Grandma's Musings

tongue tied no more

2012-02-04T15:22:00.000-06:00

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

time stealers

2012-01-27T19:32:00.000-06:00

Facebook anyone? I know some of my blogger friends are on Facebook. My family is on Facebook. I am on Facebook - reluctantly. Every time I sign in I end up spending (wasting) too much time clicking here and there, commenting on posts, just tooling around without purpose.

Now I've been invited to Pinterest. My daughter invited me telling me it's fun, interesting and a good place to get ideas. Okay, so I joined.. Yes, it's interesting and I did find a good idea for a way to make my room more efficient. It really is a desperate need. Even though we pared down our 'stuff' when moving in here, we still have too much. Part of that is due to our Depression Mentality. In the 1930's my family was necessarily frugal. We didn't throw anything away because "we might need it someday".

This has been a hardship for our children, trying to sort through the 'stuff' from our recently sold home. We had so much 'stuff, It was bad, they had to rent a storage unit to hold the overflow. It could be funny or sad, depending on how you look at it. What was once a necessity for survival eventually became a bad habit. So now, true to my roots, I'm collecting 'stuff' from Pinterest - graphics, inspirational sayings, crafts ideas, yummy recipes, you name it and it's there.

So - here's my contribution from Inspirational sayings. Pinterest anyone?
http://pinterest.com/

True, correct?funny, yes?

On birth and death and debt and hope:

2012-01-10T16:06:00.000-06:00

Reading the commentaries on Catholic Culture, I was edified by a piece written by Mark Steyn about the West being "old and barren" . His approach was intriguing. I hope you'll take the time to read it here
Later, I'll write a more personal post.
Happy New Year

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

Bloom where you're planted

2011-12-28T18:36:00.000-06:00

It's time to reflect on the past year: The Spiritual journey, The lessons, The struggles, failures, successes, growth, events, and where are we now?

We entered 2011 in a state of confusion, shaking our heads and asking 'what happened'? How in the world did we end up in Assisted Living? Both of us were dismayed at the turn of events, which I posted earlier here in detail about Alzheimer's and Depression. It has, indeed, been quite a journey. Adjusting to one room from a 3 bedroom, 2 story house was an exercise in flexibility and an eye-opener. We discovered a lot about ourselves and those lessons revealed over and over how attached we were (are) to things. We struggled as God required us to divest of 'those things which are passing' He held out another plan of 'seeking those things which are above.' He provided a good Doctor for us who found the right combination of drugs to overcome to some degree our mental deficiencies of Alzheimer's and Depression. We became aware of God's grace at every turn.

Before coming here, we weren't the least bit objective about our physical and mental abilities. We weren't at all as fit as we thought. We both had stopped driving, and were more and more dependent on our daughters. We were very uncomfortable with that.

Our first months here were difficult. Everything was so different from home. The food wasn't bad, (okay, it was actually pretty good, but not like mine.) I can't complain though since I've never loved to cook, or for that matter, I never liked shopping for Groceries, didn't like to keep house, though doing laundry wasn't so bad.

It's a big relief not to have to keep track of our numerous prescription meds. The caregivers meet all our needs. It took many months before I realized we were fortunate to be here.
Clinton requires much more attention than I do, so I act as his Advocate. When he needs help I can't give, we push his call button, and help is here in mere minutes.
The children are very good to us. In their kindness, they faithfully take us to Mass. (Few residents have that privilege.) They drive us to appointments without complaint and shop for us to supply anything we might need (stamps, toiletries, batteries, and a running supply of snacks, yogurt, applesauce, and gatorade)
As for Events: This year we celebrated 64 years of Marriage.

Leaving 2011 behind with 2012 ahead, asking 'Where we are now?' We're In a much better place, able to see the wisdom and Providence of God in 'planting' us here. We have grown this year in our Faith and prayer life.
We stand on the threshold of a New Year with Hope, renewed minds, and a greater appreciation of life. We are thankful, praising him throughout the day for His unending Love and His Mercy.

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

Holy Innocents

2011-12-27T19:24:00.000-06:00

Feast of the Holy Innocents
Enjoy this very inspirational video

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

ADVENT

2011-12-02T10:32:00.000-06:00

Wishing you a Holy Advent

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

Passionate about LIFE: Get Ready for The Third Edition of the Roman Missal!

2011-11-26T18:43:00.002-06:00

Passionate about LIFE: Get Ready for The Third Edition of the Roman
Missal!
I found this marvelous review

from A Tribute to Our Priests by Easter Almuena

Check it out.
It has roused my interest and excitement about learning more deeply the richness of the third Edition of the Roman Missal Just click on the link above.

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

November is Alzheimer's Awareness month

2011-11-22T16:19:00.000-06:00

http://www.alzinfo.org/

follow the link to find more information about therapies and research

to educate yourself about the latest findings on the dread disease.

November is Alzheimer's awareness month.

Our team of internationally renowned scientists, under the direction of Nobel laureate Dr. Paul Greengard, has been at the forefront of seminal research that has provided a conceptual framework for modern day investigations into Alzheimer's disease. Our groundbreaking research is the key to finding a cure for Alzheimer's by advancing truly effective therapies that arrest its development or prevent the illness altogether. Click here for the latest breakthrough in Alzheimer’s research.

On the site is link for making a donation

Clinton and I would appreciate that very much.

We have derived a lot of benefits by going to the

http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/

By Bob DeMarco

Alzheimer's Reading Room

I soon realized that Alzheimer's caregivers are often thrust into their role with little or no experience, training, or education about Alzheimer's disease. As a result, they are often overwhelmed and suffer from feelings of helplessness.

At the Alzheimer's Reading Room, we offer solutions to problems that Alzheimer's caregivers face each day. We also provide insight, support, and advice....

On the Alzheimer's Reading Room, we tackle real world problems and offer solutions to issues like: repetitive questions or behavior, bad or mean spirited behavior, effective communication, wandering, urinary tract infections, incontinence, showering, toileting, patient symptoms, anxiety, driving, caregiver loneliness, nursing homes, memory care, hospice, treatment, medications, and what to expect as the disease progresses.

Bob DeMarco is an Alzheimer caregiver for his 95 year old mother, Dorothy.

Surf on over to read. You will enjoy his humor!

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

NO BELLS, WHISTLES OR HOOPLA

2011-11-17T14:41:00.000-06:00

This is a First Anniversary for Clinton and me, calling to mind our first year at Willow Springs Assisted Living. There will be no announcement or celebration of our arrival here a year ago, as our lives took another sharp turn, on a journey I was loathe to take. Looking back, I can see the why’s and wherefores more clearly.

It was no surprise to us that Clinton needed more assistance than I could give him, so it was logical to move him here.

When I arrived here, I thought it would be a short stay for me until I could get back on my feet. I was wounded in body, mind and spirit. I was certain healing would take place because I just knew that God would not allow me to remain in my state of torment, but didn’t know how long that would take. I was still angry. Some depressed people can only express anger. They have limited coping skills and may move very quickly to being intolerant and irritable. All this was true of me. I was not ‘myself’ any more. God gave me enough Grace to know He would create the ‘new me’. Instinctively, I knew I was not to try to form or shape myself. Hands off – wait on the Lord

Assisted Living has been a tremendous school of Patience and Humility. Patience; because there were no easy answers. I had to wait and wait upon the Lord. Humility; because it became evident that I really wasn’t able to take care of myself and probably never will. These realities were mighty blows to my false Pride. Through the fervent prayers of family and friends, these words of Psalm 116 became my own.

“I love the Lord who listened to my voice of supplication, who turned an ear to me on the day I called. I was caught by the cords of death; the snares of Sheol had seized me; I felt agony and dread. Then I called the name of the Lord “O Lord, save my life”. For my soul has been freed from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling. I shall walk before the Lord in the land of the living.”

Now, a year later I have come to realize and accept that my being here was God’s plan all along. This is the place where I will learn the lessons my soul needs. It’s a time of pruning and this is the place of pruning, according to the words of John 15: 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

It hurt. It really hurt. It hurt more in the beginning than it does now, and I stopped complaining as I realized that being here is a gift to me. It’s a gift to the family, too, knowing that we are well taken care of and relieving them of the heaviest part of caring for Mom and Dad.

I will never know what God has planned explicitly, but I do know that I have a particular work to do, a particular life to live, a particular death to die. I don’t need to know any more than that .

“Give us this day our daily bread”

This one line of scripture tells me that I only need bread for this day. Let tomorrow unfold as it will.

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

Dear Diary

2011-11-03T11:50:00.000-05:00

Its not that I don't have anything to write. I write every day but I don't write blog posts. I make log lists and I journal. I didn't think anyone would benefit from my musings. Our life is fairly regimented, and dull to others, yet it's the stuff of our lives in Assisted Living where we both receive all the help we need to function on a day to day basis.

As the central theme of the blog is now mostly about learning to live and communicate with Alzheimer's. The ups and downs of daily life changes whenever Clinton's condition changes. That's what I write about in my daily journal and it will become the core of Grandma's Musings.

For starters, Clinton has changed significantly since his hospitalization on August 23rd. Much of his problems stem from the fact he's had IBS for years. While still in our home, we were able to adjust his menu and intestinal helps so his life wasn't ruled by the condition. Here at the Willows, we don't have control over his personal problems. The nurses and caretakers try to accomodate his needs, but you gotta know it falls short no matter how hard they try. (and they have a lot of residents who need more help than him.)

There's a bug going around here, causing diarrhea, which in turn causes dehydration. It takes a trip to the hospital with a drip to bring sufficient fluids into the body and return it to health. All these upsets take a toll on us both. The hospital messed with his meds, administering the wrong dose. He was returned from the hospital in much worse condition that when he went.

Their error caused extreme Lethargy, so his Dr. changed the dosage again to counteract the lethargy.

That worked, but now his Alzheimer's took a nosedive. He's very confused. He doesn't know what day it is, or why he feels so poorly. Thankfully, he still knows his family, but he lost all interest in his project (working with his postage stamp collection.) Now he feels at loose ends.

I look at him and my heart aches, and yet I take comfort from the words of St. Ignatius: “If God gives you an abundant harvest of trials, it is a sign of the great holiness to which He desires you to attain……..”

HOUSE SOLD IN 3 DAYS

2011-10-11T19:45:00.000-05:00

in July, I wrote about my year of absence from blogging. (http://clinmarjo.blogspot.com/2011/07/jack-and-jill.html)

Our house was vacated in Sept. 2010. when we were both hospitalized. See

the Jack and Jill post from July to get a better connection between then and now.

