Taking it one step at a time

Still A Work In Progress

2011-08-13T13:13:00.003-04:00

"I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous."

The above quote struck me when I first ran across it the other day while I was actually trying to find a different quote. I think it holds pretty true, for the most part... Only instead of the most significant relationship being with yourself, it should be your relationship with God. That's where we should be placing our best effort and the most attention too. Of course our relationship with others is important, but those relationships would not happen if it weren't for God placing them in our lives. Sometimes I have periods of time in my life where I have forgotten that and placed other relationships in front of Him and put more time into them than into mine with God. It is a human thing to do, but it is not something that should keep happening. Once I really have realized I've done that I really try to refocus my attention on the relationship that is the most important... My relationship with Him. Everything in my life seems so confusing when I forget to keep him in the middle. It's only when He is kept my focus than I become centered again and everything comes back together and I can make sense of it all... I thank God for the blessing of my family and friends that He gave me for my journey and am excited to meet those he has yet bring my way.

Florida Or Bust!

2011-07-10T21:50:00.007-04:00

As I have mentioned before, I just got back from my trip around Florida. It is kind of an interesting crazy ride. What started out as a trip with just my sisters and my baby nephew ended up, literally the last minute, to be a vacation with my mother and younger sister. I had been in charge of our Florida half of the trip, which included reserving our hotel, and when my older sister backed out I realized I was going to make this trip happen no matter what, and so I asked my mother to come along. They say everything happens for a reason, which I am a complete believer of... Especially with this trip, because as we were pulling out to leave in my mom's van, my dad was trying to start my car (which is what my sisters and I were initially going to drive in), and it wouldn't start... It turned out something got loose under the hood and my dad had to put it back in, but he didn't figure that out till we had left.

I must say this Florida trip was exactly what us three women needed. I know my sister and I hadn't taken a decent vacation trip in years and my mom loves the beach so she was a happy camper. I miss waking up to the sound of the waves already, but I was also ready to get back to the normalcy of my life and daily routine... It's funny what being on vacation does to a person. After a few days I kept getting the days mixed up and since I did not have to be anywhere at any specific time, I didn't worry about what time it was either. It was nice relaxing and playing in the water in Daytona Beach, site seeing around St. Augustine, and watching the sun go down while watching the ocean in Destin. On the way back we also made a quick stop in Memphis for a night with my mom's friend and had some great b-b-q and for breakfast I had the best pancake concoction ever made... Banana pancakes with crunchy peanut butter syrup... Now I am not normally one to like crunchy peanut butter, but it was so good that it didn't matter to me. I can't wait to make that here at home now... :)

While in Florida my sister and I climbed two lighthouses... the second and third tallest lighthouses in the country... which after climbing the tallest on in North Carolina when I was eight or so, means that I have now climbed the three tallest lighthouses in the country. I can honestly say the lighthouse keepers did not need to work-out much as climbing up and down those stairs so many times a day must have been a work-out in itself. Each one had over 200 stairs to climb. My mom tried to climb one of them, but could not make it up very high and had to go back down. As tiring as it was climbing up, the view from the top of each was spectacular! :)

St. Maria Goretti Moment.

2011-07-10T21:42:00.003-04:00

As I mentioned in my quick little post I was on vacation last week. While gone, my confirmation saint's, Maria, feast day happened. I was having such a great time while on my vacation and site seeing in St. Augustine that I totally forgot it was her feast day... until I was walking through the gift shop for the Our Lade de la Leche pilgrimage site. As I was walking around I stumbled upon this little display and as I looked at it I realized that it was her feast day. It was her way of saying "Hey there, Teresa, don't forget about me. It's my day today." It made my day!

For those of you who have never heard of St. Maria Goretti, let me tell you a little bit about her....

Early life

Goretti was born Maria Teresa Goretti on October 16, 1890 in Corinaldo, to Luigi Goretti and Assunta Carlini. She was the third out of six children.

Before the age of seven, her family had become so poor that they were forced to give up their farm, move, and work for other farmers. They ended up sharing a house with another family which included Giovanni Serenelli and his son Alessandro. Soon, Maria's father Luigi became very sick with malaria, and died when Maria was just nine years old.

