Rainy Daybook

Outside My Window

It is pouring. Raining hard, really dark. I'm praying for safe travels as Mike flies in this storm this morning.

I am Listening to

SportsCenter. Nicky is obssessed with March Madness.

I am Wearing

Black cardigan, white silk shell, black skirt, boots. Wake today.

I am so Grateful for

my eldest son, who understands that to live a life of ministry, of openness to God's call within a family, isn't quite as simple as signing up to do good deeds. It's answering the real life calling and meeting the needs of the people God puts in our lives on the ordinary days. He's made it possible for me to extend myself beyond the norm to do some outreach that would have been impossible without him here. 

I'm Pondering

Just these two words He spoke changed my life,

"Enjoy Me."

What a burden I thought I was to carry--a crucifix, as did He.

Love once said to me, "I know a song, would you like to hear it"

And laughter came form every brick in the street and from every pore in the sky,

After a night of prayer, He changed my life when He sang,

"Enjoy Me."

~St. Teresa of Avila quoted by Ann Voskamp in Chapter Eleven of One Thousand Gifts.

I think this is my spring song...

I am Reading

Got that in great detail here.

I am Thinking

Christian had to stand outside at the 7PM Mass on Ash Wednesday. The crowd spilled out onto the yard. Isn't that awesome!? People who don't usually go to church, found themselves there last night. I think it speaks to the hope of the human spirit. Lots of people wanting to get Lent off on the right foot; lots of people hoping to grow closer to God before Easter. Maybe even lots of people turning twoards God in the Church for the first time in a long time. Some of the regulars grumbled something about giving priority seating to those who show up every week. I say let them stand outside! Make room, make way, let the newcomers sit right up front. Let them see it all up close. Let them fall in love. And maybe they'll keep coming back again and again. That's certainly our prayer.

I am Creating

Not much this week. I am looking forward to starting to knit my first sweater, just as soon as the yarn arrives.

On my iPod

also covered in this post.

Towards a Real Education

 Lots and lots of reading this week. Mary Beth is playing the teacher role, more or less, and keeping everyone on track rather nicely.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty

Lent began yesterday. I found myself in a flurry in my closet, trying on and discarding clothes suitable to wear to a wake and funeral. My wardrobe is in a state of sorry mess. And it will likely stay that way for a while. My weight and shape are changing in these post baby years. Clothes are tight. Or loose. Money is tight. I compromise. I don't always wear what I wish I'd wear when I go out, whether to Mass or the grocery store, but I remember again, that the disposition of my heart is what's most important. And that a smile is the most beautiful thing I could ever wear. And God whispers again:

Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin.

But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them.

If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?

To Live the Liturgy...

 Liturgy is conversation with God. I'm praying that all my conversations will echo that great conversation.

I am Hoping and Praying

for Elizabeth deHority. She is constantly on my heart and in my prayers. She needs you now. Please, please pray with me. Today is an important day in discerning.

for the soul of Dr. Charles Ubelhart and for the comfort of his family.

 In the Garden

rain, rain, rain. Karoline is already dressed in raincoat and boots and off for a worm hunt. Crazy girl loves worms in the rain.

Around the House

We're tied purple ribbons to all our icons and pitcures and cruicifixes. We've hung the stations of the cross in the sunroom where brightly colored artwork hung previously. The purple letters on the mantel spell "repent."

From the Kitchen

Baked stuffed potatoes and salad last night; tomato soup and grilled cheese tomorrow night. Wednesday and Friday days of abstinence...

One of My Favorite Things

Sarah's new insistence that I not only hold her, but I hold my cheek next to hers. I'm gonna miss this.

Sarah Annie this week

She loves to say "Ready, steady, go!" and then run as fast as she can into Mike's arms. he snuggles her up and she alwasy, always says, "I love you, Daddy." Over and voer again.

A Few Plans for the Week

My mother is in town unexpectedly because a dear friend died.

wake today; funeral tomorrow

soccer tournament over the weekend

must settle back into routine next week

Picture thoughts:

 

BM is for Bryce Mitchell, unofficial patron of Foss soccer.