A Christmas Eve Musing

Since my Stroke last month, my feelings have been very close to the surface. I laugh easily, and that pleases me, but I also cry easily.  That feels rather uncomfortable.  I don’t mind crying when nobody’s watching. Tears can be cleansing. But if there’s anyone around it feels awkward. My tearfulness is difficult to explain. They’re not tears of sadness. Sometimes they’re of joy. They well up because something has touched me in a tender spot of my Soul.

It often happens while celebrating our Sacred Liturgy. I love every beautiful Word of the Holy Mass. The prayers touch me deeply. It happened during the Opening Hymn tonight at the Christmas Eve Mass. The Manger scene was so sweet, the Poinsietta’s were beautiful, and the Church was full to over capacity. I opened my mouth to sing “Joy to the World”, and the tears started flowing like a river.  I was in the very front row, so probably no one saw me, yet I had to dab my eyes to read the hymn text.

When we got home, my mind filled with memories of Christmases past. Not all of them were Merry, but most of them were.  In my early twenties, our Choral  Group sang the Oratorio, Handel’s “The Messiah”.  I was a very Secular Catholic back then, and didn’t have a personal relationship with Christ. Yet every year I looked forward to singing “The Messiah”. I enjoyed the richness of the Music, but the Text went right over my head.  We sang:

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have

turned every one to his own way; and the

Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all”

We sang:

“Life up your heads, O ye gates; and

be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and

The King of glory shall come in.

Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Hosts,

He is the King of glory”

It meant nothing to me at the time. Now it means everything worth anything.

In thinking about the many Happy Christmas memories, I felt grateful for the privileges granted me. Still, in all my 81 years, never have I felt the Joy of the Coming of the Lord more than this year.

I wish for you dear friends, Joy. May you have a deep, abiding Joy.

                                                             Joy, Joy, Joy.

Hindus attack Christmas fair in India

Peace on Earth? Good Will toward men? Not for the Hindus. Remember they did this last year at Christmas also.
Remember these Christians in your prayers.
The Prince of Peace will prevail in the end.

Catholic Culture : Latest Headlines : Hindus attack Christmas fair in India

Top U.S. Atheist Group, Freedom From Religion, Started Because of Abortion.

I stumbled across a blog you'll all want to visit here: www.catholicsview.com. 
Stan Cunningham writes about Catholic Beliefs and Traditions, News and prayer.
I loved his Category "Suggestions" where he has links, stories and other good stuff.
I met him on Twitter and you can join his group on Facebook. Just search for catholicsview.

The news story about the Atheist group is really a heads-up! We (I)  have to beef up my prayers for these poor people who have nothing worthwhile to live for.  They are out to destroy Christian thought and action.

Stan does a great job of explaining the Faith. He doesn't have detailed Categories, but you can search for a subject of interest. Type in 'green scapular' and you'll find that practice defined.
I didn't know there were so many scapular devotions and traditions.

All in all, I found the blog delightful.

Advent Meditation "Mary's Dream"

As we wait to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity, we exult in God's many visitations due to His eternal presence. He is always with us, just as He promised he would be.  He longs for us to draw near to Him, far more than we long for His coming. He loves us, watches over us, and calls us to Himself. His Love for us is so much greater than we can ever imagine.
I found this story on Facebook, submitted by a friend of mine and would like to share it with you. She called it "Mary's Dream"

"I had a dream, Joseph. I don't understand it, not really, but I think it was about a birthday celebration for our Son. I think that was what it was all about. The people had been preparing for it for about six weeks. They had decorated the house and bought new clothes. They'd gone shopping many times and bought elaborate gifts. It was peculiar, though, because the presents weren't for our Son...

They gave gifts to each other. Joseph, not to our Son. I don't think they even knew Him. They never mentioned His name. Doesn't it seem odd for people to go to all that trouble to celebrate someone's birthday if they don't know Him. I had the strangest feeling that if our Son had gone to this celebration He would have been intruding.....I'm glad it was only a dream. How terrible, Joseph, if it had been real.