Maria's martyrdom

On July 5, 1902, finding eleven-year old Maria alone sewing, Alessandro Serenelli came in and threatened her with death if she did not do as he said; he was intending to rape her. She would not submit, however, protesting that what he wanted to do was a mortal sin and warning Alessandro that he would go to Hell. She desperately fought to stop Alessandro from abusing her. She kept screaming, "No! It is a sin! God does not want it!" Alessandro at first choked Maria, but when she insisted she would rather die than submit to him, he stabbed her eleven times. The injured Maria tried to reach for the door, but Alessandro stopped her by stabbing her three more times before running away.

Maria's little sister Teresa awoke with the noise and started crying, and when Serenelli's father and Maria's mother came to check on the little girl, they found the bleeding Maria and took her to the nearest hospital in Nettuno. She underwent surgery without anesthesia, but her injuries were beyond the doctors' help. Halfway throughout the surgery, Maria woke up. She insisted that it stay that way. The pharmacist of the hospital in which she died said to her, "Maria, think of me in Paradise." She looked to the old man: "Well, who knows, which of us is going to be there first?" "You, Maria," he replied. "Then I will gladly think of you," said Maria. The following day, twenty hours after the attack, having expressed forgiveness for her murderer and stating that she wanted to have him in Heaven with her, Maria died of her injuries, while looking at a very beautiful picture of the Blessed Mother.

Serenelli's imprisonment and repentance

Alessandro Serenelli was captured shortly after Maria's death. Originally, he was going to be sentenced to life, but since he was a minor at that time the sentence was commuted to 30 years in prison. He remained unrepentant and uncommunicative from the world for three years, until a local bishop, Monsignor Giovanni Blandini visited him in jail. Serenelli wrote a thank you note to the Bishop asking for his prayers and telling him about a dream, "in which Maria Goretti gave him lilies, which burned immediately in his hands."

After his release, Alessandro Serenelli visited Maria's still-living mother, Assunta, and begged her forgiveness. She forgave him, saying that if Maria had forgiven him on her deathbed then she couldn't do less, and they attended Mass together the next day, receiving Holy Communion side by side. Alessandro reportedly prayed every day to Maria Goretti and referred to her as "my little saint." He attended her canonization in 1950.

Serenelli later became a lay brother living in a monastery and working as its receptionist and gardener until dying peacefully in 1970.

Maria's Cannonization

On June 24, 1950, Pius XII canonized Goretti as a saint, the "Saint Agnes" of the 20th century." Owing to the huge crowd present, the ceremonies associated with the canonization were held outside of Saint Peter's Basilica. Pius XII spoke, not as before in Latin, but in Italian. "We order and declare, that the blessed Maria Goretti can be venerated as a Saint and We introduce her into the Canon of Saints". Some 500,000 people, among them a majority of youth, had come from around the world. Pius asked them: "Young people, pleasure of the eyes of Jesus, are you determined to resist any attack on your chastity with the help of grace of God?" A resounding "yes" was the answer.

Wow! It's Been Awhile

2011-07-10T21:23:00.008-04:00

Man, I feel like I have been in a bit of a funk for the past month or so... Not really a funk as in my life stinks, but more of a "I have nothing to exciting to write about so I just won't write at all kind of feeling." In reality I am sure if I sat down to write something I would have been able to get some great stuff out, but I just didn't have the urge to bother with it. That happens to me every few years. I get addicted to writing, and then I feel as though I have said all I want to say for awhile, so I take a bit of a break.

This past week I wanted to blog a lot, but I was not able to really do it justice as I was away on vacation all week. I went down to Florida where I hung-out on Daytona and Destin Beaches along with spending some time in St. Augustine site seeing.

While in St. Augustine I had so much fun learning about all the Catholic history that is there.... Where the first Catholic missionary nuns were buried, the place where the first Mass was said on American soil, the first Catholic parish in America, , and the place where the first cross was erected, the burial grounds of the first christian native Americans were all just a few of the interesting things I learned about. There is so much history in that town and I only was able to get only a little bit of it.

"Kid's Say The Darndest Things" #14

2011-06-13T20:33:00.002-04:00

during nap time one of my kids decided he would try to pull the books off the book shelf, so I went over to sit by him. I looked over at another one of my kids and noticed he kicked off his blanket....

Me: Hey, do you want me to put the blanket back on you, Josh?

