The Uh-Oh Antiphons
My intentions were really good, really. But yesterday was spent far from my keyboard. Early yesterday morning (early by most mom's standards), our parish Mom's Group brunch was held at my home. It was a beautiful, relaxing morning filled with friends and food (especially this delicious Baked French Toast Casserole) and fun. The children (and there were easily 20 of them) played like angels, seriously. Even the hosting children--amazing. I was again reminded how blessed I am to be surrounded by a group of faith-filled women, who encourage and support one another as together we juggle the roles of wife, mother and woman of God.
Basketball practice, the big girls' Christmas program, (The Mystery of Simon Shepherd, which I would highly recommend for any grade school performance), and wrapping and packing all the out-of-towner's Christmas gifts for shipment today left me to fall asleep on the couch fading in and out of consciousness as Paula Deen baked the Rockettes and danced with a crescent-roll encrusted ham--or was that the other way around? Like I said, it was late.
Needless to say, I did not get around to much computing yesterday. I still have to email our caseworker back...but most importantly, I don't want to forget the beautiful O Antiphon from yesterday as well as the one for today. So, here they are:
O Sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.
As Lord, Christ has the power to free his people as he did at the time of exodus. We ask that he come and stretch out his arm to set us free from evil, sin, and death.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Tagged!
Stina, of Lord, Guard and Guide, tagged me for this meme:
Seven Facts You Don't Already Know about Me
Directions:
*Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
*Share 7 facts about yourself that you think most people don't know.
*Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
*Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
I know you have all painfully endured the "8 Random Things About Me" meme, as well as the "Re-Mix of said 8 Random Things", but this one says SEVEN, which clearly makes it different from the EIGHT things meme. So, I'm going out on a limb here. Do you think YOU can come up with at least one of the 7 things for me? (I'm just not that interesting. Heck, coming up with 16 was a stretch...) Drop your ideas in the comments section and let me know what you don't already know about me. Because that makes perfect sense, right? I thought so.
And just because I'm feeling saucy today, here's the first one--
1. I (with the advent of DVR) have become addicted to (in a healthy, addict sort-of way) the TV program Monk.
There you have it. Only 6 more to go...
Stina, of Lord, Guard and Guide, tagged me for this meme:
Seven Facts You Don't Already Know about Me
Directions:
*Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
*Share 7 facts about yourself that you think most people don't know.
*Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
*Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
I know you have all painfully endured the "8 Random Things About Me" meme, as well as the "Re-Mix of said 8 Random Things", but this one says SEVEN, which clearly makes it different from the EIGHT things meme. So, I'm going out on a limb here. Do you think YOU can come up with at least one of the 7 things for me? (I'm just not that interesting. Heck, coming up with 16 was a stretch...) Drop your ideas in the comments section and let me know what you don't already know about me. Because that makes perfect sense, right? I thought so.
And just because I'm feeling saucy today, here's the first one--
1. I (with the advent of DVR) have become addicted to (in a healthy, addict sort-of way) the TV program Monk.
There you have it. Only 6 more to go...
Emmanuel Award
Michelle, at Dei Gratia, honored me (a little while ago and I am just now getting around to sharing it!) with the Emmanuel Award created by Marie and Ginny from A View from the Pews. The award is described below. As for passing it on, I loved the idea that Therese had to share it with everyone on her blogroll. Therese, I'm *borrowing* your idea. Everyone on my blogroll gets the award!
Michelle, at Dei Gratia, honored me (a little while ago and I am just now getting around to sharing it!) with the Emmanuel Award created by Marie and Ginny from A View from the Pews. The award is described below. As for passing it on, I loved the idea that Therese had to share it with everyone on her blogroll. Therese, I'm *borrowing* your idea. Everyone on my blogroll gets the award!
Emmanuel Award
"God With Us"
In a consumer society it is a blessing to read blogs where the writer's main focus is God. Where they express their love for their faith so visibly and joyfully.
In a cynical world it is refreshing to see so many blogs which are generous, giving, who care about others and demonstrate what being a Christian is about, loving God and loving our neighbor.
In a cynical world it is refreshing to see so many blogs which are generous, giving, who care about others and demonstrate what being a Christian is about, loving God and loving our neighbor.
Through their faith, lives and spirituality, they bring God to us, they in essence make God visible, 'God with us.'
This Award goes to all the faith filled blogs who make evident 'Emmanuel'- God with us, with Joy in their hearts.
Please share this Award with Christian blogs that focus on the real meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Savior.
Peace, JOY & Merry Christmas
Monday, December 17, 2007
Grandfather's Solitude
A Christmas Reflection
I have always directed my Christmas column toward families who are caught up in a tinsel marathon of tree trimming, stocking stuffing, music making, dog barking and children squealing.
They're so busy that sometimes I get only a glance before the garbage is wrapped in me. Occasionally, someone puts me on the back porch to catch the slush from boots. If I'm lucky I escape the licking flames when I get thrown in the fireplace with discarded wrappings and warranties.
So I've decided to write to all of you today who have the time to read me: those who have just moved to an area and haven't made new friends...those who are alone because they can't afford the trip home...those families who have been splintered by distance or disinterest. And you are alone.
Let me tell you about my grandfather. He lived by himself in a little trailer in southwest Ohio until he died a few years ago. I always felt sorry for him when I visited at Christmas because he only had about five cards on top of the TV set, two or three packages at the most to open, and a pitiful artificial tree with a single strand of lights that bubbled like they were going to boil over.
You would have thought those pathetic trappings were straight out of the Sistine Chapel.
He'd pick up each card, trace the scene with his fingers and marvel, "This is pretty enough to be put in a frame." Then he'd recite the message inside, which he had memorized.
The boxes were another delight. He'd shake them and make a guess as to what they held and place them gently under the tree. Then he'd prime you for that big moment when he said, "I'm going to light the tree for you!" My sewing machine had a bigger light.
The year before he died, when he spent Christmas in the hospital, he raved the entire visiting period over a favor on his dinner tray: a Styrofoam Santa Claus with a red gumdrop hat held on by a toothpick.
Every Christmas since then, I have had to ask myself: Can I quote a single line from the stack of cards I receive? Can I visit without keeping an eye on my watch? Can I become childlike with excitement over a box that obviously holds a handkerchief? Can I live with my solitude without self-pity?
God help me. I think my grandfather felt sorry for me.
by Erma Bombeck
December 25, 1979
A Christmas Reflection
I have always directed my Christmas column toward families who are caught up in a tinsel marathon of tree trimming, stocking stuffing, music making, dog barking and children squealing.
They're so busy that sometimes I get only a glance before the garbage is wrapped in me. Occasionally, someone puts me on the back porch to catch the slush from boots. If I'm lucky I escape the licking flames when I get thrown in the fireplace with discarded wrappings and warranties.
So I've decided to write to all of you today who have the time to read me: those who have just moved to an area and haven't made new friends...those who are alone because they can't afford the trip home...those families who have been splintered by distance or disinterest. And you are alone.
Let me tell you about my grandfather. He lived by himself in a little trailer in southwest Ohio until he died a few years ago. I always felt sorry for him when I visited at Christmas because he only had about five cards on top of the TV set, two or three packages at the most to open, and a pitiful artificial tree with a single strand of lights that bubbled like they were going to boil over.
You would have thought those pathetic trappings were straight out of the Sistine Chapel.
He'd pick up each card, trace the scene with his fingers and marvel, "This is pretty enough to be put in a frame." Then he'd recite the message inside, which he had memorized.
The boxes were another delight. He'd shake them and make a guess as to what they held and place them gently under the tree. Then he'd prime you for that big moment when he said, "I'm going to light the tree for you!" My sewing machine had a bigger light.
The year before he died, when he spent Christmas in the hospital, he raved the entire visiting period over a favor on his dinner tray: a Styrofoam Santa Claus with a red gumdrop hat held on by a toothpick.
Every Christmas since then, I have had to ask myself: Can I quote a single line from the stack of cards I receive? Can I visit without keeping an eye on my watch? Can I become childlike with excitement over a box that obviously holds a handkerchief? Can I live with my solitude without self-pity?
God help me. I think my grandfather felt sorry for me.
by Erma Bombeck
December 25, 1979
The O Antiphons
During the Advent season, the closer the feast of Christmas approaches, the more the liturgy accentuates the call to the Savior to "Come!" (Veni) The seven O Antiphons of Advent summarize the hopes of the people in the Old Testament who waited for the coming of the Messiah:
O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.
As Wisdom, Christ is the teacher of the way to salvation for all Christians. "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Jn 14:6) We exhort him to come and teach us that way.
From The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook
During the Advent season, the closer the feast of Christmas approaches, the more the liturgy accentuates the call to the Savior to "Come!" (Veni) The seven O Antiphons of Advent summarize the hopes of the people in the Old Testament who waited for the coming of the Messiah:
- O Wisdom
- O Lord of Might
- O Flower of Jesse's Stem
- O Key of David
- O Dayspring
- O Desire of Nations
- O Emmanuel (God with-us)
O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.
As Wisdom, Christ is the teacher of the way to salvation for all Christians. "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Jn 14:6) We exhort him to come and teach us that way.
