7 Quick Takes

1. Yes, it is late Friday night and I am just now joining the group. Oh well, it's been that kind of a day.
2. A friend called at 6:10 am. My husband handed me the phone and said "It's for you." It is never good news at that hour and sure enough, it wasn't. A long time and dear friend of the person calling me had died a few hours before of a massive heart attack. He was a wonderful man, husband, father and grandfather. As another friend said of him, "No one was a stranger to him." He was a parishioner as well and so many calls today involved letting people know or helping with funeral arrangements. Very sad.
3. I have been home alone three night this week. I read a few novels, did laundry, and did some thinking. I am looking forward to spending time with my husband tomorrow night after we go to First Communion party. I'll be solo in the morning while he's in class.
4. My dear daughter is coming home for a week on Sunday. We are going to sew, go to the movies, and whatever other fun things we can think of. Then, she'll go back up to school and move. Her father is going to bond with her for that event. Hey, I found the apartment!
5. I am going to start reading my book about Catherine of Siena. As soon as I find it. It was a Christmas gift, so I think it's about time.
6. I had a hard time cooking dinner tonight. I actually started making soup with broth I'd prepared yesterday and it was awful, no taste at all. When I tried to salvage it the taste went from tasteless to awful. So then I made frittata with yellow squash, small bits of chicken, and goat cheese. It was okay. I shouldn't have put in the chicken, but it was supposed to go in the soup and there was so little I thought it would be okay. My husband said I'd cooked worse but I think he was being kind. The glass of white wine helped my meal. Sadly, since my husband had class, he had no help.
7. I'm going to have some time off in the next few weeks so I hope to start accomplishing my goals for this year. Nothing like a late second quarter start.

Mid-life Crisis

Can you schedule a mid-life crisis? How do you know if you are having one? Do you come out of it better than before?
I think I am having a mid-life crisis. At first, I thought, no I am way too young, but seriously, though most of my family members have lived long lives, will I really make it to 92? I suppose I could, but I think I am pretty close to my mid-life. Ugh. Does not sound good at all.
I suppose it began when I finished my master's degree in December. But I was busy with Christmas and fundraising events at work so I didn't have much time to reflect on my life. But all that slowed down, gradually, and I have arrived at this point where I have many evenings free in a row and so I ponder my life.
Hmmmmmmmmm, that's when the crisis started. The more I pondered the more I felt like all my good intentions as to who I would become and what I would accomplish in my life had amounted to very little. And, even more upsetting, my future does not look to great either. I mean, my children are grown and though I help them when asked, the day to day care taking is gone. My husband is in the diaconate formation program and though I occasionally accompany him to activities, it is very much as "spouse" it says so on my name tag. Really, it does. So, what do I have?
Health concerns, that's what I have. Nothing serious, yet. However, if I don't take care of it now it will become serious. I am pre-diabetic and must lose weight and exercise or I will become diabetic. It is preventable and I am going to do my best to prevent it.
My mental health is also a bit precarious, but not so easily definable as the physical.
So, what's the plan? I like to make plans. I have taken some time off from work, though I will go in on Sundays and a few evenings for meetings and so forth. No need for the mail to pile up since I am right around the corner. I am going to go to Mass, exercise, and kick some bad habits. Every day. I am considering St. Ignatius Spiritual Exercises which I have done but think it may be time again. And I am going to learn how to deal with stress, mainly, how not to take everything so personally. It is a huge problem for me and since stress makes me want sugar, it is a vicious cycle.
So, can I be happy about this mid-life crisis? I am happy, sort of, so maybe it's not a crisis but a renewal? Who knows?

Catherine of Siena

A favorite saint of mine, most likely because she was Italian, quite bold and spoke her mind. She is a doctor of the Church and the first lay woman to have that honor. If you'd like to learn more about her, here are some links:
Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Church
Her Dialogue while in a state of ecstasy
St. Catherine of Siena

"Wonders Never Cease" A Book Review

So, what happens when you take a single working mom, her daughter who sees angels, and a live-in boyfriend who thinks the rules don't apply to him? You get an interesting book, "Wonders Never Cease" by Tim Downs.

