About Me

Friday, December 23, 2011

Cradle Catholics understand that "Sacred Mystery" is "Catholic" for "Just let It Go."
--Sister Mary Martha

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Gifts! Gifts! Gifts!

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Wisdom
Understanding
Knowledge
Courage & Fortitude
Counsel
Piety & Reverence
Wonder & Awe

Isn't it nice to know that some gifts come free of charge?

I love Christmas and I love gifts but, sometimes the material part of our lives takes over everything else.  I hope that you have a Merry Christmas with all the gifts (material or not) your heart desires.

Warmly,
Michelle

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Sentiment Put into Pretty Words

I bought a book at a resale shop down the street for $2.  The Book of Virtues by William J. Bennett.  It is a massive collection of single page literature (a few with more) with ties to virtues of character e.g., compassion, friendship, forgiveness, work ethic, etc.  I bought this because there are so many times when I can't think of an example of life to teach my children about a particular struggle or situation.  I bought this with the intent of teaching them.  But, as always, I get something fun along the way.

The Sin of Omission
By Margaret E. Sangster

It isn't the thing you do, dear,
It's the thing you leave undone
That gives you a bit of a heartache
At the setting of the sun.
The tender word forgotten,
The letter you did not write,
The flowers you did not send, dear,
Are your haunting ghosts at night.

The stone you might have lifted
Out of a brother's way;
The bit of heartsome counsel
You were hurried too much to say;
The loving touch of the hand, dear,
The gentle, winning tone
Which you had not time or thought for
With troubles enough of your own.

Those little acts of kindness
So easily out of mind,
Those chances to be angels
Which we poor mortals find--
They come in night and silence,
Each sad reproachful wraith,
When hope is faint and flagging;
And a chill has fallen on faith.

For life is all too short,dear,
And sorrow is all too great,
To suffer our slow compassion
That tarries until too late;
And it isn't the thing you do, dear,
It's the thing you leave undone
Which gives you a bit of a heartache
At the setting of the sun.

When we confess our sins in mass, we include "...in what I have done and I have failed to do..."  We think of the things that we haven't done--missed mass, or to forgive, or really big things.  But, I guess that we forget, that the little tiny things are what dirty up the soul.  Mostly because we think they are little and they won't make a difference.

I won't confess to not writing notes or unsent flowers as sin but, I will do my best to avoid regret. :o)

Saturday, September 24, 2011

 I love the way God holds me too. Been feeling this kind of joy since mass on Sunday.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is such a terribly difficult act to accomplish.  Most of the time we can forgive small things very easily.  But, when it comes to being crossed on a deeper scale, the ability to forgive those who trespass becomes exponentially higher.

We have all been wronged or crossed by someone.  We have all experienced the pain of heart when someone cuts to our core.  Some of us it is of a physical nature and some of us it is an emotional trauma or both. Our father says to forgive others as we would be forgiven.  How can we possibly do this?  How can we possibly let them get away with it?!

Well, I think that this may be an error in our thinking.  When someone comes in an ruins our world (mental or physical), then everything we believe in goes out the window. So our belief system breaks down.  We are in a protective frame of mind (protecting ourselves of course). We create a world of constant torment in order to "punish" or "blame" the other party.

Ironically, this protective way of thinking is actually trapping us.  It traps us in this victimized role that the other person perceptibly pushed us into.  We are at their mercy, forever.  What happens if we shift our frame of mind? And we say to ourselves: "I will forgive this person. I will bless this person with the light of God. I will move on." When we do this. We take our power back. We own our life again.

This doesn't negate the wrongdoing. But, it frees us from reliving it day in and day out. And doesn't aid in the destruction of a human being. At this point, by forgiving and blessing this person, you free yourself and bless yourself with peace. This is really how we should protect ourselves.

When was the last time you made somebody cry? Would you like to be forgiven for that? Granted, forgiveness is so complex and it takes great mental fortitude to understand ourselves, much less someone else.  But, when I feel crossed by someone my faith brings me to forgiveness immediately.  I quickly remind myself of their humanity and the godliness within us. I get to work on forgiveness almost instantly (although it could take months before I actually feel forgiveness). Don't be afraid to forgive. The wrong will not be forgotten.

Note: I found this draft in my blog, not sure why I didn't publish it. Gosh, I am not even sure that I wrote it. It has my tone but, it actually made sense when I read it to myself. :0) Ha!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

When You Least Expect It....

an angel is sent with a message...


