A few days ago this heifer in the feed lot seemed to appreciate the rosary in my hand as I watched the gate - giving it a kiss with her big wet nose and mouth. Connecting with nature around us is a sure way of experiencing this wonderful world God created.
I knew that with the warm weather that my lilac branches would be starting to bud, and this one is about ready to burst forth. I was out cutting my Easter tree later than usual due to working the Palm Sunday weekend. With the head start that the leaves have gotten in the warm early spring I know that it will catch up quickly in the house.
The palms on the table from rejoicing with the crowd as Jesus entered Jerusalem and then the long beautiful reminder of all that he suffered and died for us - after reading the Gospel 3 times - last night and twice this morning the word
betrayed jumps out at me. John 13 where Jesus hands the morsel to Judas and
Satan entered him... "What you are going to do, do quickly." Jesus tells him. There are times in my life when I am faced with temptations - I give in too quickly and in haste proceed to sin almost afraid that it will not be fulfilled to find that momentary fleeting satisfaction with the sensual desires or the food item or the clothing or material possession I think that I have to have or deserve! How often after caving in do I realize that it was passing and not lasting and wrong for me? I have blatantly betrayed my Jesus and His Bride the Church... to me is given the Way, the Truth and The LIFE and I have turned my back on that and chosen to be selfish and sinful! Now to confession and start over again. I have noticed that if I get to Reconciliation often - like monthly or every couple weeks that I can actually make headway on those sinful things in my life... possibly not having to confess the same things over and over, but actually turn away from my sinful nature to give in to the temptations. Do I learn from this and make Reconciliation a frequent healing and help? It is easy to put off, I will tell you...
The Easter tree in and nestled close to our perpetual cow TV. We reached 110 calves yesterday - 5 calves in a day including a set of twins! It was a big day for calving this late in the season, and such a wonderful day to be born!
My pondering of my betrayal of Jesus is a hard place for me. I know that I struggle with selfishness and being a poor servant to others. With a husband that always is willing and says "yes" it really shows me how poor I am at sharing with JOY! Lord, I am so sorry and long to do better this day and forward.
I am thrilled to make my Cross and butterfly for this year, but I am waiting with great anticipation and excitement for getting our time with Little Sister Hallel/Susan in Kansas City is just a few days from now! To get her together with her two new nephews she has not met before... I think that #3, Romeo, will have to mysteriously arrive with her at least in picture form. This picture a few years back - 2 when we were together for Thanksgiving and she met Rose and Bernadette for the first time - now she will meet up with the 2 criminals, we call them. Super special and grown up - calling each other sisters in crime! I love to place the memories of Easters past on my Easter tree and am so excited to add the JOY of coming together with Hallel and most of her family this year!
Soon the leaves will appear - new LIFE!
Jesus, so much excitement is building inside of me to know that after a year and a half we will get some real hugs from our Hallel! Be with all the planning and the traveling and give us all a wonderful family time with our extended family with The Community of the Lamb! Forgive my sinful selfish ways and all the times that I betray you when you are holding your loving and forgiving nail scarred hands out to me in Mercy and unconditional LOVE. May I resist the pulls of temptations to indulge myself and pleasure myself - remembering all that you have done for me and suffered for me and now ask me to take up My Most Cherished Cross and follow after you. Give me the strength to say "no" to sin and "yes" to serve others without counting the cost - most especially those closest to us in our domestic Church/family. Jesus, we trust in you. Amen
Bless-bless, Barbara Luke
"Will you lay down your life for me?" Jesus to Peter and us today - John 13:36-38
Casting Crowns - East to the West
Unspoken - Start a fire
We need to know that we might experience betrayal and hatred too, if we stand up and speak the Truth. Lord, may we never do less than share the Truth and when necessary use words!
A cute picture of my toddler 2 1/2 year old Patrick in NC - with his injury gotten from a kneeler at daily mass and a temper tantrum. The guardian angel was busy protecting him from himself. No worries now, I guess.
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