Wisdom -"Builds his nest in her leafage..."

Looking through my scrapbooks this morning... I was gifted with this surprise picture of me with all of my girls at a shower for Ruth before her wedding...  It feels like a big group hug to look at it, and I just wanted to use it to start my sharing today.  I know that Nancy, Bill and Gus are on their way flying home from Pennsylvania today, so prayerful thoughts are going their way.  I am missing them so much that I have plans to go on a visit later in the week.  This phrase from Sirach 14 grabbed me when Pat read it for morning prayer at breakfast with John this morning..."Happy the man, who meditates on Wisdom.  Who builds his nest in her leafage..."  How I loved my nest years with all my baby chicks with me!  I was totally content to go on and on being the forever wife and mother, but the chicks had to fly and I have to get back out there and serve as the Lord directs me.  The nest years are now a fond memory deep in my heart, and fills me with the wisdom of LIFE and LOVE!

Another gift picture today... the Christmas concert at St Thomas with Maria and Susan... how they were touched by HIM in Catholic Studies and both considered a call to religious life!  Maria to the Poor Clares for 5 months, and receiving the answer that she was not called there.  And Hallel to the Community of the Lamb and her answer..."Yes, behold the handmaid of the Lord.  Be it done according to your Word."  Luke 1  Both living their faith - one within marriage with her Most Cherished Cross and one within Community life as a little sister!  Reading my book last night... My life with the Saints... I was very interested as he addressed celebacy in what I was reading.  He says what I see as quite obvious... when you don't have a spouse and family then you are more free to give love to others around you.  "Jesus demonstrated that the underlying goal of celebacy is to love as many people as possible as deeply and possible.  This may seem strange to people used to defining celebacy negatively - that is, as not having sex - but it's true.  The central aim of chastity and celebacy is an increased capacity to love."Fr James Martin SJ

He also points out that people are more relaxed and sharing with someone from whom they have no fear or being used, or that there are other motives in their love... they share and are open and trusting... such a gift! 

Can this be January 2nd?

I am jumping around today... Jesus, thank you for the wisdom of a simple life as mother and child, and how that contiues on in growing ways throughout our lives.  We are always mothers to our children, and they give us hugs and love in many ways with their prayers, and taking you forth into the world... as the Lights that we vowed to raise!  "The world needs Lights!" Pat told me years ago, when I asked him if we were wrong to be open to a large family...  Our children are now building their nests in your leafage - Wisdom of Him and His Bride the Church!  A mother/grandmother is called to be praying without ceasing... for all those that are members of our Domestic Church - our family!  The nests are protected by the leafage of Wisdom... we need only be aware of and trust the Wisdom of the Church!  Fill us with your Truth, dear Lord.  We long to serve you and love you within our families.  Jesus, we trust in you.  Amen and Halleluia

Bless-bless, Barb - another old one that I thought was kind of nice...

Pat is preparing to give a talk at a retreat about Christian Life... he needs to use a song - and we are talking about a wonderful one by one of our special "daughters of faith" Danielle Rose...  we first heard her sing at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis in Dec of 2001 - so 10 years ago, and we were touched and changed since then.  She writes all her music in front of the Blessed Sacrament, and recently went into the convent to consider a "call."  She is back out and working with her ministry... This song - Small Things with Great Love  - is about St Therese's little way and is also a quote by Blessed Mother Teresa and her order...

Danielle Rose

"Small Things With Great Love" 
"Not to the learned nor to the kings,

But to the little ones you show the mysteries

I rejoice when I am weak,

For you will give me all I need

Though l cannot fly, you carry me to heaven.



You have not called me to be successful

You have called me to be faithful



I can do small things

Small things with great love­

That is enough

I can do small things

Small things with great love

And make my life something beautiful for God.



One drop in the ocean,

One petal in the garden,

One hidden sacrifice,

One reason for my life,

One dance before your throne,

One child to give a home,

One step towards Calvary,

One touch of empathy



You have not called me to be successful

You have called me to be faithful



I can do small things

Small things with great love­

That is enough

I can do small things

Small things with great love

And make my life something beautiful for God.



Yesterday is gone,

Tomorrow has not yet come.

We have only today­

Let us begin



I can do small things

Small things with great love­

I can do small things

Small things with great love­

That is enough

I can do small things

Small things with great love­

That is enough

I can do small things

Small things with great love

And make my life something beautiful for God.



Be faithful in small things,

For in them our strength lies.

Be faithful in small things,

For in them our strength lies.

Be faithful in small things,

For in them our strength lies.

Be faithful in small things,

For in them our strength lies."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PO_YUOAA1HU  If you would like to listen to this amazing song... here it is on Utube.  St Basil and Gregory, pray for us on this your feastday.  May we in wisdom... do small things with great love and change our world!