Category Archives: Life

So THAT’S how I talk…

A while back I agreed to do an interview with Pat Gohn from the Among Women pod cast. She’s a wonderful speaker (voice like butter!) and I always enjoy her pod casts: part women Saints history and the other part an interview with various women on various topics. I love getting a glimpse into other people’s lives, their faith walk and how they incorporate their faith into this world. Her program feeds my “spiritual voyeurism” and encourages me to keep on keepin’ on. We all need that from time to time, don’t we? Back to the interview…..she asked me to speak about MY faith and how it was tested, evolved and sustained me through our own trials. For some reason I agreed. Completely out of my comfort zone, I assure you. However, I had prayed for a long time that if our suffering and faith walk were ever to be a comfort and encouragement to others, than “Lord, here I am”.

Pat was amazing. Having NEVER done anything like this in my life, she guided me each step of the way. Beginning with a draft AND a word count (sheesh!), she edited my story showing me where to fill in the holes. Once I got going, I didn’t worry about the word count, the story wrote itself. We Skyped a couple of times to go over things and prep and then came the interview. It was like chatting with a dear friend over coffee, which is exactly as she wants it to feel. HOW does she do that???

In the end, the show was aired this week. I listened yesterday and once I stopped counting my “uh’s and umm’s” (a public speaking gig I won’t be pursuing any time soon) I listened. And relived. And stepped out of myself. And praised God for a wonderful work that He has done in our family. (and continues to do so daily) I also realized that I need to get back to THAT place of prayer and faith that I purely lived in heart, mind and soul for so long. I hope it was somewhat of a tribute to how God blessed us so amazingly with family and friends in our life willing to do His work for us. It really does take a village and our family, our children, have been blessed mightily in spite of this period of difficulty.

So cling to Him. He will deliver you. Today’s Readings are of Esther asking for God to put the words in her mouth to release her people. She gives Him full reign, full obedience. Waiting on direction. The Psalms remind us that when we call on the Lord, He DOES hear us. We are to trust. And in the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus reminds us to ask, seek and the door will be opened. And if even we as earthly parents give our children what the ask for can we even IMAGINE what God can do for us. I’m here to tell you, it’s true. Every bit. It’s a huge step in faith. Easy to say, but that first step is a doozy and won’t be one you regret.

Blessings!

French horn. Football. Fabulous.

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We have a funny kid in our family. He’s the clown. Always. He brings the funnies potty humor or just plain funny, he’s always honing his act. This year he entered the dreaded Middle school years and….he is flourishing. Opting to join band and learn the French horn he has excelled. First chair. (okay, out of 3…but c’mon, I gotta brag) Superior at solo and ensemble. (that’s fo’ realz!) The funny thing is neither Hubby nor I are musical. Not one bit. In fact, when I sing, the kids beg me to stop. Except at church. Somehow they know they can’t here. However, THIS kid, is so self-motivated and self-disciplined it’s amazing to watch. “Mom, I’m going to learn the French horn. And next year, I am going into Advanced band. (beginning this year, he’s decided to skip Intermediate) Perhaps pick up the trumpet and join Jazz Band.” I have no doubt he will. When he puts his mind to it, he does it. And then, he decided he’d like to give tackle football a try after years of flag. When a spring league opened up, he joined. And for the first time, he’s not top dog. Now he is the youngest in the 12-15 league and that makes a big difference in size and experience. I’ll give it to him though. He gets beat and bruised and exhausted and he utterly loves it. He’s improving. And now his brain is contemplating if he could play football and be in the band. Hmmmm. Time will tell. For now, it’s pretty fun to watch. This past weekend, we combined them both. Solo and ensemble on Friday night. Double-header football game Saturday.

Cruising into the weekend.

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Wrapping up the week and cruising into the weekend. Join me and others from around the world @ Conversion Diary and see what everyone’s been up to! Personally, I am OFF of work today. Though I am still up at o’dark hundred to get the kids to school. I’m just looking at it as a jump-start on the day, and a busy day it will be, which always reminds me that “Stay-at-Home-Moms” don’t really stay at home….sometimes I need that reminder, having been away from SAHM for awhile now.

— 1 —

It’s been a crazy, busy week at work this week (another reason to be grateful that my original plans for this weekend fell through and left me with a “Mental Health Day” today, because I really need it.) Kids in school. Hubby at work. Getting the chores done without my sidekicks–which always sounds great but I end up missing them! Either way, it’s just nice to have a day.

— 2 —

I finished the Hunger Games this week. I may be in the minority here, but here goes: I did find it a page turner which made for a quick read, but I have to say the theme of the “Games” was disturbing. Children picked to kill other children with only one winner. Sad. The fact that I was flipping the pages so quick made me “one” with the Capitol people who grossed me out. I just have to decide if I want to go on and read the other two books. Perhaps Katniss will be instrumental in making changes. Reminds me of the “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”. Though quite the mystery and adrenaline producing, the theme overall was too disturbing and I just couldn’t go on the finish the trilogy.

— 3 —

In preparation for watching my friend’s daughter play Scout in “To Kill a Mockingbird” next weekend, I am re-reading the book. It’s been years. And it’s a pleasure. It’s making my time on the treadmill and elliptical fly by, that’s for sure!

— 4 —

The advent of Lent. We have the usual sacrifices going on here: No X-box, No ice cream, No candy, No Facebook. I am counting on the kids to remember who gave up what…however so far, so good. It usually takes me a few days, but the Facebook shakes are diminishing and I seem to be functioning……

— 5 —

It’s a busy football weekend (double-header tomorrow) and a solo and ensemble performance this evening–all one kid. The others will get to coast. So funny how things all happen at one time, feast or famine. Fortunately, we have Sunday to REST!!

— 6 —

With the visit of our friends last weekend and the death of a co-worker’s father in law this week, I’ve been thinking a lot this week on how important it is to spend time, QUALITY time with our loved ones. To minimize our shortcomings, to maximize our memories. We only get one go around, life’s just too short to sweat the small stuff. I’m just praying I can more quickly discern the small stuff and move on.

— 7 —

Our youngest child has the awful honor of being the “First” ER visit for the family. Considering she’s 8 and the youngest of 4, I feel we’ve done a tremendous job so far. Or have been really lucky. Either way. Last week, while our friends were here, the kids were entertaining themselves with a baseball game in the front yard, while we prepared for S’mores in the backyard. The only problem was when you utilize a metal bat, an exercise ball and a 70 pound child, sometimes the recoil can be brutal on one’s eyebrow. The silver lining was that it came at the END of a great day with great friends and for a Saturday night, and in-and-out of the ER in under 2 hours was quite impressive. Dermabond is the BOMB and she’s healing nicely.

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