In a tradition of radish bouquet pictures from the past... many more to come. One of my greatest joys of being a farmwife over these past 42 years is saying to my kids, husband, and now my father living here with me on the farm that "these were growing in the garden just a short while ago!" So fresh and filled with goodness!
Dad and I were surprised by a most unexpected phone call from Susan/Hallel in Kansas City concerning a question about chickens! Yes, they are joining the chicken world of having 6 chickens in a "palace of a chicken coop" in the heart of Kansas City/Kansas! She was questioning whether they should have an opening around the roof to allow in fresh air regardless of the time of year, with most concern about winter cold. I assured her that the fresh air would be good year round in their more temperate climate.
Hallel reported that it was 100 degrees there and she had been on the roof shingling with her habit covering her from head to toe! Certainly a suffering to give up to the Lord! Not only is it much hotter in KC, but the humidity causes it to be called the "armpit" of our country!
Much prayer and discussion these days with my father about the world situation so close to home, with the start of this huge uproar in the country starting right there in Minneapolis! Shocking and sad and hard to come to grips with the answer for this horrible mess - dad keeps reminding that it must start with forgiveness and asking for forgiveness by the police to start with.
Hector joining the boys in the boys' room in Mid April!
The girls in their room...
Now that Maria has been updating her blog - I will be sharing, too. My heart feels complete sharing some of their lives too. I am a big one for that! I am famous for putting missing people in pictures to make them complete in my heart, soul and mind!
Today in the Gospel we see that when we are filled with LOVE they dwell in all these places as we die to self and allow God's LOVE to work through us!
One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him,
“Which is the first of all the commandments?”
Jesus replied, “The first is this:
Hear, O Israel!
The Lord our God is Lord alone!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your mind,
and with all your strength.
The second is this:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12
The idea that these 7 weeks living with me would have been spent alone in a nursing home with strangers and no family slays me to the core! There is no way we could allow that to happen, and to see my dad surrounded by loving full of LIFE family in the heart of The Church, which he brought all of us into 49 years ago is such a powerful witness to the answer to many prayers! The Holy Spirit opened the door and we joyfully walked through!
Words from amazing St Paul today in 2 Timothy 2 - the first reading today
"If we have died with him
we shall also live with him;
if we persevere
we shall also reign with him....imparting the word of truth without deviation."
Part of the discussion at breakfast as we prayed together was how Satan lies to many concerning the family, marriage, and causes people to live in sin as they cohabitate before marriage thinking that this is a proper step to discern marriage. The word of truth has become lies to many and Satan is laughing! Family and marriage is under attack!
Jesus, how we need you and long to die more fully of self this day so that we may love and serve you with our entire heart, soul, mind and strength! May the Truth come forth from us without hesitation and fill the world with LIGHT! May we serve without counting the cost. Jesus, we trust in you. Amen and Hallelujah
"Kneel down! Kneel down! Do you not see on high the
golden Chalice and the bright rays from the Host?
It is the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. The Angels are adoring It.
Come let us join our adoration to theirs." - St Pascal Baylon (+1592)
"When you are before the altar where Christ reposes,
you ought no longer to think that you are amongst men;
but believe that there are troops of angels and archangels
standing by you, and trembling with respect
before the sovereign Master of Heaven and earth.
Therefore, when you are in church,
be there in silence, fear, and veneration."
St. John Chrysostom
“I was told at an 8-wks ultrasound that there was something 'wrong' with my baby. It was suspected she would have Down syndrome. They offered to do an abortion well past 20 wks & would be willing to backdate it, no matter how many times we said it was not an option for us. Our beautiful baby girl, Leigha Lucia, was born healthy, with no heart defect, no health issues, & not one congratulation. Everyone in the medical profession said how 'sorry' they were. To us, she was beautiful and full of so much potential. She would prove to them all there was nothing to be sorry about.
