Conquering Fears

After many years of procrastinating and giving in to nervousness and fear, I finally learned to drive a stick shift. John was such a patient and kind teacher. Since my car is in need of a new starter and died as I was backing out of the driveway to go to work, I was pretty much forced to learn to drive the Expo. Sometimes, that's what it takes for me to do something. But, I did it and am driving myself to work and back. Sure, I've stalled out, spun the tires when sitting at a stoplight on a hill with tons of cars behind me, but I didn't die and it makes for a funny story when I get home. The best thing is that I can get around in any car now and am the only one of the four kids who can drive a manual. :0) There aren't many things I can claim to do that my siblings can't do, but this is one of them, so I'm claiming it!

The last week showed me that it's best to just face my fears head on, take them on and conquer them. The next one is getting back to running and training for a half marathon again. My mantra these days (since I'm a nervous personality and a procrastinator) is "JUST DO IT!"

Joy to the world! He is risen!

ALLELUIA!
May our young cousin Tom be with Jesus today in all His glory. Tommy died on Palm Sunday after a courageous battle with cancer.

Good Friday

Isaiah 53, 3-9
3 Yet it was our infirmities that he bore, our sufferings that he endured, While we thought of him as stricken, as one smitten by God and afflicted.
5
But he was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins, Upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed.
6
We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way; But the LORD laid upon him the guilt of us all.
7
Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth; Like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearers, he was silent and opened not his mouth.
8
Oppressed and condemned, he was taken away, and who would have thought any more of his destiny? When he was cut off from the land of the living, and smitten for the sin of his people,
9
A grave was assigned him among the wicked and a burial place with evildoers, Though he had done no wrong nor spoken any falsehood.

Regnum Christi-Part 2

Some things in this testimony reminds me of things that happened at the Wakefield, RI formation center--the showmanship when visitors/potential benefactors arrived. It is sad that many of us are experiencing the 'don't ask, don't tell' way of handling things by family and friends who are either in RC or sympathetic to it. I have been told, "Well, I wouldn't have met my husband if it weren't for Fr. Maciel." Why wouldn't that have happened? If God wanted someone to marry one's spouse, He had it in His divine plan.

There has been much 'non-discussion'' by some members about Maciel's debauchery and making excuses for the actions of the leaders of the movement in how they have (mis)handled the situation. It seems reasonable that stepping back for a moment or two from the Movement would be healthy. There is nothing in the movement that is not found within our Catholic Faith.

Changes must be made in this group. Otherwise, it becomes more and more like an elitist club on the edge of a cult, something I never thought I'd be saying. Maciel is the big white pedophile in the room--get him out and fix this broken thing.

In Gratitude

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Christina's life and for your blessings upon her and our family in bringing her safely and victoriously through her surgery. Your faithfulness to us is unmatched.

God bless everyone who prayed for Christina, cleaned their home, brought meals, sent flowers and cards, watched the kids and offered words of encouragement. God bless and protect her mom and dad and Jeff's mom and dad who have tirelessly worked these months helping their family. Please bless Christina's siblings and their families who will travel here to be with her this Holy Week and Easter.

Your mercy is never to be outdone. May we live to sing Your praises.

I think you just insulted me!

Today a friend was telling me about a funny scene from a Simpson's episode. In it, one of the Flanders kids made a funny remark. The Flanders family is the kooky Christian family. You know, the dumb goody two shoes people who love Jesus. My friend said, "That's how I picture your family." And then she laughed...

I felt my face fall. I got angry. Unfortunately, I did respond a bit icily, "We're Christian, but we're not dumb." Anyone who makes fun of your faith should be set straight right away. I don't blame this person, because she is ignorant of the fact that a life with Christ is the best life. The Simpsons, while funny, does make Christians look like Jesus freaks. Whatever. I remember my mom telling us when I was young, "Be a fool for Jesus." So, here I am.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Since we were young, St. Patrick's Day has been a big celebration in my family. We'd wear green, make Irish food, play Irish music and sometimes we'd go hear Irish music and see Irish dancing. It was fun trying to dance the "Seige of Ennis" at the fun St. Patrick's Day events my mom would take us.


It's also on this day that I miss Gram Dolan, aka Mary Genevieve Maher Dolan. She and Grampa loved this day and encouraged our excitement and love of it and Ireland in us.

The doggies got in on the fun as well today, or were forced into the fun as you can see in the photos below.


We're having corned beef and cabbage tonight and Irish Soda Bread. In our family we have two St. Paddy's Day birthdays--Sayeda Mahler and Miriam Campbell. Happy birthday, Lassies!