The Pat and Barb Verly family and their 5 children, in laws and grandkids along with many prayer warriors have been drawn together by John's cancer... sharing daily for 8 months started this blog- Family Soul Story - Our faith, family, farm and now our cancer journey called HEALING have colored and deepened our world. WE continue to share and depend on the support of our prayer warrior community, that has lowered us into the Lord's presence for His healing!
My husband is such a strong promoter of family times together that he is willing to load up our mini van with 4 grandkids and a dog for about 30 hours on the road.
His sister commented that she would never consider doing such a thing, and Pat assured her that it was all his idea and not mine. "I told her that I had to convince you that we would be doing this." Yes, but all went very well, and continues to go well. The kids assure us that they are having a good time with their cousins! We still have to get them all back barely in time for school to start on Tuesday... so that is daunting over us.
This little girl has been having a wonderful time with her grandpa Pat, who would sit and hold her constantly if he could. She has eaten all her meals on grandpa's lap, and she is a very good eater with those two adorable teeth! She even let grandma do her hair this morning with no tears.
This has been a familiar sight since we have arrived and both are happy as clams about it!
The reading from I Thessalonians 3 today is very true of what permeates my life... Prayer! "Day and night we pray beyond measure to see you in person and to remedy the deficiencies of your faith. Now may God himself, Our Father, and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all..." This is where we get "pray without ceasing" I am sure! We never give up on all those we are called to pray for in our lives!
Sitting on American Lake with Mount Rainier in the distance with snow on it...
In the midst of an academy for improving our marriages by daughter #2, Nancy, and so when this prayer came up by St Paul to the Thessalonians today it really hit home as much of the sharing and prayers are for the increase and abounding of our love for those the closest to us. Why do we struggle treating well the ones we love the most - our Most Cherished Cross/our husband? Lots of praying without ceasing needed for us to love/serve/give without counting the cost!
Only missing Romeo with dad before he headed off to work for the day.
May we be the" faithful and prudent servant" to all those that have been given to us in our domestic Church/family. Jesus speaks to us in the Gospel today from Matthew 24 warning us that we need to we are to be ever vigilant as we know not when The Son of Man will come. Yes, we need to be ever working and praying and striving, but that doesn't mean that we dwell on when it will happen and ignore the sharing of the LIGHT and evangelization/working for the Kingdom here on earth.
Love this sweet moment with dad and his 5 sweet kids!
Jesus, may we pray without ceasing and come to a better place as we love and serve without counting the cost. Lord, we long to always place you first in our lives and not get distracted as we are prepared to come to you. Jesus, we trust in you. Bless-bless, Barb
Love this so much!
My sweet parents two years ago at my dad's 90th birthday. Today is their 68th anniversary!! Happy Anniversary mom and dad! We are so happy that you are still with us, and sharing your LIGHT with us your family! Your example of being open to LIFE and raising LIGHTS and bringing us into The Church - a gift to me each day since.
They still live independently together and meet each challenge with Faith and a can do attitude. I am going there more now with some health challenges to deal with, and without Nancy and Bill living in The Cities. I am loving the times I can sit at their feet and be taught their wisdom.
These two are just 6 months apart and are having a great time together here in Washington today!
I got to play dress up with 10 month old baby girlie, and grandpa came all this way to hold and he has done that a lot today!
Big sister is so happy to have her baby sister after 3 brothers! LOVE!
the first reading from Thessalonians reminds us that The Word of God is now at work in us who believe... helping us down the narrow path to heaven forever with Jesus. Thanks mom and dad! Jesus, we trust in you. Bless-bless, Barb
This little 10 month old granddaughter, Evangeline Mary, along with her 4 siblings, mom, and dad got grandpa Pat off the farm and 1600 miles across the country over the last 2 long days on the road! This was moments after we arrived on base, and Pat was reunited with her after they had been apart for 4 months! She had lived with us for 4 months, so grandpa had gotten super attached to her.
He also had to bring along 4 of the farm kids to have some days of bonding with their cousins. He promotes family time in a radical way!
Princess is back home! She did so well traveling with us, and we appreciated the grandkids helping with her on the LONGGGGG trip! We are tired and happy to be together!
Grandpa with their two youngest - Evangeline and Romeo! Grandpa loves to have his arms full!
Lots of LIFE enjoying each other! Only missing little Evangeline here, who sat in grandpa's lap and ate off of grandpa's plate. Spaghetti is a treat for the kids, and they haven't had it since they left grandpa's farm! So they were pretty happy!
The hungry tribe, then they all pitched in on the dishes, and then went for a walk with their dog through the new neighborhood.
