Sometimes it's Best to Not Say it Out Loud

At least in the presence of a 4 year old who might repeat what you say. Take for example, my feelings about the current weather resulting in the 4 year old declaring, " I'm gonna kick that damn groundhog if I ever see him! Six more weeks of winter" when he was cold.Hmmm, wonder where he heard that one?

Oh, Sure, Now You Tell Me

Every year I give up coffee for Lent.  And every year a new study comes out stating the health benefits of coffee. Why would this year be different? My poor pale Irish skin needs coffee. I'll guess I'll risk it for 40 days!

To add insult to injury, I heard for the first time this morning the "Coffee Cantata" by J.S. Bach. A piece of sheer brilliance!I really really really like coffee. Off to drink a nice dull cup of tea.

Motto for Motherhood, Expect the Unexpected.

Like your son throwing up all over the church 4 minutes before the Ash Wednesday evening Mass begins.  Father DeSalvo's only commnet, "Second one today". 

Books for Lent

Lent and Easter in the Domestic Church 

We have had this book for years, and still really enjoy it. It is chocked full of ideas, recipes and crafts, not to mention the coloring pages. Much of it is available at this site.

Lent and Easter Wisdom from G.K. Chesterton

I just got this, but I use the Advent counterpart. Chesterton happens to be my favorite author, however, if he does not float your boat( and given his girth, he might sink it!), there are many other options available in this series.  I love this series for the fact that each day's meditation consists of a writing from the author, a scriptural passage, a prayer and an action.

In Conversation with God Volume 2, Lent and Easter

Again, something I try to use each year. The In Conversation series is a classic. Everyday the mediation is a springboard to prayer. The Gospel is reflected upon in each meditation, but in the light of the richness of the Catholic Faith,  writings of the Saints, Church councils and theologians are used in conjunction. 

Look for more tools for Lent in the coming weeks. 

Something different on Economy and Stimuli

From Glimpses of the Church Fathers:

"In the economy of the mysteries of Christ, the miracles are graces and stimuli which reinforce doctrine. This enables us to follow the actions of Him whom we confess in the spirit of faith." - Saint Leo the Great, Homilia XII in ieiunio decimi mensis, 1-2

Message of Hope

I just turned this in for our Parish newsletter, and thought I'd share it. Excuse the High School-ish book review, its all I have energy for.

Message of Hope, edited by Fr. John R. Waiss

It has been nearly a year since the Holy Father’s visit to the United States, and many may have forgotten the beautiful addresses he gave, the people he spoke with and the over all impact of his visit. Now is a good time to reflect again on his time here, and to see what the Holy Father has to say to us. Message of Hope is a collection of the words of our Pontiff during his 2008 visit to the United States, but it is also much more.

As the reader goes through each address, they are given a summarization in the margin of the book, to help to better absorb all that the Holy Father had to say. His words are simple, but challenging at the same time and summarization gives key points to focus in on. 

Message of Hope is a study guide to be used as the words of the Holy Father are reflected upon. Throughout each address questions are given to better understand the audience that was being addresses, the topic at hand and how it relates to our rich Catholic faith. The questions are ideal for a study group, or for an individual looking to gain more form the words of the Holy Father on his U.S. visit. 

Many questions may arise when reading the addresses. What was he talking about? Who was he addressing? What does this have to do with me at this time? Message of Hope also addresses these questions with a personal reflection at the end of each address. The points of reflection are very good for taking to prayer or using in conjunction with an Examination of Conscience. The Personal Reflections would also be a help to those who like to read in Adoration, to join their prayer and reading together. There would be no better place to read and reflect on the Holy Father’s words than our Adoration Chapel! (Note: our parish just opened a new chapel) 

Message of Hope also features a concise thematic index to assist those looking for specific subjects addresses by Benedict XVI. This enables the reader to also pursue study into a topic of interest via the addresses of the Holy Father.

There is the assumption that reading the works of Benedict XVI can be difficult, and at times this is true, however Message of Hope puts the Holy Father’s words into an easy to read and comprehend format. Message of Hope will be enjoyed by anyone who wants to know more about the Pope and learn more about his words to us, his sheep.

