Missed my monthly Carmelite meeting.....

Well, so the last few weeks (OK maybe month) has been......challenging. Just the twist and turns of life. I don't know how people without faith in Divine Providence get through -- it certainly gave me a peace through my dad being ill, an Aunt passing away and then two days later an uncle passing away. Years ago...I most likely would not have seen the beauty in some of these events, so I know our Lord is working in me as that's all I saw. Sadness...grief.....definitely, but also joy and beauty.

And then this is kind of funny......I hurt my foot by falling off of a very, very large metal box (OK...so it was 5 inches x 2 inches x 1 inch - but sounds better the other way) about 1 1/2 weeks ago. I've been hobbling around on this black and blue foot and it was getting better but was a little surprised that it was still so sore. Yesterday, I went to get on my knees to help the children pick up their toys and I just slightly rolled onto my toes (SERIOUSLY, ever so slightly) and I felt a POP. After I composed myself I pulled off my sock and had a mysterious bump on the top of my foot. Decided to get an x-ray and yes....broken bone on the top of my foot -- just HOW does one get a broken bone on the TOP? LOL Most likely I fractured it 1 1/2 weeks ago and that little roll just made the final break. They said to stay off of it until next week when I can see the doctor. I was a little disappointed that I have to wait to see the doctor...but they said the swelling needed to go down anyway before they can decide what to do.

So, missing my monthly Carmelite meeting -- I'm disappointed as I really look forward to seeing everyone and it has become very important when trying to persevere on this path. But I have great friends who will be taking notes for me and will fill me in as best they can after the meeting. Praying for them as I know they are for me!

Asking for prayers....

On Good Friday, I was told that my Aunt, my mother's sister, had been taken to the hospital. My mom and I arrived at the hospital the exact time the doctor was delivering the news that she has stage 4 lung cancer, and it had also metastasized outside the lungs as well. This morning I've been told she's been given 12 - 72 hours.

This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday and I would so appreciate it if you could spare a Divine Mercy Chaplet for Gloria. I'm not positive what her beliefs are, but I know she hasn't been to a church for years and years. Thank you for any and all prayers....

One of the best means of assisting the dying is the one that Jesus revealed to St. Faustina and insisted that she use often — even continuously: The Divine Mercy Chaplet. Jesus said: "My daughter, encourage souls to say the chaplet which I have given to you. It pleases Me to grant everything they ask of Me by saying the chaplet. ... Write that when they say this chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person, not as the just Judge but as the merciful Savior (Diary, 1541).

Earlier, Our Lord said to her, "At the hour of their death, I defend as My own glory every soul that will say this chaplet; or when others say it for a dying person, the indulgence is the same" (Diary, 811).

Joy in the midst of suffering....

Today is one of those days...really like any other, that is full of joys and sorrows, blessings and struggles, wonder and confusion.

The sorrow of losing a child...not mine....but a young women my youngest daughters age (21) who is also a mother to a young child. I remember her mother who so inspired me as a young mom. One time in church they were sitting across from us....a family of five or so at that time (they have six children I believe). The children being so good, waiting patiently, the mom kneeling, and I could see her lips moving as she was reciting prayers, most likely the Rosary. That vision has always stayed with me as a source of inspiration to be a good mother to my children by example. This family has been given many challenges....and now another one. I pray to our Heavenly Father, our Blessed Mother and Good St. Anne to shower blessings, comfort and grace on this family to endure this newest trial. And as trials always do....has encouraged me to remember to continue to pray for my children, and to call and tell them how much I love them.

And the joy.....today I celebrate 31 years of marriage with a man I am so proud to call my husband. God blessed me the day he introduced us and I thank him for this wonderful gift - especially since we only knew each other for 3 weeks before we got engaged but that's another story for another time. God knew what he was doing even if we were young and didn't know it!:-)

A couple of my furry friends

I plan to broaden this blog a bit this year. My goal was to share my journey as a wife, mother, and Secular Carmelite (still in formation). I have shared some of this Carmelite way but as I have grown this path is not separate from my"other" life but very much becomes my life. Oh, I'm not good with words at all so I probably just sound cofusing. Those that have/are taking this walk understand what I mean. With that said, my plan is to share a little more of my daily (more likely weekly) life with all it's glorious twists and turns!

