7 Quick Takes This Week:: Remembering the Souls in Purgatory, showtime, tree, Advent, Thanksgiving

--- 1 ---

It's not November any more, but it is always important to pray for the 

Souls in Purgatory.

They need our help.

Guess what's being offered up here.  

I developed tendonitis of my thumb

getting ready for a show starting today.

Yikes!

It hurts, but I know the 

Souls in Purgatory 

suffer so much more,

so with joy  I offer this pain up to Jesus for the 

Souls.

 Use it, Jesus, to help the Souls.

Use it, Jesus, to save souls.

Thank You,
Loving Savior.

 --- 2 ---

 My article on Catholic365.com has had over 1.4K shares on Facebook.   Praise God that it's reaching so many people!

Here's the link::

Click  HERE

 --- 3 ---

 

I don't do many shows a year.

Often times, they are not worth the time invested.

I only do 1-3 selected shows a year.

Most of them are scheduled around this time.

There was only one show that I was able to be in, and it begins today.

I'm featuring these ornaments in the show.

If they don't sell,

they are going to be on my tree! 

--- 4 ---

 Even though it's still Advent, our tree is up and lit.  I love our tree!
The ornaments are all new.  I thought we had bought way too many new ones, but it was just enough!

Now, I wait for the birth of our King!

--- 5 ---

Yes, it's very non-traditional, 

but this is our Christmas wreath.

It took me about ten minutes,

and
I think it's the best one in the neighborhood.

Remember,

you can offer your joys, too,

for the 

Souls in Purgatory.

They appreciate anything you do for them.

 

 --- 6 ---

The flowers are finally gone.

What's left of the roses are these beautiful rose hips.

I don't have enough to make 

Rose Hip Jam, but I do love to look at these beautiful seed pods

nestled 

against the snow.

The red and green are 

Christmas colors.

They are brilliant against the snow. 

 --- 7 ---

 Memories of Christmas Past.

Dreams of Christmas Present.

Anticipation of Christmas Future.

God is Good.

Have you thanked Him for all the beauty in this earth?

Praise God!

Thank God!

We are your servants.

Thank You!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes This Week: Finding God in the Everyday

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From the photos I post on Facebook, most people have come to believe that Pixie is always laying down.  

Remember, she's a former racing greyhound who is now a therapy dog.  She's done her share of running! 

Today, I posted this photo of Pixie as we were taking our morning walk.  

Now, there are believers out there now.

She really does stand and walk or trot.

This makes me think of how blessed we are  by Jesus to have not seen him and yet, we believe.

"Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

John 20:29

--- 2 ---

 I joined a charm exchange sponsored by

Jennifer Cameron.

We each send in 11 charms.

Jennifer  puts together packages of 10 charms and sends them to each person who entered the exchange.

The 11th charm is auctioned off with all the proceeds going to benefit

Beads of Courage. 

This the button that was designed for the exchange. 

(Beads of Courage is an organization that helps children with serious illnesses tell their stories with beads.) 

"Jesus said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not to come unto Me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Matthew 19: 14 

--- 3 ---

Due to a serious illness in the family,

and I would ask for your prayers,

we have been spending a lot of time in the clinic of the hospital.

I have been so touched by the kindness and compassion of those who serve there.

As hurried and busy as everyone is,

from the doctors to the those who clean and sweep,

I have seen and felt their compassion toward those who are ill and their families.

Thank you, Sweet Jesus, Divine Healer, for this gift.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy."

Matthew 5: 7 

--- 4 ---

 Yesterday was the Feast of our Guardian Angels.  I find it AMAZING that God loves us to much that He has given us our own spiritual being to love us, to protect us, and guide us in our ways.

I am anxious to see my guardian angel.  I'm sure he will have gray hair from all the stress that he had to endure protecting me, guarding me, and guiding me.

Thank You, Lord, for this gift of my own angel!

"For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways."
Psalm 91:11 

--- 5 ---

I was very blessed to win a scholarship to an online class that teaches how to make those very special and beautiful beads out of polymer clay.

These are just a couple of the beads that I have made.