From The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Advent and Hope
On the first Sunday in Advent, my husband and I were treated to an impromptu nativity play, performed by the Ark's own junior thespians. At showtime, we were escorted to a quiet corner of the playroom, where two seats had been reserved specifically for us. We sat front and center while the narrator/director/producer cranked up the Christmas Cat Chat CD kicking off a rousing rendition of O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
CB dressed as an all-purpose angel took her stage direction well. Suffice to say that N and Baby T performing the roles of Mary and Joseph might have benefited from an additional dress rehearsal or two. As the music morphed into an uptempo version of Gloria In Excelsis Deo, we-in the audience-noticed that Mary had taken off her serene covering revealing (big surprise here) her much worn cheerleading dress. Joseph, meanwhile, was alternately trying to turn a bright blue bowling pin into a Louisville slugger and getting down with his bad self to the new song. The angel persevered, but it wasn't enough to keep the play's creator from having an artistic "moment" before calling the troupe back together for a retake.
After a few false starts, Mary re-cloaked. Joseph stopped dancing. And the narrator was able to lead the audience through the final words of St. Luke's version of the first Christmas to the ebullient shouts of the whole cast as Joy to the World played on. At that very moment, watching my children dance and sing around the tiny baby in the makeshift manger, under the computer desk serving as a stable, I smiled.
For with all its flaws and errors, with all its imperfections and miscues, the show went on and the Savior arrived. It was the essence of the Incarnation played out in my basement. Regardless of our sins, despite our weaknesses, our failings and foibles; He came anyway.
Hallelujah! Today we can rejoice---He comes anyway.
On the first Sunday in Advent, my husband and I were treated to an impromptu nativity play, performed by the Ark's own junior thespians. At showtime, we were escorted to a quiet corner of the playroom, where two seats had been reserved specifically for us. We sat front and center while the narrator/director/producer cranked up the Christmas Cat Chat CD kicking off a rousing rendition of O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
CB dressed as an all-purpose angel took her stage direction well. Suffice to say that N and Baby T performing the roles of Mary and Joseph might have benefited from an additional dress rehearsal or two. As the music morphed into an uptempo version of Gloria In Excelsis Deo, we-in the audience-noticed that Mary had taken off her serene covering revealing (big surprise here) her much worn cheerleading dress. Joseph, meanwhile, was alternately trying to turn a bright blue bowling pin into a Louisville slugger and getting down with his bad self to the new song. The angel persevered, but it wasn't enough to keep the play's creator from having an artistic "moment" before calling the troupe back together for a retake.
After a few false starts, Mary re-cloaked. Joseph stopped dancing. And the narrator was able to lead the audience through the final words of St. Luke's version of the first Christmas to the ebullient shouts of the whole cast as Joy to the World played on. At that very moment, watching my children dance and sing around the tiny baby in the makeshift manger, under the computer desk serving as a stable, I smiled.
For with all its flaws and errors, with all its imperfections and miscues, the show went on and the Savior arrived. It was the essence of the Incarnation played out in my basement. Regardless of our sins, despite our weaknesses, our failings and foibles; He came anyway.
Hallelujah! Today we can rejoice---He comes anyway.
Santa must have me confused with one of the other reindeer
| You Are Comet |
 A total daredevil, you're the reindeer with an edge! Why You're Naughty: You almost gave Santa a heart attack when you took him sky diving Why You're Nice: You always make sure the sleigh is going warp speed |
Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?
Of all of the things I would call myself, Comet, the daredevil reindeer is not one of them. Go figure.
H/T Kathy
H/T Kathy
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Christmas Meme
You can thank Katie later, for asking me to share my Christmas faves and flops...
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both, but if I'm doing bags I simply MUST have tissue paper!
2. REAL OR FAKE TREE? Two fake ones after many years (and allergies) of real ones. However, I'm not sure the dust on the fake ones helps the dust allergies either!
3. When do you put up the tree? Third Sunday in Advent (tomorrow!)
4. When do you take the tree down? weekend after Epiphany
5. Do you like eggnog? Is "blecch" an answer?
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Red velvet Sassoon pants when I was 8 years old. My dad drove all over the place trying to find a pair of "designer jeans" that were all the rage; so while these weren't jeans, they were a special gift because of the thought behind them.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? We have a Fontannini set started by my mom on our first married Christmas, which Santa adds a piece to each year AND the *infamous* Little People Nativity set.
8. Hardest person to buy for? Kids' teachers
9. Easiest person to buy for? All the kids
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I honestly can't think of one...
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas, Christmas Vacation, The Muppet's Christmas Carol, Christmas Eve on Sesame Street and A Charlie Brown Christmas (Okay, by definition I realize that selecting more than one negates the title favorite, but I really like them all!)
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? late Summer/early Fall
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No, but I have shared with my family
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Buckeye cookies and Roast Beef with Yankee Magazine's "Freddie's Famous Roast Potatoes" (to which I also add baby carrots) and Yorkshire Pudding.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear on the inside trees, colored outside
17. Favorite Christmas song? Alan Jackson's Let it Be Christmas Sesame Street's Keep Christmas With You
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home in the morning, visit relatives in the afternoon
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Grumpy, Doc...
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? After Christmas Eve Mass, we come home and relive my husband's tradition of delicious appetizers (in place of a sit-down meal) and everyone opens one gift that night.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? When the secular world ends Christmas on December 25th at midnight.
23. What do you love most about Christmas? There isn't a thing I don't like about Christmas. I'd be like Elmo who wanted to have Christmas everyday. Yeah, yeah, I know how well that turned out for him.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
If any of you are feeling jolly, leave a link letting us know you're playing, too...otherwise, if you're feeling a little scrooge-ish, you can always come back and play later, after a cup (or two) of egg nog.
You can thank Katie later, for asking me to share my Christmas faves and flops...
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both, but if I'm doing bags I simply MUST have tissue paper!
2. REAL OR FAKE TREE? Two fake ones after many years (and allergies) of real ones. However, I'm not sure the dust on the fake ones helps the dust allergies either!
3. When do you put up the tree? Third Sunday in Advent (tomorrow!)
4. When do you take the tree down? weekend after Epiphany
5. Do you like eggnog? Is "blecch" an answer?
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Red velvet Sassoon pants when I was 8 years old. My dad drove all over the place trying to find a pair of "designer jeans" that were all the rage; so while these weren't jeans, they were a special gift because of the thought behind them.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? We have a Fontannini set started by my mom on our first married Christmas, which Santa adds a piece to each year AND the *infamous* Little People Nativity set.
8. Hardest person to buy for? Kids' teachers
9. Easiest person to buy for? All the kids
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I honestly can't think of one...
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas, Christmas Vacation, The Muppet's Christmas Carol, Christmas Eve on Sesame Street and A Charlie Brown Christmas (Okay, by definition I realize that selecting more than one negates the title favorite, but I really like them all!)
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? late Summer/early Fall
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No, but I have shared with my family
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Buckeye cookies and Roast Beef with Yankee Magazine's "Freddie's Famous Roast Potatoes" (to which I also add baby carrots) and Yorkshire Pudding.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear on the inside trees, colored outside
17. Favorite Christmas song? Alan Jackson's Let it Be Christmas Sesame Street's Keep Christmas With You
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home in the morning, visit relatives in the afternoon
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Grumpy, Doc...
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? After Christmas Eve Mass, we come home and relive my husband's tradition of delicious appetizers (in place of a sit-down meal) and everyone opens one gift that night.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? When the secular world ends Christmas on December 25th at midnight.
23. What do you love most about Christmas? There isn't a thing I don't like about Christmas. I'd be like Elmo who wanted to have Christmas everyday. Yeah, yeah, I know how well that turned out for him.
If any of you are feeling jolly, leave a link letting us know you're playing, too...otherwise, if you're feeling a little scrooge-ish, you can always come back and play later, after a cup (or two) of egg nog.
MY ADOPTED CHILD CAN HEAR YOU
Adoptive parents speak out: Before curiosity gets the best of you - take a breath and think about what you're saying.
(Los Angeles – December 14, 2007) - International adoption has gotten a lot of attention recently with Brad and Angelina regularly expanding their family, and Madonna getting the government go-ahead this week to adopt her son David from Malawi. An article in this week's Newsweek sheds light on the difficulties, sadness, and potential devastation behind international adoption. But the challenges outlined in the article aren't the norm for most adoptive parents. Sometimes, the biggest obstacle is not the adoption itself, but the comments and questions tossed out at parents while they're in the grocery store, at the dry cleaner, or in line at Starbucks. As it takes a village to raise a child, it's the (perhaps unwitting) village idiot who feels compelled to ask stupid questions, not even considering the damage their words can do to an innocent child.
One of our own Mom•Logic Moms is in the process of adopting a baby girl and has already endured the "You're so nice to adopt a kid who's unwanted" and "That's much easier than giving birth" comments. She's now preparing herself for some of the outrageous questions that fellow adoptive parents have been asked by "curious" onlookers. Click here to view the entire story.
H/T Jen of Mom Logic
Adoptive parents speak out: Before curiosity gets the best of you - take a breath and think about what you're saying.
(Los Angeles – December 14, 2007) - International adoption has gotten a lot of attention recently with Brad and Angelina regularly expanding their family, and Madonna getting the government go-ahead this week to adopt her son David from Malawi. An article in this week's Newsweek sheds light on the difficulties, sadness, and potential devastation behind international adoption. But the challenges outlined in the article aren't the norm for most adoptive parents. Sometimes, the biggest obstacle is not the adoption itself, but the comments and questions tossed out at parents while they're in the grocery store, at the dry cleaner, or in line at Starbucks. As it takes a village to raise a child, it's the (perhaps unwitting) village idiot who feels compelled to ask stupid questions, not even considering the damage their words can do to an innocent child.