It sat unoccupied for a year, while the family waded through years and years of accumulation. They had to remove furniture, Ephemera, photos, an array of collectibles, such as antique postcards, old valentines, stamps, coins, photo albums, you name it. Our situation was placed in God's hand through the prayers of the children, relatives, friends from near and far, and Clinton and I.

The local children spent months and months reducing one monumental job down to bite size jobs by pre-sorting into the categories for Save - Sell - Dipose of. Eventually they added another category for things that didn’t fit in the first three. This category was 'set aside' in a storage unit until such time when the children have a chance to look things through and think things through in order to decide what they could, would, or might be able to keep as memorabilia, striving to be fair to each child. When the house was finally ready to show, it was put on the market.

It was listed on Tuesday, 9-20-11 (Kathy took me to the house. I prayed the prescribed payer to St. Joseph as Kathy dug the soil to bury the little statue according to the tradition.

It was shown on Wednesday 9-21-11

We recived the first offer on Thursday 9—22-11

The final counter was made on Friday 9-23-11

We have since closed the deal, and deposited the Escrow check. WHOOPEE!
Thank you St. Joseph. Thanks Be to God.

There is a legend for this practice. http://www.saintjosephsellshomes.com/stj_ljs.htm
This is just one site out of many explaining the custom. http://www.stjosephsite.com/SJS_Prayer_To%20sell%20a%20home.htm

I confess that I didn’t place any expectations on this legend, however Kathy did, so I went along with it. THE HOUSE SOLD IN THREE DAYS.

We are grateful to God for the quick sale, and are grateful to all the prayer warriors who held us in their hearts, while storming heaven on our behalf. We're happy to be relieved from this burden
Rejoice with us!

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for us Now and At the Hour of our death.

INCH BY INCH, LIFE IS A CINCH

New Hobby

2011-09-14T19:18:00.001-05:00

Loom knitting

I want to share with you a new skill I've learned. I had never heard of it before. We have community activities here at Willow Springs for the residents, and one day our activity for that hour was an introduction to Loom Knitting

I have bragging rights because I have actually learned to knit on at least one Loom, proving you can teach an old dog a new trick (but you don't have to be an old dog to do it. )


a knitting loom

This loom will create a skull cap from infant to 6 months. It's easy and can be made in a few hours.

Here is a boy's skull cap. I actually have made a number of these, but I don't have any photos of them.

Some people like to use worsted because it’s so soft, and the colors are yummy. I found my looms at Hobby Lobby, but they are available online also.

These simple little skull caps are easy to make. Neo Natal units are happy to receive the gifts of your hands.

Clinton's tribulations

2011-09-10T19:20:00.000-05:00

Clinton fell here at the Willows on August 23rd, due to weakness. He had become weak and weaker over a couple of weeks time. We also had noticed a distinct change in his mood when he became quite bossy and irritable. In the fall, he fell flat on his back, causing a gash in his head. He was taken to the County hospital to have his head stitched, but the gash wasn't that deep, so they cleaned it up. They took images of his tailbone, hips, head - you name it. They found no broken bones, and no hairline fractures. That's all good news.

However, he developed diarrhea every night that was extremely foul smelling. which is a clue that something else is going on, and they will try to get to the bottom of it. On his third day there, they had to sedate him because he became belligerent and combative. Although he was taken there to stitch his head, other issues have arisen, and the decision was made to transport him to the Geriatric Psych ward of St. Thomas hospital where our Psychiatrist can see him every day and adjust his Alzheimer's medicines. The day of his transfer, our daughter discovered he had a level 2 bedsore around his tailbone. That will be addressed, along with continued testing. We want to know what infection he has that caused the elevation of the white blood cells.

We are hopeful he'll react favorably to the changes of drugs. One year ago, he was in the same condition (delusions and violence). Our psychiatrist brought him around then, so we are prayerful that he can change this Lion to a Lamb again this time, the Lord willing.

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

Assisted Living

2011-08-24T09:03:00.000-05:00

Where to start?
In the building called Willow Springs, where we now live.

At the front: As you approach the front door you are welcomed by a large pillard Veranda. So spacious there is seating for 10 persons The grounds are landscaped not just in the front, but the sides and back, too. The view from the veranda is lovely and peaceful. Beauty continues at the entrance door, adorned in special beveled glass, and wheelchair accessible. Inside, the foyer is well appointed, with comfortable seating and attractive furnishings and accessories. The window dressing is opulent.The foyer leads to the large Dining Room.

The rooms for residents line 4 corridors (two in the back and two in front) housing 32 residents when fully occupied. In the Center of the facility are large areas for the comfort and pleasure of the residents. Beyond the Dining Room, is a hallway, leading to the back corridors.  This hallway serves as a bulletin board with flyers with pertinent information. There are Quilts hanging on each side, giving a homey feel. The board gives the Month, the Day, the Date, the Year: the next Holiday, and the Weather. On the same wall, we are greeted with the menus for Lunch and Supper. Breakfast is made to order.

Each resident has their picture taken and hung in this same Hallway   At the end is a divider wall housing a beautiful Grandfather clock. On the other side of the wall is the spacious 'living room', for TV viewing and meetings. This opens into the "Ozark Room", a gathering place for many activities. There are three round tables (seats 5 at each table). This can be reserved for special occasions of the residents and their family. Our family has had several family gatherings there. For a family as large as ours its a perfect solution to the space needed. At this point in time, none of us has a house large enough to do this. All the public areas are conspicuously high end.

The resident rooms are nothing to write home about. I'd call them plain vanilla. Each room has a small refrigerator, sink, and microwave. a spacious bathroom and a large closet. We call our rooms 'home'. So instead of saying "I'm going to my room", we say " I'm going home" . None of us has a house anymore, or if we do, its up for sale.(like ours).

A feature that we have enjoyed here, and many appreciate, is the sidewalk which goes all around the building .   In the Spring we enjoyed many walks until it got hot. We couldn't walk there during our heat wave with advisories, but it has cooled off into the 90's with the promise of cooler weather. In a few short months we'll be complaining about the cold.

In upcoming posts, I'll talk about what we do all day.

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

New to blogging? Here's tips to help you

2011-08-06T17:03:00.000-05:00

The following is a re-blog from my friend Aimee Cooper. It was written following our email exchanges on the subject back in July 2007. I think it's time to post it again. Enjoy!

Reflections on the Faith and Thoughts on Culture by Roman Catholic convert Aimee Milburn Cooper, M.A. Th.

Aimee's blog is "Historical Christian”

Advice to a New Catholic Blogger

The last few days I’ve had had a fun correspondence with a fairly new blogger, a devout Catholic lady who decided to blog because she’s so inspired by reading all the other Catholic blogs out there. But she’s distressed, because she feels she “can’t write theologically,” but mostly tells personal stories, both about her faith journey and about very ordinary, everyday things - and feels like those aren't good enough, that she should be more theological or devotional.

I’ve read her blog, and love her stories, find them funny, poignant reflections on life lived from a Catholic point of view. So I told her:

I’ve got news for you: your whole life is theology, lived, applied theology. And it shows in your stories, even ones about the most ordinary things in life, like car repairs or trips to the doctor.

Which is very Catholic. Catholicism is incarnational, which means even ordinary, every day things take on theological significance when really lived for the Lord. I’d hate to see you stop writing about your life, because your life is “applied Catholicism,” Catholicism in practice. You may think it’s little, not worthy of “theology,” but look at St. Therese of Lisieux, and her Little Way. Little things matter, and count a lot in God’s sight. You have a way of putting simple, honest things in simple, honest words – and they are beautiful, and cause me to pause, and reflect.

What I’d say is: bottom line: pray a lot, be yourself, and say what you need to say. Ask the Lord regularly while praying to give you inspiration, and to direct you in what to write. Don’t worry about whether it “looks like” what other bloggers do. And I think you’ll do just fine, will learn very much from the experience – and, in time, will likely find your “voice.”

As far as my own blog goes, over time I’ve become more clear about what I am – and what I am not – doing at core, regardless of my particular subjects (or even whether people like it or not). And it’s very “me,” not an imitation of someone else.

In the end, all my little words are just my own little reflection of the One Big Word, you know – which is the best any of us can do. We’re all just little signal mirrors, reflecting Jesus and His Kingdom, all over the place.

And we do it each in our own way, according to our own uniqueness, the unique way God has created and gifted each one of us. Each one of us is partnering with the Lord, to help show Him and His Kingdom to the world. Each Catholic blog, in a way, is a unique little window into the Kingdom.

St. Francis de Sales and St. Lucy, patron saints of writers, please pray for us bloggers, that the Lord and His Kingdom may be clearly seen through our words and our witness. Help us be beautiful witnesses, beautiful windows, for the Lord. And come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in us the fire of Your Divine Love. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Posted at 09:53 AM in Blogging | Permalink

inch by inch life is a cinch

Jack and Jill

2011-07-30T18:07:00.000-05:00

It’s time for me to share why I’ve been absent from my blog. It’s been over a year since I went M.I.A. Scroll down to find the connection to Jack and Jill

Throughout the year, I’ve thought a lot about posting, but haven’t been well enough to get my thoughts together in a coherent style. No sooner does a worthy thought enter my mind, than it’s lost (until I can retrieve it.) This condition is not conducive to writing, but causes procrastination.

In the Fall of 2010, I was hospitalized for Major depressive disorder which caused damage to me physically, mentally and spiritually. I’m on the mend, but still dealing with mental impairment, which may or may not improve. I’m hoping that blogging will help and perhaps even contribute to my recovery. The brain is capable of creating new pathways

Scientists have theorized that depression leads to chemical and physical changes in the body that affect the function of the heart and other organs. Depression causes negative thinking, and vice versa. That messes with the Neurotransmitters which damage the body and the mind. Through medication, I’ve slowly been able to embrace more positive attitudes. The drugs helped me shed the hostility, paranoia and other troublesome behaviors. We hope to reverse at least some of the damage.

For years, it had been my daily prayer that I might become the person Jesus wanted me to be. My prayer was “May thy holy will be done in me, and by me to the end of my life.” In my depressed state, it became an empty prayer, along with any and all things religious.

I liken our predicament to an old Nursery rhyme

Some of you are aware that my husband, Clinton, has Alzheimers. In that light, we are the Jack & Jill who went up a hill to fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down (Clinton) and broke his crown (Alzheimer) and Jill (me) came tumbling after (I ran away emotionally). I was in stress overload and felt that my Cross was too hard. I was baffled about the weight of my cross, which is never supposed to be more than we can bear. I was vulnerable to the snares set for me by our enemy. Even worse I believed his lies: that I was a Judas, and had fallen from Grace without remedy. It was quite a tumble. The worst was the mental anguish which became my daily companion. I felt so guilty for turning my back on the Cross. I hated myself, believed I was evil, and wanted to punish myself. In the hospital, I was treated with powerful drugs. The psychiatrist came there daily to see how my meds were working or not working. I was angry, hostile, and non-cooperative. I was my own worst enemy.