Research taught me that

St. Luke is the patron saint of artists, 

and

St. Catherine of Bologna is the patron saint of 

art. 

 I love to invoke the patron saints!
Never forget the
Holy Spirit, though.
He is the inspiration.


Yet, O Lord, you are our Father;
    we are the clay, and you are our potter;
    we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 64: 8 

 --- 6 ---

I met a woman of great faith in a thrift store.

She stopped me and we began to talk. 

She told me that her apartment building was being demolished and that she was going to a hotel to live.

She told me that God was on her side and that she wasn't afraid.

She said, "God is there.  It's all in His Hands." 

She said that we all have to be tested.

She told me, "You're being tested right now."

How she knew that I don't know.

She told me how she had been raped by a man, but he didn't kill her, even though he was wanted for murder.

She invoked God as she was being violated.

She told me, "Stay strong.  You're being tested.

I'm being tested again."

In spite of her trials, she was joyful!

I think I met a saint yesterday!

"Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

James 1:12

--- 7 ---

 October celebrates the
Respect for Life Program
initiated by the
Council of Catholic Bishops

Our culture has forgotten that the gift of life is a
Gift from God
at any stage in a human being's developmen.

October also celebrates the feast day of
Our Lady of the Rosary
on October 7th.

Pray a Rosary daily for peace and the Respect for Life campaign.



"For it was you who formed my inward parts;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
     
Wonderful are your works,
that I know very well.    My 
frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.  

Your eyes beheld my unformed substance.
In your book were written
    all the days that were formed for me,
    when none of them as yet existed. "
Psalm 139: 13-16


May Peace and Love be ever yours!
See you next week!


For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes Friday - My Week

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The Black Madonna visited our church this week.   I missed the welcoming prayer service on Friday night because I fell asleep on the couch.  The kids were home, and I can no longer stay awake like I used to be able to do and visit with them.  I was so tired, and I knew I needed a nap, so when the couch called my name, I answered it, and, according to my children, I slept and slept deeply.  When I woke up, it was too late to attend the prayer service.  I was very disappointed.




I didn’t set my alarm for Mass the next morning, but God knows me, and I was awake in plenty of time for Mass.  I decided that  I would just stay in bed and rest, but the call was to get going.  I took my shower, and I made it ten minutes before Mass started.  Imagine my surprise to see The Black Madonna in the center of church.  I realized that this was the reason for me to attend Mass.  At the end of Mass, we had a goodbye ceremony for Our Lady.  Then she was carried to the narthex of the church, where we were allowed to venerate her.  The few of us who stayed were given the special privilege of being alone with our Mother.  It. Was. Amazing!  The graces poured out into us.  Blessing upon blessing.  Grace upon grace.

--- 2 ---

Cantoring last Sunday  was a challenge because I didn't have all the music until the last minute. That meant NO. PRACTICE.  I became frantic, but I prayed, "I trust in you, Jesus."  I think He smiled.  I also asked our Blessed Mother and St. Cecilia for help, just in case.  I made it through the difficult parts with the help of our music director.  Singing wasn't my best, but it wasn't that bad. 

--- 3 ---

Sunday, I spent time with my new friend. She's 30, fun, and muslim. I was going to teach her to crochet, but we talked instead.  We decided that the next time we might just talk.  God has challenged me to overcome my fears and concerns and accept another of his children as His beloved child.  I am blessed.

--- 4 ---

Went to the cemetery to put flowers on his grave, only to find that the flower pot was missing.  Flowers are in the car until I can get a new flower pot.  I wish I had known.  I’m not sure when I’ll get back.  It was Memorial Day last Monday, after all. 

--- 5 ---

Our Church’s music director is my voice teacher, and with each voice lesson, I learn more about the ministry of cantoring.   As terrified as I am when the music is a surprise, I have learned that I must be willing to be vulnerable in order to connect with the congregation in prayer.  Very interesting thoughts, and I must ponder them in my heart.  Music is not about me.  Music is about the connection with the congregation in prayer.  Music is a journey.  Music is  a connection between God and the congregation.  Music is prayer.

