the life we have been given is essential to all we believe as Catholics. Am I being naive?
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Interesting Websites
The post "Sunday Mass" comes from this site, Seasoned Spirituality. It has homilies, booklets you can print out, the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, and more.
There is a brand new website for all things pertaining to the rosary, called, appropriately enough, Rosary.com. You can purchase rosaries, read stories and testimonials, learn how to pray the rosary or make a rosary.
Steve Ray consolidated his many sites and his blog into one handy location, Defenders of the Faith.
If you'd like daily reflections on the day's readings, go on over to Presentation Ministries. I used to get a print copy of One Bread, One Body for years. Now it comes directly to my in-box.
There is a brand new website for all things pertaining to the rosary, called, appropriately enough, Rosary.com. You can purchase rosaries, read stories and testimonials, learn how to pray the rosary or make a rosary.
Steve Ray consolidated his many sites and his blog into one handy location, Defenders of the Faith.
If you'd like daily reflections on the day's readings, go on over to Presentation Ministries. I used to get a print copy of One Bread, One Body for years. Now it comes directly to my in-box.
Sunday's Gospel
John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us." Jesus replied, "Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward. "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe (in me) to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'
So, what do you think about that?! I pondered this Gospel for a few days, and one night, in my insomnia, I cried out to God and in the morning he answered me with this:
What is causing you to sin? Not your hand, or foot or eye; rather, it is your actions or inaction that cause sin. So, the question is what needs to be cut off or out in your life? Is it food, drink, selfishness, drugs, sex, pornography, greed, idolatry, envy, the list contains as many possibilities as people in the world.
In order to learn what we need to rid ourselves of, we must go to the Lord in prayer and a sincere heart to be open to what he tells us. Change is never easy, but if we allow God to gently rid us of our sins, then we will be filled with his mercy and peace.
Jesus is reminding us that our goal is heaven and to reach it we must exert some effort. He is also clear that to enter, one must be pure.
So, what do you think about that?! I pondered this Gospel for a few days, and one night, in my insomnia, I cried out to God and in the morning he answered me with this:
What is causing you to sin? Not your hand, or foot or eye; rather, it is your actions or inaction that cause sin. So, the question is what needs to be cut off or out in your life? Is it food, drink, selfishness, drugs, sex, pornography, greed, idolatry, envy, the list contains as many possibilities as people in the world.
In order to learn what we need to rid ourselves of, we must go to the Lord in prayer and a sincere heart to be open to what he tells us. Change is never easy, but if we allow God to gently rid us of our sins, then we will be filled with his mercy and peace.
Jesus is reminding us that our goal is heaven and to reach it we must exert some effort. He is also clear that to enter, one must be pure.
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