10.O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - Casting Crowns

READY, SET, WAIT...

That about sums up how I am feeling these days about my professional life.  A year ago I finished my MPA (Master of Pastoral Administration) degree and I am still right where I was then, except with a heavier work load and no more respect or appreciation for my skills or abilities.  So, what happens next?  I am really searching to know by praying and waiting.  Waiting is very difficult for me.  I am a make a decision, make it happen kind of person.  God, of course, knows this.
I remember skiing, taking the lift up the slope, getting in position, and then pushing off; there was always a slight hesitation on my part before pushing off but I did it for the thrill, the rush of accomplishment, the small bit of fear pushed aside for something greater.
Now, it seems as if I am waiting to be pushed by God, like my children did when they were little in the swings at the park.  "Push me, mommy - higher, faster, push me," they yelled with laughter.  I am ready, "push me, God - to you, to your will, to my path." 

Book Review - Praying Constantly, Bringing Your Faith to Life

This was one of the best and most practical books I have read about prayer.  Praying Constantly, by Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R., is an excellent book.  Fr. Groeschel writes in a style that is both challenging and kind.  He writes as a man of faith who has spent time with so many different people in his ;life that his examples touched me in deeply.  He is thought provoking and honest and reminded me that tradition is important. 
A few of my favorite chapters were, Growing Deeper in Prayer where Fr. Groeschel discusses the traditional prayers of the Church such as Adoration, Novenas, and the Rosary.  He also explains "The Jesus Prayer."  The Jesus prayer is something I have known about, but not really looked into or understood.  The few short paragraphs I read in this chapter have given me an appreciation of the prayer and I ma now starting to pray it myself. Listening to God and Praying with the Body of Christ were also very relevant to my own spiritual growth at this time in my journey. 
I think this book would be a great for everyone who is searching to grow closer to God thru prayer.  There are practical suggestions and ideas on how to overcome excuses to not praying.  This sentence sums up what I desire in my life, " And He will take up His residence in us, delighting us by transforming our hearts into His tabernacles."  Prayer, constant prayer which transforms us and conforms us to God will do that.

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 Praying Constantly-Bringing Your Faith to Life and be sure to check out their great selection of baptism gifts while you are there.

Make A Cool 3D Paper Snowflake

It looks like a star to me. I can't wait to try this!

A Birthday

No, not mine, my dear daughter's! I love to spend some quiet time on my children's birthday and recall how they came into this world and what wonderful people they have become.
Elisa was born right on time and she pretty much still rolls that way.  She did not cry much, but when she did it was for a reason; she was hungry, her diaper was dirty or needed to sleep.  She went to bed without fussing and woke up happy.  She was such an easy baby.  At one, she walked and talked.  Not a few words  but sentences and sentences, to anyone and everyone, including random strangers and her dolls; she fell asleep talking and woke up talking. By far, the cutest thing she did was suck her thumb and play with her ear lobe.  If you held her when she was very tired she would stroke your ear lobe. 
Elisa has always had a problem with people who don't follow the rules.  The only time she was in trouble in elementary school was when she stood up in the cafeteria and yelled at a boy who was being mean to another student.
She is now a senior in college, finishing her degree in English.  She wants to write fiction,help people, and live abroad for a few years.  She is full of dreams for her future and I am amazed at the young woman she has become. Some of her personality traits have not changed at all, while others have either vanished or gone into hiding.
I am proud to call her my daughter, blessed that God loaned her to me, and believe that her life will be as big as her dreams.

Quick Takes

1.  How about last night's dinner recipe:  Paella of Sorts

2 cups Valencia rice

2 tablespoons butter

1 quart chicken broth

1 cup white wine

4 or 5 chicken thighs, cut up into chunks

1/2 lb sausage, sliced

2 cups frozen peas

melt butter in large saucepan, add rice and brown slightly.  Meanwhile, heat up the broth and wine.

When the broth is hot and the rice is hot, pour about 1 1/2 of broth into the pan and stir. 

Turn heat to low and allow liquid to be absorbed, then add more hot liquid, repeat until rice is tender and liquid is gone.  After the 2nd addition of liquid, cover.

Brown and cook chicken pieces and sausage while rice is cooking.

Add cooked meat to rice, add peas and mix together.  If rice is still not cooked, add a bit more hot water.  Let it all sit for a few minutes and then serve.

2.  November is stewardship month in our parish.  So yesterday I went to the post office with 1250 envelopes stuffed with a ministry book, Time/Talent card, Treasure card, and a letter from our pastor.  They were all neatly placed in bins and enclosed in the proper sleeves facing the same way.  But it was WRONG! They weighed over 3.3 ounces so they needed to be sorted and placed in different sized bins, with no sleeves and some had to be banded together.  Thankfully a friend was with me and so the two of us stood out on the loading dock and resorted everything.  This has happened to me more times than I care to recall.  Bulk mail procedures are complicated and change all the time.  As my friend says, "no me gusta!" Did I mention it was my day off?

3.  I stay up way to late at night after everyone else is in bed reading, writing or just doing nothing.  It mkaes it difficult to wake up in the morning but I so enjoy the quiet and alone time.I have off all next week. 

4.   I plan on breaking out the quilt fabric I received at Christmas and getting started.  Our exchange student will also be getting some new clothes once we go get some fabric.  I can't wait to sew!

5.   I am going to Disneyworld with our exchange student and a whole group of friends.  Our daughter is meeting us there for her birthday.  Next week can't get here soon enough.

6.  Tomorrow is our 27th wedding anniversary.  It is also our parish appreciation party, which I scheduled, so we'll spend our anniversary with 375 of our closest friends!  On Sunday, we are having a special dinner, compliments of our son at the Palm Beach Grill where he works. 

7.  A wedding picture!

More Quick Takes at Conversion Diary!

All Saints and All Souls Day

I was asked the difference between All Saints and All Souls days and I had to pause.  I gave an answer, which was deemed unsatisfactory by the questioner.  I also thought I was somehow missing the mark a bit, so I decided to do some research.
All Saints Day is a solemnity and a holy day of obligation.  The Church has set aside this day to honor all the saints, both known and unknown who are in heaven. 
All Souls Day is celebrated the day after All Saints, on November 2.  This day is for all those who have died but are not yet in heaven.

For more information:
All Saints Day
All Souls Day