One of our own Mom•Logic Moms is in the process of adopting a baby girl and has already endured the "You're so nice to adopt a kid who's unwanted" and "That's much easier than giving birth" comments. She's now preparing herself for some of the outrageous questions that fellow adoptive parents have been asked by "curious" onlookers. Click here to view the entire story.
H/T Jen of Mom Logic
Friday, December 14, 2007
Advent and Giving
Mrs. Testosterhome has a beautiful post about her work with the Poorest of the Poor alongside Blessed Teresa of Calcutta's Missionaries of Charity. Her blog is worth reading anytime, but today, it's a must.
Her story reminded me of our Women's Scripture Study last month. We'd been discussing the virtue of Justice, which wound around to the topic of charity and the beatitudes; of following Jesus' command to care for those in need. As Advent was nearing, we discussed how many of us choose this time of the year to "clean house" and donate toys, clothes or other *stuff* to local shelters. Someone offered to be a drop-off location for donations as the St. Vincent DePaul truck was scheduled to pick-up donations at her house the following week.
I shared with the group how my own love of donating to charity was a bit jaded by the guilt I feel when said charity pulls up in my own driveway and (sometimes) even loads my boxes and bags of excess onto their truck for me, leaving me to simply stand aside and accept the tax-deductible receipt for the following April.
As we moved on to the final portion of the study, to read the story of "The Widow's Mite", suddenly a great spiritual fog lifted for me. Jesus commended the Widow for her giving because it came not from her excess, but from her need. Of course, my giving was charitable, but it was also a little selfish, if I was being honest with myself. True charity, real generosity, as illustrated from Mrs. Testosterhome's powdered donut story, must come from giving fully of ourselves--even to people whom we decide "don't deserve" it, just as God gives freely to us.
Mrs. Testosterhome has a beautiful post about her work with the Poorest of the Poor alongside Blessed Teresa of Calcutta's Missionaries of Charity. Her blog is worth reading anytime, but today, it's a must.
Her story reminded me of our Women's Scripture Study last month. We'd been discussing the virtue of Justice, which wound around to the topic of charity and the beatitudes; of following Jesus' command to care for those in need. As Advent was nearing, we discussed how many of us choose this time of the year to "clean house" and donate toys, clothes or other *stuff* to local shelters. Someone offered to be a drop-off location for donations as the St. Vincent DePaul truck was scheduled to pick-up donations at her house the following week.
I shared with the group how my own love of donating to charity was a bit jaded by the guilt I feel when said charity pulls up in my own driveway and (sometimes) even loads my boxes and bags of excess onto their truck for me, leaving me to simply stand aside and accept the tax-deductible receipt for the following April.
As we moved on to the final portion of the study, to read the story of "The Widow's Mite", suddenly a great spiritual fog lifted for me. Jesus commended the Widow for her giving because it came not from her excess, but from her need. Of course, my giving was charitable, but it was also a little selfish, if I was being honest with myself. True charity, real generosity, as illustrated from Mrs. Testosterhome's powdered donut story, must come from giving fully of ourselves--even to people whom we decide "don't deserve" it, just as God gives freely to us.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
This conversation may be monitored for quality assurance
Perhaps T*rget has a new training program or perhaps the young man, who rang up N and CB's Christmas shopping bounty really meant it when he shyly said, "Gee, ma'am, you just don't look old enough to have a 13 year old." As I smiled politely at his observation, he sincerely added, "No, really, I would have thought that these two were your oldest."
In other news, T*rget team members are now accepting tips during the Christmas season.
C'mon, he really meant it, don't you think? The fact that I even considered whether a tip was appropriate or not couldn't possibly have influenced his comments.
Perhaps T*rget has a new training program or perhaps the young man, who rang up N and CB's Christmas shopping bounty really meant it when he shyly said, "Gee, ma'am, you just don't look old enough to have a 13 year old." As I smiled politely at his observation, he sincerely added, "No, really, I would have thought that these two were your oldest."
In other news, T*rget team members are now accepting tips during the Christmas season.
C'mon, he really meant it, don't you think? The fact that I even considered whether a tip was appropriate or not couldn't possibly have influenced his comments.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Gratitude Campaign
As a former Army wife, I can say with certainty, that there is nothing like a "Thank You" from a stranger to cushion the blow of the great sacrifices that accompany service in the military.
Visit The Gratitude Campaign to learn more about spreading the gratitude.
H/T Rhonda for the link
As a former Army wife, I can say with certainty, that there is nothing like a "Thank You" from a stranger to cushion the blow of the great sacrifices that accompany service in the military.
Visit The Gratitude Campaign to learn more about spreading the gratitude.
H/T Rhonda for the link
Gifts of Our Lady
I was sent two beautiful gifts for my car from a dear friend with a deep devotion to Our Lady of Guadeloupe, whose feast we celebrate today.
We're planning a Mexican feast for dinner. There is a lovely menu available here. Those of you who are in my neck of the woods might consider a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadeloupe or just a virtual stop-over. We're also planning to read Tomie De Paola's book, The Lady of Guadeloupe. It is an excellent retelling of the account of her meetings with the peasant Juan Diego.
But, I'm interrupting myself, back to the gifts. One was a brightly colored car air-freshener displaying the image of Our Lady, which is, for the record, the perfect perfumy-ness. The other was a car magnet, which both supports the pro-life movement and gives an opportunity to witness to others just what we really believe about Mary. I have to admit these are just about the nicest feast day gifts anyone has ever given to me, but the best gift of all regarding Our Lady is her tireless effort in bringing all her children back to the Father.
There are numerous stories, too many to include here (perhaps a topic for another post...) of people who found their way back to Jesus through His Blessed Mother. Today, as I taxi around town, the slightest scent of roses filling the air, and the beautiful images from Juan Diego's tilma in view; I will remember those people whom Mary helped guide on their journey home. Especially the ones near and dear to me. And I will be grateful for her for her constant intercession. And from one mother to another, I will humbly thank her for never giving up on one of her children.
"Hear me and understand well, my son the least, that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything."
— Our Lady to Juan Diego
I was sent two beautiful gifts for my car from a dear friend with a deep devotion to Our Lady of Guadeloupe, whose feast we celebrate today.
We're planning a Mexican feast for dinner. There is a lovely menu available here. Those of you who are in my neck of the woods might consider a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadeloupe or just a virtual stop-over. We're also planning to read Tomie De Paola's book, The Lady of Guadeloupe. It is an excellent retelling of the account of her meetings with the peasant Juan Diego.
But, I'm interrupting myself, back to the gifts. One was a brightly colored car air-freshener displaying the image of Our Lady, which is, for the record, the perfect perfumy-ness. The other was a car magnet, which both supports the pro-life movement and gives an opportunity to witness to others just what we really believe about Mary. I have to admit these are just about the nicest feast day gifts anyone has ever given to me, but the best gift of all regarding Our Lady is her tireless effort in bringing all her children back to the Father.
There are numerous stories, too many to include here (perhaps a topic for another post...) of people who found their way back to Jesus through His Blessed Mother. Today, as I taxi around town, the slightest scent of roses filling the air, and the beautiful images from Juan Diego's tilma in view; I will remember those people whom Mary helped guide on their journey home. Especially the ones near and dear to me. And I will be grateful for her for her constant intercession. And from one mother to another, I will humbly thank her for never giving up on one of her children.
"Hear me and understand well, my son the least, that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything."
— Our Lady to Juan Diego
Monday, December 10, 2007
Advice to myself in 1993
Congratulations! You just married the man of your dreams. While you're busy staring off all starry-eyed at him and wondering how could you have possibly been so blessed to marry him, let me just give you a glimpse of how much better it will get as time goes by...
Fifteen years, or so, from now, you'll be standing in your kitchen surrounded by a gaggle of children waiting (mostly) patiently for you to finish mixing the icing for their gingerbread house. You'll be alternately mixing and sipping hot tea because for the past twenty-four hours you'll have been nursing a nasty chest cold combined with a mother's worst nightmare---no voice! Your beloved will have sweetly suggested that you postpone the gingerbread festivities, but you in your stubbornness (some things never change) will push forward because you promised your crew of candy house builders that you would.
As you're finishing the last minute of mixing, you'll notice that your hand mixer is exhibiting some strange tension and not gliding through the white icing as you would have expected. This will prompt you to inspect the mixer, only to find that its beaters seem bent and the motor sounds *funny*. Suddenly, you'll feel sad. Your very first hand-mixer, a wedding shower gift some 15 plus years ago, has seen its last gingerbread house. As you turn around, you'll find yourself face-to-face with your husband, who will listen carefully to you as you sniff, "I think our first mixer is broken." He'll hug you and say that it was just a mixer, while you whine back, "But it was our first one!" Tenderly, he'll whisper to you, that the mixer had served its time and that a new one would be even stronger and better than before--just like your marriage has changed and grown.
Then, you'll find yourself wondering anew, as you did some fifteen years ago, how could you have ever been so blessed to marry such a man.
Congratulations! You just married the man of your dreams. While you're busy staring off all starry-eyed at him and wondering how could you have possibly been so blessed to marry him, let me just give you a glimpse of how much better it will get as time goes by...