We never expected to meet SO many great families on this journey. They have become our village. Leigha has a big sister, Makaila, & a little brother Miles. She is now 9 years old & spends the majority of her day in a general education setting. She reads, rides horses, plays soccer, swims, does dance, & cheerleading. Since she started school, all my worries about making friends have almost completely gone away. Leigha's classmates love her & even call themselves, 'Leigha's Squad.' Leigha is athletic, smart, sarcastic, funny, has friends, & just overall makes our small world a better place. Her laugh & smile are contagious.
I hope someday, medical professionals will read all of our stories. If they get anything from it, please tell these new mamas 'Congratulations!' Tell them how wonderful a world they are about to be introduced to. Tell them not to worry, it really will be ok. Their child WILL be happy, WILL be loved, WILL live a great life. Yes, it will be difficult at times, but that's with every child. You will learn more from your child than you will ever be able to teach them. Tell them with a smile. Tell them it is a boy or a girl, not a baby with DS. Yes, it is part of them, but it does not define them. It is exciting & new, & the milestones will amaze you more than you can ever imagine. People really are accepting. Kids really are amazing & will accept your child as their friend. Your child WILL have a great life!
Our kids are amazing, & we are so lucky to get to be a part of such an amazing journey with them." Laura Bryant (& Leigha) West Grove, PA"
We never expected to meet SO many great families on this journey. They have become our village. Leigha has a big sister, Makaila, & a little brother Miles. She is now 9 years old & spends the majority of her day in a general education setting. She reads, rides horses, plays soccer, swims, does dance, & cheerleading. Since she started school, all my worries about making friends have almost completely gone away. Leigha's classmates love her & even call themselves, 'Leigha's Squad.' Leigha is athletic, smart, sarcastic, funny, has friends, & just overall makes our small world a better place. Her laugh & smile are contagious.
I hope someday, medical professionals will read all of our stories. If they get anything from it, please tell these new mamas 'Congratulations!' Tell them how wonderful a world they are about to be introduced to. Tell them not to worry, it really will be ok. Their child WILL be happy, WILL be loved, WILL live a great life. Yes, it will be difficult at times, but that's with every child. You will learn more from your child than you will ever be able to teach them. Tell them with a smile. Tell them it is a boy or a girl, not a baby with DS. Yes, it is part of them, but it does not define them. It is exciting & new, & the milestones will amaze you more than you can ever imagine. People really are accepting. Kids really are amazing & will accept your child as their friend. Your child WILL have a great life!
Our kids are amazing, & we are so lucky to get to be a part of such an amazing journey with them." Laura Bryant (& Leigha) West Grove, PA"
Tune into the Live-streamed Ordination of Deacon Shawn Polman and Deacon John Hayes!
THIS Saturday, June 6th at 10:00 am. The event is being Live-streamed from the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, New Ulm YouTube Channel. Especially if you have never been at an ordination to the priesthood, we encourage you to watch this beautiful Mass! Click this link to tune in: https://www.youtube.com/
(This event will be limited to a smaller number of attendees due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Those invited to the ceremony will receive a ticket via email or mail. Because of restrictions on the size of gatherings, there will not be a public reception following the ordination.)
THIS Saturday, June 6th at 10:00 am. The event is being Live-streamed from the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, New Ulm YouTube Channel. Especially if you have never been at an ordination to the priesthood, we encourage you to watch this beautiful Mass! Click this link to tune in: https://www.youtube.com/
(This event will be limited to a smaller number of attendees due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Those invited to the ceremony will receive a ticket via email or mail. Because of restrictions on the size of gatherings, there will not be a public reception following the ordination.)
Same Power - Jeremy Camp
Kutless - Holy of Holies
Danielle Rose - True love/The Cross
Sunday morning from Maria;
During Easter we lit our Paschal candle on Sunday morning
and mandicated the words of Christ from the Gospel.
Nothing replaces the Mass...or even comes close.
However, this was a good time of prayer for the family.
Therese making masks
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