Girls in purple for CCW

You cannot see Maria's beautiful pregnant belly in this picture, but it is there as we await the arrival of her new son.  Today was a morning of gathering with the Council of Catholic Women.  Therese and I accidentally dressed in purple and Maria did it intentionally as that is the color of CCW, so we had to grab a quick "girls in purple" shot before we headed out the door.  It was a very special morning of rosary and meeting strong Catholic young women as well as the older retired crowd, and then a St Matthew Bible study led by my daughter!   All very powerful and such a lesson of the men in the and the wives that support them and raise their families!  About 4 of the women there were expecting babies - one is having her 8th!  Many are homeschooling, which Maria has already started preschool with T and she is reading!   So it was a most uplifting morning including a young woman, who shared that both she and her husband converted to the Catholic Church in the last year!  Wonderful to hear those great stories shared, and shows that the Church is alive, well and growing with new LIFE!

Fr arrived a bit late to start mass, and he apologized.  But it was a gift for me as I was able to grab this great picture of Maria with all 3 of her kids.  Mass was very beautiful with the first reading from Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
"There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for everything under the heavens.  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.  A time to kill, and a time to heal..."  These first three ring very close to home with Maria soon to give birth, Pat harvesting the crop at home in Minnesota, and Joseph fighting the war in Alfghanistan!  Lord, we love you and know without a doubt that you are with us at each point in our lives and every step down the narrow path carrying our Most Cherished Cross!  Jesus, we trust in you.  Amen and Halleluia

Bless-bless, Barb






















"Blessed be the Lord, my Rock,
my mercy and my fortress,
my stronghold,my deliverer,
My shield , in whom I trust.
Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
Psalm 144

The statue is St Barbara... as for myself I am striving for sainthood but have a long ways ahead of me!  So wonderful to have her here to embrace and intercede for me her lowly attempting to attain humility namesake.  St Barbara, hear my prayers.