Fifteen years, or so, from now, you'll be standing in your kitchen surrounded by a gaggle of children waiting (mostly) patiently for you to finish mixing the icing for their gingerbread house. You'll be alternately mixing and sipping hot tea because for the past twenty-four hours you'll have been nursing a nasty chest cold combined with a mother's worst nightmare---no voice! Your beloved will have sweetly suggested that you postpone the gingerbread festivities, but you in your stubbornness (some things never change) will push forward because you promised your crew of candy house builders that you would.
As you're finishing the last minute of mixing, you'll notice that your hand mixer is exhibiting some strange tension and not gliding through the white icing as you would have expected. This will prompt you to inspect the mixer, only to find that its beaters seem bent and the motor sounds *funny*. Suddenly, you'll feel sad. Your very first hand-mixer, a wedding shower gift some 15 plus years ago, has seen its last gingerbread house. As you turn around, you'll find yourself face-to-face with your husband, who will listen carefully to you as you sniff, "I think our first mixer is broken." He'll hug you and say that it was just a mixer, while you whine back, "But it was our first one!" Tenderly, he'll whisper to you, that the mixer had served its time and that a new one would be even stronger and better than before--just like your marriage has changed and grown.
Then, you'll find yourself wondering anew, as you did some fifteen years ago, how could you have ever been so blessed to marry such a man.
Merry Tossmas
If you haven't seen this before, click on over now and check it out. What a humorous way of making a serious point.
And while you're there, check out What's Your Roe IQ? and then take the test.
H/T Amy for the link
If you haven't seen this before, click on over now and check it out. What a humorous way of making a serious point.
And while you're there, check out What's Your Roe IQ? and then take the test.
H/T Amy for the link
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Advent and Perseverance
Another mile on the bumpy back of a barnyard donkey.
Another knock on the door of an occupied inn, followed by further rejection.
Another cry into the darkness--My Lord, my God, where are you? This can't be Your plan--or can it?
How different would the story of salvation be if the Holy Family decided to pack it up 10 miles shy of their holy destiny? Faced with obstacles, uncertainties and disappointments could you honestly blame them? Certainly not by today's standards, which say--Don't wait...Have it all...Hey, why not have two...right now.
Fear and doubt may be the Devil's two best known tools, but he's got another trick up his sleeve that requires less perspiration on his part and gets the job done just as well. The Devil's not stupid. Why do something to us that we could ultimately do ourselves? Using our human tendency to need instant gratification, he has but only sit back and wait for us to give up and throw in the towel admitting defeat. Saves him time and effort and the end result is the same--a change in God's holy will for us.
This week in Advent, take a moment to think about those things that aren't going as smoothly as possible, that might be taking a little longer than previously planned or that might be requiring some extra effort. Then, think about what the implications might be if you abandon it because it isn't happening just as you had thought. It may be something small or it, like the actions of the Holy Family on their journey to Bethlehem, may have eternal consequences far beyond your wildest dreams. We need only to look to the example of the Holy Family's journey to help us stay the course.
Another mile on the bumpy back of a barnyard donkey.
Another knock on the door of an occupied inn, followed by further rejection.
Another cry into the darkness--My Lord, my God, where are you? This can't be Your plan--or can it?
How different would the story of salvation be if the Holy Family decided to pack it up 10 miles shy of their holy destiny? Faced with obstacles, uncertainties and disappointments could you honestly blame them? Certainly not by today's standards, which say--Don't wait...Have it all...Hey, why not have two...right now.
Fear and doubt may be the Devil's two best known tools, but he's got another trick up his sleeve that requires less perspiration on his part and gets the job done just as well. The Devil's not stupid. Why do something to us that we could ultimately do ourselves? Using our human tendency to need instant gratification, he has but only sit back and wait for us to give up and throw in the towel admitting defeat. Saves him time and effort and the end result is the same--a change in God's holy will for us.
This week in Advent, take a moment to think about those things that aren't going as smoothly as possible, that might be taking a little longer than previously planned or that might be requiring some extra effort. Then, think about what the implications might be if you abandon it because it isn't happening just as you had thought. It may be something small or it, like the actions of the Holy Family on their journey to Bethlehem, may have eternal consequences far beyond your wildest dreams. We need only to look to the example of the Holy Family's journey to help us stay the course.
Bonum certamen certavi, cursum consummavi, fidem servavi.
I have fought the good fight. I have completed the course. I have preserved the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight. I have completed the course. I have preserved the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Soup-Tacular!
BooMama is hosting a "Soup-tacular". You can visit her for all sorts of warm and wonderful soup recipes shared by her readers. With a freezing-rain advisory for tonight, on top of the 8 or so inches of snow we already have, soup's sounding like a good bet around here this weekend.
Here's an easy favorite on the Ark that can be done in the crock-pot and serves up nicely with cornbread.
BooMama is hosting a "Soup-tacular". You can visit her for all sorts of warm and wonderful soup recipes shared by her readers. With a freezing-rain advisory for tonight, on top of the 8 or so inches of snow we already have, soup's sounding like a good bet around here this weekend.
Here's an easy favorite on the Ark that can be done in the crock-pot and serves up nicely with cornbread.
Mexican Soup
2 cans black beans, drained
1 jar salsa, 15 oz.
1-10 oz. pkg. frozen corn
1-15 oz. can chicken broth
Put all ingredients in crock-pot. Heat. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese. I usually double for our crowd. Enjoy!
1 jar salsa, 15 oz.
1-10 oz. pkg. frozen corn
1-15 oz. can chicken broth
Put all ingredients in crock-pot. Heat. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese. I usually double for our crowd. Enjoy!
Feast of the Immaculate ConceptionLuke 1: 46-55 (Douay translation)
My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
Because he hath regarded the humility of
his handmaid; for behold from henceforth
all generations shall call me blessed.
Because he that is mighty hath done great
things to me, and holy is his name.
And his mercy is from generation unto
generations, to them that fear him.
He hath shewed might with his arm; he
hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their
seat, and hath exalted the humble.
He hath filled the hungry with good
things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath received Israel his servant, being
mindful of his mercy:
As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham
and to his seed for ever.
Visit Catholic Culture for some activity and recipe suggestions.
And a beautiful story about the icons of Mary, more numerous than any other, in the Russian Orthodox church.
Finally, for a connection between Pearl Harbor Day and the Immaculate Conception--read this!
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
Because he hath regarded the humility of
his handmaid; for behold from henceforth
all generations shall call me blessed.
Because he that is mighty hath done great
things to me, and holy is his name.
And his mercy is from generation unto
generations, to them that fear him.
He hath shewed might with his arm; he
hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their
seat, and hath exalted the humble.
He hath filled the hungry with good
things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath received Israel his servant, being
mindful of his mercy:
As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham
and to his seed for ever.
Visit Catholic Culture for some activity and recipe suggestions.
And a beautiful story about the icons of Mary, more numerous than any other, in the Russian Orthodox church.
Finally, for a connection between Pearl Harbor Day and the Immaculate Conception--read this!
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Note to self
I've said it before and I'm saying it again because sometimes I needto be hit by a lightning bolt a gentle reminder:
I've said it before and I'm saying it again because sometimes I need
If as with Herod,
We fill our lives with things,
And again with things;
If we consider ourselves so important
That we must fill every moment of our lives with action;
When will we have the time
To make the long, slow journey
Across the burning desert
As did the Magi?
Or sit and watch the stars
As did the Shepherds?
Or brood over the coming of the child
As did Mary?
For each of us
There is a desert to travel,
A star to discover,
And a being within ourselves
To bring to life.
-Archbishop Raymond Hunthausen
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Next Stop--Bethlehem
The vacant nativity scene should have been my first clue...
But sometimes, you just have to see things to believe them...
Could it be? Rather than the traditional long-eared donkey, Joseph high-tailed it into town driving Mary, the animals and the three kings on--dare I say--a big yellow school bus?
And how did the mother from the Fisher-Price family doll house get on board?
Look out, Oliver Stone. You've got nothing on a three-year old left to her imagination.
The vacant nativity scene should have been my first clue...
But sometimes, you just have to see things to believe them...
Could it be? Rather than the traditional long-eared donkey, Joseph high-tailed it into town driving Mary, the animals and the three kings on--dare I say--a big yellow school bus? 
And how did the mother from the Fisher-Price family doll house get on board? Look out, Oliver Stone. You've got nothing on a three-year old left to her imagination.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus
Danielle Bean offers up her Your Turn discussion today to allow readers to share their take on the Santa v. no Santa debate. It is actually a very charitable, rational discussion. If you've ever pondered how others handle this topic, you might want to stop by and see what people are saying.
With that in mind, I thought I'd share a little about what has evolved on the Ark as our *answer* to this persnickety question.
Back a decade ago, when we first had young children in our home, my husband shared his family tradition of celebrating St. Nicholas' feast day by leaving a shoe outside the bedroom door to be filled with candies or small gifts. It was a wonderful way to begin blending our shared Christmas season traditions and, for me, an opportunity to add another celebration of the liturgical year to our domestic church calendar. As I continued teaching at our parish school, I was privy to some excellent resources about the good Bishop of Myra, including this excellent animated video for children about his life. (Incidentally, this video led us to add others from their series to our collection---all of which have been fabulous tools for learning about the saints). Each December 6th, we sit down after dinner to share this movie together as a family.