--- 6 ---

I ordered new business cards yesterday.  If I can ever learn to fully trust in the power of the Holy Spirit, decisions like this would be easier.  "Trust, Me," He says, and I forget.

--- 7 ---

 My soul is tied in knots this evening.  I look forward to the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturday.   Peace that can only cone from God pours into my soul as I am absolved of my sin.  I am weak.   Thank God for the sacrament of Confession.  

As I progress on this spiritual journey, I find I am being drawn more into ministries that deal with the dying and those left behind after death.  I have asked the Holy Spirit to "shake up my life," and He has not disappointed me.
 

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes:: Motherhood and Mary, the Mother of God

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No matter what our mothers did or did not do, they gave us the gift of life. Our mothers, like Mary, chose life for us. Imperfect creatures that they are, that we are, all mothers choose to give the gift of life to their children.

Mary chose life for Jesus. She, who was sinless, became the tabernacle for the living God. She said, "Let it be done to me according to His Will." She chose to give Jesus life and to carry Him in her womb for 9 months. She chose God and she chose life.

--- 2 ---

Many women glow with delight at their expanding bellies, the baby bump. They are elated to feel this new life in their bodies kicking and twisting and turning and growing. They long for the day when that child is placed in their arms. They give birth. They rejoice as their child grows into adulthood.

Mary felt Jesus growing inside of her. She felt him move within her body. Her blood flowed in a His veins as he grew in her body. Mary's body grew. She gained weight. She had a baby bump, a most blessed and holy baby bump! Mary rejoiced at the birth of her Son. She held him in her arms. She adored and worshiped her Son, her God. She radiated joy as she shared Him with her family and friends, even though they did not know who He was. She watched Him grow to be a man. She saw Him die on the cross. Her joy turned into sorrow. She became the sorrowful Mother, and then, Jesus rose from the dead!

--- 3 ---

Pregnancy can be uncomfortable. Morning sickness, raging hormones, expanding girth, extra weight, discomfort as the pelvis expands to house the little one all combine to make life more difficult. Yet, mothers go on. They live their lives and do what they have to do. They care their spouses, their other children, if there are any, and they continue to prepare for that new baby's birth.

 Mary, after Gabriel visited her, did what she needed to do. She left to go care for her elder cousin who was also with child. Together, they rejoiced in the miracles that their children were. Elizabeth's son, John, knew who Jesus was, and he leapt in his mother's womb for joy. Mary stayed with Elizabeth until John was born. She returned home, trusting that God would provide, and He did. Joseph took Mary into his home and they both prepared for the birth of their Son.

--- 4 ---

Many women do not have their own biological children, but they are mothers. Any woman who takes a child into her heart becomes a mother. She can be a teacher, a nurse, a coworker, or a friend. Any woman can become a spiritual mother to a child, whether she has given birth to that child or not.

Before Jesus died on the cross, He said to John, "Behold your mother." He said to Mary, "Behold your son". In that moment Mary became our Mother, a gift from Jesus to the world.

--- 5 ---

 With the exception of the royals and other celebrities, most mothers live an unseen, albeit busy, life.  The members of the press and other media reporters do not stalk them for the stories of their lives and pictures of their children.  These mothers work in and outside of their homes.  They play.  They juggle events.  They take their children to school.  They cook.  They clean.  They manage car pools! Whew!  I'm tired just thinking about all a modern mother has to do in the length of her day!  Yet, these women are not honored for their job of raising their children. They live ordinary, quiet, and busy lives.

Mary also lived a quiet, busy life with her husband Joseph and her precious Son, Jesus. She cooked.  She cleaned.  She took care of her family.  She lived a quiet, unseen life.  Joseph was a carpenter.   The family was ordinary.  They did not make the news.  They were ordinary, simple people raising a Son.  Mary, like women today, lived a simple life, unknown to the world, yet, nestled in her arms, as she sang Him to sleep each night, was Jesus, the Promised One, the Lamb of God, the Son of God, and no one even suspected.