Sadly, it wasn't a dream, and yes, it's terrible that the "dream" was true. Every year people celebrate the birth of Mary's Son Jesus, the Messiah, yet they don't know him, have never talked to him, tho' he's nearer to them than their very breath. All they need to do is Seek and they would Find him living in their hearts and longing to be recognized. Let's be courageous enough to boldly remind them that Christmas is not about Santa but about God's incarnation in the person of Jesus. The best gift we can give is the gift of our presence, our reaching out to those in need. Most importantly, to give ourselves to Jesus and participate in God's Kingdom.

Merry Christmas to all

Abortion - Pro Life - National Night of Prayer for Life

Abortion - Pro Life - National Night of Prayer for Life
Pray daily for an end to Abortion. Victories are being won. Abortion clinics are being closed. The pressure is on and your prayers are effective.

Food for Thought

Our Women's Group at Church is reading Matthew Kelley's book "Rediscovering Catholicism". There is much inspiration in his writing about being the best version of yourself. 

In Chapter 11, he asks  "What are you willing to live for?" Then he writes: 
Just before her death, Joan of Arc wrote, "I know this now. Every man gives his life for what he believes. Every woman gives her life for what she believes. Sometimes people believe in little or nothing, and yet they give their lives to that little or nothing. One life is all we have, and we live it as we believe in living it and then it's gone.  But to surrender what you are and to live without belief is more terrible than dying - even more terrible than dying young".


She lived for her cause because that's what she believed in. I can't imitate her life, but I can imitate her dedication to a cause - actually the same cause: that God's Name be glorified in the Earth, working for His Kingdom in my small sphere of influence.  I can let my tiny portion of the World know that Catholicism provides me with the way God can guide me to become all He intended me to be.

Be Thankful

Warmest greetings to all for a THANKSGIVING DAY filled with love and laughter. Remember that God has given you everything you need. Give thanks to Him and always Praise His Holy Majesty. 

Clinton thought I was taking a picture, not a video.

Maddie came to visit on 11-2-09. She is 3 years old and speaks very plainly. Her baby brother Alan got to sit on Great g'pa's lap, and now it's her turn. Enjoy.

Hubby Clinton holds one of many Great Grandchildren

A visit on 11-2-09 from our Great Grandson Alan
Enjoy this 10 month old child. We sure did.

Holy Quotes from AskaCatholic

From my Inbox today.


Holy Quotes for Maryellen Jones

The Compendium is a faithful and sure synthesis of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It is not a work that stands alone, nor is it intended in any way to replace the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It is meant to reawaken interest in and enthusiasm for the Catechism, which always remains the basic text for catechesis in the Church today. The Compendium contains, in concise form, all the essential and fundamental elements of the Church’s faith, thus constituting a kind of authoritative handbook (vademecum) which allows believers and non-believers alike to behold the entire panorama of the Catholic faith.

- Pope Benedict XVI I Believe in the Holy Spirit.
Question 142: What is the work of the Spirit in Mary?

The Holy Spirit brought to fulfillment in Mary all the waiting and the preparation of the Old Testament for the coming of Christ. In a singular way he filled her with grace and made her virginity fruitful so that she could give birth to the Son of God made flesh. He made her the Mother of the “whole Christ”, that is, of Jesus the Head and of the Church his body. Mary was present with the twelve on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit inaugurated the “last days” with the manifestation of the Church. CCC #721 - 726 and 744

Want more? Buy the Catechism here: hard cover | soft cover; and the Compendium here: hard cover | soft cover.
Are you a Protestant? look into our CCCPP program.

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Quotes of the Early Fathers and Christians of the Church (33AD to 750AD)
The Lord does not say that the proof of His disciples' faithfulness will be the working of wondrous miracles … What does He tell them? "You shall be known as my disciples if you love one another."

