Dear Friends,
Three and a half years ago, my son Tony died. He was only 21, and although I expected that he had a long and beautiful life ahead of him, I was now faced with a much different reality. My heart was broken that day, never to return to its original state, but lacking the despair that could have easily overcome my being. To be sure, my husband and other children were my rocks, my family and friends my pillars, and my therapist the agent of sanity. But I have also known the intimacy of love from Jesus, and from His mother, Mary, and through them the Holy Spirit and the Father. Today I want to share one of them with you.
Throughout these years of enduring grief, I have experienced glimpses of God's nurturing love. One of these times was in this prayer that I have recited and pondered and sought insight on. "Make holy, therefore, these gifts, we pray, by sending down your Spirit upon them like the dewfall."
The first time I heard this in the newly revised Eucharistic prayers, I was very moved, and continue to be. Like the dewfall. God's Spirit, the Holy Spirit, is being called forth to cover every part of our being. To soak us in His gentle and permeating love. To cover us by His very breath. Where else has the Spirit breathed on us? As we anticipate the great feast of Pentecost, I am in awe of the beauty of these words. Lord, breathe on me! In continuing to ponder, the Holy Spirit gives us insight:
"Make holy, therefore ... " We are offering the Lord our humble and simple gifts of plain bread and wine, knowing that He will transform them into His very body and blood, soul and divinity! He will make them Holy. He will gladly take our meager offering and cause it to become the very bread of life!
"...we pray..." We join our voices and hearts in unity with each other and with all those around the whole world who are offering the same prayer, and ask Jesus to dwell in the host and in the cup and transform not just the bread and wine, but also us who consume Him. He will transform us, He wants to pour Himself out for us in order that we might have life, and have it abundantly! We pray with Him as He offers Himself to the Father and to us.
..."sending down your Spirit upon them like the dewfall." What a beautiful image. My heart is transported to the memory of a beautiful day where the dewfall lingers long into the morning, gleaming and reflecting and sparkling. A gentle mist rises, and slowly dissipates as the sun steadily ascends and covers the land. Isn't this what He prays for us? That we be covered. That we be fully alive! That we reflect His great love and kindness and generosity and hope, and literally sparkle with joy! As the darkness descends and the light appears, I have no doubt that Jesus will be there with full attendance to your every need. He will quench your thirst, and satisfy His as well. He will cloak us with His glory, with His beauty and hold us in His loving embrace.
Jesus knows your pain. He knows your grief. He knows every heartache, hardship, pain and sorrow that you bear. I encourage you to ask Him for His help and His guidance. Only a short prayer, a short phrase is sufficient. "Jesus, I believe. Help my unbelief." or "Jesus, I trust in you." or "Jesus, show yourself to me."
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Saturday, January 31, 2015
On this last day of January, 2015, I wanted to repost this in honor of all those who have lost their lives to abortion, and remind us to pray for an end to this horrific practice. (Originally published on this blog in Nov 2012)
Fear Not!
I am caught up as in another dimension when thinking about how each baby, hidden within the cradle of the womb is so pure, so beautiful, so utterly valuable. How each little precious one is made in the image of the Creator, and how when a mother chooses to abort, we are all cheated. This baby, this little person, bore the very image of God in a way that no one else ever will; and it is He who is stolen from us.
I hear people talk about how the babies lost through abortion could have been our future president, or a famous scientist that would discover the cure for some disease, or a great philanthropist or humanitarian, a Nobel peace prize recipient, or even a future Pope! But more profound than any of those possibilities, is that now we will never see that particular facet of God. For we are each made in the Image and Likeness of our Creator, and each of us bears His resemblance in a way that no one else ever will. And so, we are all cheated.
How is it that we have come to believe that this little one is now subject to another's decision on whether life should even be granted? I think all of this is on my mind today especially, because I woke at 5 AM on Wednesday morning, November 7th, looked at my phone, saw that our country had re-elected President Obama, and just prayed. I didn't listen to the news for the rest of the day, because I wanted to hear the still small voice that I have come to love, and didn't want it drowned out. What I heard, loud and clear, was: "Be Not Afraid: I Have Overcome the World." I am not trying to make a political point here. What I am saying is that I believe that President Obama does not seem to value life in the way that I think God wants us to, and has been quite clear about his intent to legalize abortion, mandatory contraception, and the like, and that causes me great concern.