Josh N (in a very dramatic way while his chin is propped up on his hands): No... I... Just... want you to...love me, Miss Teresa.

(And then my heart melted....)

Me: But I DO love you, Josh!!!!!

Josh N.: Well then maybe you can rub my back????

(And that was where the Josh I know came out...hahaha!)

----------------------------------------------

While Shane was concentrating really hard on his art project...he was silent for the longest time and then he burst out

Shane: HOLY MACARONI!!!!!!! This picture is going to be SO big!!!!!!!!!!

And then he was silent again till he was done with his picture.

------------------------------------------------

After my break I went back into the classroom where I noticed some of the kids were beginning to wake-up....

Me: Hey, Shane, do you need to go potty?

Shane:No.... Hey, Miss Amanda! You're supposed to tell me when to go potty!

Amanda: You already told me you had to go potty, Shane.

Shane: But, it's YOUR responsibility to make sure I go potty!

----------------------------------------

I pulled out some random fun books to read to the kids. I pulled out the Noah's Ark book without thinking much of it when I heard Shane...

Shane: Miss Teresa, God does not like wicked people very much does he?

Me (a little confused where that question came from then I realized he was watching me as I pulled out Noah's Ark): You are right. God does not like wicked people.

-----------------------------------------

we were playing good old Disney music and dancing to it when The Beauty And The Beast came on. Shane asked me to dance with him. I obviously could not turn him down so we danced. I started to spin him around when he looked at me and said:

Shane: That's what men do for girls!

Me: What do men do for girls?

Shane: (while attempting to twirl me around) This is what men do for girls!

Favorite Nicholas Sparks Quotes Part II

2011-06-11T21:56:00.004-04:00

I am a quote collector. I collect quotes from famous people, from television shows, movies, books, etc.. One of my all time favorite people to collect quotes from is Nicholas Sparks. The romantic in me loves the cheesy factor of the quotes, but at the same time there is a very great message that comes from them as well. I know I have made a post before about some of my favorite quotes of his, but recently I have stumbled upon a few more that should be added to that list... :)

"Sometimes you have to be apart from people you love, but that doesn't make you love them any less. Sometimes you love them more.
~The Last Song~

"Nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Remember that."
~Message In A Bottle~

"I have faith that God will show you the answer, but you have to understand that sometimes it takes awhile to be able to recognize what God wants you to do. That's how it often is. God's voice is usually nothing more than a whisper, and you have to listen very carefully to hear it. But other times, in those rarest of moments, the answer is obvious and rings as loud as a church bell."
~The Last Song~

"Passion and satisfaction go hand in hand, and without them, any happiness is only temporary, because there's nothing to make it last."
~Dear John~

"The emotion that can break the heart is sometimes the very one that can heal it."
~At First Sight~

"Love wasn't possible in just a couple of days. Love could be set in motion quickly, but true love needed time to grow into something strong and enduring. Love was, above all, about commitment and dedication and a belief that spending years with a certain person would create something greater than the sum of what the two can accomplish separately."
~True Believer~

"He finally understood that God's presence was everywhere, at all times, and was experienced by everyone at one time or another."
~The Last Song~

"Never forget that God is your friend. And like all friends, He longs to hear what's been happening in your life. Good or bad, whether it's been full of sorrow or anger, or even when you are questioning why terrible things have to happen."
~The Last Song~

"But I'm different now than I was then. Just like I was different at the end of the trip than I'd been at the beginning. And I'll be different tomorrow than I am today. And what that means is that I can never replicate that trip. Even if I went to the same places and met the same people, it wouldn't be the same. To me that's what traveling should be about. Meeting people, learning to not only appreciate a different culture, but really enjoying it like a local, following whatever impulse strikes you. So how could I recommend a trip to someone else, if I don't even know what to expect? My advice would be to make a list of places on some index cards, shuffle them, and pick any five at random. Then just go and see what happens. If you have the right mind-set, it doesn't matter where you end up or how much money you brought. It'll be something you'll remember forever."
~The Guardian~

"I don't think we're meant to understand it all the time. I think that sometimes we just have to have faith."
~A Walk To Remember~

"Why Do We Take It All For Granted Until It's Gone?.."