St. Basil the Great (329-379AD) on Charity
Mini-Bio: Cappadocian; bishop, theologian, monk

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Saints throughout the Age of the Church
Let nothing disturb you, nothing frighten you; all things are passing; God never changes.

St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582AD) on Change
Mini-Bio: Spanish; Founder of the Discalced Carmelites, Doctor of the Church. She left us excellent writings and teachings on prayer and had a great devotion to St. Joseph.

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Visit http://www.askacatholic.com/ for a wide variety of articles, links, resources, ask questions, and much more.

Update my health issue

Just a quick post. I had a trip to Emergency room last night due to a small stroke. There is little damage and therapy will fix me up, but it's going to slow me down for awhile.

I'm grateful for the Catholic view on Redemptive suffering where I can join my trials with the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, and offer it up for the salvation of souls.  What a comfort that my suffering can have value for others, and  if I bear it graciously, it will benefit my soul, too.  

There is good news, too, that my brain can form new pathways to restore my normal speech, and restore my droopy weak hand  with therapy. (It took me 45 min to type this.)

I know my dear friends and family will assist me with prayer.

I won't struggle to reply to comments, but I will read them gratefully.                                                                                       

Great Grandchildren

I learned this week that we'll have another great grandchild in 2010. 
Our grandaughter is pregnant with her third child due in June.  Our grandson had announced in late Summer that his wife is due with their first child around April 1st. So that makes two more GG's in addition to seven already born. Oh my, look what we started.

Most of them live on the West Coast, and we follow their growth through photos. We have two here in TN and they visited us this morning. Madalynn is 3 and her baby brother, Alan is 10 months. I got two short videos of each child on Clinton's lap. When I get the videos off my camera, I'll post them. Of course, they are adorable.

Other news is that our 62nd Wedding Anniversary is coming up November 8th. Our lives are full of joy.

Having a good time - being anxious for nothing

On Sept.3rd  about 6 weeks ago, I wrote about my good fortune of having my energy level restored, and a deliverance from Anxiety Neurosis following several years in the "school of suffering".

I wasn't sure if it was a temporary improvement that would eventually disintegrate into my former state of frailty.  I'm happy to say that I'm still amazed and joyful at my level of vitality, and I sense that this will continue as long as needed for the task of Caretaking.  God's gift was not just for me, but it is his provision for my husband to have a Caretaker he can depend on. He can now be free of his worry about my health.  We have learned through our experiences that God is Faithful and He will see us through any kind of circumstance as long as we recognize it is HE who enables us. We fully recognize what Jesus meant when he said "You can do nothing without me".

This is such an important lesson. We could have avoided many problems in our life if we had learned it earlier.  Better late than never.

So, I'm enjoying myself - still loving the computer and the vast knowledge available on the WorldWideWeb.  A daughter urged me to join Facebook. I was reluctant, but I did join and now I love it. It's great to be in touch with children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, old friends living far from us. It has rekindled languishing relationships and formed new ones along the way.  I plan to find a tutorial to put a widget here on my blog so you can just click on it and "follow me on Facebook".

Rejoice with me. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding" (Prov 3:5)

Holy Quotes from askacatholic.com

These quotes are from a mailing I subscribed to several years ago. I look forward to receiving them periodically.

Go to askacatholic.com to subscribe. You can unsubscribe whenever you want to.
Scroll down the page to "Holy Quotes" to subscribe:
MessageHoly Quotes from askacatholic.com

The Compendium is a faithful and sure synthesis of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It is not a work that stands alone, nor is it intended in any way to replace the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It is meant to reawaken interest in and enthusiasm for the Catechism, which always remains the basic text for catechesis in the Church today. The Compendium contains, in concise form, all the essential and fundamental elements of the Church’s faith, thus constituting a kind of authoritative handbook (vademecum) which allows believers and non-believers alike to behold the entire panorama of the Catholic faith.

