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!
An oldie from the farm around 1971 when we were newly Catholics! We have since lost one sibling, Mary, so there are now 10 of us all grown up and much older as have my parents.
Mom will be 90 in a year and dad is 93 1/2 and is told repeatedly that he doesn't look it... hence it is hard to slow down and allow others to help him and mom more now. He made that comment today to the Occupational Therapist..."I look so good! How can I ask for a wheelchair volunteer to push me around Vets Clinic?" Because you need it dad!
Sitting with the Occupational Therapist and her marveling at how dad is able to tend to most of his daily cares and even added his getting back into the kitchen last night to do the dishes after mom has prepared their meal... back to the new normal... She seemed disappointed that she will not be needed here, and I agree that time with my parents is a gift to most all those that spend time with them.
We had a young mother with her 2 year old pop in yesterday, and she shared that her mother-in-law is facing the end of her days due to cancer. They sent with her the relic of Blessed Solanus Casey and she seemed most appreciative and touched by their concern and promised prayers.
New tires to get through the muddy fields in this wet fall!!! 4 year old Luke says we now have a monster combine!
Off to the doctors with mom and dad, and we are asking for the healing promised in the Gospel today! And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal. 3And he said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. 4And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them." 6And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
I am thinking prayerfully about our time in France just a month ago! Little Brother Clement is a dear friend. We lift him up in prayer as he takes some time away.
Hallel's lamb which signifies her final vows - "I promise unto death!" LOVE the Lamb which leads us to total sacrifice - giving without counting the cost!
Therese and David.. the two 10 year old cousins at Lourdes in the rain! With this fast internet I am having fun with Ruth's big pictures and the memories are flowing and making me very nostalgic after our wonderful family time - the mountain of 21 going to France for Hallel's vows!
the proof in picture of the mountain!!!
Hallel with the Crosses... my family name... Dan Cross, Angela Cross and Al Cross! So grateful for their coming to share in our JOY!
Mary with one of the huge pots needed for large occasions in the Holy Family green space!
The feast after her vows in the Holy Family area. The little sister across the way had over 100 come under the tent, and we all totaled about 900 for the 12 taking their final vows! I would say that big pot was needed and used!
Loved seeing my 5 together which happens only when Hallel comes home for her home visit every 4 years! The day Susan left for France to join her Community of the Lamb - 9/11/08... 10 years later her final vows! All are now married and 3 new little ones due in March 2019 including John's first! LIFE is a gift!
Mom and I went to mass and brought Eucharist back to dad... a special moment around Jesus in his humble form of bread/Body of Christ!
"There is nothing littler, meeker or more silent
than Christ present in the Host.
This little piece of bread embodies the humility and perfect silence of God,
His tenderness and His love for us.
If we want to grow and
to be filled with the love of God,
it is necessary to plant our life firmly on three great realities:
the Cross, the Host, and the Virgin:
crux, hostia, et virgo. ...
These are three mysteries that God gave to the world in order to
structure, fructify, and sanctify our interior life and lead us to Jesus.
These three mysteries are to be contemplated in silence."
Robert Cardinal Sarah
"The Body of Christ"
Amen
To visit my brother, Phil, in the neighboring town as he is recovering after heart issues. "I am feeling better than I have in years!"
Mom has Jesus around her neck... Father placed the small purse around her neck for safe keeping until we bring it to dad... showing profound respect and devotion to Jesus in the form of the host!
As mom and I traveled to see Phil we said the decade of the rosary - 4th sorrowful/Jesus carries his cross for dad and Phil, who are both recovering at the same time from their health challenges... so appropriate for many reasons, but also as our family name is Cross! Robert Cross and Philip Cross - carrying the Cross!
Overnight rain and the dark church in the early morning for sharing the Word and the Sacrament of the Eucharist with mother and a few others in the beautiful church... pure gift!
Filling out the health care directive together... mom, dad and myself. This question was especially special as they shared what they wished to share with family if they were near death and unable to do so themselves...
"Trust Jesus for me and for you." from mother
"Jesus loves you." from dad
"Stay close to His Church." from both
Today in the Gospel Jesus tells us that what unites us as family to Him is "those who hear the word of God and act on it." The Word/Jesus "cuts away all that is contrary to your will." The Word/Jesus "enslaves the enslavers, sin and death."
"God takes delight in his people as, armed with the two-edged sword of his living Word, we cut through all that fetters us and our world in ways of thinking and doing inspired by kingdoms not his own." from morning prayer today
No doubt my parents prayer is for all of their family to know and love Jesus in Word and Sacrament!
Dealing with life and death issues and always mindful of The Church's guidance and wisdom!