When I was released nearly three months later, I was functioning poorly on several fronts. Because I could no longer care for myself or Clinton, we were placed in Assisted Living. For the first three weeks here, I continued to be cantankerous, negative and a pain in the neck.(that’s another story. I was a tough nut to crack)

Fortunately, I was bathed in prayer by loving family and friends. Feeling dead inside, I was slow to respond to God’s Grace. Advent season brought

special blessings and insights that warmed my heart. I began to thaw from my personal winter. God gave me ears to hear His words of comfort.

I had time to ponder deeply what God might be able to do with the remnant of my life. I knew intuitively that I was not to interfere with the work that God would do in me. I was not to create myself anew. God would do the work of restoration. My work was that of learning to let the days unfold, listening to the Holy Spirit, while learning to live in an institution. (to live and not just survive.) My view that something terrible had happened to me began to change, as I returned to praying the Scriptures, and focusing on God’s Mercy and His unfailing Love.

Ps 119:71 spoke volumes for me. “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn your statutes”. He drew me up out of that pit, restored my hope for the future, gave me back the joy of His salvation, and restored my soul. His Mercy endures forever.

The road back has been long and arduous. My patient and longsuffering children proved to be willing and able to rise to the task of loving as God does: without judgment but with hearts and hands open wide.

Fortunately most of this is past tense. Recovery seems slow, still it will come in due time, and to the degree that God chooses. I am hopeful for the future, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. In Deu 32:39 are the words that help me see my entire ordeal in a different light, as God makes it clear that He is the one who brings both death and life. He inflicts wounds and heals them. Blessed be God forever.

Inch by inch, life is a cinch

2010-07-06T15:26:00.001-05:00

Lord,God, Father of all mankind, May each heart be turned to behold your Glory, and see that all that is good comes from you, because you are Goodness itself. Tho' sometimes we perceive events as bad, help us remember that you only send us Love and all that is good for our Soul. Help us to embrace our trials as friends and as gifts from you ; sent for our benefit. We can never love you or serve you as you deserve, but help us remember you often during the day as we lift our hearts to you in joyful hope.

Impressive list of Catholic Converts

2010-07-03T18:51:00.000-05:00

Dressed alike - not twins

2010-06-26T19:12:00.000-05:00

The new babies attended Garrett's 40th Birthday party, too, dressed alike but born 3 months apart.

infants

Reagan on the left was born 6-7-10 weighing 8 lbs. 12 oz

Heather on the right was born 3-8-10 weighing just under 4 lbs.

Their Mommies dressed them alike for the party.

4 generations- Brindle_Jones

2010-06-26T18:50:00.001-05:00

Reagan Brindle

l. to r. Mary Brindle, the mother, (our Granddaughter), Peg Story, Grandmother (our daughter) and

Maryellen holding Reagan, born June 7. 2010

A Family Gathering

2010-06-26T18:42:00.001-05:00

We had a fairly large gathering for the 40th Birthday of our eldest grandson, Garrett. Barb got some good photos for me to share:

Heather surrounded by love.

l. to r. Grandpa Rick Story, Garrett Story , the Father and Clinton holding Heather.

Heather was born March 8. 2010

Calvin and Luther defend Mary's Perpetual Virginity

2010-06-10T21:54:00.000-05:00

If you haven't been following Dave Armstrong's strong Apologetic blog, this is a must-read on Biblical Evidence for Catholicism

He documents actual quotations from Calvin and Luther on the subject of Mary, and is supported by a Presbyterian Elder.

Dave makes it easy to follow the dialogue by giving different colored text for each participant. I was admonished by a Facebook reader when I listed as a follower of 'Real Men Pray the Rosary' group there. I didn't have time to get into an argument with a Calvinist, so I ignored it, but perhaps this post by Dave will help others who are at a loss for answers at times.

Dave converted to Catholicism in 1991, is a prolific Apologist for Catholicism. We're fortunate for his zeal in defending all aspects of the Faith. His books are on Amazon, and he offers E-books from his site at a very reasonable price. They download in .pdf or Word doc. format (or both).

Learn and enjoy.

10th Great Grandchild arrived today

2010-06-07T22:33:00.001-05:00

Announcing the Birth of Reagan Brindle (pronounced Reegin)

Weighed in at 8 lbs. 12 oz. Baby girl and parents are doing great.

Grandpa and Grandma are proud and pleased with their 4th grandchild.

Great Grandpa and Great Grandma are Praising God.

The balancing Act

2010-06-03T23:10:00.001-05:00

Meditations on Mass reading from 6-3-10
2 Tim 2:8-15
Ps 25
Mark 12: 28-34

I was impressed by the homily for these readings which speak of the First commandment to love God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. Timothy reminds us that if we die with Christ, we will also rise with him.

Then the homilist spoke of Martyrdom, Shedding blood for our Faith is not something we can choose, but many have been martyrd over the centuries - in fact more in the 20th century than ever before. It's a very real possibility for our times.

Next he spoke of 'White Martyrdom'. My ears really perked up.
I hadn't heard the term before. He told us it was once used in regard to those such as desert hermits who aspired to the condition of martyrdom through strict asceticism. However, it's also practiced in daily lives of lay persons by the bloodless dying to self. White martyrdom can be chosen by the sacrificial faithfulness to God in our duties, in willingly suffering the persecutions and trials that come to us for simply being Catholic. Being Christian and especially being Catholic is counter-cultural.

These liturgy readings and the homily gave me encouragement. It challenges me because I never in the wide world would have willingly chosen to be a primary caretaker; certainly not at this age. But here I am trying to navigate the strange road of Clinton's Alzheimer's disease. I am challenged to say to God; "Lord, I'm not willing, but I'm willing to be made willing to accept white martyrdom in my duties."

Lord, cause me to choose and fully embrace the Cross you have sent to me and Clinton. Through the Sacrament of Matrimony we have become one flesh; for better or for worse. Lord, help me joyfully serve you in this Cross. I don't know how to balance love of neighbor (Clinton and the family) with the appropriate level of self-love. How do I balance love of self and dying to self?

Ps 25: Teach me Your ways O Lord

MEA CULPA - Is My Face Red!

2010-05-29T22:18:00.000-05:00

I must be deaf, dumb and blind. I'm referring to the following paragraph from my post on Six Days in the Zoo.

"And can you believe...for 6 days, Clinton stayed home alone! The family said he got along just fine just keeping to his routine. They checked in and so did a neighbor who took him to Mass. If they knew what I know, they would never have done that. When I try to tell them how things are, they don't agree. He uses his Social skills to pull it together when they see him. They're apparently not aware that a sudden decline from the tangles and brain damage could cause him to wander away, or a TIA could place him in danger. The Doctor said I was foolish to allow that and should insist on someone being there with him. I was not worried. I knew Clinton was in God's hands - not mine or the family's hands. His first prayer of the day is to his guardian angel and his angel is faithful."

I have since learned that my daughters called Clinton's Doctor to ask his advice about leaving Clinton alone during my absence. He said that it would be okay since he's in the moderate stage and has a regular routine which he is able to follow and functions well that way. He told them to just check in with Clinton often and alert the neighbors to keep an eye out and check in also.

My daughters tell me that they informed me of this (each of them told me at separate times). I have no recollection of this - to my chagrin. I have no excuse except 'I don't remember that'. So writing about them as though they are 'blind' was not only inaccurate, but was a harsh criticism, which I hope to rectify by publicly vindicating them and apologizing for the pain caused to the family by my post. Again: Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa

Great Grandchildren visit

2010-05-21T21:50:00.001-05:00

On April 23rd (almost a month ago), Madalynn and Alan came to visit us. My granddaughter is expecting their third child early in June. This video is quite short but both tykes are in it, although Alan didn't like sitting by me. The tiara on my head was placed there by Madalynn. I hope you can hear the dialogue. My daughter took the video. She's the grandmother of the growing brood.
Enjoy.

As you can see in the video below, Clinton is the one the children are drawn to, and he reallly pulls himself together when the family comes.

Six days in the Zoo

2010-05-17T22:00:00.000-05:00

I have a tale to tell. I knew I was running on empty, so I was glad when Clinton's Doctor gave us a referral to a Geriatric Case Manager. She set us up with CareKeepers company who assigned us with a Care Keeper, based on our need for a quiet Christian lady to come in once a week for 4 hours as respite for me. However, before her first day, I hit an emotional wall. Our Case Manager recommended hospitalization for an evaluation. It sounded good to me, but it turned into a nightmare. The place she took me was Rolling Hills Psychiatric Hospital. I thought I'd be there overnight. Not so.

For evaluation, they assign each patient to a psychiatrist who will prescribe meds for the condition of the patient. He bases these meds on the copious notes of the technicians who attend the Unit. (they observed our behavior). My unit was the Geriatric unit (for 65 and older). To my surprise, there's no separation of the rational patients from the irrational ones. Three of us were there for depression, around 10 or 12 for serious dementia, some from Alzheimer's, some due to illnesses (Huntington's disease, Parkinson's). Most of them were delusional, others psychotic, paranoid, hysterical, violent, destructive, etc. We were all in a Day Room together all day, except when we were called out to visit with a Dr., Social Worker or other personnel.

The Day Room was large and long. At one end there were round tables and chairs for meals. We could also gather at the table for visiting between Group Sessions. The three of us who were there for Depression formed a clique, and were dubbed 'The Golden Girls'. We all had grey/white hair, ages 77 to 82.

The other end of the room was lined with chairs for group sessions, which were poorly attended, except by the compliant patients. From these group sessions, the Doctors were able to monitor our moods and modify our meds, based on the notetaking Techs. The early morning group had the same set of questions. I learned very quickly that the quickest way out of there was to follow all the rules and schmooze the Techs. Since I was compliant, I was allowed to go to my room for a 1 hour mid-day nap. That was all the rest I got. There was no coming and going from your room once a person was dressed and in the Day Room. The doors had to be locked against confused patients who would wander into any room left unlocked.

Does this sound unbelievable to you? I was admitted for exhaustion and depression, yet there was no rest and it was more than depressing. It was noisy from Techs yelling at hearing impaired patients (one man came in without his hearing aid), the TV blaring at times as well as the screaming, fighting hysterical patients. Even the therapist who came and administered Music and art therapies had to speak in a loud voice above the din of the patients. All through the night, there were bed alarms going off, including my own. My stress irritated my bladder and when I got up to relieve myself, the bed alarm rang, disturbing the whole ward. Any patient who got out of bed was 'caught' by this warning system. I called the place a Zoo.