And again, my new internet friend, Robin at All Things Heart and Home, is starting a 365 day project where she takes a picture each day. I thought it would be a great idea (I promise, Robin, to not borow all your ideas!) -- I most likely will not share these picts. daily because I don't blog each day but am planning to take them and use them in some way - which just hasn't come to me yet! LOL

January 1 picture above - I could have taken many pictures yesterday. My oldest daughter and family came over to watch the big Duck game (boo hoo by the way). We ate so much junk f0od (drowning our sorrows) that I was almost comotose. But my husband took a picture of two of my favorite furry children. Seldom are they THIS close - Max, my ragdoll cat (love him dearly but really, don't pay for a pet...adopt one that is in need) has lately been "borrowing" Luna's dog bed. Luna, my toy poodle who I adopted from a rescue decided there was plenty of room for her too and was not to be ousted from HER bed!

The cutest turkey EVER!

This little guy just makes my heart happy! (Hope Mom and Dad don't mind I copied a picture...ssshhhh)

Prayers needed....

For my daughter Annie......please storm heaven for her! I wish I could share but I don't even know where to begin.

Feeling very blessed!

Just sharing two of my favorite faces....this is my oldest daughter and my favorite grandson (who was VERY HOT and tired). I can say he's my favorite because...well....he's the only grandchild I have at the moment! But you have to admit...he's soooooooo cute!

Prayers for your children...

I've posted this before and this is really a reminder to myself to always pray for my children (you can replace "daughters" with children or sons).

Holy Mary, mother of God and mother of all the faithful, I place my daughters under your motherly protection. To you I completely consecrate them, body and soul. Take them under your care and keep them always. Guard them and keep their hearts pure, their thoughts ever holy and directed to God and the things of God. Protect them always throughout life - in their joys and sorrows, in successes and failures, in dealings with others. Always and in all things be a true mother to them, Mary, and preserve them. I commend them entirely to you. Remember, Mother Mary, that through this act of consecration they become in a special way your children as well as mine; guard them and keep them as your very own. Amen.

Happy Anniversary!

Today my husband and I have been married for 30 years! 30 YEARS! And we look forward to the next 30!

Many prayers needed

I wish I had a better picture on my computer of this special boy. Flash, my husband's best buddy had to be put down today. It's all rather sudden....he collapsed on Saturday and many tests later we have learned that his heart was beyond repair. We started medication but it was pretty evident that it was not going to do what we had hoped. Goodbye buddy....you were such a sweet boy.

And in the midst of all this, my husband will be having back surgery tomorrow morning (just found out a few moments ago) - a lot to process in such a short time.

Trying to embrace my crosses today.........

Happy New Year

Holy Mary, mother of God and mother of all the faithful, I place my daughters under your motherly protection. To you I completely consecrate them, body and soul. Take them under your care and keep them always. Guard them and keep their hearts pure, their thoughts ever holy and directed to God and the things of God. Protect them always throughout life - in their joys and sorrows, in successes and failures, in dealings with others. Always and in all things be a true mother to them, Mary, and preserve them. I commend them entirely to you. Remember, Mother Mary, that through this act of consecration they become in a special way your children as well as mine; guard them and keep them as your very own. Amen.

It doesn't matter how "old" your children are...they still need or prayers. One of my resolutions this year is to consecrate my daughters to Mary every morning!

God Bless all of you today and always!

Grandma's little guy!

Ok, so sorry about this big picture of me, but wanted to share my pride and joy! He is ALWAYS smiling!

The Loretta Young Show

A good, clean show on a very snowy day!

LORETTA YOUNG SHOW 3 & 2 PLEASE 30 mins Loretta Young portrays, “Sister Ann”, a nun who brightens the lives of patients in a Catholic hospital at Christmastime.
Sun 12/21/08 6:30 PM ET & 3:30 PM PT
Tue 12/23/08 11:00 AM ET & 8 AM PT
Fri 12/26/08 2:30 AM ET & (Thu) 11:30 PM PT
Sat 12/27/08 2:30 PM ET & 11:30 AM PT

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have so much to be thankful for as my father finally comes home from his surgery two weeks ago. It has been a long haul for him but he is now doing very well....Praise God.

Wishing all of my friends and family a very blessed Thanksgiving Day!

Prayers for my Dad

My father had hip surgery yesterday. Everything seemed to go fine but he developed some complications late last night and was moved to Intensive Care. I would so appreciate prayers for him...his name is Richard. Thank you.

Sweet, Sweet Baby!

In all the turmoil of the last few days...just had to take time to look at this sweet face...my grandson...