I think we are desperate to be known, to be loved, to be accepted for who we are. To be welcomed, respected, cared for and appreciated. It seems to me that for some of these very reasons, women are afraid to bring a child into the world. The sacrifice to their social lives, their careers, their plans, their sense of "belonging" in this world looms large and their judgment is suddenly and significantly compromised. Fear has entered, and fear knows no bounds. Fear can deceive, can blind, can confuse. Fear can motivate, empower, and enrage. Fear can cause us to feel that we are not ourselves, Fear can manipulate our minds into rationalizations that we would have never thought possible for us, and convince us to make choices we would usually never make.
Let's not let fear be our dictator! Let's take courage! Let's respect, care for, accept, love, and welcome this little one. Let's find ways to help moms to choose life. To support them, love them, care for them, respect them. And let's never forget the beauty of the absolute crown of veiled magnificence, the little babe, snuggled in the cradle of the womb.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Our Unique Beauty
"And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own. And the joy we share as we tarry there none other has ever known." Charles A. Miles, 1913
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Remove the veil
My heart is heavy with sadness as I attempt to read the descriptions of the children and adults that were murdered this week. I find that my body is backing away from the page, as if the distance created would somehow help me to gain a sliver of detachment from the reality. My thoughts become as the skimmed page of a book I just cannot bear to read fully.
...Evil
...Those sweet little kids
... innocence lost
...terrorists among us
...Oh no, this child already experienced the weight of his parents' divorce and now
... blood
... huddled in a closet
...his mother. His mother. HIS mother. His MOTHER
...Oh dear Lord, how
... forgiveness
...Why do reporters insist on interviewing the grieving?
...how will they
...The sheer numbers of people personally affected by this horror
...pure evil
...If there is a face of Satan, this is it
And suddenly my thoughts gain clarity. In my deep heartache, words of truth illuminate my mind and my heart begins to lighten ...
oh, he is on the prowl ...
But God has won the victory
and one day we will be reunited!
And there will be no tears, no sorrows, no pain and no suffering. Every tear will be wiped away, and there will be rejoicing ... and mourning will flee!
But we are here; the pain is here. Even though I can't seem to allow myself to rest on any one of my fractured thoughts for longer than a second, I am suddenly taken in by an image of absolute sweetness. Her eyes emanate a surety, a peace, a kind of frank acceptance, and I dwell on the question of what she saw. What she heard. How one so sweet, so innocent, so pure, could be murdered in cold blood. And I grieve. I grieve for her, for her family, for her classmates, for their families, for the teachers, staff, all the other students, especially the other students.
What a tremendous loss to all of us, these lives. Our hearts are heavy.
Come Lord, come to save us! You who are the King, who came to earth as a little babe. You who took on the flesh of mortals, who bore pain, suffering, ridicule and rejection. You who were afflicted with every temptation, yet did not sin. You who died for us. You who rose for us. And you who are coming back for us! Remove the veil of our hearts, O Lord, and Come Lord, come to save us!
...Evil
...Those sweet little kids
... innocence lost
...terrorists among us
...Oh no, this child already experienced the weight of his parents' divorce and now
... blood
... huddled in a closet
...his mother. His mother. HIS mother. His MOTHER
...Oh dear Lord, how
... forgiveness
...Why do reporters insist on interviewing the grieving?
...how will they
...The sheer numbers of people personally affected by this horror
...pure evil
...If there is a face of Satan, this is it
And suddenly my thoughts gain clarity. In my deep heartache, words of truth illuminate my mind and my heart begins to lighten ...
oh, he is on the prowl ...
But God has won the victory
and one day we will be reunited!
And there will be no tears, no sorrows, no pain and no suffering. Every tear will be wiped away, and there will be rejoicing ... and mourning will flee!
But we are here; the pain is here. Even though I can't seem to allow myself to rest on any one of my fractured thoughts for longer than a second, I am suddenly taken in by an image of absolute sweetness. Her eyes emanate a surety, a peace, a kind of frank acceptance, and I dwell on the question of what she saw. What she heard. How one so sweet, so innocent, so pure, could be murdered in cold blood. And I grieve. I grieve for her, for her family, for her classmates, for their families, for the teachers, staff, all the other students, especially the other students.