It was quite a wake-up-call for me to see how dementia progresses. I made careful observations, wondering how I could survive such degeneration in my husband. How could I ever gain enough skill to cope? The Doctor told me it takes 4 people full time to care for Alzheimer's Dementia.

But God........was with me. I had brought a small book with me written by Jacques Phillippe about Interior Freedom. It was a gift from a friend. It was thin and small and I hadn't yet read it. So God used that little book to guide me into the quiet place inside me where God dwells, bringing peace and freedom. I carried it with me each day and read what I could amid the chaos around me. Often my eyes glazed over as I struggled to comprehend the words on the page with the constant distractions in that place. Apparently my spirit received the food it needed and I found the comfort I sought.

And can you believe...for 6 days, Clinton stayed home alone! The family said he got along just fine just keeping to his routine. They checked in and so did a neighbor who took him to Mass. If they knew what I know, they would never have done that. When I try to tell them how things are, they don't agree. He uses his Social skills to pull it together when they see him. They're apparently not aware that a sudden decline from the tangles and brain damage could cause him to wander away, or a TIA could place him in danger. The Doctor said I was foolish to allow that and should insist on someone being there with him. I was not worried. I knew Clinton was in God's hands - not mine or the family's hands. His first prayer of the day is to his guardian angel and his angel is faithful.

I could write a book, but I think this post is already the longest I've ever posted, and it's 'nuf said. Praise God who rescues us from the deepest pit. Our Care Taker comes tomorrow.

I will receive follow up counseling for coping skills, advice on how to take care of myself and not become one of the 50% of caretakers who die before the patient. I'll have my first session in three days (on May 20th.)

Thanks for your prayers. Keep 'em coming. Just as I pray for the holy souls in purgatory each day, I also pray for all my readers and friends each day. We are the body of Christ, and we embrace the Cross of Christ.

Mostly Bad News

2010-04-20T21:12:00.000-05:00

On April 6th I published a post 'Mostly Good News'. Things have changed. I haven't posted for over 10 days because of time constraints. Yesterday I sent out another update to the family. I'm pretty well tapped out. Today I woke with all my strength and energy drained. I've been like a walking zombie all day.
I was surprised during Mass this morning to discover that I had two very conflicting emotions going on at the same time. I felt sadness. I also felt JOY. How can that be?

I'm sad to be losing day by day the man I love. I am Joyful that he is so sweet and compliant. So many dementia patients are difficult, self-willed and irksome. Clinton is thriving spiritually and has abandoned his Will to God's Providence. I see the Divine Mercy of Christ in action in our lives. I feel the strength of the Sacraments, and the strength of the prayers of friends and family. Thanks to all who walk with me so lovingly.

The Update reads:

Hi family,

I’m sorry to report that your Dad’s cognizance has declined quite a bit since I last wrote. He’s had a couple of incidents of ‘blanking out’.

It was scary to realize that for a matter of seconds, he just wasn’t ‘there’.

In light of that and a minor accident with the car over a month ago, I had a talk with him about this being the time to stop driving. He understood my concerns and agreed to stop driving. His driving skills are fine, but it’s risky to let him drive now that he’s blanked out like he did.

(I hate this disease. It’s a relentless thief). One quote I read says: “The only thing predictable about Alzheimer’s is its unpredictability”. It affects some areas of the brain and not others. No two Dementia patients are alike. And even more confusing is he is different from hour to hour. His social skills are intact; they haven’t declined. His linear thinking is poor. He can’t sequence. His judgment is faulty in some areas but not others. His judgment to agree to stop driving was a good one. He knows he can drive well, but he knows his mind plays tricks on him also. His reasoning ability is damaged.

I took your Dad to the eye Dr. this week because it seemed to me his vision had declined, and he hasn’t had his eye sight tested for many years.

The Dr. said there would be no value in getting new glasses because of his Cataracts. They are growing, causing very limited vision in the right eye, while the left eye is not as bad. He also checked for Glaucoma, and gratefully, he doesn’t have that problem.

We explained to the Dr. that we were aware of the cataracts and had chosen not to have the surgery. Actually your Dad sees better than I do. I manage with low vision, so the cataracts don’t concern us as much as the trauma of surgery and the chance that the new lens would require adaptation. (I’ve never been happy with my Cataract replacement lenses and your Dad is leery that he might have a bad experience also).

That’s about it for now. I just wanted to keep y’all in the loop.

Love

Mom

Introducing Heather Story

2010-04-09T17:40:00.001-05:00

I hope this works. I don't remember how I posted the other videos. This is only about one minute. Heather was born March 9th, a preemie weighing around 4 lbs. The Video was taken April 3rd when she came to visit us. She was 5.9 lbs or more by then. Still very tiny. She fell asleep so Clinton is talking very quietly. She is our 9th Great Grandchild.

There's no link for video, so I'll try to embed here:

Mostly Good News

2010-04-06T22:39:00.001-05:00

This is a copy of a letter/email sent to the family recently. It makes a rather long post, but it gives me an easy way to bring my readers into our world and have a peek at how we're handling our journey into the "Golden Years".

Dear Family:
Here's our update on our present situation:
As I reported in February, Clinton has a great need for a regular routine. The routine is even more important now as the dementia deepens.

I'm glad to report that we have been able to resume last year's schedule of 3X weekly exercise habit at the Recreation Center. This is very beneficial to both of us, and we'll continue as long as we're able.

Clinton is still driving. He has no problem finding his way to 5 different destinations we follow regularly. He no longer drives to the new Kroger Marketplace because he consistently gets lost there. We both use different ‘settings’ in our one car (side mirror, rear-view mirror and seat). I often drive to church for weekday Mass, and so if we’re going somewhere else later in the day, he is perfectly content to let me drive to the second place rather than go through the hassle of changing the ‘settings’. He has difficulty getting the side view mirror ‘just right’ and dislikes dealing with it – I think it will discourage him from driving very often. We will have Tim give him another “driving test” to evaluate his skills soon.

First, I want to relate the Good News, and then I’ll discuss Dad’s continuing Decline.

· What’s good is that he still has his routine of Helper duties which he has chosen to do in order to free me from some of the daily grind. He prepares his own breakfast and lunch plus any snacks he needs. I now have to suggest a menu of choices for these meals. He can’t figure out what would be appropriate for the time frame allotted for the meal. I still prepare our evening meal for both of us.

· He cleans up the kitchen after himself as well as doing dishes after the evening meal. When I observe that he’s very tired, I offer to do the K.P., but he almost always insists that it’s his job and he’ll do it. He gathers up the trash all week long for our Monday morning trash pickup. On Sunday night we both go through the house to empty waste baskets, newspapers, etc. He walks the Trash can out to the end of the driveway with cane in hand. Only a few times has he allowed me to do that job. He is insistent that he do all he CAN do, and I do what I can do.

· He is still able to dress himself and perform all his personal hygiene. He needs and accepts help in choosing appropriate clothing for the occasions of the day, and based on temperature/weather predictions.

· He is still socially adept – greeting people with hugs, leaning over to talk to a child and appearing in public as a competent but disabled sweet old guy. He has a lot of admirers in the stores, at Church and anywhere he goes, he charms people with his gentle and kind demeanor.

The bad news is that he is definitely slipping. At home with me, he needs a lot of care and attention. He has a lot of little ‘crises’, especially when it comes to electronics. He pushes wrong buttons and spoils the settings for his radios, TV and computer. It’s all stuff that I can set right for him and those things have just become a part of daily life. I’ve had to ask him not to answer the telephone anymore. We have call-waiting and he can’t hear/understand the spoken ID and can’t see to read the l.e.d. notification. That confuses him and causes some anxiety/uncertainty as to whether or not he should pick it up. I’ve told him that if I’m not available to answer the phone – just let it go to message. So if you don’t get an answer, please be sure to start talking because he’ll answer when he recognizes your voice or your name.

As for me, I continue to recover from the 11-6-09 significant stroke. Each week I discover that more healing has occurred and I now have good energy, my sense of humor has returned, chores (like cooking) that were once difficult functions for me to execute, are now easy. To my amazement, I find that my body is able to obey every command of my mind. “Whose body IS this?” I ask myself. It doesn’t act like the body I was in before the stroke. My conclusion is that the old pathways that were destroyed by the stroke were in pretty bad shape. The new pathways are far better than the old ones.

I’m still an old woman with many health issues, but I don’t experience any discomfort or lack of ability from my many serious conditions. I don’t have much strength, but my energy makes up for it, and the strength will improve as we continue to exercise at the Recreation Center.

I have way more to do than there are hours in the day. However, my mind is able to organize things into priorities, and I think (I hope) I’m getting the most important things done in a timely manner. I’ve finished the book “Learning how to speak Alzheimer’s” and it has salvaged my sanity. From it, I’ve learned how to avoid the ‘stacking effect’ of stress, how to cope with Dad’s idiosyncrasies and divert him from rash judgments and unwise actions. It’s like raising a toddler while still respecting his adulthood. Just as you can’t reason with a child, you can’t reason with a person who has lost reason. I’ve learned to let him finish his sentences! (once a bad habit of mine) That alone has helped him maintain his dignity.

The lessons from the book have greatly reduced my stress level and I no longer feel like I’m walking on eggs. I make mistakes, but they are far fewer than a few months ago.

His Spiritual life is quite vibrant. I consider him a Saint. “…for while the outward man is perishing, the inner man is renewed day by day…” Truly God’s Mercies are new every morning.

Please continue to hold us up in prayer that we will allow God to lead us. We’ve never been on this road before…..we don’t know the way. Pray that God will truly be a light to our path and a lamp unto our feet. On second thought, let’s all pray the same for each other. None of us has yet traveled the road that lies ahead.

This is going out in time to wish each of you a Happy Easter.

Love,

Mom, Grandma (et al)

Catholic Living Today

2010-04-02T23:37:00.000-05:00

Go to this website for a wonderful overview of the end of Lent and beautiful meditations preparing the soul for a Glorious Easter.
Catholic Living Today

This is their header information about the Catholic ParishWorld Magazine

"This blog is a compilation of the Friday e-issues of ParishWorld Catholic Magazine, America's Catholic Lifestyle Magazine. Each e-issue is a collection of whole community Catechesis based on the week's Sunday Readings. It also includes the most current Catholic stories and reflections about our Christian faith and the important role it plays in our daily lives. Subscribe today and receive this FREE e-magazine every Friday."

It's a great resource, with precious inspirational articles.