Thank you so much, my friend, for sending me a song. Sometimes, I just need to be reminded that I need to and can be courageous.  Really dig this band lately.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

A Little Prayer from My Prayer Book

Not sure who shot this beauty but, thank you.
Dear God, thank you for my good digestion and for providing something to digest. :)

Give me health of boday as well as the sense to keep it healthy. 
Give me a holy soul, o God, which keeps its eyes on beauty and purity, so that it will not be daunted on seeing sin.
Give me a soul that knows nothing of boredom, groans, and sighs.  Never let me be overly concerned for this inconstant thing that I call "me".
God, give me a sense of humor, so that I may take some happiness from this life and share it with others.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Ponder This


"If God made us in his own image, then we have more than reciprocated." -Voltaire.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Where my prayers take me

The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another. --Thomas Merton

Monday, July 18, 2011

Wisdom

"Love is the gift of self. It means emptying oneself to reach out to others. In a certain sense, it means forgetting oneself for the good of others."--His Holiness Pope John Paul II

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Walls


Ever notice how high some walls seem?  Ever notice how helpless you can feel when your attitude towards climbing that wall is so lame?  I ignore the call for patience in many situations. I get frustrated and I see goals which have been set too high. They just seem to be unattainable.

Of course, time passes and light shines on that "wall" and you recognize that the ultimate goal (the top of the wall) is for later. Your goal will be achieved but, you must appreciate the wall for what it is.

Like this wall, faith and spirituality are high walls to climb.  They are every shade of gray with lots of jagged edges, cracks to fall into, and no assurance that your attempt will be progressive. In all likelihood you will fall many times trying to get over that wall--maybe even doubting if there is the other side or retreating from the effort altogether.  I guess for me the faith is knowing that there is a top and that I will get to it, and spirituality is knowing I just have to enjoy the experience for the time being.

I love knowing that the top of the wall is there.  I know that I am free to walk away and come back to that wall and climb it as many times as I need. I know that there will be raw fingers at and maybe a few painful scrapes from the times I fall.  But, no matter what that walls is there for me to climb up and conquer, it is not there to keep me down or out.

Strings Attached

Not all things of beauty are without consequence. Sometimes, the web of strings are hard to see.
It is interesting how easily we fall into a trap because of the beauty of the prize.  We think that if something is pretty and attractive and it feels good to look at that it must be good.  In essence it is.  But because we live in the real world we must recognize that even things of beauty and pleasure can be to our own detriment.

While we focus on our spirits during Lent, we often think and identify with the suffering that Jesus felt in the desert.  But, it is nothing like the suffering of not having God in your heart.  Can you imagine not being able to see God because of the web of words woven by people? If you practice contemplative prayer (meditation for non catholics), then focus on sight. The ability to see closely and from afar-is difficult and takes much practice and experience. This week I thank God for the clarity of sight.


Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Ave Maria


Hail Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with you,
Blessed are you among women,
And Blessed is the fruit of your womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us, sinners, 
Now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Feelin' Crafty?

A while back I gave my rosary away-to someone I love. I loved my rosary but, I knew that he needed it more than I did. So off it went.  I don't know if I will ever see it again, but, it served it's purpose.

Anyway, that left me without one for a few months now. I have just been making tick marks on a piece of paper instead when I need to pray but, really...it is hard to concentrate and stay in contemplation when I have to stop and tick off a prayer. (that reads kind of funny-tick off a prayer LOL!). I went searching on the web to find a new rosary and I came across this awesome guy making rosaries out of twine. 

No, I won't be making one but, I still think this is FABULOUS.
If you are the PDF type:
The Rosary Army Instructions
 
If you are the video tutorial type:
The Rosary Army-Video Tutorial

Some people are so resourceful.  I would never have considered this at all. Never. For reals. I still didn't find a rosary to buy.  That is not completely true.  I found one but, it was $600 on EBAY! Even made me gasp, I just wanted some pretty beads and a crucifix to help me keep track while I was deep in prayer. I guess, I need to check out a local craft fair and see if anyone can supply a more reasonably priced rosary.

God's merciful blessings upon you,
Me

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Well Said

If we had been in a courtroom or at least seen courtroom dramas on tv and movies, then we may know what it means to be a witness.

To stand as a witness means that one is most likely to be cross-examined, or grilled, either by the prosecution or by the defense attorneys.

To be a witness, there are two necessary elements: to know the truth, and to speak the truth.

Jesus calls us to be His witnesses.

To be His witnesses, there are two necessary elements: to know Jesus and His teachings, and also to have a deep relationship with Him.

It is from this knowledge and relationship that we witness to Jesus with our words and actions.

We witness to Jesus in a world that may not know who Jesus is, and to a world that thinks it can do without God.

In a world that is filled with hostility and disregard for human dignity, our witnessing to Jesus is vital and necessary.
 --Rev. Fr. Yim -Homily for 5/30/2011

Thursday, May 19, 2011

From the Quote Journal

Just remaining quietly in the presence of God, listening to Him, being attentive to Him, requires a lot of courage and know-how.
--Thomas Merton 

Thursday, May 5, 2011

National Day of Prayer




Learning Christ

Teach me, my Lord, to be sweet and gentle
In all the events of life-
  in disappointments,
  in the thoughtlessness of others,
  in the insincerity of those I trusted,
  in the unfaithfulness of those on whom I relied.