2011-06-11T10:34:00.005-04:00

I am sure most have you have probably seen on the news or heard the story about Lauren Spierer, the 20 year old Indiana University student that went missing. It has been a week since Lauren Spierer was last seen. I never knew Lauren, but the fact that she went missing in my home town hits very close to my heart. It's interesting to me how people seem to think things like this will never happen to them until it actually does happen to you. Either you end up being the one missing and you're in the middle of something you wish was a nightmare, but it's not, or you wake-up one day and find someone you dearly loved has vanished and your world gets turned upside down trying to put clues together to figure out what might have happened to that person. My heart and prayers go out to this girl and her family and friends, but after a week of not being able to find her I know the outcome will probably not be pretty.

When something like this happens it makes me want to spend time with those who are the most important to me and remind everyone I love how much I love them and how much they mean to me. I know I try to do that every now and then. I will randomly send them a note or text or card to let them know how special they are to me, but every now and then may not be enough. It's sad that something like a missing person can remind us all that we need to not take family and friends for granted....

Disturbing Commercial

2011-06-10T13:47:00.004-04:00

I was really taken back by the above commercial. It rubbed me the wrong way. I understand they wanted something different to catch a person's attention, but they could have done something a little less controversial to do that. I just found the way they portrayed the priest in it was totally inappropriate. We should always remember to pray for our priests to stay strong in their vocation because I am sure there is a lot of temptation out there for them...

Hey There Stranger...

2011-06-05T22:58:00.004-04:00

I have been a complete failure in the blogosphere. I really just haven't had much of an urge to write lately. That is what usually drives me to sit down and blog, the urge for me to sit down and free my mind of whatever thoughts are stuck there. I warn you before you read this post that I have no clue where it will go as my mind likes to go on it's own after I have not written in awhile.

Life for me these days is going pretty good. No classes, work is great, and aside from the usual drama of the McConnell family not much to complain about in that part of my life either. My town is kinda quiet as the majority of college students are all gone for the Summer which includes a large portion of my own friends and so my social life has quieted down compared to what it was before the spring semester ended.

Hustle and bustle can be a good thing sometimes, but I prefer the easy pace of the Summer. Everyone seems less grumpier during the Summer when there is less traffic and it is easier to get from one place to another. I feel like it is just easier to breath and relax.

Breath and relax. The best place to breath and relax for me is easily during Eucharistic Adoration. There are times when I forget how amazing sitting with Jesus really is. I sometimes forget how much I have needed that time with Jesus until I am sitting there with Him in the silence of the church. I feel like that is the only place I can really put my life in the right focus, and that is really how it should be, keeping Jesus at the center of my life. It's not that I don't try, but I am human, and life happens and before I know it I am lost and am very lucky to have my faith life to help me become centered again. I lay it all out there and leave it with Him while Adoring Him in the Blessed Sacrament and I feel so much lighter after because I know that He has it all covered. He knows what is best for me and I will be ok.

"How sweet, the presence of Jesus to the longing harassed soul! It is instant peace, and balm to every wound." ~St. Elizabeth Seton~

Hooray For Field-Trips!

2011-05-28T10:47:00.003-04:00

Yesterday at work we took a field trip up to the Children's Museum up in Indy. The kids has a ball looking at the Dinosaurs, hanging-out with Dora the Explorer, learning about life for families in Egypt, and going on a train ride, and just exploring. They were able to get up-close and personal with fossils, and were even allowed to touch a real t-rex leg bone fossil. The staff was very nice and added to the fun the children had. Everything in this museum was hands-on, even more so than when I was a kid from what I can remember. It was a great day for them. I know I had a ball until towards the end of the day.

I had a very frustrating encounter with a random parent while playing in the pre-school area of the museum. This woman's daughter had been getting pushed around by some older kids, and since I was the closest adult near-by her she took her frustration out on me. I don't really need to go into detail about how rude she was with me, but I must say I have never wanted to call someone out as much as I wanted to let her have it. Instead, I held my tongue and I was very polite with her. I guess that must have annoyed her more as she became even more angrier with me. The thing is I really don't know anything about this woman. Maybe she was having a hard day, or week, or maybe she had something not quite right going on with her mind. I don't know. So even though she kind of ended my day on a sour note I do not wish anything bad on her. Even though that did happen, at the end of the day when I thought back on that encounter I said a prayer for that woman because I know people have bad days and sometimes react in random strange ways. I am no saint and make mistakes just like the next person. It's part of being human.

