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!
6 year old Luke always comes and gives grandma the best and sweetest hugs. He brought this day old baby kitty to show me and hold softly and lovingly. Such a sweet soft look of love on his face!
Over his shoulder is our constant companion - Cow TV. We are half way through calving now, so we are getting really busy with the cows and their calves to keep healthy and safe and well fed and cared for!
That kitten is trusting and knows that it is in good hands.
A lot of the same feeling that filled me with the words of Isaiah today in the first reading... Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spreads out the earth with its crops, Who gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk on it: I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, To open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness. Isaiah 42
Lauren Daigle - Trust in you
This came on the radio as I was running for meds this morning... speaks of our Lord taking us by the hand in this crazy scary and isolating time we find ourselves.... "prisoners from confinement" will happen at some point, but some are convinced that our world will be changed as we have known it. The freedom of gathering we have taken for granted will never be as carefree? Time will tell. Jesus, is in control.
Love this from 5 years ago in KC... Hallel home for Easter with her Community in the heart of KC, Kansas, and Nancy living nearby where we all stayed! Talk about a house full of LOVE!
4 of our 5 together! A mother's heart swells with this blessed time! There were some exciting plans for Nancy and Bill to travel to KC for Easter Sunday and taking the cross of The Community of the Lamb and become officially a family of the Lamb! Sadly that has now been postponed to the Lord's more perfect timing. As I am reminded once again... Jesus is in control! He created the world and takes us by the hand and leads us, so we know that there is a more prefect time for our family to gather for this powerful step in our lives!
Cute day old calf - one of the twins from the day before!
Pat with a huge bull calf he had just pulled from a cow! 3 cows calving all at the same time make for a busy farmer Pat!
Joy with dog ears and the white kitten. At 3 years old she now is allowed to hold the baby kitties as she has learned to be gentle and not squeeze them with too much love.
Talk about LOVE today in the Gospel! Once again the raised Lazarus, sisters Martha, who is once again serving at the dinner they are putting on for Jesus, and Mary, who is once again loving Jesus by sitting at his feet and anointing his feet with aromatic oil and wiping them with her hair! The entire room was filled with the fragrance of the oil! Drawing all of those present to the Lord and Savoir of the world! Nothing is too much for us to give to Him in our total love and devotion!
Once again the service of Martha combined with the total LOVE of Mary in listening to Jesus share His Word while being the Son of God/Messiah... sitting at his feet and worshiping Him! We are called to both of these!
Sharing livestreamed mass with my Most Cherished Cross at the lifting up of Jesus in His Body and Blood - "Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb."
Yes, Lamb of God, asks us to embrace our Most Cherished Cross and follow him to LIFE/LOVE/LIGHT!
Listening to Fr Mike Schmitz... "Mom always said to us when we were hurt..'Give it up for the poor souls in purgatory.' " Pat Fr Mike was saying that we need to give our suffering to Jesus by doing it for someone we know.
Using his mom's waffle iron after praying together and then the embrace, which is such a special gift on a lot of Sundays. Sunday naps are very special indeed!
Joy, gentle soft hold of kitten and cow TV. She later took a nap on grandma's lap. It was peaceful and special time as I watched cow TV and prayed my rosary!
In front of the Easter Tree with the leaves bursting forth... dressed up for mass/Palm Sunday now Holy Week Monday! My mother left this world 3 weeks ago today. She is making this a most powerful lent with one foot over into heaven knowing that she is loving me more perfectly now.
Jesus, what a holy week we have ahead of us. So deep in prayer and sharing in your suffering and death in this unique and unusual way. May we die to self so that you may live in us. Jesus, we trust in you. Bless-bless, Barb
Pat and I together watching mass and homily... In the arms of my mother's chairs on this first Holy Week/Palm Sunday without her in this world! I imagine that the veil has been removed for her and yet for us we are separated and unable to receive Jesus, Body and Blood... we beseech him to dwell in us still now and forever!