Let me put myself aside,
  to think of the happiness of others,
  to hide my little pains and heartaches,
  so that I may be the only one to suffer from them.


Teach me to profit by the suffering that comes across my path.
Let me so use it that is may mellow me, not harden nor embitter me;
That it may make me patient, not irritable. That it make me broad in My forgiveness, not narrow, haughty and overbearing.


May no one be less good for having come within my influence. No one less pure, less true, less kind, less noble for having been a fellow-traveler in our journey Toward ETERNAL LIFE.

As I go my rounds from one distraction to another, let me whisper from time to time, a word of love to Thee.
May my life be lived in the super-natural, full of power for Good, and strong in its purpose of sanctity.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Inspiration


Not In Vain

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain:
If I can ease one life from aching;
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
                                      -Emily Dickinson

Friday, April 22, 2011

Good Friday

Today is Good Friday-a particularly austere day.  My kids told me that they hate thinking what people did to Jesus.  They hate thinking that people did this to him or to anyone.

I didn't have the right words then, so I told them that Jesus didn't enjoy it either.  That he knew it would be painful and what would happen.  He knew his life would be hard.  He knew he was going to die. God never promised anyone (not even Jesus) an easy life, but, he did promise a blessed one. He promised never to leave you although you could choose to leave him (even then he promised to be waiting for you when you decide to come home).

I told them not to focus on the pain and the terrible torture that he suffered but, to focus on the beautiful gift of hope he bestowed upon the earth.  Think of all the good that has come from this single man's willingness to sacrifice for the sake of everyone (even the non-believers). I also reminded them that although he died he rose very shortly after.  He is alive and strong now.  He is strong in each one of us because we are willing to be peaceful, generous, forgiving and loving towards all people.

Still, as I contemplate, I think about the Catholics that are being murdered over seas today.  I think of the bashing we take for wanting to protect unborn babies or human beings on death row.  I think of all the ridicule and disrespect that we must endure.  I think of all the people who have no idea what it is like to be Catholic making judgments about our beliefs (which they rarely ever get right). I think of the movies that insist on blasting down Cathedrals and symbols of Catholicism.  In essence, people are still trying to kill Jesus on a cross.  People are still trying to break down the force of love he tries to spread through us.

Today, I am especially sensitive to those that try to tear down my God's word.  I am especially sensitive to the people condemning Jesus to the cross in present day.  I am especially sensitive about my God. period.

Dearest Loving God,
Please forgive them...they don't know what they are doing
Change their hearts and heal their souls
Bless them with your power for mercy and love.
Amen

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Quote


"The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays."
— Søren Kierkegaard

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Appreciation


Sometimes we must focus on the light on the wall instead of what is on the other side.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Lent is Approaching!

Yes I am excited! Each year during Lent, I make a special effort to pray daily. But, I keep that promise to myself and to God and it has an amazing affect on me. Each year I think not of some nasty habit to break but, something that I can DO instead of NOT DOING! Something to make me a better Christian Human Being. For me it is devotion by way of prayer (it is silent and it is mine).

I also expect a great time because this Lent my husband is going to take care of his body and so am I. Which means we will exercise, rest, laugh, love, and eat well TOGETHER! It doesn't seem like a sacrifice but it is, because we will not give in to gluttony, nor will we fill our bodies with the wrong things. We will give up the extra hours of sleep to exercise. We will give up doing nothing (on the web) for doing something for each other.

Also, this year I am starting a new tradition of 40 bags in 40 days.  It is 40 large bags of clutter or garbage that go out of my house and life over 40 days.  This will not only de-clutter my home a bit, but it will give my home more peace, serenity, and hopefully some simplicity. What to do with these 40 bags, if they are in good condition they will be donated either to friends or to the local assistance group. If they are trash they will be recycled or be donated to the dump. Either way, our religion values detachment from material things and this is a good way to achieve a little detachment everyday. I totally dig this idea...totally.

Some Lenten Ideas:
  • Find a Partner to make a mutual sacrifice--this is nice when you have someone with which to share your experience and growth.
  • Break it down into smaller week sacrifices (especially for children)--this makes the sacrifice periods less daunting and more attainable. One week they could pray every morning, the next week they could do the dishes, the next week help someone everyday, etc.
  • Research another Christian Religion and see what they do during Lent, maybe there is something that can make you a better Catholic.
  • If you forget or stray, it is not a sin. Don't FREAK, just continue practicing your sacrifice from that point on. God will NOT be mad at you for slipping up.
  • Change your perspective on why you make the sacrifice--instead of an act of obedience or servitude make your sacrifice because you are in love with God!
    I hope you are excited about Lent. It is not something that I dread. It is truly a season I look forward to because it is all about giving up and letting go.  There is no gift giving or over eating.  There is no politics on what should be said.  There is no media attention during this time. For me it is such a peaceful, quiet time of the year. It is a tender time to heal and strengthen in spirit and faith. It is individual, private, and (for me) the most spiritual part of the year.