It's "My Kinda Party"

2011-05-16T20:48:00.013-04:00

Sorry for my lack of posting this past week. It was my birthday on Saturday and I went like an energizer bunny all week-end long. One of my VERY favorite parts of my birthday was attending the Jason Aldean concert up in Indy. I happen to be a huge fan of his music and the fact that I was able to see him on my birthday was a very exciting way to spend my birthday. One of the people that opened for him, Eric Church, is also someone I enjoy listening to and it was a nice surprise to be able to hear him as well. :) It was an insane crazy concert as it was completely sold-out. There were 25,000 Jason Aldean fans which is a whole lot of people for a concert. It was a party.... :) The two girls below are very good friends of mine who went along with me to see this concert. I have known these girls since I was ten years old and it was a lot of fun to hang-out with them for the week-end... :)

Pro-Life Victory!

2011-05-11T08:21:00.004-04:00

It was a wonderful day yesterday in the pro-life world. This is a HUGE victory!!! Many thanks to Mike for posting this, as I stole it from him.

Check this is out:
Indiana Right to Life is applauding Governor Mitch Daniels for signing into law today the most sweeping pro-life initiatives in Indiana since the Supreme Court legalized abortion on demand with the Roe vs. Wade and Doe vs. Bolton decisions in 1973.

HEA 1210 contains provisions to end all state-directed funding for businesses that do abortions, to establish Indiana's compelling interest in protecting pain-capable unborn children beginning at 20 weeks, to opt-out of abortion coverage in any state health exchanges required under the new federal health law, to require that women considering abortion be given full, factual information in writing, and to require doctors who do abortions, or their designees, to maintain local hospital admitting privileges in order to streamline access to emergency care for women injured by abortion.

"This legislation places Indiana on the vanguard of efforts to protect the unborn, to deny public funds to businesses that profit from abortion, and to ensure that women considering abortion have full and factual information about such issues as fetal development and alternatives to abortion," states Indiana Right to Life President and CEO Mike Fichter. "Governor Daniels has now established Indiana as one of the leading pro-life states in the nation."

Fichter also called Planned Parenthood of Indiana's move to secure an injunction against the defunding provision a delay tactic to keep public funding flowing as long as possible. "We are confident that Indiana will successfully defend this new law and that abortion businesses will be denied access to all state-directed public funds."

Life Is Good, My Friends. Yes, Life Is Good.

2011-05-08T20:44:00.007-04:00

Today has been a bitter-sweet day for me. It was bitter because today was the last confirmation class with my small group. It is crazy that two years have already gone by since the first class when we all started our journey. I must say I felt like a proud mamma hen today as my whole group, without me even prompting them, were excited to share with me about the saint they chose and why they chose that specific saint. It made me happy to know that they really did their own research and did not just choose a saint because their name sounded cool. I have become pretty close with these kids and am proud of how they grew in these past two years and I cannot wait to be able to watch them as they are confirmed next week-end. St. Michael the Arch Angel, St. Sebastian, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Catherine of Sienna, and St. Francis of Assisi please pray for these kids and watch over them as they journey through the rest of their life! :)

It was a sweet day as today is Mother's Day and who could have asked for better weather than what we had in my hometown? It was gorgeous and even more appreciated as in the majority of the past few weeks all we have seen are thunderstorms and rain. My whole family gathered together for a wonderful Mother's Day meal of grilled-out steak, baked potatoes, salad, and stuffed eggs. I must say it was all delicious, but I could not finish my plate. I felt so stuffed. My stomach really must have shrunk over the past few months because before I would have been able to eat it all. I was also blessed to see two of my three god-children today, which was a pleasant surprise.

Part of me is very surprised at how fast my week-end has flown by, but the other part is actually very excited to know that in six days it will be my birthday. I am even more excited about it this year as I will be spending part of my birthday at a Jason Aldean concert with two of my friends. I happen to be a HUGE Jason Aldean fan and own all of his albums except his newest one (which is the next cd I will be adding to my collection of music) and so to know I will be seeing him on my birthday is so cool. Along with that, the night before my birthday I will be going out with friends to celebrate, so I won't be getting much rest next week-end either. Go figure!