What a tremendous loss to all of us, these lives. Our hearts are heavy.
Come Lord, come to save us! You who are the King, who came to earth as a little babe. You who took on the flesh of mortals, who bore pain, suffering, ridicule and rejection. You who were afflicted with every temptation, yet did not sin. You who died for us. You who rose for us. And you who are coming back for us! Remove the veil of our hearts, O Lord, and Come Lord, come to save us!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Fear Not!
I am caught up as in another dimension when thinking about how each baby, hidden within the cradle of the womb is so pure, so beautiful, so utterly valuable. How each little precious one is made in the image of the Creator, and how when a mother chooses to abort, we are all cheated. This baby, this little person, bore the very image of God in a way that no one else ever will; and it is He who is stolen from us.
I hear people talk about how the babies lost through abortion could have been our future president, or a famous scientist that would discover the cure for some disease, or a great philanthropist or humanitarian, a Nobel peace prize recipient, or even a future Pope! But more profound than any of those possibilities, is that now we will never see that particular facet of God. For we are each made in the Image and Likeness of our Creator, and each of us bears His resemblance in a way that no one else ever will. And so, we are all cheated.
How is it that we have come to believe that this little one is now subject to another's decision on whether life should even be granted? I think all of this is on my mind today especially, because I woke at 5 AM on Wednesday morning, November 7th, looked at my phone, saw that our country had re-elected President Obama, and just prayed. I didn't listen to the news for the rest of the day, because I wanted to hear the still small voice that I have come to love, and didn't want it drowned out. What I heard, loud and clear, was: "Be Not Afraid: I Have Overcome the World." I am not trying to make a political point here. What I am saying is that I believe that President Obama does not seem to value life in the way that I think God wants us to, and has been quite clear about his intent to legalize abortion, mandatory contraception, and the like, and that causes me great concern.
I think we are desperate to be known, to be loved, to be accepted for who we are. To be welcomed, respected, cared for and appreciated. It seems to me that for some of these very reasons, women are afraid to bring a child into the world. The sacrifice to their social lives, their careers, their plans, their sense of "belonging" in this world looms large and their judgment is suddenly and significantly compromised. Fear has entered, and fear knows no bounds. Fear can deceive, can blind, can confuse. Fear can motivate, empower, and enrage. Fear can cause us to feel that we are not ourselves, Fear can manipulate our minds into rationalizations that we would have never thought possible for us, and convince us to make choices we would usually never make.
Let's not let fear be our dictator! Let's take courage! Let's respect, care for, accept, love, and welcome this little one. Let's find ways to help moms to choose life. To support them, love them, care for them, respect them. And let's never forget the beauty of the absolute crown of veiled magnificence, the little babe, snuggled in the cradle of the womb.
I hear people talk about how the babies lost through abortion could have been our future president, or a famous scientist that would discover the cure for some disease, or a great philanthropist or humanitarian, a Nobel peace prize recipient, or even a future Pope! But more profound than any of those possibilities, is that now we will never see that particular facet of God. For we are each made in the Image and Likeness of our Creator, and each of us bears His resemblance in a way that no one else ever will. And so, we are all cheated.
How is it that we have come to believe that this little one is now subject to another's decision on whether life should even be granted? I think all of this is on my mind today especially, because I woke at 5 AM on Wednesday morning, November 7th, looked at my phone, saw that our country had re-elected President Obama, and just prayed. I didn't listen to the news for the rest of the day, because I wanted to hear the still small voice that I have come to love, and didn't want it drowned out. What I heard, loud and clear, was: "Be Not Afraid: I Have Overcome the World." I am not trying to make a political point here. What I am saying is that I believe that President Obama does not seem to value life in the way that I think God wants us to, and has been quite clear about his intent to legalize abortion, mandatory contraception, and the like, and that causes me great concern.
I think we are desperate to be known, to be loved, to be accepted for who we are. To be welcomed, respected, cared for and appreciated. It seems to me that for some of these very reasons, women are afraid to bring a child into the world. The sacrifice to their social lives, their careers, their plans, their sense of "belonging" in this world looms large and their judgment is suddenly and significantly compromised. Fear has entered, and fear knows no bounds. Fear can deceive, can blind, can confuse. Fear can motivate, empower, and enrage. Fear can cause us to feel that we are not ourselves, Fear can manipulate our minds into rationalizations that we would have never thought possible for us, and convince us to make choices we would usually never make.