    Peace Be With You

    Thursday, March 3, 2011

    Husband Blessing

    Today I can think of nothing else than to be thankful for my husband. Here is my prayer for him:

    Dearest loving God,
    You are always with me and bless me so often.
    I can only show thankfulness with these words here
    And by honoring the husband you have blessed me with.
    Thank you so much for my husband.
    Thank you for his laughter and his gentle kindness.
    Thank you for the faithfulness that he holds towards me.
    Thank you so much for the security, tenderness, and intimacy he offers to only me.
    And thank you for the strength he has taught me.

    Thank you for my life long companion.
    Thank you for someone to hold when I am happy
    and when I am worried.
    Thank you for someone to tell me I am beautiful when I am not sure of myself.
    Thank you for someone to father my children.
    Thank you for someone to care for and love forever.

    Bless my beautiful husband with peace of mind,
    Confidence in his soul,
    Forgiveness in his heart,
    Understanding in his thoughts,
    And freedom of his being.

    I pray that we always reach for each other,
    Whether it be in Summer or Winter.

    Let him see my love for him in the meals I prepare,
    In the children we are raising,
    It the songs that I sing,
    In the moments he catches me staring at him in awe,
    And in the gentle touches as I pass him throughout our everyday.

    May my love for him be evident every single day of my life.

    I know that My Love is a Blessing from you. Thank you God.
    Amen.

    Friday, February 18, 2011

    Friday Quote

    "Patience is the companion of Wisdom."
    -Saint Augustine

    Sunday, February 6, 2011

    Forgiveness

    This week we should practice forgiveness.  This week every time someone crosses you, make a mental note to pray for that person (even the anonymous).  When I pray this way, I find my heart opening and softening.  I find myself really loving my neighbor as God has called me to do.  I am not cursing this person but, forgiving them by recognizing our common good. Does this make me less hurt or angry in the initial moment? Not at all.  But, knowing that I am not harboring bad feelings over another living soul gives me freedom. I love that!

    How on earth do I expect this to be accomplished?  It seems awkward if you have never done this before. But, if you get in your position of prayer and really ask for the blessing of the person imagine what that could do for someone. Any little blessing will do.

    Imagine that you are the only person all day that has prayed for that person. Imagine your day if someone prayed for you and you didn't know it. You never know when you are someone's angel and you never know when someone will be yours.

    Here are some of the prayers for the anonymous who cross my path:
    • that the driver who crossed me today have a safe and relaxing trip the next day,
    • that the person who hurts my feelings never feels the pain he inflicts,
    • the person who uses hurtful words considers her words more carefully,
    • that all those who need a break find support from others,
    • that all the ones who are angry spread no more anger and find forgiveness,
    • that the souls in purgatory accept forgiveness and reach heaven.
    These are just samples. I can't air out my works of forgiveness. That would not be a good thing. Anyway, just imagine if someone was praying anything like this for you (without you knowing it). It is amazing what praying for someone in this fashion can do.

    Peace be with you.

    Sunday, January 9, 2011

    Hello Again

    Good morning to all of my internet friends and even to my internet foes.  I am re-starting this blog because I feel that someone out there in time and space will need to connect with someone.  I am not very serious most times and I like to have fun with my life. So, some of my posts will be silly, some serious and deep, and some not so "Catholic". My hope is to have a cool blog that has prayers, some fun catholic things for kids,  book/movie reviews, and also shares some personal experiences (blessings and miracles) with all of you.


    I hope to share what it is like for me to be a cradle Catholic woman in America (US).  Why is this distinction important?  Firstly, I am no theologian, I am not a seminarian, or even outwardly religious. I am just a normal woman who was brought up in the love of  Jesus. Just as importantly, I believe people are made up of more than their associated religious belief system; they are made up of experiences, emotions, and intentions. I believe that it is possible to completely disagree on the basis of faith, religion, and spirituality but, still respect and honor our individual perfection.


    With that, I invite and welcome you to read my entries.  I hope that my entries do more than tell you about myself.  I hope they interest you and evoke emotions (positive and negative) to help you grow.  I will not enable posts because, I know there are people who like to spread bad vibes and are so bitter they can not appreciate anyone else yet. I hope this will change but, for now, I don't want anyone's hateful words associated with something like this.  Besides, this is not a chat forum.  :0)

    Faithfully Yours