- Pope Benedict XVI I Believe in the Holy Spirit.
Question 138: What are the names of the Holy Spirit?

“The Holy Spirit” is the proper name of the third Person of the Most Holy Trinity. Jesus also called him the Paraclete (Consoler or Advocate) and the Spirit of Truth. The New Testament also refers to him as the Spirit of Christ, of the Lord, of God - the Spirit of Glory and the Spirit of the Promise. CCC #691 - 693

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Quotes of the Early Fathers and Christians of the Church (33AD to 750AD)
Repentance is an effect of faith. For unless a man believes that the object of his addiction is sin, he will not abandon it; and if he does not believe punishment is impending over the transgressor, and salvation to be the portion of him who lives according to the commandments, he will not reform.

St. Clement of Alexandria (150-215AD) on Repentance
Mini-Bio: Greek; theologian, head of the Catechetical School at Alexandria, Egypt

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Saints throughout the Age of the Church
He is a true and genuine Catholic who loves the truth of God, the Church, and the Body of Christ; who puts nothing else before divine religion and the Catholic faith, neither the authority nor the love nor the genius nor the eloquence nor the philosophy of any man whatsoever; but, despsing all that and being fixed, stable, and persevering in his faith, is determined in himself to hold and believe that only which he knows the Catholic Church has held universally and from ancient times.

St. Vincent of Lerins (400-450AD) on being Catholic, Catholics, and Catholicism
Mini-Bio: Gallic; monk, theologian

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Today is the Feast of the Lady of the Rosary

This evening at our Parish, The Church of the Nativity, we will gather to celebrate Mass, followed by the Rosary. 
Then we will view a Video on "Marian Apparitions of the 20th Century - A message of Urgency". It should be a very interesting video. We know that in each apparition, Mary urges us to repent and pray for Conversions.

Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us Sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen

Johnny Weir skating to Ave Maria sung by Josh Groban

I'm back with a treat. 

This Video is a must see.  What a combination - the music - the voice - the artist on the Ice.

Feast Day of St. Finbar of Ireland

Historically, today is the Feast Day of St. Finbar

Among many wondrous tales associated with him is, one in which he is led by an angel from the source of the river Lee at Gougane Barra to its marshy mouth, where he founded his most important monastery, out of which grew the see and the city of Cork. Another of Finbarr's great legends was the chase and expulsion of the great lake serpent from the lake in Gougane, which created the channel that is now the river Lee.

Read a brief biography the Saint of the day at Catholic Culture.org

I could be wrong, but..............

I often wondered why God was allowing my particular medical problems over the course of the past 5 years.  I realize that I'll never really know on this side of life, but I have a theory.

My thought is that God needed to teach me to abandon myself to Him totally in order to prepare me for what was coming (hubby's diagnosis (DX) of Alzheimer).  Even tho' I wondered why, I came to a place where I learned that whatever trials He allows are for the good of our Souls. So I accepted the suffering and asked God, Mary and all the Saints to help me bear them patiently.

For several years, I didn't know what was causing me to be so tired, to stagger when I walked, to function so poorly at everything I had performed so easily in the past.  I couldn't understand why I had to nap so much. (sometimes several times a day  - other times just once but for 2-3 hours).  It was especially galling to me that I had so much trouble forming a sentence, and articulating my thoughts.  Writing in the blog became a chore, and I have large gaps of time between posts because my mind was  in a fog so much of the time.

Long story short, my Primary Dr. put in a request for a Home Health Care company to come to the house and evaluate my home situation for safety and other health services. On the very first visit, the home health care nurse found that my blood pressure was extremely high. When the Occupational Therapist came a few days later, she recorded my high blood pressure. Then the Physical Therapist came and that day the BP was way over the top. He called his office and they sent a nurse who called my Dr. and He said to send me to the Emergency room where they could get it under control (which they did). I was there 4 hours and then sent home.