"Advice From Somewhere"

2011-05-07T10:00:00.000-04:00

Advice from Somewhere

ONE.
Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO.
Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE.
Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR.
When you say, "I love you," mean it.

FIVE.
When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.

SIX.
Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN.
Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT.
Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE.
Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN.
In disagreements, fight fairly. Please No name calling.

ELEVEN.
Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE.
Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN.
When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

FOURTEEN.
Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN.
Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN.
When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

SEVENTEEN.
Remember the three R's:
Respect for self;
Respect for others;
Responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN.
Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN.
When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY.
Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

TWENTY-ONE.
Spend some time alone.

Healthy Living

2011-05-04T22:38:00.003-04:00

It is interesting to me how being sick for only a couple of weeks can make me change my perspective on things. Really, two weeks is short compared to those who have serious health issues. Mine only was a bout of strep throat immediately followed by a sinus infection. I can tell you though that now that I am finally feeling better I am so very thankful for it. There were things I missed while being sick like being able to swallow without feeling as though my throat was on fire, or being able to breath through my nose, sleeping or sitting in church without fighting the urge to cough every few minutes (nyquil became a friend of mine for awhile there...). Then there was the issue of not really being able to get up and move much without paying for it dearly. I missed being able to sing, even now my voice is not at all ready to push for that.

Before I got sick this last time I exercised six days out of the week mainly because I was doing it for lent. It was more of a chore for me... After being sick I am so excited and grateful that I am able to get up and move my body around. It is a relief to know that I can sit in Mass without worrying if I will have the sudden urge to cough. I am happy to know that tonight I will most likely not have to take more medicine to get to sleep, as I really do not like to take any unless I am really desperate. It is things like this that get taken for granted, but let me tell you at the moment this girl is enjoying being healthy again. :)

Pope/Obama Joke... Too Funny To Not Pass On

2011-05-02T23:47:00.002-04:00

The Pope and Obama are on the same stage in Yankee Stadium in front of a huge crowd.

The Pope leans towards Mr. Obama and said, "Do you know that with one little wave of my hand I can make every person in this crowd go wild with joy? This joy will not be a momentary display, but will go deep into their hearts and they'll forever speak of this day and rejoice!"

Obama replied, "I seriously doubt that! With one little wave of your hand....Show me!" So the Pope backhanded him and knocked him off the stage!

AND THE CROWD ROARED & CHEERED WILDLY!

"Kid's Say The Darndest Things" #13

2011-05-02T20:24:00.005-04:00

Andras: (upset about not getting his way) Ellie! I am going to eat you! My mommy said I am going to eat you!
Ellie: (Trying not to laugh) Well do you want me to get you some ketchup or mayo or lettuce and tomatoes to eat with me?
Andras: That is not funny, Ellie! Not funny!
---------------------------------------------

This past Summer we finally were given something we have needed for quite a while now. New wood chips for our playground... With all the rain we have had it has washed a good 2/3's of them away and what we have been left with is a whole lot of dirt... Anyway while we were out on the playground a truck came to dump the last of the wood chips off and the kids were very excited about it....

Josh L. (Yelling at the top of his lungs to the truck driver): Thank-you SO much for the new wood chips you brought for my playground! (After the truck driver drives off Josh comes running up to me) That man is SUCH a nice guy for bringing us new wood chips, Miss Teresa.
-------------------------------------------

Me: Gracie, I need a hug good-bye, Missy! I have not gotten it yet, and I won't see you all week-end! Where is my hug!
Gracie (While hugging me): It's in my heart, Miss Teresa.

How cute is that?!?!
-----------------------------------------

I was sitting by Jacob's cot during naptime as he was not wanting to sleep. He was talking nonstop pretty quietly, but I was not really exactly paying much attention to him because it was "quiet" time... that is until he said...

Jacob: I want you to come to my party

Me: Your party? What kind of party?

Jacob: My wedding...

Me (in a joking kind of way): Awww Jacob. Are you wanting me to marry you?

Jacob: YES!

Me: Well... Where will you take me for our honeymoon?

Jacob: To a party

Me: Where will the party be?

Jacob: In my bedroom

MY FAVORITE QUOTE OF THE DAY!!!!

----------------------------------------------

Josh L. was painting and decided to pick up the yellow paint bottle and sniff it...

Josh L: Wow. This smells like.... like women.