Good Friday Rosary

2010-03-28T20:20:00.000-05:00

I received this suggestion in an email. It probably refers to the Battle of Lepanto in which praying of the Rosary was responsible for the defeat of the enemy.

Here's what I found on New Advent in the Catholic Encyclopedia:

Apart from the signal defeat of the Albigensian heretics at the battle of Muret in 1213 which legend has attributed to the recitation of the Rosary by St. Dominic, it is believed that Heaven has on many occasions rewarded the faith of those who had recourse to this devotion in times of special danger. More particularly, the naval victory of Lepanto gained by Don John of Austria over the Turkish fleet on the first Sunday of October in 1571 responded wonderfully to the processions made at Rome on that same day by the members of the Rosary confraternity.

Here is a copy of the email:

Subject: Good Friday Rosary

Imagine what might happen if every Catholic in the world would
pray a Rosary on the same day! We have an example in October of
1573, when Europe was saved from the invasion of the mighty
Turkish fleet, by the praying of the Rosary by all Christians!
So, on Good Friday, let us all pray a Rosary for peace in the
world and the return of moral values into our communities. If
possible, please pray your Rosary between Noon and 3:00pm.
Also, please e-mail this message to every Catholic on your address
list, and ask them to pass it along to every Catholic on their
lists. Let's unite in praying one of the most powerful prayers in
existence, for these intentions, on one of the holiest days in our
Church year.

Anxiety Anyone?

2010-03-23T22:48:00.000-05:00

I have received permission to re-blog this post from the Blog DoNotBeAnxious If you haven't discovered this writer yet, I recommend you click on over and visit. He has an extensive list of labels to peruse. The link is in my blogroll also. Here I have copied an example of the kind of perspective you'll find there: thoughtful and calming, I derive comfort from Tom's meditations.

The Light Flickers Low

The candles on either side of the monstrance on the altar have burned down, and their light flickers low. Tonight as I come before you, Lord, the candles seem a perfect summary of life’s events this week. The dimming light matches my feelings.

My friend’s back in the hospital. I pray you are with her, Lord. Earlier this week she fearfully went in for treatment and was surprised, as was I, that she was sent home in one day. You are so good to us. But it didn’t last, and two days later she returned once more for more intense, life-prolonging treatments – but there will be no cure. I can’t be, but I know you will be there again with her tonight. She needs you, and I know she trusts you.

A friend called last night. My teen-aged Goddaughter seems to be making some poor choices lately, playing her divorced parents one against the other. I guess that’s not surprising, Lord, you and I both remember how it was when I was a teen – so you know I’m not casting any judgments on her. She sees me as an example, I know, but I hold no real influence with her. I wish I did. I’m just a dim candle in her life. But you, Lord, you are the Light, the Way, and the Truth. Please guide her in ways I cannot.

This week and especially tonight many people are praying for our country, as I am Lord. I think the situation we are looking at is in many ways strange, and I struggle to understand. Virtually everyone would admire a soldier who sacrificed his life to save a comrade, yet so many seem to understand the congressman in Washington, who wouldn’t sacrifice his life -- and not even his income, to save the future of millions of Americans – whom he says he represents. How can some people “understand” the actions of both? Perhaps it’s because they see the immediate risk of the grenade to the soldier’s friend, but can hope for some other savior to prevent the longer term explosion to America. I guess that’s why the people on Flight 73 acted, and helped crash a plane in a field in Pennsylvania – a plane which was destined to crash in Washington, where the congressman worked. How ironic. He can accept being saved, but not saving. I guess only you would die, would sacrifice yourself Lord, for the greater good. Where is the border of where we expect men to just be men, versus men to imitate you, both man and God? Are our expectations too low?

Do we see the soldier as a kind of shining star, something we might wish upon, but not reach? And do we see the congressman as someone here on earth, like us, in the growing darkness? Have we given up on Hope, hope in You, and replaced it with mere wishes of how things might be?

On some days much of our life seems like the dying candles on the altar, and we await the darkness. But we’re looking at those little lights as if they are the most important things, because they flicker and attract our attention. But they are NOT the most important things. On the altar, You, You are at the center. Lord, you are the most important thing. All the lights, all of creation, are there to give you glory, yet we so often focus on these side things as if they were the most important. And we forget you. We look at our lives, our careers, our safety as more important than You.

My life, Lord, needs you at its center. I need you as my Hope. The trials, the disappointments, and even the inevitable deaths around us may darken our days, but like the flickering candles on the altar, they will soon be replaced. Then we will again see bright lights, joy and the fullness of life, and it will be easy to see you at the center of all things, and give you praise. But whether in the darkness or in the light, Lord you are still there at the center of the altar, the center of our lives, the center of the world, and the center of all creation.

Bless us, dear Lord, with hope, for those times when the light flickers low, and it is difficult to see you. Help us to remember the bright lights past, and have confidence in the bright ones to come.

Bless my friends, Lord, my country, and its future. Let me be your light for those who cross my path this day, and let me be of help also, to your future children who I will never know. Perhaps for some, that because of my actions or prayers they may even be allowed to have life, and perhaps for others that their life might not seem so dark because of actions I was afraid to take today. Lord give us the courage by our actions to imitate your love, for all your children, today and tomorrow.

Lord, help us all to be witnesses to Hope.

My Jesus, I trust in You.

With all my voice I cry to the Lord,
With all my voice I entreat the Lord.
I pour out my troubles before Him;
I tell him all my distress
While my spirit faints within me.
But you, O Lord, know my path.
-- Psalm 142

Light House Catholic Media

2010-03-23T00:36:00.000-05:00

I just discovered this marvelous resource. Our Church offers CD tapes from LighthouseCatholicMedia.

Last week I bought 3 tapes (only $3 each! at Church of the Nativity). They are incredible. Dr. Scott Hahn has one titled The Healing Power of Confession. Another was by Matthew Kelly titled The 7 pillars of Catholicism, and a third by Fr. Corapi which I haven't listened to yet.

When you go to their website, you can browse by speaker, topic or interest. Our church is apparently using the tapes as a fundraiser. The tape display is unmanned. Anyone can take a tape and leave any amount of donation (suggested $3). What a deal!

I just wanted to tell about it. Let me know if you've heard their tapes, and which ones you've found most helpful.
I highly recommend this resource.

WEARIN' OF THE GREEN

2010-03-16T22:00:00.000-05:00

These happy little clovers are dancing a jig to wish all who are Irish or pretend to be a HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

Erin Go Braugh!

THE BODY CLOCK

2010-03-14T19:23:00.000-05:00

Getting ready for Mass this morning, I began to ponder the origins of Daylight Savings time. I wondered about the wisdom of it since it upsets our body clocks. Adjusting to the change isn't automatic and can take several days.

I was especially aware of it this year because I noticed the negative effect it had on Clinton. This observation drew me into thinking deeply about others that are impacted at different levels due to their infirmities.

It occured to me that anyone with a Neurological disorder such as Dementia, Parkinsons, Autism, Bi-Polar (on and on) would be more adversely affected than a well person. I wondered if Diabetics, people with heart disease, cancer or the aged would have a more difficult time with the adjustment to time change since their bodies are already in distress prior to the stress of disturbed body clock.

This concept held my fascination throughout the day. I decided to research a bit and then write a post about it.

I found a site tells the origin, rationale, opposition, worldwide time management and other views. If the subject is of interest to you, HERE IS A SITE to get you started. Of course, you could do your own search and find much more if you're so inclined.

Fresh Out of the Oven

2010-03-08T22:32:00.000-06:00

Announcing:
The birth of Heather Story, our 9th great grandchild, born tonight.
She was due April 1st, but due to complications, she was taken by C-section early. She weighed only 3lbs.12oz and is in nicu. Mother and baby are doing fine.
This is the first child for Garrett and Andrea Story, and the third grandchild for our daughter Peggy and Rick Story.

May God Bless each of you for generation after generation. His Mercies are new every morning.

Meditations for Sunday Mass - all three cycles

2010-03-06T20:05:00.002-06:00

Here's a site for Lent and all year long for your meditations on the Sunday readings. This is our Pastor's website. The Diocese of Nashville TN established The Church of The Nativity right here in our town, only 5 minutes away from our house. Click Here

Father Kirk says: Use the meditations to prepare for and reflect on Sunday Mass. There are three or four meditations on each of the Sunday and Holy Day readings. Any of the other meditations can be read for spiritual benefit anytime. You are free to use them for others as well as yourself. Encourage others to come to this site! May you grow in hope, encouragement, and endurance!

Father Kirk has had this website for many years, but he is now the pastor of our church which held the first Mass on Dec.25th, 2009. It began with 350 families and has grown to over 500 now.

Ps 122: I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord

Hypoglycemia of the Soul

2010-03-03T14:29:00.000-06:00

I had a wonderful God-event yesterday that I want to share with you as a testimony to God's marvelous grace and mercy.

Waking in the morning for the elderly is usually a struggle to get going. For the past week that struggle had been easier and I was enjoying a fairly quick start.....until yesterday morning.

Moving about slowly, I felt something was wrong. It wasn't any special physical problem. Rather, it was emotional or spiritual, but I couldn't put my finger on the uneasiness I felt. I wondered if it was because I had a unpleasantly busy day ahead of me, with chores and errands I was loathe to do. No, it wasn't depression.

Our usual morning routine begins with a Morning offering prayer, 2 cups of coffee together in front of the TV watching The Tennessee Mornings Show. After my Morning Offering, I added the Memorare prayer. I didn't mention any specific request; I only asked that Mary intercede for me for 'whatever' was causing my distress.

I went downstairs where Clinton was praying his Liturgy of the hours while waiting for me. He had the coffee ready. I stood before him with tears in my eyes and asked if we could please skip the TN Morning show and watch EWTN instead. He agreed.

We settled in our swivel chairs with coffee and Lo and Behold, EWTN was airing the Holy Mass in a beautiful Chapel. The celebrant was Fr. John Trigilio (co-author of Catholicism for Dummy's)

The beauty of the Mass was a healling balm to my Soul. The sacred prayers of the Liturgy, drawn from Scripture, elevated my thoughts, and strengthened me. It was an immediate answer to prayer. I told Clinton that I realized the condition I had was Hypoglycemia of the Soul. Ha Ha. Anyone who has had a bout with Low Blood Sugar can relate to why I dubbed my distress that way.

The homily by Fr. T. was apologetic in nature, as he explained why Priests are called Father. Never again will I be at a loss to answer the challenging question non-Catholics so often level at us about the scripture "Call no man father".

