Friday is here!

Friday mornings are the best mornings of the work week for me, and maybe for most people. I get out of bed and realize that it isthe last day of the work week--always a welcome thought. It means happier coworkers, not as much phone ringing, pizza for lunch compliments of my boss, and this Friday is payday. :) That means a trip to the bank to withdraw the cash that we'll need for the month: groceries, household, spending. And then when I get home, I'll write the first checks of the month to our parish and to another charity. The mortgage check comes next.

As I see the money come in and go out for bills and such, I am reminded that we can have a home and spending money and give to charity because of getting up in the morning to go to a job that I am grateful to have. So, on Monday when I sit up, blinking my eyes open and realizing that it's the start of another week, I'll remember that many of the blessings I have are because God has given me the opportunity to work.

...or maybe I'll feel more grateful after the first cup of coffee. :)

A Walking Novena

Today I started a Novena to St. Therese. Instead of driving, I walked around Poulsbo, specifically to the library which is my frequent hangout during lunch break. The prayer, along with the 24 Glory Be's, was nice to pray while walking up the big hill and being out in the sunshine eating blackberries along the way. I especially liked how the prayer states when asking the favor from God, "if it is in accordnace with Thy most Holy Will and is not an obstacle to my salvation." That, coupled with the 24 Glory Be's of gratitude, helped me have purity of intention and humility in the face of all my blessings.

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.