Mom leaving church with Jesus around her neck... Father knew that she would protect and carefully honor Jesus and share Him with dad.
"Oh my Jesus! I love you!'
R. (35) Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands. Blessed are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD. R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands. Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds. R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands. The way of truth I have chosen; I have set your ordinances before me. R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands. Give me discernment, that I may observe your law and keep it with all my heart. R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands. Lead me in the path of your commands, for in it I delight. R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands. And I will keep your law continually, forever and ever.
Psalm 119 from mass today very well describes how my parents have modeled for me so beautifully how we live by His precepts trusting in His Bride, The Church, guiding and directing our steps down the narrow path! How can we give our total trust to The Church? The Church is there to help us get to heaven forever with Jesus, Mary, the Saints and all those that have gone ahead of us! Isn't that all we want? Yes!!!
"I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof."
Jesus, I am overwhelmed by your love and forgiveness! May i return it to all those around me... most especially to those the closest to me in my domestic Church/family... those we treat the worst yet we love the most. Be in our midst in Word and Sacrament as we go down the narrow path carrying/dragging our most Cherished Cross, and finding LIFE/LOVE/LIGHT. Jesus, we trust in you. Amen and Hallelujah
Physical therapy now here for my dad... he is strong but unsteady... showing him how he goes to bed and to the bathroom. We know not what lies ahead, but we will face each issue as it comes along as a family united for mom and dad. Bless-bless, Barbara Mary Luke
Dad shared a book of the saints that suffered with me yesterday... I especially loved this quote by a family favorite - St Ignatius of Loyola
"If God causes you to suffer much, it is a sign he has great designs for you, and that he certainly intends to make you a saint..."
The Cross is to be embraced and it becomes the Tree of LIFE!
A special surprise seeing John coming up serving in mass. The story is that Fr Denny asked for servers and John answered the call after waiting and looking around and seeing that there would be none.
Watching John on the altar with our new deacon, Ken.... John's ataxia is quite evident with his gate and awkwardness going up and down the steps... a vivid reminder of his battle/Cross/the storm of brain cancer and healing!
Jesus is in charge in the midst of the storms of life! Seeing the Cross overhead was very powerful and then to see him carrying the cross ahead of Father Denny and Deacon Ken... The Cross is huge in the new John.. and through that he has found LIFE/LOVE/LIGHT! New life in March as he and new wife, Bobbi, are expecting their first on the 26th!
John reported that he hasn't served since 8 years ago in his seminary days, and seeing him up there in his robe reminded us of how many changes and the Lord's own plan that has happened in John's life! He is now a married man and is soon to be a family man! Lord, your plan is amazing and we are in awe of you!
I am currently with my parents again as we navigate their path which lies ahead. My father greeted me with a verse he has memorized which speaks volumes for John's journey... John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Praying morning prayer with my parents this morning! A small slice of heaven to start our day! Prayer books open on their laps and me on my phone! How we cherish this deep prayer time!
The Gospel for today!!
Jesus said to the crowd: "No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.... "
Luke 8
So very true... my parents light on the lampstand is their prayer without ceasing for us... as my parents pray for their huge family of over 120! I for one depend upon their prayers and see them at work in my life and that of my family! I am covered well... listening to my dad pray for each of our family first and middle names! When we asked Augustine today if he knows who great-grandpa Cross is... his comment made us all smile and showed that he truly does have him pegged..."Augustine William and David Lawrence, you mean?" Yes!
My father back in his chair with his books at his side... the office, the Magnificat, and his daily devotions with Brother Antion to name a few. "It is good to be praying and back with my books." said my father, who only dodged a stint in the nursing home when his insurance was not falling into place. Unexpectedly back home and so grateful and so far things are going along ok.
Dad back at his desk going through the mountain of mail from a week away. He paid some bills and did let me carry them across the street to the mailbox.
Mom doing the laundry and cleaning the kitchen... thankfully sisters did the vacuuming and bathrooms! Thank you, and it does show that they are willing to give up some of the heavy jobs.
Yes, dad on his knees doing the recycling! I am getting in touch with why he is so independent at 93... it is called control and he is strongly holding on to it! I see that there is a step by step process needed in seeing how much he can continue to be doing. He doesn't step aside easily!
My parents with some of our family at Cross Christmas Camp (CCC) this past year! Not all, but a good chunk of our 120+
Yesterday all of my siblings, only missing one,... gathered together to discuss my parents and what we can do to help them with whatever comes in their future. It was good to sit around the table and see that we all love our parents and hope to keep them happily together in their home, assisted living, or living with a family member. We take each day as it comes to us!
Dad with my Evangeline Mary visiting from Tacoma, WA for Christmas Camp! My dad just prayed for our 3 in the womb and it is very good indeed!