Father T. explained the context of that scripture was calling out the Pharisees for seeking Titles and lofty positiions.(Matt 23:2-ff. The point Jesus was making is that Spiritual leaders are to BE Fathers to their spiritual children. The scribes and pharisees were blind teachers, ignoring inward cleanliness while emphasizing outward ceremonies. Jesus also addressed other positions they sought: Teachers, Rabbi, Masters.

St. Paul had no problem calling himself a spiritual Father. Even Jesus called God his Father. (Did he break his own rule?) And we could ask these Bible Thumpers "what do you call the husband of your Mother"? The true measure of Fatherhood is far more than biological. It takes a real man to be a Real Father.

When the Mass ended I felt Whole in body and soul. I sailed through the difficult, busy day strengthened by God's almost palpable presence.

How Faithful is Mary in her intercession, and How Faithful is God to answer prayer according to His Will.

Rejoice with me.

Lenten Readings

2010-02-17T19:28:00.000-06:00

This is a little late, but here are readings for every day of Lent taken from St.John Vianney.
A priest-friend-teacher friend of mine sent them to me just today.

Just click on the pdf link.
http://www.lovethechurch.com/lent/vianney.htm

Have a Happy, Holy Lent. May each of you (and me) grow in Love of the Lord.

Update on Caretaker Role

2010-02-09T20:04:00.000-06:00

I've been quite busy researching and studying Alzheimer's Disease. Since God has handed me the challenge of being the Primary Caretaker of my husband, I need all the wisdom I can lay my hands on.

I signed up for the forum at http://alz.org/ where much help is available. I bought several books. The most useful just now is "Learning How to Speak Alzheimer". It's an approach similar to the one suggested by Teepa Snow. It's a method that helps the patient retain his present abilities, and accepts his losses while guarding his dignity and saving his pride. It doesn't allow for criticism of those behaviors over which the patient no longer has control.

Although the Dr. says Clinton is in the Middle stage, I find he has far more cognitive ability than what I've read about middle stage. Here is a description of his present abilities:
Clinton is still ‘okay’ with most familiar activities in the home. He prepares his own breakfast and lunch. He also does most of the K.P. duties such as washing dishes, emptying the dishwasher and kitchen clean-up after the meals. He needs free range of the entire kitchen during these chores and resents interference. I can ask him if he wants me to do a chore, but I can’t do the chore without asking or he gets cross with me. Interruptions (from me or outside sources such as phone calls or unexpected visitors) cause confusion and irritability - I’m trying to learn to stay out of the kitchen during these times.

Alzheimer causes rigid thinking, which was a tendency he had before and is becoming more of an issue now. It upsets him when things aren’t done his way, and he often gets “stuck” on an idea (like thinking he has to go to the store today, when could easily wait until another day when we’ll be in the vicinity of the store). It takes time, patience and carefully worded communication to convince him to get unstuck. It’s very tiring for me.

It surprises me (and others, too) that he can read a book, newspaper or any publication easily and can read aloud accurately (sometimes stumbling a little over certain words). That's a tremendous grace for him since he is devoted to reading the Liturgy of the Hours and his stack of little prayer cards that come in the mail. His disease has not limited his ability to do that.

Although, the original intent of this blog was far from reporting on Alzheimer's Disease, it has become the focus of my life, and I'll be writing mostly about this subject now. Our present trials are cause to rejoice as we discover more and more that we truly can do nothing without Christ.

I take to heart the advice of St. Padre Pio who wrote: "Be careful never to become discouraged when you are surrounded by difficulty or infirmity. If you are experiencing some weakness, God is not abandoning you, but offering you the opportunity to grow in humility and gratitude".

May God Bless each and every one of my followers.

Hurdles and Roadblocks

2010-01-17T20:37:00.000-06:00

I started out the year with determination to faithfully follow the Program that was taught to me by the Home Health Care Therapists. I had speech therapy, Physical therapy and Occupational therapy (my right hand was significantly affected by the Stroke).

I was doing really well until I woke up on Dec. 7^th with no energy. My body felt like it was filled with lead. Moving my arms and legs took much more effort than usual. My daughter urged me to see my Primary care Doctor, who gave me a clean bill of health. At the Cardiologist the next day, he said I was fine. Yet, this malady stayed with me throughout the month of December until a friend suggested I take Colloidal Silver for my undiagnosed ‘bug’.

I had heard of this supplement, but knew nothing about it. On Dec 27^th, we went to the Health Food store where I purchased the pharmaceutical grade of the product. The owner instructed me how to take it. She told me it kills bacteria, viruses and much else that attacks the body.

About the same time, early in December, an emotional problem cropped up. I realized I was irritating close associates, but I didn’t understand what was causing this until after Christmas. Apparently the stroke damaged my ability to perceive things properly. The neurological pathway that controls thought and speech was damaged. I was acting and speaking inappropriately, (not that I had ever fully gained control over my tongue) to the point I wasn’t able to edit my native impulses, and negative thinking. It became obvious people were disgusted with me, and I didn't know why. The Holy Spirit must have revealed it to me in His own time. I, being quite human, was grieved by their reaction to my disability.

I talked to a friend about my damaged edit button, and it was suggested I let the family know of my newfound insight into my personality changes. I did that and the tensions seem to have eased. I’m confident our relationships will be fully restored, and we’ll all grow from it.

So here was all this emotional upheaval alongside the bug that laid me low and slowed my Stroke Recovery. It slowed both our lives as I struggled to just make it through the days. Forunately, Clinton's Dr. had given him permission to drive again since his Amenda prescription (for memory) is working so well for him. I haven't had enough coordination to drive since the Stroke, but Clinton has been able to get to the store and drive in familiar territory around town for errands.

The Colloidal Silver has made a difference, Each day has brought improvement in energy and endurance. Within 2 weeks I've gone from 0 to 10. (I should sign up to sell the stuff). I'm feeling like myself again. So now I have no excuse for dragging my feet on recovery work. The therapists told me it takes 4 to 6 months if the therapeutic exercises are done faithfully. I lost a month, and I've also lost my resolve. Healing seems to be taking place in spite of the illness and interruption of exercises.

I understand the value of exercise, and know it's important to build up my core strength. I'm prayingfor God's Grace to take care of this temple of the Holy Spirit. We know He stands ready to help me. I need to just "do it".
Warmer weather would help so we'd both be more willing to venture out to the gym where we can each work out at our own pace.

I will try daily reading II Cor. 4: 16-18 "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment......."

Homeschooling Mom reviews books

2010-01-10T21:31:00.000-06:00

All you homeschooling bookworms might want to follow this brand new blogger who edits books for Thomas Nelson publishing (not TAN). Apparently, the publisher provides the books.

I found her review of Newt Gingrich's book Rediscovering God in America. which I have pasted here (or) you can read it here:http://happyhomeschoolingmomofone.blogspot.com/
I'm going to return there and leave a comment for her, but first; Her review:

"Thank you to Thomas Neilson Publishing for allowing me to review this book.

Title: Rediscovering God in America
Author: Newt Gingrich
Illustrated with photography taken by Callista Gingrich

The title of this book intrigued me and is the reason I chose this book. Newt Gingrich captured our nation's history and future perfectly. His discriptions about how each element of our Country's history was founded on Biblical principals and beliefs was amazing. So much History that I was unaware of. Callista Gingrich's photographs were beautiful and you could see the essence of God in the pictures. People say that religous expression has no place in our country or in our government, but in this book you realize that is false. This book reminded me the role God plays in every aspect of our history as well as the future of our country. More liberal people and those who want to try and take God out of our country need to read this and realize that without God first we wouldn't have a country and second we wouldn't have a future.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I recommend it to anyone who loves history and loves the truth. I is a wonderful book."

Reviewed by Jennifer Ballew on 1/3/2010

Posted by Jennifer Ballew at 12:13 PM

Time For Reflections

2010-01-05T16:45:00.000-06:00

I was never a fan of Fiction writing, but today my mind was changed about that! I visited a blogger from a comment made on mine, and discovered a treasure.

Along with reflections, Victor writes short stories about Father Ignatius on his blog. They are not only entertaining, but contain nuggets of wit and wisdom.

Surf on over to read and enjoy!

Praise report for answered prayer

2009-12-31T21:17:00.000-06:00

This a tale about my 25 year old grandson - a horror story with a happy ending.

Earlier today our daughter had stopped by to check in on us. During her visit, she got a call from her son who was extremely anxious. He had gone to the Dr. the day before (Dec. 30) due to a postule near the outer corner of his eye. It was diagnosed as Impetigo. As you probably know, it's highly contagious.
It's unusual for an adult to show up with Impetigo, but he could have picked it up in a wrestling match due to close body contact with the opponent. OR he could have been infected by one of his Clients. He is a case worker visiting addicts on parole, checking up on their needs, their status, compliance, etc. In any case, he was infected somehow. The Dr. gave him a shot of antibiotics, and wrote him a subscription and he went home.

When he called his Mother today, he reported that his entire face was swollen. He was frightened and asked if he should go to the Emergency Room. (He lives in Oregon) Our daughter advised him to go to the Dr. first because a trip to the E.R. would put him in deep debt. He isn't insured.

About 6:30 this evening, our son-in-law phoned us to ask for prayer for our grandson. He ended up going to the E.R. where they examined and admitted him to the Hospital with the diagnosis of cellulitus infection. They hooked him up to an IV with a very strong antibiotic.

We prayed immediately using the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Around 8:30 this evening, our son-in-law called us with a Praise report:
After running multiple blood tests and monitering his response to treatment, they determined that he also had an allergic reaction to the original antibiotic. He reacted favorably to the stronger IV antibiiotic, the swelling decreased and they were able to release him.

So he is home now, but not not quite "out of the woods" yet. We are confident enough to declare victory and are offering our Prayers of Thanksgiving.

God is a very wise Father. He showers us with Grace and Mercy, but sends trials and tribulations that keep us from resting on our laurels.

A Christmas Eve Musing

2009-12-24T20:45:00.000-06:00

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

2009-12-23T09:04:00.000-06:00

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.

2009-12-21T21:59:00.000-06:00

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"

2009-12-18T23:33:00.001-06:00

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

2009-12-08T21:01:00.001-06:00

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

2009-11-27T22:54:00.000-06:00

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

2009-11-25T13:35:00.000-06:00

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.

2009-11-15T22:40:00.000-06:00

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

2009-11-15T21:26:00.000-06:00

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

Update my health issue

2009-11-07T15:45:00.000-06:00

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

2009-11-02T22:51:00.000-06:00

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

2009-10-18T22:23:00.000-05:00

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

2009-10-11T20:09:00.000-05:00

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

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

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

Today is the Feast of the Lady of the Rosary

2009-10-07T16:37:00.000-05:00

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

2009-10-06T21:39:00.000-05:00

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

2009-09-25T19:45:00.001-05:00

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..............