Grandpa with his girls...
Sunflower fields were prefect on the way through Northern South Dakota.
Mountains through Western Montana into Idaho... Lots of smoke due to wild flowers.
Dry due to drought, but lots of beauty in the heat. Rose is 5 and was the youngest one we brought with us. She didn't ask for mom and dad at all and was very fun in looking for dinosaurs along the way, and also for Mary up on the top of mountains. We started each day in prayer for our safety, and all went well.
Yes, it was hot, dry and beautiful!
We are very tired but the kids are immediately having a lot of fun together, and the dog is asleep on the floor just like she had never been apart from her family. Thank you, Lord, for this chance to see the country and have an adventure. Jesus, we trust in you. Bless-bless, Barb
Pat loves his little girlie, and she warmed up to him right away!
My beautiful daughter, Ruth, with her oldest and youngest beautiful daughters after mass today with a Saint looking over them. We are so at home in our Holy Redeemer Church and in our Holy Redeemer, Jesus Christ! To have the JOY of sharing mass with our daughter and her family is each Sunday a delight and throughout the school year - we can share in the school masses that our 4 grandchildren will put. David was saying that it feels strange to go only on Sunday, and he misses that mass at school each week!
These two sisters have bonded a lot this summer, as Mary has had to be a babysitter while mom works her overnight at the hospital or is busy wearing her many hats on the farm. Joy is such a good and easy baby, so it has been a good experience for Mary.
This picture came up from 2 years ago when we went to NC to see them, and had a couple days on the Atlantic Ocean! One thing about our family and my husband, who is one determined family guy... we get around and see the country! I have been dreading this a bit and getting myself pretty nervous and stressed at the thought. Did I mention that we will also have Maria's dog to travel with us?
I am now starting to get more excited and looking forward to it now that it seems things are starting to fall into place! Lord, we ask you to be with us and give us safety and good family times! How my husband LOVES to share family time, and give our grandkids special time together! He is my champion of LIFE and for making a wonderful domestic Church/family founded on LOVE/LIFE/LIGHT/my Most Cherished Cross!
My wonderful husband is never more happy or content than when he has a baby in his arms! The word is out that we have a new little one in the womb... Nancy is expecting her 5th in early spring! Many prayers surrounding our newest grandchild!
It has been so powerful and moving for me to observe my daughter, Nancy, sharing her light in the Catholic Wife Academy with about 300 women/wives. Knowing of her demands at home with 4 little ones 6 and under and pregnant... I know that The Holy Spirit is in charge! It is a true sign that many of us wives and mothers and grandmothers are wanting to get more on track for finding our way down the narrow path to heaven forever with Christ, the Son of the living God!
I love the description of St Peter's reason for recognizing Christ...' because of the way that his own life had changed since the first day he met Jesus... the fact that association with this man had brought about a transformation of everything in his life, especially those things most resistant to change - the ordinary circumstances of life." Yes! How I revel in this Truth in my own life, too!
Another wonderful baby lover...Sister-in-law, Rita, with her new granddaughter at a supper at her home last night with Pat's siblings, who are gathered at the home of his mother today to disperse her things... special family time indeed!
Three of Pat's wonderful sisters... How they all love their mother and wish to honor her memory always! These words from the second reading today from Romans 11 really say it all about our life here on earth and that all is of HIM! For from him and through him and for him are all things. To HIM be glory forever. Amen.
Rita's beautiful flowers with a butterfly... there are flocks of butterflies around these days!
Jesus, on this feast of St Monica we are reminded that we are called to pray for our children and their families with hope and without ceasing! Our Pope reminded us today that we join with her in our prayers for our families. We are especially aware of the line of Popes beginning with St Peter given the keys to heaven... may we be found on the right path and pursuing righteousness in our every day of our lives... knowing that all is yours, my Jesus! Jesus, we trust in you. Amen and Hallelujah
Rose and her dad... Paul is a wonderful man, who loves family and sharing their love for the farm as we work side by side to feed the world!
My hunky husband welding.. I had to take way too many pictures, of course. Bless-bless, Barbara Luke
He didn't set himself on fire...
I got to watch him put up a new fence... we have shared this over the last 39 years... I get to ride on the 4 wheeler as he walks and walks and walks and walks around the entire thing. He is hard working and impressive to watch... one of my favorite things to do, too!
Stretching the wire behind the 4 wheeler...
Simon at the State Fair with his pig... he will come home today and then jump in with us to head to Washington/the Pacific in the morning. Life is certainly an adventure for him these days. As Pat said; "He is growing up, and becoming a young man."
