Girl's Club

A new group has started at our parish, a girl's club for middle school girls with a focus on teaching virtues.  I was asked to contribute to the blog and so tonight I finally got started.  I introduced myself and then shared some songs I like.  The group still needs a name, but I'm confident they will get one soon.  I'll need topics to post about, especially since I am out of that age group loop.  We also need appropriate links and resources, so ideas and suggestions are welcome.

Hail Mary Gentle Woman, sung by Angelina (EWTN)

Strength for the Journey

A favorite song of a favorite friend.  I couldn't find it on YouTube, so this will have to suffice.  Give a listen, it's a great song!

John the Baptist

Today the Church celebrates the birth of John the Baptist.  At Mass this morning the homily was very interesting, giving both intellectual knowledge and spiritual guidance.  I'd like to discuss a few here.  First, the Church only celebrates the birth of three people, Jesus, Mary, and John the Baptist.  I'd never realized that before today.  All of the other days we remember saints it is on the day of their death or other meaningful date, not their birthday.  What struck me and has stayed with me all day is though is the spiritual  comment, "a prophet listens before speaking."  John the Baptist listened from the womb, when we read   "For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy." (Luke 1:44)  He prepared himself for public ministry by living in the desert, praying and fasting.  Even when he was imprisoned, he sent his followers to go and ask of Jesus, "When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to him with this question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?"" (Mt 11:4) And then listened to the response.
If I think of all the great saints I know that they listened before they went out did God's work. In order to do his work I must learn to listen more to his words.  This is why going to Mass as often as I can is so necessary.  Thankfully, I am able to attend almost every day.  And now that it is summer and he is not teaching, my husband comes as well, which is a blessing.  
At Mass I listen to God's word, the homily, and spend a few minutes in quiet listening for what God wants me to hear.  Some days I hear something profound, like today.  Other days, a reminder to be his hands, his heart in a broken world; to serve with joy; or to be still.  Some days, I can't stop the inner noise long enough to hear anything. 
Now, though, I have a brief prayer to offer when that happens, "A prophet listens before speaking."  And we are all called to be Prophets.

Blogging

For various reasons I have been thinking about the purpose of blogs and in particular what is the purpose of my blog.  Some blogs are a part of an Internet presence, such as when a print magazine or newspaper has a blog or group of blogs with posts by popular writers.  There are blogs authored by writers of books.  There are also personal blogs which people write of subjects which are of interest to them.  Some blogs also serve as a public diary of sorts, giving glimpses into people's personal lives.
I suppose this blog is a combination of the last two.  I write or share information about my Catholic faith and sometimes include personal posts as well. And as I think more about the purpose of this blog, I find myself wondering why I am doing it?  I do enjoy writing and certainly hope people who stop by and read get a bit of food for thought or learn something about Catholicism or are validated in their own journey.  I would be lying if I didn't admit that I like it when there are comments about a post or a friend tells me he/she enjoys reading what I write.   
Or is this just another way to hear myself talk and be even more certain that I am right?  Should I stick more to book reviews, Catholic info, and scripture?  My other thought is to combine two of my passions, faith and cooking, and post about that on a regular basis. Or keep it as it and go where the Spirit leads me each day.  If you have any thoughts, please share.

Catholic.net - June 22 -- Saint Thomas More

Catholic.net - June 22 -- Saint Thomas More

Andrea Bocelli tells a "little story" about abortion.

All Good Gifts- Godspell

All Good Gifts

This song has been a long time favorite of mine. But it was just a few months ago when I realized that it is an awesome stewardship song. The chorus speaks volumes in two sentences. God has given us all that we have, beginning with our lives and moving forward from there to our intellect, ability to reason, family, friends, health and our faith. And yet, how can we repay God? We cannot give him anything to compare in value to the gifts we have been given. All that we can do is be humble and thankful.
In the Old Testament, the people of Israel were continually having problems with worship of false gods and turning from God to find what they wanted elsewhere. But God reminded them with the prophets to turn away from those sins and remember that “For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than holocausts” Hosea 6:6.
Jesus calls us to “love one another as I have loved you” John 15:12. Embracing a life of stewardship, shows love for each other because we are willing to love and serve as Jesus. Stewardship is an attitude that says all that I have has been given to me by my Father and then my expression of gratitude makes serving others a joy.

Desire vs Duty

My desire is to spend a few days writing and reading and sewing. In reality, between work and working on the house it is just not happening. I have some great things to post, but no time. Be back soon, I hope!

John Michael Talbot - Holy is His Name