We've always hung Christmas stockings and Santa has always filled them. Santa's only as big of a deal as we make of him and relative to the birth of Christ, he just can't compete. Then, a few years back, I was introduced to the book The Saint Who Became Santa. It is a wonderful story of the life of the *real* St. Nicholas and shows how the stories of his generous life evolved into the tradition we now know as Santa Claus.
There are many stories about the miracles attributed to St. Nicholas both during and after his lifetime:
So, how about it? How do you (or don't you) include Santa/St. Nicholas in your family's Christmas traditions?
Danielle Bean offers up her Your Turn discussion today to allow readers to share their take on the Santa v. no Santa debate. It is actually a very charitable, rational discussion. If you've ever pondered how others handle this topic, you might want to stop by and see what people are saying.
With that in mind, I thought I'd share a little about what has evolved on the Ark as our *answer* to this persnickety question.
Back a decade ago, when we first had young children in our home, my husband shared his family tradition of celebrating St. Nicholas' feast day by leaving a shoe outside the bedroom door to be filled with candies or small gifts. It was a wonderful way to begin blending our shared Christmas season traditions and, for me, an opportunity to add another celebration of the liturgical year to our domestic church calendar. As I continued teaching at our parish school, I was privy to some excellent resources about the good Bishop of Myra, including this excellent animated video for children about his life. (Incidentally, this video led us to add others from their series to our collection---all of which have been fabulous tools for learning about the saints). Each December 6th, we sit down after dinner to share this movie together as a family.
We've always hung Christmas stockings and Santa has always filled them. Santa's only as big of a deal as we make of him and relative to the birth of Christ, he just can't compete. Then, a few years back, I was introduced to the book The Saint Who Became Santa. It is a wonderful story of the life of the *real* St. Nicholas and shows how the stories of his generous life evolved into the tradition we now know as Santa Claus.
There are many stories about the miracles attributed to St. Nicholas both during and after his lifetime:
The title "Wonderworker" was bestowed on Nicholas because of the numerous miracles that he performed by the power of God; some while he was still alive, and some after his passage into the presence of God. Among these, he saved mariners from a storm; prevented the execution of three innocent men; restored to life a young boy tragically murdered; and helped preserve Myra from famine by miraculously appearing to the captain of a ship laden with grain and bidding him to come to Myra.For many, the selfless spirit of St. Nicholas lives on during the Christmas season through Santa Claus and in those who believe in the possibilities of Christmas miracles attributed to St. Nicholas, even today.
-From St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
So, how about it? How do you (or don't you) include Santa/St. Nicholas in your family's Christmas traditions?
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Advent and Waiting
TO DO THIS ADVENT
#1--Wait in a frenzied fashion for the birth of our Lord.
That's not quite what I had in mind, but somehow that's what it seems to wind up feeling like. Advent is not the peaceful, quiet preparation for the illumination of the world with the Greatest Light ever known, but rather a litany of baking, parties, shopping and visiting.
Don't get me wrong, those are all fun parts of my pre-Christmas calendar; but they are the side dishes, if I can keep my focus clear, not the main course. Last year, exactly one year ago today, we welcomed home our two Ethiopian born children, which put an end to a waiting that was so tangible it sometimes hurt. This year, we are all beginning our anticipation of Christmas together, but I can't help but miss (just a little bit, mind you) the visceral feelings that last year's waiting offered. It was a small, but effective glimpse into the reality of what years of expectation of the King, trust in the darkness, must have felt like for the Israelites.
Especially, it seems, this is true of those who still wait. And I know they're out there. I remember them when I see the face of an orphaned 10 year old girl, who is brushing away tears as her "segment" on the Waiting Kids video begins, while the voice in English says, "She's just a little emotional. She's done this several times before." It's in the voices of parents with referrals whose children, whether 10 or 10,000 miles away, cracking when they wonder, "Will they be home this Christmas?" In the parent whose child is alone, estranged, detached who longs for reconciliation, and for the child who feels the same. The mothers who wait expectantly, quite literally, to welcome the new soul they carry, and for their children waiting for them in heaven, whom they never *met* in this life.
And yet, in their suffering, they are blessed. Their waiting allows for a most precious, intimate chance to unite with Christ, turn their sorrow to Him and be ready--truly ready--this Christmas to accept the gift in the manger. And God-willing, I will remember, if only vicariously, what it means to truly wait for that which matters most.
TO DO THIS ADVENT
#1--Wait in a frenzied fashion for the birth of our Lord.
That's not quite what I had in mind, but somehow that's what it seems to wind up feeling like. Advent is not the peaceful, quiet preparation for the illumination of the world with the Greatest Light ever known, but rather a litany of baking, parties, shopping and visiting.
Don't get me wrong, those are all fun parts of my pre-Christmas calendar; but they are the side dishes, if I can keep my focus clear, not the main course. Last year, exactly one year ago today, we welcomed home our two Ethiopian born children, which put an end to a waiting that was so tangible it sometimes hurt. This year, we are all beginning our anticipation of Christmas together, but I can't help but miss (just a little bit, mind you) the visceral feelings that last year's waiting offered. It was a small, but effective glimpse into the reality of what years of expectation of the King, trust in the darkness, must have felt like for the Israelites.
Especially, it seems, this is true of those who still wait. And I know they're out there. I remember them when I see the face of an orphaned 10 year old girl, who is brushing away tears as her "segment" on the Waiting Kids video begins, while the voice in English says, "She's just a little emotional. She's done this several times before." It's in the voices of parents with referrals whose children, whether 10 or 10,000 miles away, cracking when they wonder, "Will they be home this Christmas?" In the parent whose child is alone, estranged, detached who longs for reconciliation, and for the child who feels the same. The mothers who wait expectantly, quite literally, to welcome the new soul they carry, and for their children waiting for them in heaven, whom they never *met* in this life.
And yet, in their suffering, they are blessed. Their waiting allows for a most precious, intimate chance to unite with Christ, turn their sorrow to Him and be ready--truly ready--this Christmas to accept the gift in the manger. And God-willing, I will remember, if only vicariously, what it means to truly wait for that which matters most.
Matthew 5:5. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Beati qui lugent quoniam ipsi consolabuntur
Beati qui lugent quoniam ipsi consolabuntur
Advent Begins!
Check out the most excellent graphic from the Curt Jester in my sidebar. You can add this animated Advent wreath to your site as well by clicking here.
H/T SFO Mom
Check out the most excellent graphic from the Curt Jester in my sidebar. You can add this animated Advent wreath to your site as well by clicking here.
H/T SFO Mom
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Virtual Cookie Swap is here!Well folks, the recipes are in (or at least most of them are...if you had one to include but it's not here--let me know the link and I promise I'll add to the list!)
SFO Mom, Barb, shares Mrs. Wagner's cookies. Be sure to read the whole post. May we all remember the Mrs. Wagners, who share their cookies and their friendship with us and look for opportunities to be Mrs. Wagner to some little one this Christmas.
Jena of Two Different Loves shares her recipe for Sour Cream Raisin (Craisin) Bars that sounds delicious and even healthy (hey-the recipe calls for raisins-that's a veritable health food, right?) And the suggestion to substitute festive colored craisins---pure holiday genius!
From Australia, Therese at Aussie Coffee Shop, shares two delicious biscuit (that's cookie for my stateside friends) recipes that she loves to bake at Christmastime: White Christmas and Rum Balls.
Eileen from Eileen on Him or At Least I Try, has put together an amazing assortment of Christmas cookies: Mexican Wedding cakes, Pie Crust cookies and even included a great icing to use on her Sugar Cookie Cutouts. I just hope she posts pictures of all those multicultural reindeer after they're frosted!
The instigator for this current cookie swap, Katie, offers two yummy cookie recipes: her Peanut Butter Squares and her sister Betsy's Seven Layer Bars.
Dawn, our parish Mom's Group "in-real-life" cookie swap hostess, presents one of her family's favorites--Chocolate Peanut Butter Secrets.
Jamie of Ad Silvam Ibimus offers a delicious traditional Latke recipe to be served with applesauce and sour cream...and perhaps (as she suggests) Rolaids!
Mary combines two easy and always great together ingredients--pretzels and chocolate for a fun and easy treat to make with the kids--Chocolate Covered Pretzels.
Barbara, whose blog Praying for Grace has a companion food blog-Bless Us O Lord, has shared a recipe for Chocolate Chip Biscotti. Decorated with festive colored sugar or, as she suggests, red or green M and M's, these look like a sure hit for any Christmas dessert table. And while you're there, take a look around the rest of her food blog, you won't be disappointed. (You can also find her Christmas Cookie Line-Up in the sidebar!)
Finally, on the Ark, we always make these Buckeye cookies every year. They are simple and taste just like a peanut butter cup! Although last year, growing up, the kitchen was always filled with the scents of certain cookies at the holiday. This year, as the holidays are bringing out the sentimentalist in me, here is the recipe for Les Madelines that my mom always made:
Generously butter and flour Madeleine pans.
Melt and set aside 1/2 lb butter (2 sticks)
Mix together (with a wooden spoon-I have no idea why, but I always do it anyway)
4 eggs, 1 c. sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla/almond extract, 1 c. flour
Add melted butter
Fill Madeleine pans 2/3 full
Bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes. Unmold and let cool immediately. Store in a air-tight container to retain spongy, cake-like texture.
Thank you to everyone who shared their Christmas memories and recipes with us.
Happy Eating!
And the winner is...
