Thursday, May 2, 2013

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

In The Still Of The Night


Four Waters

At my Carmelite retreat we learned about about many things, but what most stood out in my mind was learning about the four waters, from "The Life" by St. Teresa of Avila.  This is something that I have not yet studied, and the vision of water was easily assimilated into my brain.  The first time that I entered a Catholic Church I had the sense of the smell of fresh running water.  And many times at Adoration the sense of smelling fresh running water returns.  Now, I cannot wait to read the book!

In the first water we draw water from a well with our bucket--and bring it to the garden of our soul by way of active prayer and meditation--we work hard to learn new disciplines. 

The second water comes to us by way of a water wheel.  We still need our bucket (prayer and meditation) and hard work, but in this water we are bearing the fruit of consolations and spiritual delights.

The third water flows into the soul of our garden like a river or a spring flowing through us, the water becomes easier to obtain, and our trust in God that He will bring us the water increases. 

The fourth water is the RAIN!  Oh how I love the rain, the way it feels, the way it smells, the way it cleans the air and the world around us.  In the fourth water God just rains down His blessings and Grace upon us--the Spirit falls on the garden of our soul, we are home, we do no work to obtain the water--we need only to rest in the Lord.  

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Weapon In Hand


By Padre Pio:

The fear that you have offended God is the surest proof that you have not offended him. 

Entrust yourself with boundless confidence to God's goodness.  The more the enemy increases his violent attacks against you, the more you should lean confidently on the breast of your very tender heavenly Bridegroom, who will never allow you to be defeated.  God Himself has solemnly proclaimed this in sacred Scripture: "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

To believe otherwise is disloyalty to God, who has kept us from falling in similar situations.  Even St. Paul was restless and asked to be relieved of the difficult test of his flesh...but was he not assured that the help of grace would always be sufficient for him?

Our enemy who is committed to our harm, wants to convince you otherwise, but spurn him in the name of Jesus and laugh at him.  This is the best remedy for beating him into retreat.  He becomes emboldened by our weakness, but when someone confronts him with a weapon in hand, he becomes a coward. 

Monday, April 22, 2013

Friday, April 19, 2013

A Picture...day 5


Walking in the rain with Stella--she's off exploring.


The Trail

Agnes smelling the world. 

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Day 4 Photo

This was taken at my favorite Chinese restaurant.  

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Day 3 Photos

My computer had a bad video card and was in for repairs for a few days--so I did not post my picture a day.  So I'm skipping those days and counting today as day 3.

Philip came up to Grandma and Grandpa's house and assisted us in taking the dogs for a walk.

Corgi's are the best dogs with children.  They stayed right with him, until we took them off leash on the trail.  Then Philip wanted the dogs to stay close and called them and tried to whistle like grandma with his fingers in his mouth. 


Philip found a bench on the trail, so we had to sit a bit. 



On Saturday we take the dogs to Mass, and they play with their friend Dolly.


Magnolia blossoms smell lovely at the side of our house--blossoms with no spring leaves yet.


Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Day 2 Photo

When taking Stella for a walk, she had to walk directly through all the muddy water puddles!






Tuesday, April 2, 2013

A Photo A Day

I've decided to take a photo a day--for a year, starting today.  And I'm going to post them to my blog.  If you want to get good at anything--practice, practice, practice--much like a great piano player, not too many people are born Mozart's.  And here is my first picture:  Taken outside of Saint James the Just Church in Ogden Utah, the morning mist hanging on the mountains.  


 

The second picture I took today, was taken indoors of my friend Bev:  I love her shirt--"Jesus loves you, but I'm His favorite."





Sunday, March 31, 2013

Easter Vigil 2013

The Easter Vigil Mass 
                  The Easter Vigil starts with lighting the Easter Fire.

People waited in the darkness, for the Light to appear.


And they waited some more.


Father Blessed the light--holy--ready to light the Easter Candle.


Good thing the candle was long--or a few hairs might have been singed. 




And the fire brought light to the darkness.


After everyone entered the lighted church, Jim and I stayed to warm ourselves.


As everyone entered the Church, their own candles were lit, with the light of God.


Then the Vigil began.  A few delicate folk left after about the third reading--wimps!
"Oh, Jim, how many more :)"


Singing the Psalms!


Preparing the waters for Baptism.


It's not just about "me and Jesus," we are a community of believers--one Body with many parts.


Steven assisting Father 


Baptized!!! 


Holy Water will be sprinkled on everyone present--to remind us of our own Baptism. 


We share our light with others.


We meditate in the heart, of the great gift of new life.







Purity restored.



Maria!



The Altar of the Lord.

After Mass reception--very late, and it's time to go home DAD!!!

Rose filled dreams await us at home.


Father is happy, because he got to play with FIRE!