unPlanned

Here is a link to a webcast with Abby Johnson from Monday, January 10, 2011.  It's very interesting to hear what Abby has to say about Planned Parenthood.  And scary.

Head full of Thoughts

In the last few weeks, my head feels so full of thoughts about so many things that I just can't seem to really settle down.  Our exchange student went back home, then Elisa went back to school and so now it's just the two of us in the house.  But concentrating on any one thing is still difficult.  Sometimes I think it's the whole, "i have so many possibilities I can't decide" problem.  Other times I feel like I am simply procrastinating and avoiding.
I have been trying to be more conscious of how I am living my life on a daily basis and I find myself often thinking that it is so shallow. I used to have depth in my work and personal life, but with so many changes last year, it is no longer there.  For a few months, we had a visiting Jesuit priest with us in the parish.  He called many of us to go deeper and while he was here we did, now, without his nurturing, I certainly have let myself slide.
So many daily activities seem pointless.  I am not saying this in a depressed way, rather, is this stuff all that important or necessary?  I should probably resort to making lists and organizing things.  That always helps.

7 Quick Takes Friday

7 x 7 quick takes, but don't worry it's not long!

1.  Let's start with prayer requests:  for all  pregnant women, especially those who having difficulties; for those with cancer; for safe travels; for the unemployed; for all parish staffs; for the unborn, that they be protected; for those who have left the faith.

2.  For all that I am thankful for:  my husband, my children, my friends, my ability to change, the possibilities in my life, faith, the Eucharist.

3.  Projects I am working on:  dinner dance, golf tournament, next issue of The Call, making raffle prize baskets for Miracle House dinner, baking biscotti (literally as I type, for the Miracle House dinner), putting Christmas decorations away, organizing 2010 paperwork for taxes.

4.  Things I am looking forward to:  my parents coming for the winter, weekend alone, a friend's birthday party, Internet connection being restored to the office, new books to read, my daughter finishing college, new opportunities coming my way.

5.  The best part of it being just my husband and me:  no dinner complaints, no one else's laundry in the dryer, there is always a bathroom available, less trash, less dirty dishes, no problems getting in or out of the driveway/garage, we watch whatever we want from Netflix.

6.  What I'd like to be different:  more organized in my personal life, better plan for spiritual growth, find a spiritual director, have more time for fun, professionalism in my office, see my son more often, be able to attend Mass on Sunday just as participant.

7.  My favorites:  books, candles, lipstick, flowers, anything pink, coffee,  chocolate

For more Quick Takes, head on over to Conversion Diary!

Two Images of Jesus

At Christmas, we put a beautiful Nativity scene on the steps leading up to the altar.  It is surrounded by plants and flowers.  I notice it often and appreciate the beauty, but then I glance upwards and see Jesus on the crucifix, hanging above the altar.  It strikes me every time I look at it.  The juxtaposition of life and death with the altar and Tabernacle between the two images.It reminds me that as Christians we are called to the same images in our own lives.  We are born, and then we move forward and lay our life down for the sake of others.  In family, marriage, priest, sister, in whatever vocation we have we are called to serve as Jesus did.  The steps are the journey, the altar our sacrifice, the Tabernacle what we leave behind and the cross is our death.  In the spiritual life, this is repeated over and over as we are drawn into a deeper conversion towards Christ. 

It is also a reminder that there is no Cross without Life, and no Life without the Cross!