Lucy is 2!

We had the pleasure of seeing our good friends, Joe and Ashley and their family recently while they were visiting from Virginia. Their youngest child, Lucy, is our youngest goddaughter. Lucy turned two years old on August 13, so we got to celebrate her bday with her a day early. She is a spunky and beautiful girl and we're so blessed to be her godparents. Prayers and love to you, Lucy! xoxo

Thoughts

Recently, I had a bit of interior turmoil regarding someone I know well. A conversation needs to occur with this person regarding some things and since I am a wimp when it comes to this type of thing, I have done a lot of praying about it--"Please Lord, help me to be kind but firm, please don't let me cry tears of anger (that's super annoying to everyone), and please help me get my thoughts across." Around this time I read about families who have suffered tragedies recently or who are recovering from near tragedies. I was reminded that 'this too shall pass' and that life is too short to remain angry about some things. Perhaps, a new chapter can be started with this person and perhaps I will grow in love and wisdom.

Mother, make my heart like yours--capable of loving.

I hope this is the real deal.

I read this letter from RC Members yesterday and am hoping it is legit. It hits the nail on the head to say the least. So many faithful people in RC gave a lot to the Movement. After the Communique in 2006, it floored me that the Legion and many RC members stood behind Maciel and defended him after the Vatican basically put him out to pasture because of the claims of molestation. Even after the scandal broke about his lover and daughter, there were many who, rather than condemning the actions right away, lauded what the movement had done for their families and themselves. One member said to me that, "Fr. Maciel was a tortured soul who really tried hard to live up to the charism and suffered greatly for the demons that prompted him to fall short." Wow... He still had the free will not to molest boys. The explanation of "The devil made him do it" is not only laughable, but despicable. I realize that most members do not subscribe to this type of thinking, but when I talk to those who do think that way, it makes me realize that there are cultish aspects of the group where people stop thinking for themselves and explain away criminal behavior. I understand that good has been brought forth from the movement, but great harm has been done to children and the church by a wolf in sheep's clothing.

While I am not condeming the whole RC movement or its members, of course, I take great issue with the late actions and non-action of the superiors. Fr. Berg's interview was very enlightening as was Steve Skojec's account of his experience.

Inspiration

Laura Ingraham interviewed Nick Vujicic today on her show. He's a young evangelical Christian speaker, real estate investor and author who was born with no arms and no legs. At 8 years old, he tried to commit suicide because he didn't know what would become of him when his mom and dad died. Then at 13, he had a turning point. He realized that he could be angry about what he didn't have or be grateful for what he did have. Thank you, Lord, for all the gifts and blessings You have given me. Thank You, also, for allowing all my defects, through which You show your power and love.

Note--Nick would be considered a burden to the system under Obama's 'health' care. The only burden is not seeing what a precious gift life is. Obama is blind to that.

I love this!

Natural Child: Any child who is not artificial.



Real Parent: Any parent who is not imaginary.



Your Own Child: Any child who is not someone else's child.



Adopted Child: A natural child, with a real parent, who is all my own.



-Rita Laws, PhD

Birthday Girls!!

Happy, happy birthday to my dearest girls in the world! Pita turned one on July 1, Lili turned 3 on July 4, and Maddy turns 3 today, July 17!

You three little ladies make my world brighter with smiles, laughs, funny-isms and sheer presence. We love you so much and hope to see you soon.

God bless and protect you all. Love you!

Farm Share

Last evening after work, I drove to Pheasant Fields Farm to pick up our 1/2 share and cut our weekly bouquet of flowers. Work had been pretty busy, so the quiet drive to the farm was a nice change of pace. This week we got kale, chard, green onions, chives, radishes, peas, and a HUGE head of lettuce.


When I had finished bagging our food, I grabbed a scissors hanging up on a pillar and headed to the enormous flower garden. What a calming and healing thing that is to do after a long day! So many beautiful flowers, so many types, smells, little bees, all congregating in this lovely space. With a big bouquet in hand, I picked up the food, said goodbye to Rocky the dog, and headed home much more happy than when I had arrived.