Let's not let fear be our dictator! Let's take courage! Let's respect, care for, accept, love, and welcome this little one. Let's find ways to help moms to choose life. To support them, love them, care for them, respect them. And let's never forget the beauty of the absolute crown of veiled magnificence, the little babe, snuggled in the cradle of the womb.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Onward I tread
It is hard for me to write. It is hard to put on paper (or screen) what I am feeling or thinking because it becomes so... so... p-e-r-m-a-n-e-n-t. Oh, I know that my writing could be altered. It could be changed, it could be adapted, it could even be stolen. But there is something about committing one's thoughts and feelings to paper that makes them more defined, and makes me feel more vulnerable.
I titled my blog "Veiled Magnificence" and had a lot of excitement and expectation that I would write very often, and that I would be able to find the magnificence in daily life with hardly any effort, and that I would share very deep, wise, and sublime insights with any readers that happened to cross the path of my blog. I think that the more that I focused on trying to meet that expectation of myself, the less I found to write about.
Some days I could not find magnificence -- veiled or otherwise. I didn't want to write on those days, because I felt that if that were the case, then something was wrong with my perspective, and I should make sure that gets corrected before trying to post something .... hmmm ... I don't think that any longer!
It's mind boggling in some ways that two years, almost to the day, have passed since I last wrote. My last entry was about my daughter Bernadette's graduation from GVSU. Since then, a lot has happened! I would like to try to recount some of the highlights and lowlights, so will work toward that goal.
Should you happen upon this entry, thank you for reading, and for being patient as I stumble along!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Jesus Come to Earth as Man.
Jesus, the Messiah;
son of God, son of Mary.
Emmanuel, Redeemer, King!
Hope for the world; Joy of man's desire.
Prince of peace,
Word made flesh.
What magnificence veiled
as a child - a little baby.
Let us this season keep our hearts open
to see the truth of God's incredible love for mankind.
Who am I that my Lord should come to me?
That he would humble himself
and become man,
one like us,
to bring us to the Father.
Jesus - Giver of life - Lover of my soul - Come quickly!
son of God, son of Mary.
Emmanuel, Redeemer, King!
Hope for the world; Joy of man's desire.
Prince of peace,
Word made flesh.
What magnificence veiled
as a child - a little baby.
Let us this season keep our hearts open
to see the truth of God's incredible love for mankind.
Who am I that my Lord should come to me?
That he would humble himself
and become man,
one like us,
to bring us to the Father.
Jesus - Giver of life - Lover of my soul - Come quickly!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Happy Spring!
Every morning I am awakened by the beautiful song of the many winged creatures that dwell in the surrounding trees, bushes, and foliage. Spring is such a wonderful time of year! Sometimes I think that I don't like living in Michigan because the winters are so hard, but when spring comes . . . I am delirious! Somehow I just don't think that spring would feel as it does if it hadn't followed a winter such as we have. Don't get me wrong. The dull, grey, short days of winter can bring on a melancholy that shrouds my very life, it seems. But on those days that I am able to raise my eyes above, and put my attention on invisible realities, I am lifted from my lethargy and infused with a joyful desire to love my creator and his creation. Instead of seeing the dark, cold, bitter side of things, I can be drawn to His inner warmth, which sparkles out of me, almost unknowingly!
And I am glad that for now winter is over, and spring is here.
And I am glad that for now winter is over, and spring is here.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Beauty
As I look out the window, admiring the breathtaking landscape of color that the Artist has created, my heart swells with a longing to be out in the woods, sketch pad and pencils in hand, to capture just a breath of the beauty. A treasure that would be, I'm sure, when the long winter months come and I'm feeling gloomy and all seems grey. Where does this longing come from? In my memory, I have never done such a thing, but it still beckons me like a floating balloon waiting to be caught but always just out of my reach. This, to me, is quite a wonder. Is it from my heart? My soul? My spirit? My flesh? Someday I want to learn more about each of those parts of the human. What an inexhaustible study that would be!!!