Have I mentioned I hate Valentine's Day?

'cuz I really do! I have not liked Valentine's day since Jr. high. Once I became the brooding teen I was, I always wore black on Valentine's day. Guess What? I'm wearing black. Yep. I still hate it. It is a stupid holiday in which people who otherwise might not go out of there way to do something special for each other do. Nice.

I much prefer Tuesdays. Yep, Tuesdays. Years ago, when I told my now husband that we WERE NOT celebrating Valentines day, because it is a stupid forced affection day, I told him I much prefer a surprise on a random Tuesday. One random Tuesday, he showed up with flowers, the next I sent him a card, and while we were dating this went on. After almost 12 years of marriage, Tuesdays are making a comeback. It is so nice to get a note, or card or flower (we do have kids now, so only one is in the budget!) for no reason rather than because it is expected. 

Did I mention I get injured on Valentine's Day? The one year my now husband decided he would get me a Valentine's day gift, I got so mad I jumped on my dorm room bed hastily and managed to sprain my ankle. I softened to Valentine's day in 2000, when my daughter had a cute outfit to wear, that year, I shattered my humerus and had to have emergency surgery and 7 months of physical therapy to use my arm again. Ever since the Arm, we let the kids do their parties, but we do not mention the V-day. Tuesdays are much safer!

Happy Rod in the Arm Day, as we call it around here.

Where your treasure is, there your heart shall be.

I've been thinking about this verse often lately. Recently many opportunities have come before me to give of my time, talent or treasure. I like and believe in may of the causes, but I cannot give to all of them. Some I may have given to last year, but for many reasons, I will not this. Where is my heart in my giving?

Last year I made a contribution to my local Public Radio Station. I listened often, so it seemed worth it. In turn I got a "free" subscription to Newsweek. In the past year, I have found the same station to offend me more and more, mostly regarding their portrayal of Christians and Pro-Life people. Newsweek is outright anti-Catholic and 100% pro-choice. I cannot give my treasure there, but a place like sqpn needs funding, and can do far more good,and so my heart turns to where the truth is.

I volunteer with a a large breastfeeding organization. This group is not organized and lately has lost its focus. I'm saddened by what I see, and the mothers I work with in my affluent community frequently are too quick to quit nursing for a trip, or to be able to spend more time working out. Both can be important, but, it seems so selfish to me. I'm judgemental, I know. Where is my heart? Again, My treasure needs to move toward the greater need. I now am able to shift my focus to teaching Breastfeeding to women in Crisis pregnancies. These women need help, they need someone to say that they can do it, they need someone to believe in them. They will most likely be working and away from baby, but, they will have that quiet moment when they get home that they can be the sole provider for their baby, and my hope it that will empower them.My heart is in this work, with the support of my organization.

It can be anything really, but my Heart and Treasure need to be united. If all I do is for Glory of God, it is a waste if my heart is not in it. It wastes my money, my usefulness and my time. I guess I have flipped the verse, where my heart is, there my treasure is, but,my real treasure is in Heaven, and that is where my heart longs for, so if my treasure in this world and my heart do not match up, how can I unite them for heaven?

Me Know Music

What exactly happens to the knowledge that once dwelled in our brains daily after a few years of non-use? This is the great mystery I need to solve. Twice this week I have been asked to define a music theory term, and the answer was pathetic. I used to be able to spout off this kind of stuff. Where did the knowledge go? 

I've heard theories, the best was that the knowledge that filled a brain pre-children goes out with the milk. So after 11 years of nursing kids, my brain should be pretty empty. That would explain the fact that I now respond to simple questions like a cave-woman. 

The sad thing is that this very useful knowledge has been replaced by other information, like the names of every Star Wars guy that litters my living room floor. Or even better, how to make a paper water bomb. How could this info be more important than the definition of fugue? 

At this point all the Ginkgo in the world cannot help, I guess it is time to just give in. So if you ask me an intelligent question, and I look glazed over, use small words and hand gesture, and maybe I can come up with a two word answer.