I had three home health personnel coming to my home each week, and they sent their reports to my Dr. by Fax at the end of each week. Soon, the Dr.called me and said to come into the office, because he was very disturbed about these high blood pressure readings.

(This might be helpful to know for those of you who take meds for high blood pressure.  We discovered that the Dr's nurses were only inflating the cuff to 150, but the home health nurse inflated the cuff to 200 so she heard the high rate of the systolic rythmn, whereas the Dr.s nurses inflate only to 150 because people express fear that they're "cutting off their arm." I now ask the nurse for a second reading by inflating to 200!  )

In May this year I discovered I was having brain bleeds which are small hemorhagic strokes.  They were causing the sense that there was a disconnect between my brain and my body. A Neurologist told me that the cause of brain bleeds is out-of- control blood pressure, and if I could get the BP under control, the bleeds would probably stop. I learned this information  about the same time the Dr. prescribed an increase in my meds. (God told Jeremiah "before you ask, I will answer") 

Each little brain bleed was not significant in and of itself, but the Neuro explained that the disconnect I was experiencing was the cumulative effect of the numerous and ongoing bleeds. 

So, you might ask, how do I figure that this was a preparation for becoming caretaker of my hubby with Alz.  Well, because now I know what it feels like to want to be productive but unable to do so.  Now I know what it's like to want to express a thought and not be able to articulate it due to a lack of vocabulary. We all know the experience of trying to find a word we need.  It's right on the tip of our tongue, but we can't come up with it. Imagine having that frustration all day long just about every day.

I am prepared to have patience with his incompetency, his lack of language skills and inability to problem solve. I understand because God allowed me to suffer through it myself, not only for the benefit of my soul, but for hubby's benefit by preparing his caretaker ahead of time.  We aren't struggling at this stage simply because of God's lessons.  The burden is lighter because God showed me that however I treat hubby is the way I treat Christ. (Whatsoever you do unto the least of these, you do also unto me)  To have Alzheimer's is to become among the least.  Hubby is very angry that the Dr. told him he can't drive any more.  He isn't angry over the trial of having the Disease. He is angry that he has lost his independence (by not being allowed to drive)  He doesn't seem to grasp the legal liability if he were to have an accident.       

At this point, hubby can do much for himself. He takes Namenda, which has caused improvements, and can possibly slow the degeneration.  With my brain bleeds stopped, my energy has returned along with clarity of mind.  We are planning to return to our exercise routine at our local County Recreation Center very soon.

Please keep us in your prayers that we might bear with patience the adversities that will surely come upon us. Thanks in advance, dear friends.

Zero Population Growth is here in America

We all know about China's One child policy and grieve for such a mindset. What I didn't realize is that their poisonous idea had spread to other Countries.

My generation created the Baby Boomers, and I was aware that the many Boomers didn't carry on the tradition of large families, including my own six children who were satisfied with a basic family of one, two or three children (mostly two children). Our Grandchildren have taken up the tradition of a family of four.(Mom, Dad and 2 children)

I was aware that this practice resulted in each parent replacing themselves, but there was no multiplication. But I never did that math on that.
Here is a blog that lays it out for us in statistics. this mind-joggling video gives pause for much thought. Are we making ourselves extinct? Some spend millions to Save the Spotted Owl. Who will save us? Our children and grandchildren can if they step up to the plate to end the zero population plunge. Scary stuff. Read it HERE

We must never forget

We must always remember September 11th,2001, a day that will live in our hearts forever.

Throughout the day we have had media coverage of ceremonies marking the remembrance of those who lost their lives, and those who were heroes in their efforts to rescue as many as they could. We know stories of both tragedies and Miracles.

We remember and have vowed to make every effort to see that nothing like it will ever happen again, so help us God. We continue to pray for Peace in the World in our day. We have hope for our future knowing that one day the Prince of Peace will come again.

