In haste to the hill country to share Jesus!/Hills in WI, KANSAS, Saint Pierre, France!

The picture of all gathered for CCC this year!  Head count is 82!

So much from the readings today tells me that the Holy Land is a lot like Kansas City, Kansas, and Saint Pierre, France in that it speaks of leaping across the mountains and making haste to the Hill country filled with Joy and Jesus!  Lots of up and down steep hills in some rough terrain!

Pat and I are soon to head out in haste (?) to another favorite hill country the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin river valley and huge hills on either side - St Croix Falls, WI where my parents have settled for the last 7 years.  The hill country in which their peaceful Christ filled home is a haven for me to spend the most precious time with both of my wonderful parents.  I truly do feel that I sit at their feet and grow in my faith sharing with them.  This time Patrick will be there to add his two cents and much more!

 My dad with Ruth at CCC!  How we love this amazing tradition that my parents started over 32 years ago.  The year my sister, Mary, lost her battle with cancer.

Today is the Visitation and there is nothing better in the Gospels as the life in the wombs of Mary and Elizabeth come to JOY in the Holy Spirit, and we are given the Hail Mary which fills our days with Spirit filled prayer!
"Most blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled."
Luke 1

My parents with my brother, Dan, and family!

Christmas is now starting to amp up for me!  After sharing with my family last weekend, Pat and I will travel to the hill country to have 24 hours with my parents. then his family Christmas at his sister's home, and then after a few days heading to KC to see our two daughters there.  Celebrate Christmas in the hills of Kansas City!

The words of romance and deep love found in Song of Songs reflect the LOVE Hallel has for her spouse Jesus!
Hark! my lover–here he comes
springing across the mountains,
leaping across the hills.
My lover is like a gazelle
or a young stag.
Here he stands behind our wall,
gazing through the windows,
peering through the lattices.
My lover speaks; he says to me,
"Arise, my beloved, my dove, my beautiful one,
and come!
"For see, the winter is past,
the rains are over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth,
the time of pruning the vines has come,
and the song of the dove is heard in our land.
The fig tree puts forth its figs,
and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance.
Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one,
and come!
Song of Songs 2:8-10

When Susan left to Join the Community of the Lamb 10 years ago... I found a verse from Song of Songs in her bedroom... speaking of her love for Jesus and His for her as He pursued her heart to be totally his!  Wow!

Monday morning to KC to the Hill country there!  LOVE!

Jesus, your love is without end and unconditional for us.  Jesus, we trust in you.  Bless-bless, Barb