Dad on his 90th birthday celebration with 3 of the 10.... He is now into his 93 1/2 and aging is a shipwreck!
The Blessed Solanus Casey shrine in Stillwater, St Michael's. He is huge for us with dad and John!
My parents at dad's 90th... now 3 years later the future is uncertain and we 10 children are trying to do the best we can for them. #1 priority is to keep them together!
Visiting my brother Phil in his restaurant. He has been going through some health/heart scares along with my father. He was missing yesterday as he just got home from having a stint put into his heart and home resting. It was crazy to see my dad and brother just across the hall from each other!
My parents at St Michael's for mass about a year ago. They now attend across the river just a few miles away. Tuesday and Thursday they attend daily mass and pray together the other mornings.
Jesus, we know that you are in control and we trust in you. Open the doors ahead of us and lead us down the path you have in mind for my dear parents. Jesus, you LIGHT our path and our way and you ask of us to share our light with all around us... most especially those in our domestic church/family. We thank you for all the LIFE we have been blessed with both here with us and in heaven keeping our eyes focused on joining you, your Mother Mary, the Saints and those that have gone ahead of us. Jesus, we trust in you. Amen and Hallelujah
The oldest of 11.... LOVE!
Yes, I was loved very much and enjoy my precious time with my parents now in their home. Bless-bless, Barbara Mary Luke
Lauren Daigle - Trust in you
Why Remain Catholic?
Jeff Cavins
Why should we remain Catholic when the Church is infected with corrupt people? Jeff understands that the Church is in trouble and being Catholic is not easy at this time, but the Church still has something to offer.
The answer is simple: this is the Church that Jesus founded.
Though corruption has affected the Church in the past, there has also been a lot of good that has come from it. From universities and the scientific method to working for the poor to sponsoring the arts, the one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church has had a major impact on the world. Do not leave the bridegroom. Set your face like a flint toward the Cross.
"When (Sr Gertrude) was a young nun, one of the old nuns was dying. The custom at that time was for the community to gather in prayer around the one dying. ... the nun was breathing her last breaths. Suddenly, she opened her eyes, stretched forth her arms and exclaimed: "O my Beloved."
Then she sat up and gazed lovingly at the Blessed Sacrament,which she had permission to have in her room since she had been too weak to go to the chapel. What happened next had never been told, until Sister Gertrude shared it with me. The old, wrinkled nun changed to a strikingly attractive young woman, radiantly aglowwith a countenance that put the rest of the nuns into ecstasy just looking at her. After what seemed like a minute or two, the transformed nun went back againsther pillow, turning old again and died. When the Sisters came out of their ecstasy, they were stunned to discover that this extraordinary event lasted for more than one or two minutes. The Sisters were in ecstasy for over thirteen hours!
... If only we could see the change that takes place in us at each Holy Hour we make. We are made new in the Eternal Youth of Christ. We are made innocent, without blemish, as we are cleansed in His Precious Blood, in the folly of His surpassing love. "
Mom was wiping tears as we shared this story this morning. Rarely does my mom cry... unlike me. It was a moment I will not soon forget and speaks to me of her place in her lifetime right now. Jesus, we trust in you.
A self portrait of Simon looking over our family job of canning pie filling yesterday... 85 quarts total... 7 had gone with John and 2 into applekuchen made by Ruth and devoured by the kids.
Picking apples, playing in mud and Joy on grandpa's lap in the pay loader.... Family time supreme!
I was unable to finish this and send it along yesterday due to my trip up to be with my sibs at the family meeting, and now some days with my parents! I will call this a canning post as we shared a glorious day... 2 daughters, son John, son in law, Bill, while Paul and Pat were busy with pasture work, 11 kids and myself had a larger record breaking canning of apple pie filling day!!!
7 pails put through the corer peeler!!! The apple skin is a long single string after it comes off the apple!
Simon was the corer/peeler machine!!! He has loved this turning mechanism from 2 years old on!!
Part of the hard working team! It was so great to have Nancy and family here helping!!! I think we would all call it a fun happy day making food for our 7 families!
These two girls are such hard workers that keep at it! They are proud that they are learning to use a knife on the pig cutting board! The apples must be good to eat as many slices found the mouth along the way! Those apples were just growing on the tree... so fresh!
Happy times shared by all!!! Bill recalls that his first time to visit Nancy's farm was 9 years ago and we were doing pie filling and he ran the corer peeler for the first time. He and Simon and Mary did hours of work for the big job and 7 pails later we had 85 quarts of pie filling!
Ready for jars!
Thank you Lord for family jobs that give us so much joy and food to share with one another! Even our Hallel is in KC and will have a taste of home! Bless-bless, Barb