I don't anticipate winter with very much joy. I prefer autumn with its brisk breeze, the flying leaves, the crisp bite to the air, the smell of burning wood, the sight of your exhale. Have you ever thought about a constant autumn? An oxymoron, isn't it. That's worth thinking about, and I will most likely be devoting part of my thoughts to that question while doing my chores today. I bet there are some parallels that can be drawn between the spiritual life of a man and the seasons of the year. I bet that parallel has already been drawn numerous times, but it is still something worth thinking about! Or researching . . . : )
Well, if I am not careful, I will be spending my day thinking, praying, researching and maybe even writing, but that's not what I'm supposed to do today. My vocation is my priority, and although cleaning bathrooms, making doctor appointments, washing clothes, and working on projects in the home doesn't sound as glamorous to me today, it is what I am called to do, so do it I will! I hope you have the opportunity to see the Artist's hand at work around you and in you, because you are a beautiful creation.
I don't anticipate winter with very much joy. I prefer autumn with its brisk breeze, the flying leaves, the crisp bite to the air, the smell of burning wood, the sight of your exhale. Have you ever thought about a constant autumn? An oxymoron, isn't it. That's worth thinking about, and I will most likely be devoting part of my thoughts to that question while doing my chores today. I bet there are some parallels that can be drawn between the spiritual life of a man and the seasons of the year. I bet that parallel has already been drawn numerous times, but it is still something worth thinking about! Or researching . . . : )
Well, if I am not careful, I will be spending my day thinking, praying, researching and maybe even writing, but that's not what I'm supposed to do today. My vocation is my priority, and although cleaning bathrooms, making doctor appointments, washing clothes, and working on projects in the home doesn't sound as glamorous to me today, it is what I am called to do, so do it I will! I hope you have the opportunity to see the Artist's hand at work around you and in you, because you are a beautiful creation.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
HUMILITY
You know, it is SO HARD sometimes to ask God for help in those small everyday things...
"Please help me with my attitude"
"Please help me to do what I'm supposed to do even though I don't FEEL like it"
"Please help me to pray for this person that I'm so frustrated with, and help me to understand them"
"Please show me some light on this situation which seems impossible"
but I don't really know why, because I ALWAYS get the grace when I ask for it. I guess the truth is that at times I really don't want to change. I just want what I want. Hmmmm....it comes down to humility, doesn't it. I guess Fr. Dan is right. : )
"Please help me with my attitude"
"Please help me to do what I'm supposed to do even though I don't FEEL like it"
"Please help me to pray for this person that I'm so frustrated with, and help me to understand them"
"Please show me some light on this situation which seems impossible"
but I don't really know why, because I ALWAYS get the grace when I ask for it. I guess the truth is that at times I really don't want to change. I just want what I want. Hmmmm....it comes down to humility, doesn't it. I guess Fr. Dan is right. : )
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Surprised
Veiled Magnificence
I was recently struck by the reality of how our decisions can impact those around us.
On my way home from work yesterday, Dave's mom called to see if I could help her get Dan and his car home to Detroit. Dan recently had surgery on his shoulder and it would not have been prudent for him to drive. Happy to have a way to support them, yet a little anxious about how I was going to get my household chores done, I arrived home to let the kids know I would be heading right back out. I was greeted with a pleasant surprise! Tony and Jacquie had taken it upon themselves to declutter and clean the main floor, their own bedrooms, and some other areas of the house. Because of their actions, I was able to peacefully help Dan and Mom, and even enjoy their company a bit longer than I otherwise would have, and still make it home in time for dinner.
Each day, we are invited to love. The daily, seemingly insignificant choices that we each make to follow through with an impulse of generosity or compassion, or to listen and respond to the still, small voice that inspires us to take an action of love, are the threads which are used to weave beautiful coverings of mercy, uniting humanity into brotherhood.
Dan, Mom, Tony, Jacquie, myself, (and I'm sure others known to God alone), were encouraged, built up, and blessed by the choices each of us made that day. Writing this helps me to remember that no act of charity is useless. By the grace of God alone, will every thought and action be an additional thread in the beautiful comforter of mercy.
I was recently struck by the reality of how our decisions can impact those around us.
On my way home from work yesterday, Dave's mom called to see if I could help her get Dan and his car home to Detroit. Dan recently had surgery on his shoulder and it would not have been prudent for him to drive. Happy to have a way to support them, yet a little anxious about how I was going to get my household chores done, I arrived home to let the kids know I would be heading right back out. I was greeted with a pleasant surprise! Tony and Jacquie had taken it upon themselves to declutter and clean the main floor, their own bedrooms, and some other areas of the house. Because of their actions, I was able to peacefully help Dan and Mom, and even enjoy their company a bit longer than I otherwise would have, and still make it home in time for dinner.
