Thoughts of the journey/Bishop at the Catholic School this morning!/St Angela followed Jesus!

Working on a card for Fr Craig at the loss of his father, Gary.

This picture of Hallel helping her brother down the path in Saint Pierre, came to me as a must for his card as he was here for both John and Hallel in August of 2009. Hallel took her habit and changed her name from Susan to Little Sister Hallel, and John had come over to Saint Pierre France after his second chemo for brain cancer to support her.

 Fr Craig then took John into the healing waters of Lourdes, said mass for us at the grotto, and heard John's confession.  John fell in love with Mary the Mother of God, which continues to this day!

Just back from dropping off food and having Gary's wife, Pat, and Fr Craig on either side of me in the kitchen!  I am overwhelmed by their wonderful hospitality in the midst of their grief!  I was a river of tears as they poured out the "little miracles" they experienced in these last days with Gary.  So much  of it was the gift that Hospice was for them!  LOVE that so much!  My heart will always and forever be that of a hospice nurse and the beautiful way loved ones are gently lovingly cared for.

 Nancy's 4 in their uniforms as they attend Catholic School in Delano - St Maximilian Kolbe!  They are on the road to come and pay their respects to Fr Craig and his family.

 This morning we had the Joy of having Bishop LeVoir here for mass to kick off Catholic Schools week.

 Such a powerful presence for the kids to see our shepherd of the New Ulm Diocese!

 After hearing him speak to hundreds at the prayer for LIFE a few days ago and being so touched by his beautiful homily... so much about Mary and her rosary - "Each bead is a tear of Mary that is washing away evil (abortion)."

Today he spoke about St Angela Merici, whose feast day is today.  "She was a teacher of young women so that they could then go and be good wives and mothers and carry forth the faith."  He shared how we too are to ask the Lord what he wants from us and then to go forth and do what he asks even though  it is hard at times.  He pointed out that it is much more rewarding and brings us happiness to put others first and to be kind and giving, rather than to have the attitude of what is there in it for me.

 Our shepherd is a kind and gentle man, with much wisdom to share with us.  We are very blessed to have him as our Bishop!

He personally reached out to us in the midst of John's brain cancer..."When in times of stress and the storms of life repeat these words; "Jesus, I trust in you."  Our motto ever since!

 Kindergartener Luke Paul...

 Shaking Bishop's hand... he stood there and shook each student's hand!

2nd grader, Rose again, will be having her First Communion with the rest of her class in May.  Also cousins, Augustine, and Patrick!  Big year in The Church for our family!

 The girls out visiting a former fair calf yesterday.  Joy learning from her older sisters, Mary and Rose!

 Tame after working with her for the fair!  Soon she will have her calf and I am sure the girls will be out there to visit her and her calf.

Rose and the Bishop...

Pat and I got to greet him and it always warms my heart that he speaks of John and Hallel.  It is so powerful to have him such a real and good part of our journey.  Thank you, Lord!

Nancy is on the road and we will gather at the Open House at the school share supper at a fund raiser for a teacher fighting cancer and then head over to support Fr Craig and family!

Jesus, how we love to embrace the beauty of sharing Faith/Family/Farm!  So very rich and powerful is that tie that binds our family as one!  Jesus, we trust in you.  Bless-bless, Barb

Tears standing in my eyes is me happy or sad!!!

Danielle Rose - Nothing compares to you

Danielle Rose - Jesus within you/2nd joyful the Visitation

Danielle Rose - True love/The Cross

Danielle Rose - The Saint that is just me

Danielle Rose - A Mother's song/5th sorrowful mystery the crucifixion

Casting Crowns - Praise Him in the storm