2009-09-19T21:31:00.001-05:00

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

2009-09-12T16:28:00.000-05:00

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

2009-09-11T22:27:00.000-05:00

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

2009-09-08T23:16:00.001-05:00

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........"

2009-09-03T14:30:00.000-05:00

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

2009-08-31T22:39:00.000-05:00

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

2009-08-22T16:37:00.005-05:00

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.

I'll be buying some books on the subject. 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

2009-08-09T21:23:00.004-05:00

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

2009-07-30T21:57:00.003-05:00

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

2009-07-24T14:18:00.006-05:00

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

2009-07-22T22:57:00.002-05:00

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

For fans of Bob Dylan

2009-07-16T19:18:00.005-05:00

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

2009-07-13T22:23:00.004-05:00

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.

Meditations

2009-07-10T12:09:00.006-05:00

Greetings
Wellspring is a source I use for Inspirational Meditations: Copied here is a meditation I read often because it serves as the frequent reminder I need to Abandon myself to God. I pray this post will be a blessing to you. Love, Maryellen

April 29
"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. I am not just speaking of temporal things, but also of spiritual ones. The Lord Himself taught this same truth to His beloved Saint Catherine of Siena: "Always think about me, my daughter, and I will think about you." Oh, how happy are those loving souls who know how to observe this rule, thinking only about the Lord, faithfully keeping themselves in His presence, listening to what He has to say to their hearts, obeying His divine inspiration and attractions, and not living or aspiring for anything but to please Him". (Sermons 71; O. X, p. 300)

Used with permission.
Text taken from the book: "Every Day with SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES"
Edited by Francis J. Klauder, S.D.B.
Library of Congress Card Catalogue Number 85-72838
ISBN 0-89944-082-7

The Oblates | Spirituality | Development | Vocations |
Online Store | Ministries | Search | Oblates Only Copyright © 2007 Oblates of St. Francis de Sales - All Rights Reserved

Update from January 2009

2009-07-04T15:55:00.003-05:00

I hope some of you remember me. I haven't posted since January. My husband and I have been through a series of health problems and didn't want to whine online, but I'm ready to summarize the silent months and get in touch again.

In June, I cheated the Grim Reaper, when my heart threw a clot into my left leg. It was removed surgically and I am now recuperating. Think for a moment of how many times our lives turn on the little word "if". IF the clot had gone UP, instead of DOWN, I wouldn't be around any more. I'm glad to still be around. I want God to finish the work He has begun in me and fulfill His purpose.

I'll have to learn Blogger all over again. I've lost the skill of it, but I can type out a simple message. I still treasure my blogger friends, and hope to visit your sites soon.

Video clips at the Vatican on YouTube

2009-01-27T19:35:00.006-06:00

The Vatican on YouTube as reviewed by Catholic Culture

» Visit this site http://www.youtube.com/vatican
DESCRIPTION

This is the site of the official Vatican channel on the largest internet video community in the world. This channel offers news coverage of the main activities of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI and of relevant Vatican events. It is updated daily. Video images are produced by Centro Televisio Vaticano (CTV), texts by Vatican Radio (RV) and CTV. Links give access to the full and official texts of cited documents.

Cautionary Note: Links to any other You Tube page may exhibit offensive videos.

STRENGTHS
·

Video clips of the Holy Father's homilies and discourses (Resources)

an Evening of Pleasure

2008-11-02T21:03:00.003-06:00

I gave myself a treat this evening. I've spent the last 2 hours visiting blogs. I left comments for some of you.

I was asking God to lift my Spirits because I've had some dark moods lately, and much Aridity. Finally I realized it was a trial so I decided to give my enemy the boot. I went for light and refreshment from some of my blogger friends. It was a divinely inspired gift.

Thanks to all of you who take the time to post words of encouragement, exhortation, inspiration and hope, by sharing your thoughts and your faith-filled lives.

My time is up and I only made it to a few blogs, but I'll do it again. It was good medicine for me.

I'm still around

2008-10-11T11:00:00.002-05:00

I apologize for my absence without giving any reason. Thanks to all who stop by faithfully to check on me.
I'm pretty sure that God is telling me that I need to give up blogging and has put many roadblocks in my way to make it clear to me. I often sign on to write a post, but some interruption prevents the completion. I've had some ups and downs with my health, running to and fro for one test after another. One revealed that I had some compressed nerves in the neck, so I was assigned to the rigors of Physical Therapy, which was helpful in many ways. My Depression eased up, and I came to realize that I must become more active through systematic Exercise Program. The Neurological tests didn't show any serious problems (thanks be to God). It's probably just the effects of aging from several medical conditions that are taking their toll.

Luckily, our County opened a brand new Recreation Center in April, with a full spectrum of Exercise Equipment for all ages, and very friendly prices for Senior Citizens. I talked to Clinton about it and suggested that we have an obligation to keep ourselves out of a wheelchair, so we won't inconvenience our children any more than we have to. Surprisingly, he agreed to go with me 3X a week just to get our bodies toned up and gain some strength and energy. We began in August and have been faithful (surprise - we both hate to exercise). I intended to do it even if Clinton didn't join me, because it was clearly the leading of the Holy Spirit.

My computer time is cut down seriously, and makes blogging take a back seat to everything. It takes more and more time to do anything on the computer because I'm experiencing much loss of mental acuity, so I'm hoping the exercise will refresh our sluggish brains. The Doctors tell both of us that we don't have Dementia, but I know we are definitely headed that way- to a degree that it causes me to become discouraged. It feels like a tough battle. I can't bring myself to close my blog because then I would really feel cut off from my internet friends who are so important to me. I still visit all of you, and really feel the desire to leave a comment, but it overwhelms me and turns my brain to mush.

If I could learn to be less verbose and just post a short paragraph, that would help. Then, at least you would know I'm still on the Journey with you. God bless you all.
Love
Maryellen

Meet my latest blogger friend

2008-09-08T21:16:00.004-05:00

Here's an elder blogger my friends will want to meet "Growing Old Online, musings at 85". The blogger, Dorothy Vining, introduced herself on my "Welcome" page, so I visited her blog. She has led in illustrious life and now at 85 has gone through the learning curve of learning to blog. She's an excellent writer and I'm sure you'll enjoy her.

I was captivated with her post about her Father and WWI, and her heartwarming tribute to her former Doctor/friend.

I have very little time to blog, or even visit others and leave a comment, but I wanted to let you know about Dorothy. She started blogging in March 08 so it won't take long to start at the beginning and catch up to date.

Enjoy

Prodigal blogger

2008-06-01T20:53:00.002-05:00

I've been away for over a month. Won't bother you with the details.

I've returned also to visiting blogs, but haven't left any comments. I just popped in briefly to alert my readers to a wonderful post on Mostly Prayers inviting us to join together in prayers for the unemployed. Please stop by and leave a comment to Easter

80th Birthday Photo Story

2008-04-12T11:19:00.013-05:00

Son, Jim and his wife, Barb hosted the family party to help us celebrate my milestone Birthday. I took my camera, but forgot to take photos, so I downloaded these from Barb's album. She is a photographer, and she took the awesome photo of 32 family members at the 60th Wedding Anniversary party.
I got very special treatment from daughters. Kathy & Peggy. They made sure there was plenty of gluten-free foods for me to eat. It was great. I was a little disturbed that I
couldn't even taste the marvelous cake Andrea brought, but there were oohhs and aahhs over it. I have to be very careful of food choices when away from home.
There is more information on gluten intolerance on a very old post of mine, HERE

Here is the photo story of a day filled with love, laughter and great joy.

Jim & Barb~~Andrea's Raspberry-Chocolate cake

2nd Cousins___Trent and Jason are sons of Jim & Barb Jones, our hosts. They are our grandchildren. Madalynn is our greatgrandchild and the youngest guest.

my special gluten-free cake~~~~~~Husband Clinton

Grandson, Garrett with his Bride Andrea.
She makes the most luscious desserts.

captive audience of children, in-laws, grandchildren and
Madalynn, great grandaughter
All eyes on the birthday girl opening presents.

Is this what I think it is?----- Yeah! my ipod!! I love it!!!
There were other gifts, too and 13 guests. proving that
thirteen is actually a lucky number.

Son, Jim explains how to use the ipod in the speaker/dock.
I think the children want one, too.

frustration

2008-04-10T20:59:00.003-05:00

I have to give up for tonight on posting photos of the party. I've just spent 2 and a half hours on the project. I admit to frustration and wondering if I'm not supposed to post them because of all the problems I ran into.

Maybe somebody can help me with this. I've posted photos before, but not a page full. It seems you have to start with the last photo of the series (if it's chronological) because each photo added goes on top of the one before. When I added text in the composer it was right next to the photo, but when I looked at the Preview, the text didn't line up with the photos and nothing I could figure out could make it right.

So, I admit defeat for the time being, and tomorrow is full, but I'll be back to meet the challenge another day.

Have a blessed and Holy week-end.

Thanks to all.

2008-04-08T10:02:00.004-05:00

I must say, I was very surprised at the response to my 80th birthday announcement. My family delighted me with presence, presents, and a happy party day.

I haven't posted much since Lent, and was seriously thinking that blogging might not be in God's Will for my life right now. It's a tough decision to make because I'm so attached to my blogging friends. I have over 30 Catholic blogs in my Bloglines RSS feed, plus 3 apologetics, 5 vowed religious. I have more RSS feeds in Yahoo. It's all way more than I can keep up with. So I'm going to try and develop a systemized priority set up.

I will arrange my time to post once every week or two, & visit my RSS feeds on some kind of priority basis.

Also, I have some photos to post very soon, but first I must say a big thank you to Esther, Ukok(Deb) teresa-anawim, Lisa, Jessica, Tracy, Alexandra, suem48 (my fan daughter Susie), Easter, Cathy, and Corin (my grandaughter-in-law), for your friendship, along with the many others who visit me from time to time.
Love
Maryellen

Happy Birthday to Me

2008-04-03T01:30:00.001-05:00

It's the Big EIGHT-O!

When I was in my 50's I knew for sure I didn't want to live that long, but an elderly friend said "just wait, you'll change your mind about that".

She was right and I take joy in announcing to the world that I'm now 80 years old. (and feeling every year of it.

A Glorious Easter to all

2008-03-21T10:14:00.002-05:00

May your lenten prayers and sacrifices be rewarded with holy insights and spiritual growth that will bring you to a Victorious Easter.

This has been my best Lent ever. I'm grateful to God for His many lessons and life renewing conversions in areas that were sorely in need of his illuminating Light.

May all my blogging friends and Christians across the World rise on Easter morning with a renewed and deeper Love for Christ, our Savior.