Each day, we are invited to love. The daily, seemingly insignificant choices that we each make to follow through with an impulse of generosity or compassion, or to listen and respond to the still, small voice that inspires us to take an action of love, are the threads which are used to weave beautiful coverings of mercy, uniting humanity into brotherhood.
Dan, Mom, Tony, Jacquie, myself, (and I'm sure others known to God alone), were encouraged, built up, and blessed by the choices each of us made that day. Writing this helps me to remember that no act of charity is useless. By the grace of God alone, will every thought and action be an additional thread in the beautiful comforter of mercy.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Is it really July?
Growing Older
I am still amazed. It is actually July of 2008. I will be turning 50 this year, and can hardly believe it! Inside, I still feel like "me". Somehow I thought my personality would change with age, or that I would become less of the "me" that I always knew and more of a stranger to myself. I don't know why I thought that, but I have to tell you that it is incredibly fun to age, and still be "me!"
Of course on the flip side of this, it is incredibly daunting to realize that I am still "me." Although I'm comforted by the security of being myself, I'm a little bummed about the insecurities that still assail me and apparently will continue! The temptations I struggle with seem to be always with me, like a "thorn in my side." But I will press on, because I know that God is merciful, just, and just plain --- love. Now how can I complain about that???
I am still amazed. It is actually July of 2008. I will be turning 50 this year, and can hardly believe it! Inside, I still feel like "me". Somehow I thought my personality would change with age, or that I would become less of the "me" that I always knew and more of a stranger to myself. I don't know why I thought that, but I have to tell you that it is incredibly fun to age, and still be "me!"
Of course on the flip side of this, it is incredibly daunting to realize that I am still "me." Although I'm comforted by the security of being myself, I'm a little bummed about the insecurities that still assail me and apparently will continue! The temptations I struggle with seem to be always with me, like a "thorn in my side." But I will press on, because I know that God is merciful, just, and just plain --- love. Now how can I complain about that???
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Touched by Love
I just have to tell you this story. I bought two dozen beautiful roses, a very pretty and uncommon orangish-red color to have in honor of Jacquie's Confirmation. I arranged them in a vase with some baby's breath, and went to bed. In the morning, every one of them had died! Every one of their heads had drooped down. I've never been able to resurrect flowers when they've been in that state, even if I trimmed the stems and watered and fed them. I was going to return them to the store, then realized that I had forgotten to put water in the vase! So it was my fault. I decided to pray. I asked the Lord to give me a sign that he hears my prayers, and that he loves my kids, and that since he created flowers in the first place, I knew it was no difficulty for him to bring these back to life, and if he would please do that, it would really be a sign of love to me. I put water in the vase (no trimming or feeding, though), and went about my business. Here's what he did for us!
Needless to say, I got down on my knees and thanked him. I felt very loved! They lived for 2 1/2 weeks, and never drooped again, just died standing straight up!
Needless to say, I got down on my knees and thanked him. I felt very loved! They lived for 2 1/2 weeks, and never drooped again, just died standing straight up!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
My tree is in bloom!
How fun is that! I have a Kanzan cherry tree (non fruit-bearing) that is blooming beautiful, delicate pink flowers. Gorgeous! I was so worried that the blossoms would die during our last frost--even to the point of praying for their safety! Each day more blossoms emerge, and my heart fills with joy. Sometimes the simple pleasures in life bring me a surety that all will be well. Seeing the care with which each branch, twig, leaf and blossom is created makes me think of the care that God has taken in creating each one of us. Down to the last hair on our heads, says Scripture!
I find myself thinking about people, and how much God loves each one of us. I pray that my encounter with my fellow man will be an opportunity for God's love to move through me and to me, for every encounter with another is an encounter with Christ.
As for how things are going on the homefront, it's been pretty busy! Sebby had his third birthday, and at his party I learned that Leah & Joey are going to try to work out their relationship and not pursue getting divorced. Hurray! There are lots of details surrounding that, but the plan is that Joey will move to a different house at the end of May, and Leah will join him at the end of July when the lease on the sublet she has expires. Evie is planning to live in an apartment with some friends some time before she starts school @ EMU, and Bernadette has fully moved back home for the summer, and will start at GVSU in the fall. She's going to room blind with three other women in an apartment on campus.