Barb at SFO Mom! Email me at patjrsmom at yahoo dot com with your mailing information and we'll send it on its way. Congratulations and thanks to everyone for playing! Later, probably after the holidays, I have another review to do on a book about Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. Check back for the review and the accompanying giveaway in late December or early January.
And don't forget, there is still time to submit a cookie recipe for tomorrow's virtual cookie swap. Quite a nice collection has come together, but there's always room for more cookies, right!?!
Barb at SFO Mom! Email me at patjrsmom at yahoo dot com with your mailing information and we'll send it on its way. Congratulations and thanks to everyone for playing! Later, probably after the holidays, I have another review to do on a book about Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. Check back for the review and the accompanying giveaway in late December or early January.
And don't forget, there is still time to submit a cookie recipe for tomorrow's virtual cookie swap. Quite a nice collection has come together, but there's always room for more cookies, right!?!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Last Chance
Enter by midnight CST tonight to be in the drawing to receive the book The Shepherd's Prayer. Here's the link to enter. I'll announce the lucky winner tomorrow!
Enter by midnight CST tonight to be in the drawing to receive the book The Shepherd's Prayer. Here's the link to enter. I'll announce the lucky winner tomorrow!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Ready, Set...Don't Go
You're humming the tune to this song if:
Yesterday, we opened a new chapter here on the Ark. My oldest, more commonly known as "The Boy", turned thirteen yesterday. (Don't worry, son, you won't see any photos of the day on the blog. I'm learning to respect the privacy that you suddenly seem to require more of these days.) It was a melancholy day, which contained, quite honestly, little time with the birthday celebrant. He was here after school and basketball practice for a few hours (to eat) before leaving for a scrimmage that wouldn't return him home until nearly 9:30 last night. I've seen it coming for a while now, but have chosen to try to ignore the signs--you know, things like:
Thirteen years ago, when experienced mothers looked at brand new mom-me and my firstborn son, not a one of them left without saying, "They grow up so fast. Enjoy every moment of it." And I, the know-it-all new mom would nod seriously, looking at my innocent, helpless, eight pound boy and think to myself, "Yeah, right!"
Well, if thirteen years of parenting has taught me anything, it's that I don't know very much. They do grow up that fast. And I hope that if I've learned anything along the way it was to remember to enjoy every last bit right then and there--before I find myself closing chapters on books I've not yet finished.
You're humming the tune to this song if:
- A. You (like me) have pre-teen girls in your house or--
- B. You just never got over Billy Ray Cyrus and now, you don't have to.
Yesterday, we opened a new chapter here on the Ark. My oldest, more commonly known as "The Boy", turned thirteen yesterday. (Don't worry, son, you won't see any photos of the day on the blog. I'm learning to respect the privacy that you suddenly seem to require more of these days.) It was a melancholy day, which contained, quite honestly, little time with the birthday celebrant. He was here after school and basketball practice for a few hours (to eat) before leaving for a scrimmage that wouldn't return him home until nearly 9:30 last night. I've seen it coming for a while now, but have chosen to try to ignore the signs--you know, things like:
- the not-so-subtle hints that perhaps his younger sisters would like to be my new grocery shopping helpers.
- the suggestion that we plan a "friends" birthday party falling on deaf ears.
- the need to walk just a little closer to the "guys" on the basketball team than to the family on the way out of the gym.
- the enormity of the embarrassment that comes simply from Mom or Dad's presence.
Thirteen years ago, when experienced mothers looked at brand new mom-me and my firstborn son, not a one of them left without saying, "They grow up so fast. Enjoy every moment of it." And I, the know-it-all new mom would nod seriously, looking at my innocent, helpless, eight pound boy and think to myself, "Yeah, right!"
Well, if thirteen years of parenting has taught me anything, it's that I don't know very much. They do grow up that fast. And I hope that if I've learned anything along the way it was to remember to enjoy every last bit right then and there--before I find myself closing chapters on books I've not yet finished.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Advent Resources
One of my favorite books to celebrate the liturgical year is a great book called the Big Book of Catholic Traditions. I think I've linked it in a previous post here. It is full of great ideas. And for recipes--A Continual Feast by Evelyn Birge Vitz is great! Also, author Cay Gibson has a couple of great books (but a recent addition specific to Advent) that can be found here.
Do you have any Advent resources that are your tried and true favorites?
One of my favorite books to celebrate the liturgical year is a great book called the Big Book of Catholic Traditions. I think I've linked it in a previous post here. It is full of great ideas. And for recipes--A Continual Feast by Evelyn Birge Vitz is great! Also, author Cay Gibson has a couple of great books (but a recent addition specific to Advent) that can be found here.
Do you have any Advent resources that are your tried and true favorites?
Preparing for Advent (including a giveaway!)
Two upcoming events here on the Ark are sure to start you thinking about Advent's quick approach.
First, don't forget to share your favorite Christmas cookie recipe with us. I have a handful so far, but would love to hear from the rest of my readers. You all must be Christmas cookie people--we'd never get along so well if you weren't! ;-) The original post is here. You can leave a message in the comments on either section with a link to your post containing your recipe or you can email your recipe to me at patjrsmom at yahoo dot com.
And, second, the giveaway I promised is now underway! I will be giving away a copy of the book The Shepherds' Prayer: A Christmas Novel, written by Richard M. Barry. While the book works well with the accompanying study guide to serve as an Advent scripture study, it is great as a stand alone read as well.
The story is told from the point of view of a young man whose past is a mystery but for a single lambskin blanket containing a cryptic message. One night, he eventually works up the courage to ask his adoptive father for "his story" and what he hears leads him on a journey to discover his past and much more. Written in easy to read language and woven together with familiar people, places and events from Sacred Scripture, this story offers a chance to ponder the mystery of our own connections to salvation history. As the book is a mere eight chapters and one hundred and twenty-three pages, it would also make for a great Advent family read aloud.
If you're interested in adding this book to your collection, leave a note in the comments before midnight CST on Wednesday, November 28th. The winner will be announced on Thursday, November 29th. Good luck!
Two upcoming events here on the Ark are sure to start you thinking about Advent's quick approach.
First, don't forget to share your favorite Christmas cookie recipe with us. I have a handful so far, but would love to hear from the rest of my readers. You all must be Christmas cookie people--we'd never get along so well if you weren't! ;-) The original post is here. You can leave a message in the comments on either section with a link to your post containing your recipe or you can email your recipe to me at patjrsmom at yahoo dot com.And, second, the giveaway I promised is now underway! I will be giving away a copy of the book The Shepherds' Prayer: A Christmas Novel, written by Richard M. Barry. While the book works well with the accompanying study guide to serve as an Advent scripture study, it is great as a stand alone read as well.
The story is told from the point of view of a young man whose past is a mystery but for a single lambskin blanket containing a cryptic message. One night, he eventually works up the courage to ask his adoptive father for "his story" and what he hears leads him on a journey to discover his past and much more. Written in easy to read language and woven together with familiar people, places and events from Sacred Scripture, this story offers a chance to ponder the mystery of our own connections to salvation history. As the book is a mere eight chapters and one hundred and twenty-three pages, it would also make for a great Advent family read aloud.
If you're interested in adding this book to your collection, leave a note in the comments before midnight CST on Wednesday, November 28th. The winner will be announced on Thursday, November 29th. Good luck!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
ONLY 2 DAYS REMAINING IN CRITICAL MOVIE WEEKEND
Keep One in Theaters, Get the Other
into Every Catholic Home
Thanksgiving Weekend is a critical weekend for two sets of Catholic filmmakers. While the team at Metanoia Films appeals to Catholics to keep Bella in theaters this coming weekend, the filmmakers at Catholic Exchange appeal for a blockbuster response to our multi-award winning DVD, Champions of Faith: Baseball.
Just as important as ticket sales for theatrical releases, DVD sales support and sustain films released straight to video and in this instance will enable Catholic Exchange to create more films featuring cultural icons who embrace and affirm our beloved Catholic faith.
This Thanksgiving weekend only, you can buy a special “Christmas 6-Pack” for just $69. Keep one for your family and give the other five away as Christmas gifts. That's nearly 50% off the retail price and a full $30 less than the regular price for a Champions of Faith 6-PK! CLICK HERE or call 
1.877.263.1263
right now to order!
You can read my review of Champions of Faith here.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thanksgiving Day 2007
Thanksgiving Prayer
Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving from our house to yours! God Bless!
Thanksgiving Prayer
This Thanksgiving let those of us who have much and those who have little gather at the welcoming table of the Lord. At this blessed feast, may rich and poor alike remember that we are called to serve on another and to walk together in God's gracious world. With thankful hearts we praise our God who like a loving parent denies us no good thing.
Today and every day, it pleases God for us to sit as brothers and sisters as we share the bounty of the earth and the grace God has placed in each blessed soul. For this we all give thanks and praise to our loving and gracious God.
Today and every day, it pleases God for us to sit as brothers and sisters as we share the bounty of the earth and the grace God has placed in each blessed soul. For this we all give thanks and praise to our loving and gracious God.
From Songs of Our Hearts, Meditations of Our Souls: Prayers for Black Catholics, edited by Cecilia A. Moor, Ph.D., C. Vanessa White, D.Min., and Paul M. Marshall, S.M.
Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving from our house to yours! God Bless!
Christmas Spirit Award
Michelle, at Dei Gratia, humbles me with an award for Christmas Spirit.
