Acts of KINDNESS

I have to say that I have been deeply saddened by what happened a week ago today.  I have thought and prayed about the horror that some people are willing to create.  I am always astounded by the evil that some people perpetuate.  And yes, I believe in evil.  It exists, it is strong, and sadly, I know people invite it into our world.

That aside, I think it is important to mention that half of the children were young Catholics.  And thus, their parish needs great support.  They are not only mourning with the community but, they have a tremendous task of two children's funerals every day until this up coming Sunday.  The local Parish St. Rose of Lima, has even suffered threats and had SWAT evacuations since the last horrible day. 

Please, take some time and offer your prayers for those supporting the grieving families.  Pray for the Priests and the Funeral Directors.

Please read the article from the Priest's sister at this link http://totustuusfamily.blogspot.com/2012/12/acts-of-kindness-in-response-to-evil.html

She is asking for us to send kind words of encouragement to the men of the cloth in that area.  You don't have to limit it to Catholic Priests, send kind words of encouragement to any religious group with which you identify.

Thanksgiving

 

The symbol of Thanksgiving in The American Society.

 

The symbol of Thanksgiving in The Roman Catholic Church.

 

 

Notice what our American values bring to the table.  Large bulk dressed on tinfoil.  But, in church we are satisfied with a sliver and we dress it up with gold.  

The contrast is interesting to me. How about you?  Did you dress your food up today? Did you make it a small meal?  Or was yours a HUGE ordeal of gluttony?  I will give you one guess how mine was presented.  Hint: The first photo is of my turkey. I guess, I have something to work on. ♥

Fall Color

 I have this near my St. Francis Statue.  St. Francis is special because you see, he is missing his head.  Well, not entirely. His head was caulked back on but, since the statue is cement, there is no way silicone caulking is going to hold it together.  So, sometimes my St. Francis has a head and sometimes he doesn't.   I don't have the heart to replace him.  Maybe because he has lived here longer than I have, been through 3 hurricanes, or maybe it is just because he would end up in the county dump, but, I just can't toss him out. For now, he hangs out on the north side of my house and watches my container garden for me.

My Thoughts on Monday

Being Catholic is HARD and, sometimes, lonely.

God's Arms

I woke up today with this splendid sense of peace.  And for whatever my reasoning, I can not shake the need to be with Christ today.  I am in love with him, his way, and his teachings.  I am at peace with all the treachery around me. I am at peace with the way my body walks in this world. I am at peace with the heartaches that I bear. I am at peace because I know that there is nothing in this world that will cause me pain in the end.  Nothing evil can touch me. I am more at rest now than I have been in the past year.  I hope it stays.

I woke up in God's arms today. I hope he never lets me go.

Lunch

Does anyone else like food as much as I?

Simple Bread

Bread has been a sort of therapy for me lately.  It is sort of my prayer and meditation time. This one is special so close to the Feasts of St. Teresa of Avila and to the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.  I often think about the way they must have lived their lives and how wonderful it must have been to be able to constantly think of God.  I never expect that I will have that kind of attention, patience or virtue.  But, it is nice to know that living simply with good bread and wine (or diet coke) can be as enjoyable a life as any other extravagant lifestyle.

I made both the bread and this photo in this post. I hope you enjoy the glimpse into my kitchen.