Facebook post by Patrick Madrid

It was another busy day so it was late when I finally had time to check in to Facebook. It was worth the wait. I found this super Post by Patrick Madrid which linked to his blogspot. It's a must see here

Enjoy!

"I will walk before the Lord in the Land of the Living........"

I posted on August 22nd about the Alzheimer DX for my husband. At the time, I was struggling to recover from my own recent health issues. I wondered how in the world I would be able to care for him when it was all I could do to barely take care of myself.

I have heard and marveled at a quotation (author unknown to me) the "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it". So I took that as my mantle and reminded God of the words of Jesus "You can do nothing without me".

A week ago today, my health 'turned a corner', providing me with great hope that indeed God would bring me through the challenge ahead. Over the course of the day on Thursday, 8-27, I felt stronger; my mental capacity was enlarged along with psychological and spiritual improvement. Since that day I have been functioning in the Land of the Living.

God has spent years trying to teach me to have no concern about tomorrow. I pray that He will grant me the grace to continue to live one day at a time, knowing that He will teach me His ways if I always call on Him in times of trouble.

I pray that all will Walk in this Way - being Anxious for nothing.

Introducing..................Paul Zolonski

The other day my browsing took me to a blog I must tell you about. Paul is now in the process of preparing for the Priesthood. His blog is fascinating, inspirational, informational, well written and worthwhile.

I highly recommend you visit him soon at Communio

It's Official

We have the dreaded Diagnosis. In July, my husband was diagnosed officially with Alzheimer Disease. Following a Brain scan and a 4 hour psychological test, his Geriatric Doctor informed him and the family that he is in stage 3 to 4 (out of 7 stages.)

The Doctor has ordered him not to drive!!! (He is a better driver than I am.) We are both devastated that he can't drive because it means I'll have to do the driving, and often I don't have enough energy to do it.

Of course, my husband feels angry over the restriction and we'll try to get that order removed until he shows signs of poor judgment. We have friends who have Alzheimers and they have not been restricted, and they are more obviously impaired than my husband.

The children and I are using the internet to research the disease and learn all we can about how to be supportive and diligent caretakers at the same time. Of course, I am the Principal Caretaker, and will need to know how to deal with the degeneration that is to follow.

If you have any books to suggest, that would be appreciated and we need your prayers, of course.

I've been quoting Romans 8:28 to myself every day: "All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His Plan". The past couple of years, God has taught me that every trial He allows in my life is for the good of my Soul. He has been preparing me by strengthening my Trust in Him and teaching me patience and endurance.

The Dementia didn't appear overnight, and there have already been many trials and lessons. I know God will see us through this with an outpouring of His Grace and Mercy.

The New Creation

Remember the old saying "When the student is ready, the teacher appears" ? It's so true.

I mentioned in a prior post that God delivered me from Anxiety Neurosis, and replaced it with His Peace, which truly passes all understanding.

This student is a slow learner and it has taken me some time to realize all the blessings that came with that exchange. Many people suffer from Anxiety. It's a way that our enemy tortures us by making us feel that we have to carry the weight of the world, or at least the weight of our own world.

We feel like we have to be constantly vigilant. super organized so that things go smoothly. St. Francis DeSales addressed this problem in the following line: "So long as we tackle all our troubles ourselves, we shall be always worried and tired, and Our Lord will leave us to our own devices; but when we leave everything to Him, He will look after all our troubles Himself. The interest that God will have for us will be in proportion to the degree that we abandon ourselves to Him."

Sounds simple, doesn't it? Just abandon ourselves to Him? But if I die to self and give myself to God, then I won't be able to take control of things and be sure that everything gets done and done right!

But St. Francis tells us plainly that as long as we insist on being in charge, we will always be worried and tired. That's torture, my friends, and we do it to ourselves (with the enemy cheering us on, applauding our 'dependabiliby' and 'responsability to duty'.)