Michelle, at Dei Gratia, humbles me with an award for Christmas Spirit.
What is the Spirit of Christmas you ask?
Quite simply it is those that have a generous and giving nature. Those who care about others. Those who have a kind word to say or a broad shoulder to lean on in the times that others need that. Those who display the "Spirit of Christmas".
-from the award creator
Quite simply it is those that have a generous and giving nature. Those who care about others. Those who have a kind word to say or a broad shoulder to lean on in the times that others need that. Those who display the "Spirit of Christmas".
-from the award creator
There are so many people to choose from, but I'm only supposed to pick five, which means that there will be people to pass it on to when YOU get it! So...here goes...
Faith at Faith's Travel Blog(under the new name Musings of a Road Warrior)-as generous and caring as it gets AND her blog will be reopening soon as she begins to travel again.
Eileen at Eileen on Him...or at Least I Try-always thoughtful and caring in her words. I truly enjoy our virtual chats.
Barb, SFO Mom-living out her faith through her words and actions. Always a joy to read.
Becky at Wild at Heart Family-One of my favorite online buddies.
Jena at Two Different Loves-Thinking and reflecting on lots of issues-especially related to adoption in a caring and generous way.
You can get the code to add the award to your blog here.Faith at Faith's Travel Blog(under the new name Musings of a Road Warrior)-as generous and caring as it gets AND her blog will be reopening soon as she begins to travel again.
Eileen at Eileen on Him...or at Least I Try-always thoughtful and caring in her words. I truly enjoy our virtual chats.
Barb, SFO Mom-living out her faith through her words and actions. Always a joy to read.
Becky at Wild at Heart Family-One of my favorite online buddies.
Jena at Two Different Loves-Thinking and reflecting on lots of issues-especially related to adoption in a caring and generous way.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Green Bean CasseroleMy family will gather this year, as it has for the past several, for its annual Thanksgiving Fiesta. Seriously. My brother-in-law's wife, whose family includes some 22 aunts and uncles and assorted cousins, is a first generation Mexican-American. It is fiesta grande to the nth degree. And each year, I am responsible for the making/taking of the super-sized version of the green bean casserole. And I always feel a little plain by comparison. I mean, here I am-green bean casserole surrounded by such exotic fare as homemade tamales, hot spicy chicken dishes, or things with names like arroz or flan. I just can't compete.
But the thought of cumin-infused green beans doesn't seem right either. Then it occurred to me. God hasn't called me to be something different to everyone; but, instead, to be everything to the someones He's given me.
And it seems I've been called not to a hot, spicy, exotic role; but, rather, to that of comfort-giver, provider of warmth, familiarity, and sensibility-a life that just screams GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE.
So, this Thanksgiving, watch out! My kitchen will overflow with french-style green beans and cans of cream of mushroom soup. The scents of crispy fried onions and black pepper will linger in the air. Me and my green bean casserole. Bring it on.
Her Perspective: Vietnamese Adoptee via the NYT
An interesting article to read about a woman who was adopted from Vietnam.
An interesting article to read about a woman who was adopted from Vietnam.
Monday, November 19, 2007
You can take the girl out of Connecticut...
but, oh nevermind, you know the rest and here's my score to prove it!
but, oh nevermind, you know the rest and here's my score to prove it!
33% Definitely Yankee
So, what about you all? Are you a Yankee or a Dixie? Find out here.
H/T my dear Dixie (Y'all must have been a Dixie, right?) friend, Julie.
H/T my dear Dixie (Y'all must have been a Dixie, right?) friend, Julie.
Recovery
This was a whirlwind of a weekend. Friday night the Captain and I led our couple's bible study group and went out for coffee--always such a nice end to the week. The Boy had a basketball game Saturday, which they won--yeah!--and after going to Mass Saturday night, we had the girl's school fundraiser dinner to attend. When we arrived home from the dinner, there were still three batches of chocolate chip muffins to be made for the monthly family birthday celebration happening at 8:30 AM, Sunday morning. By what could only be termed the Spirit moving, we actually arrived on time for the birthday breakfast. Fortunately, after a quick stop to pick up the Sunday papers, we were headed back home with nothing else on the agenda...EXCEPT...there were two loaves of cranberry pumpkin bread to make, two loaves of yeast dill bread to make, a bunch of boneless chicken to be cooked and separated for three different meals (including last night's dinner) and the girls and I prepared the Blessing Mix for their teachers.
Why is it that there is no such thing as a day *off* for moms?
This was a whirlwind of a weekend. Friday night the Captain and I led our couple's bible study group and went out for coffee--always such a nice end to the week. The Boy had a basketball game Saturday, which they won--yeah!--and after going to Mass Saturday night, we had the girl's school fundraiser dinner to attend. When we arrived home from the dinner, there were still three batches of chocolate chip muffins to be made for the monthly family birthday celebration happening at 8:30 AM, Sunday morning. By what could only be termed the Spirit moving, we actually arrived on time for the birthday breakfast. Fortunately, after a quick stop to pick up the Sunday papers, we were headed back home with nothing else on the agenda...EXCEPT...there were two loaves of cranberry pumpkin bread to make, two loaves of yeast dill bread to make, a bunch of boneless chicken to be cooked and separated for three different meals (including last night's dinner) and the girls and I prepared the Blessing Mix for their teachers.
Why is it that there is no such thing as a day *off* for moms?
Friday, November 16, 2007
Preparing for Advent
I'll be hosting another giveaway soon for the Catholic/Christian Christmas tale called The Shepherd's Prayer. It promises to be a great story and I'm looking forward to sharing it with you all. In the meanwhile, you can check out and download the Study Guide which accompanies the book here. It is designed to be used during the four weeks of Advent in preparation for Christmas.
I'll be hosting another giveaway soon for the Catholic/Christian Christmas tale called The Shepherd's Prayer. It promises to be a great story and I'm looking forward to sharing it with you all. In the meanwhile, you can check out and download the Study Guide which accompanies the book here. It is designed to be used during the four weeks of Advent in preparation for Christmas.
Which Came First?
Baby T has become a bit of a shoe Houdini lately. He just can't seem to keep a pair of shoes on his feet. We've done velcro, lace-up, buckle, etc...but still he manages to squirm his feet free. And his favorite place to do so? In the car. So, as he is the sixth child, I have given up on shoeing Baby T in the car--unless I know he'll be getting out.
Yesterday, as we waved goodbye to CB at preschool and were pulling away from the curb service drop-off, N reported with concern:
"Mama, Baby T took his shoes off again!"
"It's okay," I responded knowing of my new grand shoe plan, "He doesn't have any shoes on right now."
"I KNOW!" she countered, exasperated, "BECAUSE he took them off!"
Sigh. It's going to be a long day.
Baby T has become a bit of a shoe Houdini lately. He just can't seem to keep a pair of shoes on his feet. We've done velcro, lace-up, buckle, etc...but still he manages to squirm his feet free. And his favorite place to do so? In the car. So, as he is the sixth child, I have given up on shoeing Baby T in the car--unless I know he'll be getting out.
Yesterday, as we waved goodbye to CB at preschool and were pulling away from the curb service drop-off, N reported with concern:
"Mama, Baby T took his shoes off again!"
"It's okay," I responded knowing of my new grand shoe plan, "He doesn't have any shoes on right now."
"I KNOW!" she countered, exasperated, "BECAUSE he took them off!"
Sigh. It's going to be a long day.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Virtual Christmas Cookie SwapOkay, friends, I know I have some excellent bakers in my midst. Some of you so much so that my traitorous children will actually request your confections over mine! And, some of you well-loved bakers have suggested we share our sweets this season.
So, here you have it---the first ever Ark Virtual Cookie Swap! If you'd like to participate, post your favorite Christmas Cookie recipe on your blog and then leave a link to it in the comments section. Don't have a blog? Don't worry-we want to try your Christmas Cookie recipe, too! You can email me at patjrsmom at yahoo dot com and submit your recipe that way. Feel free to invite a friend to join us as well. When it comes to cookies, the more the merrier, right? Please have all posts and emails ready to go by November 30th and then, on December 1st, just in time for Advent, I'll post all our delicious cookie recipes.
Any questions, feel free to contact me. Happy Baking!
Doctor Visit
The other morning, I took The Boy for his final follow-up after breaking his elbow. I brought with me my three youngest as that was the way our schedule worked out that morning. As you might imagine, The Boy and I and our three small attendants attracted some unwarranted attention in the doctor's office.
When the doctor came in to greet us, he commented on how many of *us* there were:
"I see you brought the whole crew this morning," he chuckled.
"Not quite," I replied cautiously, "I have two more who are in school."
"Oh my," his raised eyebrows expressed, "I only have two hands and could barely handle three children."
Thinking back to Dr. Ray's talk, I remembered "the response" his wife used when questioned about the size of their family, but not wanting to offend the doctor gave a watered down version of it, "Well, our kids are generally well-behaved, so it's not that bad."
As the visit finished, he turned to me and said, "You know something, they actually are well-behaved." And walked out into the hallway, leaving the door open thus inviting in a nearby nurse, who also felt compelled to comment on our family:
"You must be a brave mommy to take all your kids to the doctor's office,"she mused.
Taking a deep breath, I said (again), "Not really. These aren't all my kids."
Relieved she said, "Oh, they're not all yours."