When I first picked up the book I thought it was going to be about the relationship between the two adults and the struggles involved in step-parenting. Instead, the plot evolves into a story about a man who has always tried to use shortcuts and underhanded means to get ahead in life. And of course, he always fails. This time he capitalizes on a Hollywood star's accident, the fact that people will believe anything they read, especially if Oprah endorses it, and a little girl's belief in angels.

In the end, he gets everything he deserves and then some!

This was a fun and easy book to read that reminds you that 1. there really is no substitute for hard work; 2. your past will catch up with you at some point and 3. people tell us who they are, but too often we don't listen.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson publisher's as part of the booksneeze review program. I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review

"Why Me? When Bad Things Happen" by Mike Aquilina was initially going to be read to see if it could be of some use to other people who are in need. Well, it’s always interesting how the Spirit moves, isn’t it?

Let me give you some technical information on the book. On the cover it says 30-Minute Read, it is 50 pages long not including the prayers, and small enough to slip in a pocket or purse. And, I read it in less than 30 minutes, but I read quickly.

The book does not offer platitudes or pat answers. Aquilina reminds us that Christ is there with us in our suffering and there is a purpose to it. Ultimately, as Christians, our purpose is to become like Christ and by our suffering, we are joined to him most intimately. God does understand our suffering and Christ went through unimaginable physical suffering and mental anguish on the cross.

My favorite part of the book is the “Take Away” at the end of each chapter. All are excellent but one that particularly resonates with me is “When bad things happen, don’t ask “Why me?” but look for the good the Lord will bring from your suffering.” Also included are scripture passages and prayers that can be comforting in times of trouble. Everyone should get a copy of this book. Why? Because bad things happen to people all the time and either you need an answer for yourself or need to be able to help someone else.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Why Me? When Bad Things Happen.

7 Quick Takes

1. It has taken me a very long time to recover from Holy Week and Easter. Hence, the lack of posting.
2. Why do both children have major life issues at the same time? They live four hours apart but it happens just the same. On the up side, most have been resolved: our son is staying here and was given a raise and new responsibilities at work, which he is very excited about. He will be in charge of planning a new brunch menu at the restaurant. He does still need a roommate, but that will happen. Our daughter's friend died and she was told she had to move out of the apartment she's in after being told she could stay for the next year. Both happened on the same day. We did find a new place for her to live so that is settled. She is still struggling with the death of her friend.
3. I went up to Gainesville to Elisa's band concert. She plays the flute. I could only see her black hair band and a strip of her very blond hair during the concert, but that's okay. They did a great job, very professional and it was fun to go up and spend time with her.
4. This weekend is our parish golf tournament. Very big event and this year we have more golfers than ever before. I am praying for sunshine and cool gentle breezes.
5. Sometimes days go by without my husband and I spending any time together. This week we did not have movie night and I can't remember if we even had dinner together. It bothers me very much. The weekend should be better, we'll be together (ish) at the golf tournament and then going to a BBQ at a friend's house.
6. I was able to get to Mass every day this week. Wednesday I went to Mass with Elisa. It was so encouraging to see many college students, (25-30) at the noon Mass. Fr. Tony gave an excellent homily about good coming from suffering and strength in adversity, for both the Church and each of us personally.
7. I think it is funny when telemarketers call our parish office ask for Mr. Finney (our pastor) and when we say he isn't in, ask for his wife. I try not to laugh on the phone.

Sunday Snippets

A fun way to meet some new bloggers and find out what they are thinking about, Sunday Snippets at This, That and The Other Thing.

In Another's Words

"Ours is an age when Christ needs men and women who are able to stand by the Cross, strong, daring, simple, hard workers, without any human respect when it comes to doing good; men and women who are cheerful, who have as the foundation of their lives prayer - a relationship with Jesus that is full of friendship."

"We should ask ourselves if our life is having an influence for good on the people with whom we have more frequent contact because of friendship, work, relationship, etc."
from In conversation with God, Vol 2 by Fr. Francis Fernandez

We need to be friends with Jesus and share that friendship with others for the betterment of the world in which we live. When I say world, I do not mean globally, but right where you are every day.

