Wednesday, September 24, 2014

My Kids

   I love my kids! I realize I've probably said that here already, but it's worth repeating! I love my kids! They are now 28, 26 and 22, so they are not little any more but all grown up and exploring the world.
   My main goal as a mom has been to raise them to love and honor God. I really didn't have any other plans...oh of course I want them to be happy, healthy, joyful and good, but I figure if they love and honor God they will get all that too!
  This week our youngest moved into her own place...cricket...cricket...yes, it's a little different home now. It's been a fun week of moving, cleaning and helping her get there and thankfully it's only a couple blocks from our house.  While there have been moments of tears and sadness, I'm also happy for her exploring the world. And even though she isn't right at home all the time, we will still have fun, interesting conversations like we did a couple of years ago while she was in college and was having one of those days. She texted me a comment and I replied and the rest of the conversation went like this:

Cait: So during algebra I got up to pass  around the attendance sheet. My backpack fell down and unbeknown to me the lid popped off my water bottle. It made Lake Superior!!! It took 6 trips to the bathroom to get enough paper towels but I’m starting to recover from this traumatization!

Mom: Momma said there would be days like this!!!  Aaaeeiii you poor thing!!! I love you. Good luck! Bring an umbrella!

Cait:  Love you too J

Mom: Did anyone call out for noah and the ark?

Mom: I bet those are big bottles

Mom: I forgot the comma! I bet, those are big bottles!

Cait: yup and awful paper towels

Cait: Yeah they are!

Cait: no-the red ones you bought. My water bottle

Mom: I think we’re getting our texts mixed up. Big red bottles and crappy brown paper towels like at the center!!

Cait: Yes yes!! The paper towels were crappy like the center ones. Whew now we’re good!!!

Mom: So now I’m on the floor laughing again at our conversation! What a day! Love you! Good Luck!

Cait: Bahaha!  Me too! Or I would be on the floor if I had room. These desks are close together!


Always enjoy any time you have with your kids and your parents!  That time is priceless! And don't forget to write each other or text...then read over those things at a later time too!

 

Monday, September 15, 2014

A Blessing For You


May nothing disturb you,
nothing frighten you.

All things pass;

God does not leave.

Patient endurance

attains all things.

Whoever has God

lacks nothing:

God alone is enough.

 St. Teresa of Avila

Friday, September 12, 2014

Slayer of Dragons


  I have to admit, as a martial artist whose patron saints are Michael the Archangel and Joan of Arc, the article in the October, 2014 Word Among Us about St. Teresa of Avila really caught my eye.  It is written by Leopold Glueckert, a Carmelite friar.

  In his article, entitled, 'Teresa of Avila: Slayer of Dragons' he refers to her as a spiritual dragon slayer because of her casual but confident approach to overturning powerful and common spiritual obstacles that we all face. 

  Having had many spiritual obstacles off and on throughout my life, I was interested in learning what this saintly female 'dragon slayer' had to say about deterrents in her life that led her to becoming a nun and teaching others to love the Lord.  I was especially interested in Teresa because she taught with joy.  She never took herself too seriously and was able to find joy and humor in problems she faced in her life.

  It reminded me that despite really trying times in my life, I've always felt a pull back to wanting to be a joyful Christian. I just couldn't see the point of being a sad faced, pessimistic Catholic. What's the point of being Catholic if we don't always try to see God's goodness in everything?

  I was especially happy that I found this article just as I was wallowing in a blue funk over a remark someone made to me.  Though not intended to hurt my feelings, I let it happen and boy did I wallow in the mud! 

  While reading Glueckert's article, I realized I had found a new friend and ally in the day-to-day struggle to be a happy Catholic.  Being joyful is really important to me in my ministry because I think it's by your example you help others to God, not just by your disciplines and rules.  St. Teresa really helped me see that I was wrong in being mad and hurt by someone who was questioning my methods. She says if someone questions you or speaks disparagingly about your faith, you can always find a way to reply humbly but point out how much your prayer has helped in your daily life.

  She also reminds us that even when we get upset with our adversaries, we owe them a smile. Why? Because, she says, "It was a loving, warm smile from God that had filled her with so much love in the first place!"

  I agree!  I will follow God's call in my ministry and as the author says, "Take up the shield of humility and the sword of good humor!"

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Life Lesson

   My husband is a college professor and he is forever telling his students that real life is going to come at them hard and fast.  That when they turn in late assignments, miss class or fumble around on a group project that in real life, those kind of mistakes could keep them from getting a job or even get them fired from a job they did land. 
   After being in the business sector for over 20 years then switching over to teaching college classes, he brings a ton of 'real life' experience to his students who eat up everything he teaches because it's the real deal.  They know what he tells them works or won't work because he's actually done what he is teaching.  When they mess up he endearingly reminds them that "it's a life lesson, learn the lesson, pay attention to your life!"
   We could all use a shot of 'paying attention' to our lives. We get up and go every day, doing much of the same thing we do every day, but do we stop and realize this is my life? I need to pay attention to it because I don't get another one. As Christians, we realize after this life, whether we get to Heaven or not depends on what we are doing right here, right now!
   So learn your lessons, pay attention to your life, right now!