Thinking that we were almost out the door, thus ending this conversation, I calmly said, "No, they're all mind, but I have two more in school." The look on her face said it all, but if it hadn't the very obvious "point and count-out-loud" method she began using to calculate the number of children in our family was about all I could take before 9:00am.
"Just how many kids do you have?" she screeched, "Is it six?" I nodded. "SIX!?!" she uttered in disbelief, as though I just affirmed the existence of Martian life. She turned to The Boy and said sarcastically, "Is she on medication?"
Thoughts began running through my head. Did she just ask me if I was on medication? No, did she just ask my 12 year old SON if his MOTHER was on medication? Yes, I believe she did. Dr. Ray's wife's response wasn't as offensive as I thought. What was it again? Oh yes. Now I remember...
"Six well-disciplined children are much easier to handle than one un-disciplined one," I spat out and we left. I was furious. I certainly didn't walk through the office condemning the reproductive choices of anyone with less children than me; why, then, was it socially acceptable to question my choice and even engage my pre-teen son in mocking the decisions of his "medicated", and therefore obviously crazy, mother?
Anyone have any answers? If I can remember to take all my sanity pills, I'll be back later to read your thoughts...
The other morning, I took The Boy for his final follow-up after breaking his elbow. I brought with me my three youngest as that was the way our schedule worked out that morning. As you might imagine, The Boy and I and our three small attendants attracted some unwarranted attention in the doctor's office.
When the doctor came in to greet us, he commented on how many of *us* there were:
"I see you brought the whole crew this morning," he chuckled.
"Not quite," I replied cautiously, "I have two more who are in school."
"Oh my," his raised eyebrows expressed, "I only have two hands and could barely handle three children."
Thinking back to Dr. Ray's talk, I remembered "the response" his wife used when questioned about the size of their family, but not wanting to offend the doctor gave a watered down version of it, "Well, our kids are generally well-behaved, so it's not that bad."
As the visit finished, he turned to me and said, "You know something, they actually are well-behaved." And walked out into the hallway, leaving the door open thus inviting in a nearby nurse, who also felt compelled to comment on our family:
"You must be a brave mommy to take all your kids to the doctor's office,"she mused.
Taking a deep breath, I said (again), "Not really. These aren't all my kids."
Relieved she said, "Oh, they're not all yours."
Thinking that we were almost out the door, thus ending this conversation, I calmly said, "No, they're all mind, but I have two more in school." The look on her face said it all, but if it hadn't the very obvious "point and count-out-loud" method she began using to calculate the number of children in our family was about all I could take before 9:00am.
"Just how many kids do you have?" she screeched, "Is it six?" I nodded. "SIX!?!" she uttered in disbelief, as though I just affirmed the existence of Martian life. She turned to The Boy and said sarcastically, "Is she on medication?"
Thoughts began running through my head. Did she just ask me if I was on medication? No, did she just ask my 12 year old SON if his MOTHER was on medication? Yes, I believe she did. Dr. Ray's wife's response wasn't as offensive as I thought. What was it again? Oh yes. Now I remember...
"Six well-disciplined children are much easier to handle than one un-disciplined one," I spat out and we left. I was furious. I certainly didn't walk through the office condemning the reproductive choices of anyone with less children than me; why, then, was it socially acceptable to question my choice and even engage my pre-teen son in mocking the decisions of his "medicated", and therefore obviously crazy, mother?
Anyone have any answers? If I can remember to take all my sanity pills, I'll be back later to read your thoughts...
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Ten Commandments Giveaway!Here's a fast and furious giveaway happening on the Ark. I'm giving away two tickets to The Ten Commandments movie but they must be used by November 30th! (Tickets are good only in the US). In addition to the tickets, the winner will also receive a promotional Ten Commandments t-shirt and poster. To learn more about the movie, watch the trailer here.
To enter, leave a note in the comments below by midnight CST on Wednesday, November 15th. A winner will be chosen at random and announced on Thursday.
Good luck!
The Doctor is In
Since some of you asked...here's the rewind on Dr. Ray Guarendi's talk at our parish tonight.
First, let me just say that if you like him on his radio show, you'll love him in person. He is every bit as down-to-earth as he sounds and ten times more funny. He is like a walking caricature of himself.
He covered a wide range of topics-including parenting (discipline in particular), his adoptions, the wisdom of the plethora of parenting *experts* in our culture, and even touched briefly on his journey back to the Catholic church.
One of the most important things that I think he spoke about was the resolve of parents, the ability to stick-it-out with our kids for as long as it takes to discipline them. As he said, society doesn't take kindly to "undisciplined" (read: whiny, pouty, my-way-or-the-highway, spoiled, bratty) individuals whether they are 3 or 33. Heck, we, as parents, don't like it when our kids act that way. He talked about all the labels which exist that "excuse" this sort of behavior: the difficult child, the strong-willed child, the high maintenance child, etc...Then he talked about the need for the BIG people to stop kowtowing to the LITTLE people and stop offering them excuses and start showing them that our will to help them become a person of strong moral character is stronger than any will they might possess. Why? Because we love them that much.
He asked how long we, as parents, thought this process might take; how long we would need to persevere. In silence, we considered his question. Then, he called to our pastor in the back of the church and asked, "When people come in for confession, Father, do you usually hear, 'Well, I've pretty much conquered all my sins. Thanks for your help. See you later.' or do you hear, 'It's me again, Father, here I am with the same list of sins I've been confessing for the past 40 years.'"
I'm not sure about the rest of you, but that convicted me right on the spot. If God loves me enough to hang in there with me and repeatedly forgive me, while I persist in what is surely incredibly frustrating behavior to Him; then as His example to my children, they deserve nothing less than my unending love-through my commitment to discipline them to become who God wants them to be.
Dr. Ray's talk is available on DVD here. And whaddya know--you can even watch clips of his talk as well!
Since some of you asked...here's the rewind on Dr. Ray Guarendi's talk at our parish tonight.
First, let me just say that if you like him on his radio show, you'll love him in person. He is every bit as down-to-earth as he sounds and ten times more funny. He is like a walking caricature of himself.
He covered a wide range of topics-including parenting (discipline in particular), his adoptions, the wisdom of the plethora of parenting *experts* in our culture, and even touched briefly on his journey back to the Catholic church.
One of the most important things that I think he spoke about was the resolve of parents, the ability to stick-it-out with our kids for as long as it takes to discipline them. As he said, society doesn't take kindly to "undisciplined" (read: whiny, pouty, my-way-or-the-highway, spoiled, bratty) individuals whether they are 3 or 33. Heck, we, as parents, don't like it when our kids act that way. He talked about all the labels which exist that "excuse" this sort of behavior: the difficult child, the strong-willed child, the high maintenance child, etc...Then he talked about the need for the BIG people to stop kowtowing to the LITTLE people and stop offering them excuses and start showing them that our will to help them become a person of strong moral character is stronger than any will they might possess. Why? Because we love them that much.
He asked how long we, as parents, thought this process might take; how long we would need to persevere. In silence, we considered his question. Then, he called to our pastor in the back of the church and asked, "When people come in for confession, Father, do you usually hear, 'Well, I've pretty much conquered all my sins. Thanks for your help. See you later.' or do you hear, 'It's me again, Father, here I am with the same list of sins I've been confessing for the past 40 years.'"
I'm not sure about the rest of you, but that convicted me right on the spot. If God loves me enough to hang in there with me and repeatedly forgive me, while I persist in what is surely incredibly frustrating behavior to Him; then as His example to my children, they deserve nothing less than my unending love-through my commitment to discipline them to become who God wants them to be.
Dr. Ray's talk is available on DVD here. And whaddya know--you can even watch clips of his talk as well!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Eyes Wide Open
Ethics in adoption is a hot topic. Ensuring that children are not handled as merchandise, thus making safe and honest adoptions possible, is one of the main goals of reputable adoption agencies. This story ran in the Sunday Chicago Tribune discussing the not-so-stellar reputation of the Guatemala country program. If you're interested in international adoption ethics, this one's worth a read.
Ethics in adoption is a hot topic. Ensuring that children are not handled as merchandise, thus making safe and honest adoptions possible, is one of the main goals of reputable adoption agencies. This story ran in the Sunday Chicago Tribune discussing the not-so-stellar reputation of the Guatemala country program. If you're interested in international adoption ethics, this one's worth a read.
This should keep you busy...
Unless you have 5 or 10 minutes to spare, don't click on this link. It's for a good cause, really; who doesn't want to help donate rice to the hungry? And as an added bonus, you'll do it by testing your vocabulary prowess. Here's the catch, though, if you're a bit of a wordsmith and/or even slightly competitive, 5 or 10 minutes may not even be enough. 43 was my best vocabulary score and I donated so many grains of rice that I lost count, but that was after, a little more than my fair share of computer time.
I've heard it only goes as high as 50. Anybody score higher?
This morning's addiction brought to you by Owlhaven. Thanks, Mary!
Unless you have 5 or 10 minutes to spare, don't click on this link. It's for a good cause, really; who doesn't want to help donate rice to the hungry? And as an added bonus, you'll do it by testing your vocabulary prowess. Here's the catch, though, if you're a bit of a wordsmith and/or even slightly competitive, 5 or 10 minutes may not even be enough. 43 was my best vocabulary score and I donated so many grains of rice that I lost count, but that was after, a little more than my fair share of computer time.
I've heard it only goes as high as 50. Anybody score higher?
This morning's addiction brought to you by Owlhaven. Thanks, Mary!
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