Monday is Dave's birthday (he'll be 50!) so we're having the kids over tomorrow to celebrate. I'm looking forward to that! Have a wonderful day, and I'll be back in touch as soon as I can.
I find myself thinking about people, and how much God loves each one of us. I pray that my encounter with my fellow man will be an opportunity for God's love to move through me and to me, for every encounter with another is an encounter with Christ.
As for how things are going on the homefront, it's been pretty busy! Sebby had his third birthday, and at his party I learned that Leah & Joey are going to try to work out their relationship and not pursue getting divorced. Hurray! There are lots of details surrounding that, but the plan is that Joey will move to a different house at the end of May, and Leah will join him at the end of July when the lease on the sublet she has expires. Evie is planning to live in an apartment with some friends some time before she starts school @ EMU, and Bernadette has fully moved back home for the summer, and will start at GVSU in the fall. She's going to room blind with three other women in an apartment on campus.
Monday is Dave's birthday (he'll be 50!) so we're having the kids over tomorrow to celebrate. I'm looking forward to that! Have a wonderful day, and I'll be back in touch as soon as I can.
Monday, April 7, 2008
What a Beautiful Day!
Somehow my wilted spirit is being lifted just by this gorgeous day, and some time to chill. I have been stretched lately, and not without pain, but I know that all will be well. God is much bigger than any of the circumstances we find ourselves in, and I am truly blessed.
Tomorrow Evie & I will be joining Judy Darnell in serving lunch to the homeless in Detroit. Seeing others in such pain isn't easy, and I'm a little apprehensive about it. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
Tomorrow Evie & I will be joining Judy Darnell in serving lunch to the homeless in Detroit. Seeing others in such pain isn't easy, and I'm a little apprehensive about it. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
A Surprise for our Anniversary
Sunday the kids surprised us with a fabulous meal at Argiero's in Ann Arbor, and then presented us with a new savings account which they opened for us, and plan to contribute to over the next year for our 25th anniversary celebration. We have talked about going to Europe for a long time, and they wanted to help us realize that dream. What an awesome family we have!! Thank you Leah, Joey, Sebastian, Mike, Bernadette, Evie, Tony & Jacquie
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Our 24th Anniversary
Dave and I celebrated our 24th anniversary, and man was it fun!!! The kids had told us to leave the 10th free, because they had a surprise for us, so we went out Saturday night. We had dinner at the Common Grill (excellent food!) and then went to the Purple Rose Theatre where we thoroughly enjoyed Vino Veritas, a play about two couples and how their relationships are affected by truth serum that three of the four friends drink.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!!! I can't believe it is 2008! Where does time go? The last month was very full, with recovery from surgery in the midst of all of the holiday hubbub. Dave did the lion's share of shopping & wrapping, and we also had help from my women's group and of course our family.
Although we couldn't celebrate our regular traditions to the extent that we prefer, we still had lots of good times. Usually St. Nick comes to our home on the evening of December 6, but for some reason he couldn't this year! We aren't quite sure why he didn't show, but as Evie so aptly put it, "Wow! First time in all these years that we didn't follow our tradition, and we lived!!" True. We lived! It is interesting how stockings appeared mysteriously a couple of weeks later though...but Epiphany wasn't celebrated with our usual cake (with three foil balls that determine our kings that year), or with our C-M-B (Caspar, Melchoir & Balthazaar) blessings...hopefully we can still do that!
Our annual time with Dave's mom & siblings on Christmas Eve was really fun. The white elephant gift exchange is always enjoyable, and this year Tony was #1. He liked that! He ended up with a russian hat and a russian bottle of vodka, (which he promptly gave to Mike as a Christmas present)! That gift was quite a hit as it came all the way from Moscow where my nephew Ryan is an embassy guard with the Marines. We then went to Midnight Mass for the first time! We attended Holy Trinity Student Parish. It was so inspiring for me. They began with several Christmas carols, sung beautifully, and it really brought me into Christ's presence. I'm so glad we went.