How much easier it is to walk hand in hand with God, telling him how inadequate we feel, realizing that we can do nothing without Him. Then I tell my Lord that I will do all within my power to carry out my duties, but I leave the results to Him. I don't worry if I did everything or fret about leaving something out. That's when God steps in and looks after all our troubles Himself.

I like this new Creation and this new way of living: talking to God all day long about everything. He listens to my troubles and takes care of them for me. He's an awesome Friend, and worthy of all Praise and Adoration.

Florida Quarterback Tebow Leaves Reporters Speechless: "Yes I am" Saving Myself for Marriage

For a good Holy Catholic laugh, check out the Video and article on Lifesite News. This is Good News, and entertaining. The article makes it all clear.

On YouTube: Happy Viewing, dear Friends

Psalm 23: He makes me lie down in green pastures

God forced me to lie down in 'green pastures' recently when I was put in the hospital to have a clot surgically removed from my left thigh.

Those who have found their lives disrupted from normal daily life will agree with me that God gets our attention in these circumstances. So we had long conversations over the 5-day hospitalization. God did most of the talking. He taught me much about Himself, His Kingdom and His way of doing things. He is Amazing and surprising. I listened intently, trusting His every revelation.

During this time, He performed a miracle in my character when he removed my longstanding Anxiety Neurosis, and replaced it with His Peace, which passes all understanding. I now fear no evil.

I have Atrial Fibrillation and my blood became too thick which caused my heart to throw a huge clot. If the clot had gone to my brain, it would have caused a massive stroke and would have ended my life on earth (according to the Vascular surgeon who removed the clot).
Instead, I awoke to a gentle kiss from my husband, glorifying God.

Recuperation is going nicely - no complications. So I live on to become a better wife, asking for the Grace to become the person God intended me to be when I was conceived in my Mother's womb.

I hope to live out the first question/answer from the old Baltimore
Catechism:
WHY DID GOD MAKE ME?
To know Him, to Love Him and to serve Him in this life, and to be happy with Him in the next.

Don't judge a book by it's cover

This is a "must see" Video. It will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. Enjoy.

For fans of Bob Dylan

I found this Video in my Newsfeed on Facebook. It was posted by a Dylan Fan. It comes from another part of a video series from Wordonfire.org. Father Barron comments on subjects from modern day culture. This video is on Dylan's song "Watchtower". (Hat tip to Susan)

Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0Tckg686L4&feature=player_embedded

The Amazing Brain

I've been reading a lot about the brain - fit brains - brain exercises. "They"'ve done a lot of research testing in recent years and the are many web sites sharing their new discoveries.

I recently learned that I've been experiencings small brain bleeds for a couple of years now. (No wonder I suspected some kind of 'disconnect' between my brain and my body) I finally heard what I needed to hear when a Neurologist explained that I need to keep my blood pressure under control, and then the brain bleeds would stop.

I had not been monitering my blood pressure at home. I'm in Doctor's offices so often that I figured they would tell me if it was out of line, and change or add BP meds if needed. Not so - it seems no one was monitering it's ups and downs. So I signed up for Home Health care where a nurse comes into my home once a week. She checks all my vitals and reports the results to my Primary Doctor.

That got his attention. I was then placed on an additional BP medicine, and also bought a Home Monitor so I could track it several times a day. With the BP under control, I began to feel better and brighter.

Although the damages from the brain bleeds were permanent and irrepairable, the Amazing Brain called forth new pathways to accomplish the work the damaged ones could no longer do!! I had read that the brain could do that, so at every roadblock, I willed that a new pathway would take over and function past my deficit.

There is light at the end of the tunnel. God also gifted me by suggesting to me a new attitude: To be grateful for all I CAN do, in place of the self-pity I was wasting on the loss of abilities. He also extended the grace to make this attitude change. I am a much happier person for having gone through this, and come out with growth in the virtue of Hope.

Rejoice with me. God is good.