Keeping our families Holy - "willingness to surrender to the purpose of God" Fr Robert Barron

Yes, it has happened... Hallel has been officially added to our family photo!  It is also true that Patrick is picking his nose in this one, and in my mind that just makes it REAL!  It happens to be that this is not the final product for my Christmas letters, so I will keep that under wraps for now.  How I made this happen with great forcefulness, as I knew our all being together would not probably happen again!  Yes, I can always add them, but to have it be REAL is also a wonderful event/happening/reality/blessing/grace/rarity/on and on and on!  As I wrote in my Christmas letter - we have learned to accept the absence of our 4th daughter, Susan/Little Sister Hallel, knowing that we can keep in touch by snail mail, phone, and PRAYER, and the MASS/Eucharist!

 Meeting our newest member of our family - bringing us to 22 strong now - Bill meeting Romeo for the first time!

I came across the homily that Father Barron shared for the Feast of the Holy Family this weekend on keeping our family holy... How?  By our willingness to surrender to the purpose/will of God.  So true!  John and I were just sharing and praying together Morning prayer/office, and we spoke about the humble pie that we are served on a regular basis.  "I don't want to thank God for it.  I have had enough of being humbled!" said John.  "Yes, I know it is miserable, and painful, and the worst part of life to be humbled.  Yet, it is what God asks for us to embrace, and to be humble all the time!"  "Your right, but I think things can start to turn around now... I am low enough now Lord!'

 I love this look of excitement and expression on Therese's face as she talks to me shortly after she arrives at Christmas Camp!  As her mom, Maria, told me... She has been so excited, but then Therese told us that her dad was the most excited of all to come and see the family and share the weekend!  It struck us that some for Joe is has been a year since he has seen a lot of the immediate family!  Today I was looking at the initials of my family Christmas - CCC - Cross Christmas Camp, and it struck me to use the C's to make a new Truth about our glorious time each year - Come, Christ Jesus, Come!!!!  I love it and how we do truly keep Christ Jesus in the center of our time together! 

 Pat was very impressed with how natural and confidently big sister, Therese, holds and loves and cares for her new baby brother, Romeo!  Here they engage their eyes, hearts, and smiles!  No more beautiful picture to be had! 

It was quite powerful to read the Gospel today with my John as it is Luke 1:37-66 - the birth of John the Baptist!  After our sharing the humility piece of our call, and how hard it is to embrace... it was as though John was being assured of the Lord's hand was with him, and we know that without a doubt!  "John is his name." writes Zechariah.  And immediately his mouth was opened and he spoke blessing God.... All who heard these things took them to heart, saying 'What, then, will this child be?'  For surely the hand of the Lord is with him."  Luke 1  This is so true - even in my Christmas letter it was hard to say that John is still seeking the Lord's will.  Yet, sharing that he continues to burn to share his message/story/healing and finding Faith through brain cancer!  That is where his passion lies!  And we continue to receive word from many how they continue to be touched and Pray without ceasing for John and his continued healing and finding his path.  It seems that his continuing to have needs allows others to find the Truth of Prayer being something REAL!

 Our family had breakfast the first morning - feeding the 55 die hards.  How wonderful to have the next generation cooking the meal!  Pat had baby chores and I helped with things like toast and setting up the table.  It was a good time for sharing a job and ourselves one with the other!

 Another look at the pajama clad birthday procession kids for David's 5th birthday at breakfast!

 Patrick looking at grandma with some recognition after I had been out there 3 months ago for the birth of Romeo, and the two weeks we spent in Michigan.  Soon he was running up to me and hugging me and sitting on grandpa!  Coming together is so important for forming those bonds of LOVE!

I kind of apologize as I took over 300 pictures and so am adding many special ones today once again! 

How did Father Barron speak about how we keep our families holy?  By our willingness to surrender to the purpose/will of God.  Wow!  So often I am reminded of our journey with John and discovering from the beginning when we called France to tell Hallel that John had a tumor!  "Mom, do you remember the Gospel for today?"  "Yes, it was Jesus calming the storm."  "Well, this is the storm and Jesus is in control."  Yes!!!!  I need to give it to HIM!   I just read over a most beautiful note received from a family saying this very thing.  "This has been such a humbling experience and really reminded me that I am not in charge... God is."  written as his wife lay in a coma, but thank goodness she is now starting to come out speaking and moving her arms and legs more and more!  PRAYER is what they cling to and ask for!

The two toddlers in watching Uncle Joe do his workout at camp...

Then the 3rd toddler, Rose, made the picture complete!

Bernadette thoroughly enjoying our family rosary!

Another of Pat with his arms full of LIFE!  This was a huge priority for me!  Getting the 3 new ones together at last!!!  Soon they will be the 3 toddlers watching Joe work out! 

So precious!  Patrick loves those little ones!

One more kiss and such a sweet smile from Romeo!

Capes flying - Nancy's wonderful super Gus, Big Dave and little Dave capes!

Nancy's creativity is such a wonderful gift!

So special to share this bond of cousins/love!

These two girls are also very close and enjoy sharing experiences!

Nancy's beautiful camera can't be beat!   Always love Jesus, Bernadette!

We tried Santa hats... but...

It would be a good thing for you to play guitar someday like your great Uncle Dan, Luke!

David had to show grandma his beautiful cookies! 

Super dad, Paul!!! 

One more!  He is so much like Patrick!

The two Patricks spending time.

A couch full of dads, granddads and the kids!

My dad at mass impressed with how good Dominic is and how much he has grown in the past 6 months!

Amy is so special!

Grandpa loves his snuggles, and Rose came prepared with her blanket and her puppy!

 

Jesus, there is so much filling me this day with warmth and assurance that if we surrender to your will in our lives that we can find true happiness and LIFE/LOVE/LIGHT!  The Psalm for mass today - psalm 25 - "He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way.  Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand."  Yes, there is much keeping us humble and it seems like we want to throw up our hands and give up!  But maybe that is exactly what we are called to do!   Die to self so that you can live and work in us!  We see your fingerprint upon us and our lives and we are brought to such a deep place of thankfulness and gratitude for all the ways you are at work in us!  Thank you, Lord.  Come, Christ Jesus, Come!  Jesus, we trust in YOU.  Amen and Hallelujah

Therese with her new cousin, Dominic.  They are meeting for the first time, but will share much over the time ahead!

Bless-bless, Barbara Luke

 

This man was with me in my early Catholic days and still speaks to my heart!

All we need is the LOVE of Christ and His Bride, The Church!

Danielle Rose - the Litany of Humility

Chris Tomlin- Holy is the Lord

Casting Crowns - Praise You in the Storm