Yes, he will come home to meet Katie, the new puppy. She arrived yesterday, and probably has forgotten how to walk after all the attention she has gotten! May this one have a long happy healthy life on the farm! Bless-bless
In Genesis, Jesus is the Seed of the Woman. In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb. In Leviticus, He is the Priest, the Altar, and the Lamb of Sacrifice. In Numbers, He is a Pillar of Cloud by day and the Pillar of Fire by Night. In Deuteronomy, Jesus is the Prophet, like Moses. Come and kneel before Him now.
In Joshua, Jesus is the of Our Salvation. In Judges, He is our Judge and Lawgiver. In Ruth, He is our kinsman Redeemer. In 1 and 2 Samuel, He is our Trusted Prophet. In Kings and Chronicles, He is our Reigning King. In Ezra, He is the rebuilder of the broken down walls of human life. Come and kneel before Him now.
In Nehemiah, Jesus is our Restorer. In Tobit, He is the Messenger of New Life. In Judith, He is Weakness Turned into Victory. In Esther, He is our Advocate. In 1 and 2 Maccabees, He is the Leader who dies for God’s law. Come and kneel before Him now.
In Job, Jesus is our Everliving Redeemer. In Psalms, He is our Shepherd. In Proverbs, He is our Wisdom. In Ecclesiastes, He is our Hope of Resurrection. In the Song of Songs, He is our Loving Bridegroom. In Wisdom, He is the emanation of God’s thought. In Ecclesiasticus (Sirach), Jesus is our security. Come and kneel before Him now.
In Isaiah, Jesus is the Suffering Servant. In Jeremiah, He is the Righteous Branch. In Lamentations, He is our Weeping Prophet. In Baruch, He is the Mercy from the Eternal One. In Ezekiel, He is the One with the Right to Rule. In Daniel, Jesus is the Fourth Man in the fiery furnace. Come and kneel before Him now.
In Hosea, Jesus is the Faithful Husband forever married to the sinner. In Joel, He is the One who Baptizes with the Holy Spirit of Fire. In Amos, He is the Restorer of Justice. In Obadiah, He is Mighty to Save. In Jonah, He is our great foreign missionary. In Micah, He is the feet of one who brings Good News. Come and kneel before Him now.
In Nahum, Jesus is our stronghold in the day of trouble. In Habakkuk, He is God my Savior. In Zephaniah, He is the King of Israel. In Haggai, He is the signet ring. In Zechariah, He is our Humble King riding on a colt. In Malachi, Jesus is the Son of Righteousness. Come and kneel before Him now.
In Matthew, Jesus is God with us. In Mark, He is the Son of God. In Luke, He is the Son of Mary, feeling what you feel. In John, He is the Bread of Life. In Acts, Jesus is the Savior of the World. Come and kneel before Him now.
In Romans, Jesus is the Righteousness of God. In 1 Corinthians, He is the Resurrection. In 2 Corinthians, He is the God of all comfort. In Galatians, He is your liberty. He sets you free. In Ephesians, Jesus is the Head of the Church. Come and kneel before Him now.
In Philippians, Jesus is your Joy. In Colossians, He is your Completeness. In 1 and 2 Thessalonians, He is your Hope. In 1 Timothy, He is your Faith. In 2 Timothy, Jesus is your Stability. Come and kneel before Him now.
In Titus, Jesus is Truth. In Philemon, He is your Benefactor. In Hebrews, He is your Perfection. In James, He is the Power behind your Faith. In 1 Peter, He is your Example. In 2 Peter, Jesus is your Purity. Come and kneel before Him now.
In 1 John, Jesus is your Life. In 2 John, He is your Pattern. In 3 John, He is your Motivation. In Jude, He is the Foundation of your Faith.
In Revelation, Jesus is your Coming King.
He is: The First and the Last. The Beginning and the End. He is the Keeper of Creation and the Creator of All. He is the Architect of the Universe and the Manager of All Time. He Always Was, He Always Is, and He Always Will Be Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and Never Undone.
He was bruised and brought healing. He was pierced and eased pain. He was persecuted and brought freedom. He was dead and brought life. He is risen and brings power. He reigns and brings peace.
The world can’t understand Him. The armies can’t defeat Him. Schools can’t explain Him and the leaders can’t ignore Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. The Pharisees couldn’t confuse Him. The people couldn’t hold him. [This is where the clapping begins] Nero couldn’t crush Him. Hitler couldn’t silence Him. The New Age can’t replace Him. And Oprah can’t explain Him away.