We are in the midst of a Palm Sunday and into Holy week like none other before. Our home/family/domestic Church has become the place where we share Jesus in Word and making Spiritual Communion
Setting up a sacred space with the old rugged cross which hung in a maple tree for years on our farm at the beginning and end of the Stations of the Cross Maria made when she came home after discerning 5 months in the Poor Clare Monastery.
My time in prayer at church on Friday - I found the box of palms at the door, so we had palms for this most unusual Palm Sunday. And the lilac leaves starting to put out leaves.
My mother's icon brings my thoughts and prayers to her in heaven in everlasting life - keeping my eyes on heaven along with all those I have lost and yearn to meet and see someday! I have had so much reassurance in the last almost 3 weeks from Jesus in His Word...leaving no doubt that the faith of my mother has brought her to eternal LIFE!
My mother's first Holy Week in heaven - the veil has been removed for her and she sees Heaven filled with the True Hosannas for the King of heaven and earth! LOVE!
Is there anything more beautiful than the words of St Paul to the Philippians from mass today? Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:6-11
It is so reminiscent of my oldest daughter and her love of kittens! Each year we would have that basket of baby kitties! I am sure that although she doesn't show it like she used to... that she still is excited and enjoys these days of new life in the house! She has certainly passed her love of kitties on to her kids and they seemed to have escaped the allergies that I have and passed on to most of my kids!
Oh the JOY of baby kitties! How they watch the pregnant mother cat, knowing that last year she had them on Joy's 2nd birthday on March 31st!
On her 3rd birthday Joy brought in the very pregnant mother cat into the basket all ready for her to have her kittens. Well they had to wait 3 days more this year.
Two black, a orange and a white is the head count. They will all be loved and tame to the point that they will always want to live in with the family. That will not be their future, but maybe they will be given to families that will welcome a house cat. Last year there was a lucky one that found a forever home!
Yes, this is Ruth Ida and some one of her dolly kittens... Oh,my!
Joy didn't manage to squeeze them out of momma cat on her birthday - I am sure that the cat is relieved to have that huge belly small again. Sigh!
It has now been two weeks since we gathered around my dad and mom at the cemetery on a cold clear day. I had the gift of driving my dad back to his assisted living and dropping him off, and have not been able to see him since!
I do see that there is so much more strictness about gathering in the last couple weeks and my heart breaks for other families that do not even get the time we had at the cemetery to see her and say our goodbyes and to sing and to pray and to read the readings that mom chose!
The words from Ezekiel today in the first reading about how God will dwell with his people gives comfort and speaks Truth of my parents as they pursued and sought the Lord where ever he would lead them! Into the True Church 48 years ago! https://familysoulstory.blogspot.com/p/the-amazing-story-of-13-becoming.html
The reading from the NT from mother - in her funeral plan...
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18New International Version (NIV)
Believers Who Have Died
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Mom's comforting words to us and beckoning us to join her with Jesus, Mary, and The Saints and the dead that have gone before that we lift up to help them on their journey!
Her Psalm - Psalm 19:7-14
Psalm 19:7-147The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. 10They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. 11By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. 14May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Wow! Mom with her LOVE of Jesus in Word and Sacrament is speaking from her heart of hearts to her family here!
Her Gospel... Matthew 11:25-30
Matthew 11:25-3025At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, LORD of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 27"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." O mom!!!! How I love to hear these words of LOVE and encouragement to us you have left behind in this world! We feel your prayers for us from heaven and you keep our eyes focused on seeing you again there! Striving to reach heaven to see you and all our loved ones that have gone before us!!
3 of her little children of the 11 she raised and gave "a good life and wonderful home filled with beauty, love and all that is good - sharing our Faith journey as a family as they listened to the Holy Spirit and brought the mountain into The Church - all 13 of us! Talk about evangelization!
Two weeks and my last visit with her - Pat was with me and we were so impressed with how good she was!