Lent - Week Three

2008-02-24T08:00:00.002-06:00

This Lenten mealtime prayer comes from our Church Bulletin. I just noticed today that this "Mealtime Prayer through the Lenten Gospels" has this copyright _ ©J.S. Paluch Co., Inc.

The Woman at the Well

Every thirsting soul is quenched by your Living Water,
Lord Jesus.
Call you Church, born of water and Spirit
to a renewed life in You alone

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Oh Lord, continue to give us your Living Water.

Lent - Week Two

2008-02-16T13:47:00.002-06:00

This mealtime prayer for Week Two of Lent, comes from our Church Bulletin.

The Transfiguration

Transform your Church, Lord
of everlasting glory.
Lead us from the mountaintop
so others may see You in our lives.

They'll know we are Christians by our love.
Have a blessed Lent.

Trust God in All Things

2008-02-13T16:13:00.004-06:00

Even in Obedience Jesus trusted in HIM and HE was comforted.
Trust the past to divine mercy,
the present to divine love
and
the future to divine providence

St. Augustine

To view and use a beautiful collection of holy cards, visit Holy Cards For Your Inspiration. There is a link to it in my sidebar also.

Today's post on Micki's blog struck a chord in me as it is a lesson God is trying to show me. It's a teaching everyone needs to learn. The deeper God leads me into this discipline, the more I am comforted by it but even more important is the realization that God the Father is comforted when we trust in HIM.
Read the quotation again, and really ponder it's deepest meaning.
Have a blessed Lent.

Lent: week one

2008-02-08T19:23:00.000-06:00

The source for these Mealtime Lenten prayers is the Sunday bulletin from my Parish, St. Catherine of Sienna:

Ash Wednesday 2/6 to 2/9/08

The rules about fasting
Make your people mindful, Lord, of those who go hungry.
Give your Church a new heart, humble and strong for your service.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Week One (2/10 to 2/16)

The temptation in the Desert
You knew our human hungers, Lord, yet you prevailed over them.
Let your Church be fed by your word, nourished for the life of the world.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A Lenten Exercise

2008-02-06T21:43:00.000-06:00

A Priest-friend sent an email today in which he says:
"Check out this Lenten program of readings from the church fathers.
There is the regular and a lite version. Takes about
10 minutes a day and you get a good smattering of the
Fathers. "

http://www.churchyear.net/lentfathers.html

I have read very little of the Church Fathers. I simply haven't the patience to wade through them, but this program in the Lite version looks do-able. I'm posting it in case this might appeal to some of you. For the Lite version, you have to use New Advent and use search for the Epistle or document you want to read.

Have a happy and holy Lent.

black and white memories

2008-02-01T22:49:00.002-06:00

I just found out this evening that I could post my slideshow to Blogger , so I chose photos from a 10 year period from 1952 when the firstborn was age one to 1962, when the youngest was born. They aren't in chronilogical order, but if you hover your mouse over a photo, you'll see a title and year.

I've been blessed

2008-01-30T14:38:00.001-06:00

I've been honored by Lisa at Unexpected Journey who nominated my blog for the Excellent Award. This really surprised me because I think this is a very special award. Thank you Lisa for this great gift. I hope I can deserve it, but I really don't feel worthy. The rules:

By accepting this Excellent Blog Award, you have to award it to 10 more people whose blogs you find Excellent Award worthy. You can give it to as many people as you want-even those that have received it already, but please award at least 10 people.

There are many more than 10 people whose blogs I find worthy of the Award, and I have no idea who has already received it, but here's my nominations:

4 and Counting
Catholic Mom from Hawaii
Adrienne's Catholic Corner
Catholic Family Vignettes
Historical Christian
David and Corin
si fractus fortis
Wheelie Catholic
Code Name Nora
Mind Trips
All of these are interesting blogs, not all Catholic, but I found them excellent.

Spread the Love Award

2008-01-18T21:02:00.002-06:00

Lisa, over at Unexpected Journey, has spread God's love to me. (Thank you, Lisa)

In the Spirit of Love I find in my friends in this blogging community, I pass this award on to:

Teresa_anawin2 at To Love and Pray
Rosemary at A Catholic Mother's Thoughts
Eleanor at Inner Elder
Adrienne at Adrienne's Catholic Corner
Heide at Seward's Folly

These ladies love Jesus and their blogs reflect obedience to Christ's commandment to Love One Another

Secular and Contemplative

2008-01-16T15:48:00.001-06:00

I found a wonderful blog quite recently. I recommend you give her a visit. She has a beautiful spirit of prayer and love for our Lord. It's called "To Love and to Pray..."

This link will send you to her 3 posts from 2007. After reading those, click on 'home' and read the recent posts. You won't be disappointed

Interesting bit of History

2008-01-14T20:11:00.001-06:00

I found this question and answer on the Apologetics site http://www.askacatholic.com/
This site has been reviewed by Catholic Culture, and given the green rating for orthodoxy.

I found the answer fascinating from the standpoint of Church History. I'll copy and paste it here but the actual question is HERE.
(The links aren't alive in the copy/paste, but are live on the actual page)

Anonymous wrote:
I was born on August 13th. Is this the feast of any Saint in the Church?
	{ On August 13th }

Fr. Fred replied:

Yes, St Pontian and Hippolytus. Today marks the memorial of two relatively unknown saints, one a pope and one a priest (of Rome) who although unknown have made a mark in the history of the Church as well as have a great lesson for us today.

The early 200's for the Church was a time of tremendous expansion (in numbers and in geography) of the Church as well as persecution. It was also a time of great cultural change in and around Rome. In the Western part of the Empire, believe it or not, up until this period of time the common language was Greek, but the culture was changing drastically and the language was changing to Latin (in the West).

Pope Zephyrin was the first pope to celebrate a Mass in Latin but his successor Pope St Callistus instituted it, promulgated it and all hell broke loose in the Church. Some thought the end of the Church was upon them. They stated Callistus had gone too far.

They felt Callistus had "liberalized" the Church too far and the world was taking the Church away.

Around this time these forces of opposition elected for themselves their own "pope" an anti-pope, the priest Hippolytus (the y is a short "i"). He set himself up to rule the faction that wanted to preserve Greek in Rome in the Liturgy. He wrote many commentaries on Scripture but perhaps the best known work of his is the Apostolic Constitution in which he set down for posterity the form of the Liturgy including what we know as the Eucharistic Prayer (Anaphora) all in Greek ( We now know of it as Eucharistic Prayer II ).

Not long after, Pope St Callistus was martyred.

Thanks for writing,

Fr. Fred

Voice of the Martyrs

2008-01-05T19:46:00.001-06:00

A must-read in the news today at WorldNetDaily.
The attack on Christians by Hindu extremists began on Christmas Eve and still continues.

Let's remember the persecuted Christians in our daily prayers. Those of us who live in Free Countries, can be thankful every day for the freedom to worship when and where we choose.

There are many enemies of the cross living in your Country and mine, and the persecution of Christians is alive everywhere. Here in the U.S. they whittle away at our freedoms while giving license to doing evil.

On Forgiveness

2008-01-04T21:54:00.000-06:00

For a long time, I didn't understand the connection between Love and Forgiveness. As a child I was taught that God is Love and that He forgives our sins when we confess and repent, but I only knew those things as facts. They were not a reality to me until much later in life.

I'll never forget the flood of feelings that rushed through me when I first realized that God really loved me as an separate individual, precious in His sight; not just one among many of millions of souls He created. It seemed incredible that He wanted to have fellowship with me. It was a surprise to me that He would have anything to do with me since I was sure He must be angry over all my transgressions. I had never been able to give Him the Obedience He commanded.

I came to know that He was never angry with me, but rather that He was offended by my lack of Love. He was infinitely patient in his disappointment, willing to wait for a change of heart, because He knew I would eventually come to my senses. And when I did, He was faithful to His promise to forgive. And oh what freedom came with that.

Later, I learned that there is freedom when I am the one who forgives. When Jesus teaches us to fogive, He's not trying to make things hard for us. He wants us to know the freedom that comes from letting go of anger, resentment and all negativity. He gave us the best example of this when He forgave his persecutors from the Cross. And we have His promise that if we forgive others their trespasses, our heavenly Father will likewise forgive us. (Mt.6:14) In the next verse, he cautions that if we don't forgive others, our heavenly Father likewise will not forgive us. That seems to correlate with His counsel that we reap what we sow, and similar concepts.

To forgive is to Love.

What is Love

2008-01-01T12:30:00.000-06:00

I woke up this morning with a feeling of well-being, after a couple of funky months. Immediately I began thanking God for that and telling Him how much I loved Him. They were the same words I had spoken when I was feeling lethargic, but today I spoke them with enthusiasm and fervor.

That began a whole new train of thought. I questioned: 'Do I love God more when I'm feeling well than when I'm not feeling well? Is love a feeling? Is love a noun or a verb?' My college edition of Webster's shows it as both a noun and a verb. The Dictionary definition states as n. it's a strong affection or liking of someone or something. (also a tennis score of zero). The vt. is to feel love (for).

When Christians speak of Love, they are probably referring to 'Agape Love.' Agape is a Greek word that translates into English as Love. I checked it out on Wikipedia.org. In part it states: "..........The term agape is rarely used in ancient manuscripts, but was used by the early Christians to refer to the self-sacrificing love of God for humanity, which they were committed to reciprocating and practicing towards God and among one another." In the Catholic Catechism, this attitude and practice is called the Virtue of Charity.

So, I came to the conclusion that I actually love God more when I'm feeling ill than when I'm feeling well. It's easier to be loving when a person feels good; it's harder when afflicted and requires more effort. According to what I've read, there is more merit to the deed done sacrificially, and when I'm uncomfortable in mind and body, it is indeed a sacrifice to give thanks and praise to God.

Loving often requires us to be kind to unappreciative persons. Frequently, loving acts are inconvenient. They interrupt our routines and cost us precious time we would much prefer to spend on other activities. If done without complaining, they benefit the Soul because they can be offered to God in union with the merits of Jesus. Joined with His Sacred Heart, our light afflictions gain value. I'm so grateful He accepts our little sacrifices.

This relates ultimately to Forgiveness, which I'll write about in my next post.

I'm Back

2008-01-01T11:59:00.000-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL
Today is World Peace Day. Let us storm the Throne of Mercy and ask that each and every heart will be moved toward Peace, and that each of us may do our part in bringing that about - starting in our own family, our Community and our Nation.

Let's continue to pray for our National Leaders and World leaders. I don't know what the answer is, but I know the One who does. May God's Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

May your 2008 be full of God's Blessings.