He is Life, Love, Longevity, and Lord. He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness and God. He is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful, and Pure. His Ways our Right, His Words Eternal, His Rules Unchanging, and His Mind is on me. He is My Redeemer, He is My Savior, He is My God, He is My Priest, He is My Joy, He is My Comfort, He is My Lord, and He rules my life.
So great once again - Michael W Smith - Awesome God for our friend on his way to heaven, John Beech!
Nancy's youngest, Josephine, in May.. she is now walking and knows how to give her mom heck from time to time.
The word is officially out... Nancy is expecting her 5th child! She announced it live yesterday, and so... I feel free to share here. I have been vaguely sharing that we are expecting our 16th grandchild, but now putting a name to it. We don't hesitate to announce pregnancy to our family as we put great value on prayers ongoing from the beginning. In doing this we are telling all that we consider life to begin at conception and value all life... our losses - 7 children and 3 grandchildren keep our eyes focused on getting to heaven where we will be united with them as they pray for us on this journey down the narrow path.
Aunt Little Sister Hallel with JoJo in May after sharing mass as a family in the church that Hallel grew up in!
It is so wonderful for me to have Saturdays set aside specially to give Mary her day! Yes, I focus on the readings for each day, but this gives me the freedom to go on and on about how much she means to me and my family!
This Beautiful dedication of our family prayer came up today...
The words are so small that I will copy them here:
Dedication of One’s Family
Most loving Jesus, by Your sublime and beautiful virtues of humility, obedience, poverty, modesty, charity, patience, and gentleness, You blessed with peace and happiness the family which You chose on earth. In Your mercy look upon my family. We belong to You, for we have received Your many blessings over many years and we entrust ourselves to Your loving care.
Look upon my family in Your loving kindness, preserve us from danger, give us help in time of need, and grant us the grace to persevere to the end in imitation of Your holy Family, so that having revered You and loved You faithfully on earth, we may praise You eternally in Heaven.
Mary, dearest Mother, to your intercession we have recourse, knowing that your Divine Son will hear your prayers. Glorious patriarch, Saint Joseph, help us by your powerful prayers and offer our prayers to Jesus through Mary’s hands. Amen.
This is my family only missing one Son-in-Law, Joseph, who I did add to the one I put on my wall... and now a new baby to add in April... This is the picture I hold in my heart as I pray this dedication prayer!
I love to see the tabernacle in our midst, and truly our faith is shared with all of them! Listening to Nancy speak so eloquently The Truth on many topics of our Catholic Faith in these last weeks has filled me with so much awe and thankfulness for her taking serious her faith in her marriage and her family! There can be nothing to compare to putting Jesus first in our lives and allowing The Church to help us get to heaven forever with Jesus, Mary, all the angels and Saints!
Maria's family, whom we are going to visit in a few days, along with Hallel a few months back. It was family time supreme! Paul is in the midst of adding these words on my barn...Family and Farm are the best! Words to live by and never grow old!
Jesus, I am overwhelmed by you... your endless love and forgiveness for all that I stumble and fall on my face! I am nothing without you! How I love, love, love your Bride, The Church... with no reservations! How I loved to be able to share with someone clinging to hurt and "wounded to her soul" that she could find healing in the confessional in the Sacrament of Reconciliation! Yes, and then after laying her burdens down to come forth to receive you in The Eucharist! For Jesus to come a dwell in her body, soul and divinity! There is nothing else to say after that! The Truth that will set us free, and we are given it freely by you, O Lord. And then we are asked to give all that love and mercy we have been given to all those around us most especially those the closest to us in our domestic Church/family. Jesus, we trust in you. Bless-bless, Barb
St Teresa of Calcutta we know you are interceding for families from heaven... I put our families under your care and prayer from heaven. Amen
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit... of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.
Danielle Rose - the Saint that is just me
In dedication to my girls, who take this very seriously in their children. Open to LIFE and raising LIGHTS!
in dedication to our friend, John, who died yesterday...His wonderful wife shared this on caringbridge;
"We stayed awake with him throughout the night, not knowing when he would take his last breath. We played reflective music, and then about 8:45 this morning I decided it was time to play something upbeat. So I put on one of his favorites, "Awesome God". As the song was ending, he opened those beautiful blue eyes, looked upward toward heaven, and took his last breath. We are sad beyond measure that he is gone from our home, but he is ALWAYS in our hearts. We thank God that his pain has ended. He was such a good and faithful servant. He taught us to love and to live life to the fullest."
Jesus, hold his family and friends close to your heart burning with love for them. Jesus, we trust in you. Amen.