--- 6 ---

As our children grow up, we know that they will leave.  Like the robin who pushes her babes out of the nest to teach them to fly, mothers are often required to push that child out of the nest. Along the way, she teaches the children the skills they need to survive and grow in our world.  Even if the children leave the nest willingly, mothers are still there to teach them independence, and to love them. Mothers teach their children to love of God, to rejoice in The Lord.  They teach them social skills, everyday living skills, and help them to appreciate their roots.  Even if the children leave the nest willingly, mothers are still there to teach for children, nurture their children, help them, and support them, and to lend an ear in times of trouble.  This is motherhood..

Mary, the Mother of God,taught her Son as any mother would.  When it came time, it was Mary, inspired by the Holy Spirit who told Jesus, at the wedding in Cana, "They have no wine."  Knowing that He would do what she asked Him, Mary turned to the waiters and said, Do whatever He tells you."  Jesus must have smiled as He bantered with His Mother, "My time has not yet come."  Jesus began His public ministry through His Mother's intercession that saved the newly married couple the embarrassment of having no wine for their guests.

--- 7 ---

Mothers today not only have the gift of free will given by God and imprinted in every person's soul, but Mothers also have the "right" to choose whether or not they will give birth to their babies.  If a mother "chooses," she can have an abortion, thus ending her chid's life.

Women are asked if they want  to “terminate the pregnancy.”  A baby is referred to as a pregnancy.  What if a medical care professional asked, instead, ”Do you want to kill your baby?"  How would a mother respond?  I know it’s an agonizing decision for women to have an abortion or not, but our culture has made it easy to abort a baby and has made it acceptable. Women today don't realize the gravity of their decision to abort their babies.

 As difficult as it may be to allow a child to be born who is disabled or unwanted, God blesses the woman who gives her baby the gift of life.  We need to pray for the lives of all unborn babies and for their mothers.  We need to pray for all women who have had or are contemplating abortions.  We need to be the love of Christ for them in our world. 

Mary also had a choice.  She, like us, had been gifted with free will.  When the angel waited for her decision, Mary thought and asked one question, "how can this be since I do not know man?"
When assured that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, Mary did not hesitate.  She humbly accepted God's will for her, and Jesus, the Son of God, was conceived in her womb.   When He died, Jesus made His Mother, our Mother. 


Happy Mother's Day, to all women and our most Blessed Mother, for Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus!
 

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes Friday

Quick Take #1
Lent will be ending soon.  We begin Holy Week in a matter of days.  Soon we will celebrate the gift of our salvation and the Risen Lord.  Praise God for these gifts!


#2
I have to lector at the 5:15 Mass for the Palm Sunday vigil.  I will be reading the passion of Christ.  I am not the main lector.  I am just a reader.  I am honored to be part of the Palm Sunday celebration. 


 #3
On Palm Sunday, I will be cantoring at the 11:30 Mass.  Now, this makes me very nervous.  I usually want to crawl up in a fetal position before I sing.  Once the Mass gets started, I'm fine, but I sweat.  I don't like to go near anyone after Mass.  I think I smell!  :)


#4
Today, the temperatures are going to be in the 60's again.  That's  three straight days in a row!  After our long winter, I love these days!  I often wonder why our terrible winter was a part of God's plan.  Everything is a part of His plan.  How He makes it work, I'll never understand, but this I know:  He does it!  Things work out, and it's all for love of us.

#5
I have to find time to color my hair this weekend.  If you saw it now, you would see very light pink hair.

Sort of like this.  I want my hair pink for Easter, but not the garish pink it must be when I first begin the coloring process.  I love my hair now!  It took a little time for people to get used to it, but I think they did.  Pink hair rocks.  Thank you, Lord, for hair coloring in pink, my favorite color.

This is what my hair looks like right after I color it.  I don't want it to be THAT pink for Easter. 















#6
It's almost time to leave for adoration.  A friend and I plan to sing to the Lord as we adore today.  I'm going to go there early.  We don't sound the best, but that's okay.  God knows that we love Him, and that's all that matters.

#7
The sun is shining.  There's no snow on the ground.  There are hints of green in the lawn. (Tiny hints of green.)  The air smells like spring.  The air is still cold, the temperatures are warming up.  This is good.  Thank you, Jesus!