Christmas Day is traditionally very low-key, happy, chill-out time for all of us. The older kids come home early, if they haven't spent the night here, and we begin our activities around 9am. It is so fun having Sebastian here--he loves the present opening time! It is such a blessing to have all the kids here and to have that time together as a family. Every one of us looks forward to it. Later in the afternoon some of us went to my moms, where we celebrated with her & others who came.
I'll save other stories for another time so that you don't get blog-bogged! Hey, did I just create a cool catch-phrase?
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
On the Road to Recovery
Greetings, Friends!
I am two weeks into recovery from major surgery (feminine matters), and am feeling pretty good. I was able to stop taking the heavy-duty pain killers a week after surgery, and am now just using ibuprofen as needed. My family has been amazing; they stayed with me in the hospital, help me at home, and still lift things for me when needed! All of my brothers and sisters who live in town came to see me (and the other two called), as well as many other friends and family members. I am very blessed, and the outpouring of support has been magnificent!
My children have been at my side from the beginning. Those who were able to stay with me in the hospital did so for an entire day, and others came as possible. They have brought me gifts, joy, a welcome home sign, game times, laughs, and kindness. Sebastian has spiced up our otherwise humdrum evenings once or twice, and brought much laughter to our home. What a wonderful family we have!!! Of course the kids are helping out more around here too, with extra chores and driving and patience with what isn't happening, such as our annual St. Nicholas Day visits! St. Nick wasn't able to come this year, and everyone accepted that as graciously as could be imagined.
Last weekend I had the privilege of attending Diane's commencement ceremony where she received her PhD. She treated the entire family to a weekend of celebration at a luxurious Radisson, including all meals. We were pampered to no end! She is an example to me of a woman of quite strong faith, character, and physical stamina! Diane never complains, and has worked incredibly hard for her achievements, all the while attending to the needs of others, and doing so with joy and gratitude. You go, girl!!!
Today I also want to express my deep love for my husband, Dave, without whom my life would just not be the same. He is my better half, my best friend, and the source of so much of my earthly happiness and serenity. Dave knows how to love. He has loved me through thick and thin, and during this time of recovery, is caring for me like a precious gem. He responds generously to my requests for help, even if he is tired. Last night, for example, my feet were quite sore, and I asked him if he could rub them. His actions were not done with a hurried "can't wait to get this done" type of attitude, but instead with care, tenderness, and even patience. He is a truly great man, and I am honored to be his wife.
Thank you for reading, and feel free to post comments! I love to hear from you too.
I am two weeks into recovery from major surgery (feminine matters), and am feeling pretty good. I was able to stop taking the heavy-duty pain killers a week after surgery, and am now just using ibuprofen as needed. My family has been amazing; they stayed with me in the hospital, help me at home, and still lift things for me when needed! All of my brothers and sisters who live in town came to see me (and the other two called), as well as many other friends and family members. I am very blessed, and the outpouring of support has been magnificent!
My children have been at my side from the beginning. Those who were able to stay with me in the hospital did so for an entire day, and others came as possible. They have brought me gifts, joy, a welcome home sign, game times, laughs, and kindness. Sebastian has spiced up our otherwise humdrum evenings once or twice, and brought much laughter to our home. What a wonderful family we have!!! Of course the kids are helping out more around here too, with extra chores and driving and patience with what isn't happening, such as our annual St. Nicholas Day visits! St. Nick wasn't able to come this year, and everyone accepted that as graciously as could be imagined.
Last weekend I had the privilege of attending Diane's commencement ceremony where she received her PhD. She treated the entire family to a weekend of celebration at a luxurious Radisson, including all meals. We were pampered to no end! She is an example to me of a woman of quite strong faith, character, and physical stamina! Diane never complains, and has worked incredibly hard for her achievements, all the while attending to the needs of others, and doing so with joy and gratitude. You go, girl!!!
Today I also want to express my deep love for my husband, Dave, without whom my life would just not be the same. He is my better half, my best friend, and the source of so much of my earthly happiness and serenity. Dave knows how to love. He has loved me through thick and thin, and during this time of recovery, is caring for me like a precious gem. He responds generously to my requests for help, even if he is tired. Last night, for example, my feet were quite sore, and I asked him if he could rub them. His actions were not done with a hurried "can't wait to get this done" type of attitude, but instead with care, tenderness, and even patience. He is a truly great man, and I am honored to be his wife.
Thank you for reading, and feel free to post comments! I love to hear from you too.
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