God Shaped Hole

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit the newest Church in our Diocese. The pastor is a friend of my pastor and so our staff was invited over for a private tour. What struck me the most in the main church was the altar. It is a very large piece of natural coral with a hole in it. Here is a closer look at it.

The pastor told us about his first homily in the new church. He explained how the altar is where the bread and wine become Jesus' Body and Blood, which is what fills us. The hole reminds us that we are incomplete without the Eucharist. Furthermore, our soul has a hole in it that only God can fill. St. Augustine has said the same thing and a few years ago an all girl Christian band, Plumb, came out with this song, God Shaped Hole. The chorus says: "There a God shaped hole in all of us, And the restless heart is searching. There's a God shaped hole in all of us, And it's a void only He can fill."

For all of Lent I have been searching and praying that the void I feel in my life will be filled. I am restless at work, very forgetful and often unable to concentrate. I don't know what God has planned for me next and I feel like the hole is getting bigger and bigger. I keep doing the things that usually work to fill me up with God, but this time it does not seem to be working.

This weekend I am home alone. I could make plans to do an assortment of activities with friends but I think I am mostly going to be still. It is difficult for me to do this, but I feel that pull that says, "Be still and confess that I am God!" (Ps 46:11)

Easter

This is a picture of our sanctuary, all decorated for Easter. It is so beautiful and inspiring.
So many people come to Mass on Easter Sunday. We have Masses in the Church and the Hall, over 5,000 people come to our 9 Masses. Our 2 priests celebrated back to back all Sunday morning. I pray that all those who came, come back again soon, very soon. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

Sin

Way back during Lent, we had our annual Parish Mission. This year our presenter was Fr. Jonathan Morris, of FoxNews fame. He is very nice and quite unassuming. He gave three separate talks, one about sin. He posed that sin falls into three main categories. Pride, Vanity and Sensuality. I have been thinking about this on and off for the last few weeks.

Pride: Do I need to be right all the time? Is my way the only way to do something? Do I think I am better than others and lord it over them?
Vanity: This goes beyond the need or desire to look good. Do I avoid conflict or making decisions so I don't look bad or cause others to get annoyed with me? Do I desire to be liked above all and allow that desire to interfere in my spiritual life or relationships?
Sensuality: Do I always want to be comfortable? Are my physical needs of the utmost importance? Do I overindulge in food, alcohol, or a good time instead of having control over my appetites? Am I lazy and undisciplined?

I used these as an examination of conscience before I went to confession. I think it is necessary to look at myself differently sometimes and this was a help to me. I am still not convinced that all sin falls into one of these three categories, but most seem to, at least for me.

Stations of the Cross

On Good Friday afternoon we went and prayed the Stations of the Cross in church. We use a booklet, Everyone's Way of the Cross, and it is very good. Our stained glass windows are our stations in the main church, so our deacon and cross bearers walk around with others from the congregation. The prayers are beautiful and make you think about how you are doing carrying your own cross and serving Jesus with your life.
But, they are so sanitized and in such contrast with what really happened on Good Friday. Why do I say this? On Good Friday evening, we again prayed the stations with our Spanish community, which are Living Stations or re-enactments of each station. And they are not sanitized at all. The mob is angry, the cross is heavy, the Roman soldiers brutal as the scream and whip Jesus. And then, just when I think it will not become any more real, the criminals and Jesus are stripped, standing with nothing on but a loincloth and are 'nailed' to their crucifixes. Jesus is raised up first, and he has on a crown of thorns and is dirty and bloody and he painfully speaks his last words to the thieves, the people, and his mother and John. I came away thinking that was more like what really happened on Calvary, not what we read from a book in the afternoon.
And then, I watched The Passion with my husband and another couple. And, there again, what was done to Jesus was brutal and he suffered it all for me, for us.
So different from those little booklets we pray from for the Stations of the Cross. I could not stop thinking that we have taken the reality of the crucifixion and sanitized it too far. It is almost unrecognizable from what really happened. It was a great indignity and maybe we do not want to think about it. It is easier to keep the reality at arms length, in a little booklet, with nice stained glass pictures of each station. Otherwise, we may to have to really consider how we are doing in carrying our cross.