After a conversation with my husband yesterday before he headed over to the farm to begin his day of feeding the world and nothing stops at the farm... I have been sharing some special things that my daughters have shared - Maria's spiritual communion and Nancy's interview by a Boise, Idaho Catholic radio station.. sharing them with Pat and my siblings - united in Faith!
My Cross for the Easter Tree - Mom!!! Her icon she painted years ago!
A memory from 5 years ago - Easter in KC and time with Hallel back from France to see her family!
The butterfly on the Easter Tree from that year! LOVE to see the Easter JOY from one year to the next! This year will be one unto it's own!
Leaves bursting forth more with each new day! The outside is encased in ice!
Pat coming home for lunch is finally bringing this to an end!!
Jesus, I love you and long to be with you forever in heaven united with your Mother the Saints and all our dead that are in your presence or on their way to come into total communion with you! May we be like little children and turn to you always! Jesus, we trust in you. Bless-bless, Barb
Some rare time in town praying for my priest with 7 Sisters, running errands for the farm - medicine for the cows and calves, and groceries for Ruth and myself... I had to stop at the farm, and brought palm branches for the farm.
Father shared that they were ordered so we could stop in a get some for our home celebrations of Palm Sunday this weekend. Joy and Luke were waving them and saying "Hosanna in the Highest!"
I shared my time in this beautiful space with a few others there to adore and recognize Jesus dwells there is a real and special way! Yes, social distancing in this huge space is not an issue, and my spirit joins with those around me as they kneel in worship!
Prayer to your guardian angel when you cannot attend daily mass
O HOLY ANGEL at my side, Go to Church for me, Kneel in my place, at Holy Mass, Where I desire to be.
At Offertory, in my stead, Take all I am and own, And place it as a sacrifice Upon the Altar Throne.
At Holy Consecration’s bell, Adore with Seraph’s love, My Jesus hidden in the Host, Come down from Heaven above. Then pray for those I dearly love, And those who cause me grief, That Jesus’ Blood may cleanse all hearts, And suff’ring souls relieve.
And when the priest Communion takes, Oh, bring my Lord to me, That His sweet Heart may rest on mine, And I His temple be.
Pray that this Sacrifice Divine, May mankind’s sins efface; Then bring me Jesus’ blessing home, The pledge of every grace. Amen "If we only knew how God regards this Sacrifice, we would risk our lives to be present at a single Mass." Saint Padre Pio
Her words to us...The above is a great spiritual communion that the kids and I have learned.
Really good and visual for kids. I highly recommend praying it daily or on Sundays.
On their knees and joining in the Communion of the Angels and Saints - Jesus truly here in the tabernacle!
Pat and I had just shared at breakfast how we are so blessed to share our Faith as a family! The best and for me a small slice of heaven here on earth! My heart soars to such heights as we can freely share our Faith knowing that we are all there together! United in the Eucharist no matter where we are - separated by days of travel or even oceans! Now we are united in the Spiritual Communion until we can actually return to His Table! How amazing that will be!
Danielle Rose - See you in the Eucharist
Praying to Our Lady! She sweetly put some dollars in the statue and lit a candle which she prayed with in front of Our Lady of Guadalupe!
A sign of her devotion and prayers...
The readings today speak of persecution, and each time as I pray the sorrowful mysteries from today for Fr Todd and my family - I ponder the ways that we join Jesus in sharing in that mental suffering and misunderstanding and grief - yes, grief...
When I pray for Fr Todd, I do the office/morning prayer as I know that I am joining my prayers with him as priests and deacons do morning and evening prayer of The Church. Sharing that with my parents when I have stayed with them has been my JOY!
I also read the office of readings and today was struck by these words from Psalm 35 "When they were sick I went into mourning, * afflicted with fasting. My prayer was ever on my lips, * as for a brother, a friend. I went as though mourning a mother, * bowed down with grief." I have seen firsthand in these two weeks how the loss of a mother really touches the hearts of many. The outpouring has been powerful and I can see that this is a profound loss for us! How we need our spiritual Mother of God now!
