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!
Earnestness - vigilant attitude=Advent Spirit/"stagger walk and not grow faint"...Yoked together with Jesus and Trust!
The gift of starting my day with mass officiated by our special Fr Denny in the dark early hour of December 9th - the feast of humble St Juan Diego!
Father holding up Jesus to us under the cross. Things weighing heavy upon me... what would Jesus do? Looking up I see what he did and continues to do for our fallen world.. took it to the Cross! Today in the Gospel He asks us to join him in the yoke and give the control over to Jesus! It really does become lighter when we give it all to Him and Trust!
Jesus said to the crowds: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11
Returning home I am blessed with much food for thought as I have before me many daily devotional books from both of my parents and from our church.
The first reading today makes me smile with a deeply humiliating knowledge of me... the word "stumble" leaps out at me as it describes how even youths on their own "stagger and fall." Well, I am an old woman with lack of stamina and overweight and out of shape... the final words of the reading today describe me with the stagger added - I "stagger walk and not grow weary." The Lord is stuck with this piece of work and assures me of his help if I stay in that yoke with him and allow him the control!
Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. Isaiah 40
An amazing realistic painting of the new parents of Christ!
Mary exhausted and resting while ponders his huge responsibility and what it all means and what will be called upon him. I would say they are both deep in prayer and Trust!
Pat and Ruth one on each side getting ready to side the calving barn with new tin... the goats find them interesting.
Ruth in the bucket...
Teamwork - Pat on the inside and Ruth on the outside.
A reminder from dad's man, Brother Victor-Antoine today...So true that Advent is a time of anticipation and vigilance for the coming of Jesus into the world. LOVE the praying of "vigils" that begins the day for those living the monastic life! I love how the night before is included in the feast - as we celebrate starting with the Vigil! The church knows how to celebrate!
Along with vigilance we need to be earnest in our following of Jesus! These words pointed out by my father and written by St John Henry Newman in his Advent daily meditations and he is sharing this with "earnestness." Oh, that we had more of this spirit! Oh that we could take that simple of things... The importance of being Earnest!
Reflecting on this beautiful weather that allows us to get much done outdoors!
My 3 ducks taking in the sunshine briefly.
Yes, Lord, I stagger walk and know that you are yoked with this old woman with many weaknesses and faults. I long to trust in you and give all the control over to you. I long to see your face forever in heaven, so I stagger down the narrow path carrying/dragging my most Cherished Cross. Jesus, we trust in you. Bless-bless, Barbara
Just back from my Birdie time- she is 7 months today and gave me a present!
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