We received news that a cousin of Pat's, Sister Doreen, passed away this morning. Sharing about her journey of the Cross she has been given for the last 25 years since she had a stroke rob her of her active life and ability to speak except for a few words. She and a companion would come often to visit Pat's mother and so we saw her often, too. Always got a hug, and Pat's sister went to see her on Sunday and she still reached out with her good arm to give her a hug around her neck from her death bed!
In the discussion of the 25 years of suffering that Sister endured as she had been a "tomboy" in being very athletic and active in her life, and than to have that taken from her by the stroke out of the blue. Raterra was saying that with all that taken away she had to focus on compassion and relationships with others... become more thoughtful and inward. Yes, I would say with John's looking death in the eyes that he found peace and hope in the seed planted in the soil of his soul in this inner temple where the small flame of Faith was lit! He and Bobbi have devoted much of their months of dating to sharing prayer and study of their shared Catholic Faith throughout! Such a wonderful groundwork to build their marriage upon!
A sweet Feast day today that I was so happy to share morning prayer first with Pat and then with John... the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary! The precious pictures of the young girl, Mary, at age 3-4 on the temple steps with her parents behind her in support... the priest reaches out to her! In the temple of God the Virgin is seen openly, foretelling to all the coming of Christ... the most pure temple of the Savior, his most sacred bridal chamber, The Virgin, sacred treasury of God's glory, enters today into the house of the Lord, bringing with her the grace of the divine Spirit. The Angels are singing: "Behold, the heavenly tabernacle!
The black and white by the grain bins is a tradition for engagement pictures! For Nancy and Ruth... I took them in the spring with lilac bouquets, but for John and Maria I took them in the fall with fresh made cornstalk bales... Maria and Joseph were on the bales while they were still out in the field!
It is very hard to find joy in suffering! The first reading from Maccabees today is of an old man, who will not try to fake eating forbidden food in order to gain a few more years of life. Instead her finds happiness in being true and setting the example for all that we need to live and die for Our Faith in Jesus Christ and His Bride, The Church! We are all called upon to bear our own crosses through which we find LIFE/LOVE/LIGHT! And knowing that we are on the narrow path following him... we do find this Truth of "suffering it with joy in my soul because of my devotion to him." Maccabees 6
A special and fun time together!
The Gospel today is a cute one too! It is the story of the small man, Zacchaeus, and how in his excitement to see Jesus he went to great lengths, and Jesus responded to him by having a very personal encounter with him and coming into his home! Zacchaeus was transformed by Jesus, and turns his life around.
Ruth and Paul with spring Lilacs... their anniversary #14 is tomorrow! Happy Anniversary you two wonderful people! Ruth and Paul live by the motto of being "life-giving" in what they say and do for one another! How I need to do better and learn from their beautiful example!
Nancy and Bill with barely open lilacs ....their 7th anniversary was August 28th! Yes, they had a super short engagement!
One of the favorites!
Jesus, I love you with my all! All the suffering brings me to my knees and that is where I am weak and I need you! Jesus, I trust in you. Amen and Hallelujah
The farmhouse filled with LIFE!
“Every one of us needs half an hour of prayer a day, except when we are busy – then we need an hour.”
It is so so hard to make personal prayer time happen while caring for little ones. So many distractions. I am frequently called away from whatever I am trying to do. But God sees our efforts, sisters. And it makes him smile.
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