Sunday, August 31

A homily that made sense and gave me something to think about. Nice for a change. We were reminded that anything worth having is worth suffering for. When you work for something it means something. Father used the "no pain, no gain" slogan and did some research on it. Apparently before Jane Fonda used it on her aerobics tapes, in 1650 poet Robert Herrick wrote:

NO PAINS, NO GAINS.
If little labour, little are our gains:
Man's fortunes are according to his pains.

Hardship, suffering are part of life. It is only by taking up our cross and following Jesus that we will have any sort of peace.

The other point that was made is that sometimes our faith in Jesus is our cross because others; family, friends, co-workers may not like who we are because of Jesus.

Catholic Author

Reading is a favorite past time of mine and I prefer reading a good book over television most days. I discovered this gem in the library a few weeks ago and really enjoyed the novels I read. Yesterday, I had another surprise when St. Anthony Messenger arrived in the mail. Click here to read the story: http://www.usccb.org/evangelization/goandmake/eng.shtml. Her website is http://elmcreek.net/
Happy reading and quilting!

Mind Wanderings

Well, it is almost September. I am ready to start fresh on few things. For one, my husband and I have stared our yeast free food plan, which can be tedious, but very worth it. I start back to classes next Thursday, having finally finished my work for the last class. I would like to start on a quilt and definitely sew some skirts with the fabric I bought on various trips to the fabric store. I also have yarn to crochet a baby blanket. That might go into the Cornucopia Ball baby basket for the parish. Best of all is my spiritual support group is starting up again. Yea! to being with my dear friends.
On the family front, my daughter has decided to major in English and is planning on studying in Australia in the winter of '09. My son had to have 5 stitches in his left thumb after he cut himself instead of the fish. Occupational hazard. I did a moment of anxiety when I found out he was alone in the emergency room, but I couldn't really get to South Hampton, Long Island in a timely manner to help him. Plus, I've seen the blood and gaping wounds before and frankly, he's a man, right? And can handle it himself, right? Though I felt sorry he was alone. It all worked out but Apparently working with a bandaged hand is difficult in the kitchen. Now, if I can convince him that working in Las Vegas is not a good plan. I think I'll enlist St. Monica on this one.

Rachel's Vineyard Retreat

This weekend our diocese is having its Rachel's Vineyard retreat. This is a retreat for post-abortive women and men. It's a wonderful retreat and I have been involved in different facets through the years. Sometimes I have been the cook, other times a prayer partner for a participant, a maker of angels and cookies, and other tasks as well. This year my husband will offer prayers for the retreatants and the team at the retreat center. The entire weekend is covered in prayer by having perpetual adoration in the retreat center chapel.
The monstrance is one of the most beautiful and unique I have ever seen. It is Mary, her arms held the way you hold a baby, and in the crook of her elbow, where the baby's head would be, is the Host. So, it is Mary holding Jesus! I am not doing any justice to this, but trust me, it is awesome and such a reminder that Mary holds each of us in her arms. What a beautiful image for these suffering women and men to see this weekend.
Please offer your prayers as well for this group to experience God's unending love and mercy and a return to wholeness after the pain of abortion.

Sewing

Sewing is so very satisfying. I made 2 skirts and a dress for my college student before she left. The dress I'd like to have! It really makes me happy that she likes me to make her clothes and really wears them.
Now, I can try my hand at the quilting I have waiting and make a few skirts for myself. After I write my papers.

Empty Nest Again

Yesterday, amidst tropical storm Fay I took my pumpkin back to UF. The rain stopped while we unloaded the car and ran errands . Then I left her to set up her room and decide on a major. The drive back was quiet and a little lonely, besides very rainy. Now, the house seems overly quiet and still. Not that she is loud when she is home, but she does make life a bit more interesting and busy. I miss her.

Father and Son

A son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?" The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'. They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his sons request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.' To which, his father said 'Yes' too. For those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island. Father and son went on to complete the race together.
Watch this now.

Disappointed

Last Sunday's Gospel was a perfect opportunity to preach on the Eucharist. One of our priests, in particular, has been very upset about the recent stories about people desecrating the Eucharist and we have had some problems in our parish as well. For example, parents breaking off a little piece for a child or people not consuming the host right away. These are problems and I of course believe that some education is in order. I do not believe people are doing these things out of maliciousness, but ignorance. I am speaking hear about our parishioners, not news makers.
So, do I hear a homily on the Eucharist? No. And yet I have to hear the ranting and raving (I am not exaggerating) all week about how people need to know and what is wrong with them. Well, why did you not use your time wisely and tell them what they need to know? Many people really do not understand what the Eucharist is all about. It is sometimes difficult to understand why a priest would complain about people not understanding and then not teach them when there is an opportunity. Does this seem odd to anyone else? I was immensely disappointed.

Break

I've been taking a little break the past week or so from different things The computer, schoolwork, working overtime. Instead I've been biking, sewing, entertaining, and reading for pleasure. Next week it will be back to schoolwork and the computer, but I think working ovewrtime really needs to go unless there is a big project. I will pray some more about this and let you know what I come up with about the work issue.