We know that on Sunday there will be the rejoicing and adoration of Jesus as he enters Jerusalem with the palm branches laid down before him! Today in the Gospel they try to stone him and his response... Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?” All the miracles and preaching the Kingdom of God, where we must humbly accept our Most Cherished Cross and follow after him down the narrow path. That means embracing the suffering and persecution that comes our way if we share our Faith with JOY and without hesitation! Jesus was not recognized as the Son of God, and to this day he is ignored and many turn their back on him!
Hosanna with some ear tickles!
Farmer husband getting ready to go and care for the cows and calves in the ice and cold by the Easter tree this morning.
All the buds and green grass under a coat of ice this morning. Cold miserable day!
My Easter tree budding out in the warm house. It would have been sad to see these lilac buds covered with ice this morning. I hope that the ones still outside will still put our lilacs when it warms up!
Easter 2010 - John's healing after Lourdes and rebirth of his stem cells/seeds planted in new soil! Looks like the year of the two Davids!
Last year's butterfly with the leaves soon to burst forth!
The Lamb that takes away the sins of the world! Pat and I listened to mass at St Patrick's Cathedral in New York this morning. Something about sharing in that powerful prayer in that huge beautiful Cathedral in the heart of the huge epidemic from this virus that unites us in prayer with our country and world! Jesus, may we die to self so that you may live in us and we may become your hands and feet. Sharing the grief with so many at this time as they lose loved ones - more than ever to this virus, which has taken many. Sharing in the heart ache of not being able to have a mass of Christian burial and a proper goodbye or even to be with them at their final hour. So hard now in our grief! It has been wonderful to hear from many, who understand the loss, and lift us up in prayer! Thank you, Lord! These words from the Psalm today speak of this Truth...
R. (see 7) In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.
I love you, O LORD, my strength,
O LORD, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.
R. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.
My God, my rock of refuge,
my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold!
Praised be the LORD, I exclaim,
and I am safe from my enemies.
R. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.
The breakers of death surged round about me,
the destroying floods overwhelmed me;
The cords of the nether world enmeshed me,
the snares of death overtook me.R. I
n my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.
In my distress I called upon the LORD
and cried out to my God;
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry to him reached his ears.
R. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.
All so good! You are my ALL now and forever! Jesus, we trust in you. Amen
Everything has a coat of ice, and there is a very cold wind to make it miserable today.
Electric fence wire and the grain bins - many birds in the tree that are not very visible but were loud.
A new look for the farmhouse with addition and remodel. Ruth has a vision!
encased in ice - come spring!
Each stem is surrounded by ice... walking out to the chickens was crunchy walking today. I had to use the heated dog dish so that they could have water as theirs was frozen.
Can we come in and get a drink now?
Pat just shared this from the barn - our 7th set of twins!
Identical twin baldy heifers! What a year!
Nancy the day after her birthday with circles under her eyes... Homeschooling her kids is a big unexpected job! When I dropped off Ruth's groceries - she reported that she has not been out to town in a week! The new normal is changing by the minute and we put one foot in front of the other, and pray. I wore a mask in the grocery store today. What did I notice? I had to inform people that I was smiling at them. They could not tell... Bless-bless, Barb
Fr Craig's Lenten retreat - the first station!
Lenten retreat 3rd Station - Fr Craig
Lenten Retreat 4th Station - Fr Craig
Listen to these they are so great!!!
Lenten Retreat 5th Station - Fr Craig
Fr Craig homily for 5th Sunday of Lent - Lazarus!
Fr Craig - Lenten retreat 6th station - Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
Speaks about St Therese' parents! So good!
When I was alone in the beautiful space of prayer in front of the tabernacle I played this with hands raised towards Jesus on the Cross
Danielle Rose - True LOVE/the Cross
Hallel listened to this over and over before she left to join The Community of the Lamb!