HA HA HA!!! I didn't know us women smelled like the color yellow.

"Bin Lauden's Death: Cause For Reflection, Not Rejoicing"

2011-05-02T20:01:00.004-04:00

A friend pointed this article out to me today. With all the news surrounding the death of Bin Lauden what I find the most disturbing is the fact of how so many young elementary school kids here in America are rejoicing the death of a person, even if that person is Bin Laden. I think it is sickeneing to know we have taught them to be joyous over the blood of a human being. The Church seems to be in agreement of how I am feeling over this.... Just because this man's life is now ended does not mean there will be peace anytime soon. I have a feeling it will be even more tumultuous for awhile longer. Let us pray that whatever happens now is the will of God.

Vatican says bin Laden's death cause for reflection, not rejoicing

By John Thavis
Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican said the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, a man who sowed division and hatred and who caused "innumerable" deaths, should prompt serious reflection about one's responsibility before God, not rejoicing.

The Vatican statement May 2 came the day after President Barack Obama announced that U.S. forces had killed bin Laden in an attack on his hideout in northwest Pakistan. In several U.S. cities, the news prompted street demonstrations and expressions of jubilation.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, released a brief written statement reacting to the news.

"Osama bin Laden, as we all know, bore the most serious responsibility for spreading divisions and hatred among populations, causing the deaths of innumerable people, and manipulating religions to this end," Father Lombardi said.

"In the face of a man's death, a Christian never rejoices, but reflects on the serious responsibilities of each person before God and before men, and hopes and works so that every event may be the occasion for the further growth of peace and not of hatred," the spokesman said.

The Vatican missionary news agency, Fides, reported that Christian schools and other institutes were closed and churches put on guard in Pakistan's main cities out of fear of possible repercussions on the Christian minorities there. Pakistani Christians are often identified in extremist literature with the West and the United States.

Paul Bhatti, a government adviser for religious minorities in Pakistan, told Fides that "the situation is tense."

"In fact, there are strong fears of reactions -- senseless reactions -- against the Christian minorities. The government is giving the maximum attention to prevention measures," he said.

Father Mario Rodrigues, director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Pakistan, said after a meeting with government officials May 2: "They put us on alert, requesting the closure of our institutes and making available additional police personnel around the churches. The Christians of Pakistan are innocent victims in this and other situations. Any pretext is used to threaten them or launch an attack."

Rodrigues said some experts predicted that bin Laden's killing would weaken the Taliban and their ideologies, which could help diminish anti-Christian persecution in the long term. But he said radical Islamic groups were flourishing in Pakistan, and other extremist leaders could arise.

What is needed, he said, is a serious policy of interreligious tolerance at every level -- cultural, social, political and legislative.

END

Beatification of John Paul II. :)

2011-05-01T17:11:00.004-04:00

What a happy Sunday it is today! Today is even more special as Pope John Paul II was officially beatified early this morning, which brings him one step closer to sainthood. :)

For those of you who do not know the steps that are taken before a person is considered a saint then let me clue you in on them.

The process must begin five years after the candidate's death. (Pope John Paul II waived this requirement in Mother Teresa's case and Pope Benedict XVI waived this in Pope John Paul II's case as well.)

Local bishops investigate the life of the candidate and the findings are sent to the Vatican.

After approval by a panel of theologians and cardinals, the pope proclaims the candidate is "venerable," meaning a role model of Roman Catholic virtues.

The next step is beatification if it is determined by the church that the candidate is responsible for a miracle after his or her death.

Finally, for the designation of saint, the church must certify proof of a second miracle. Once they approve of the miracle then the Pope must declare the person a saint by canonizing them.

Sometimes It Is The Simplest Things That Can Make A Difference

2011-04-29T22:13:00.005-04:00

I found this photo randomly while online. It makes me wonder how many of these types of signs could indeed make a difference. I also wonder how many people it would impact and who would actually take it seriously when they choose to take one.

"5 Myths About Drinking Water"

2011-04-29T22:08:00.003-04:00

A friend of mine recently introduced me to stumbleupon.com. I had never heard of this incredibly addicting website until just last week, but I gotta say it has kept me very entertained with things I never even realized I would be interested in. It is crazy how it finds things that interest me. Needless to say I am now an official stumble addict. While on there today I stumbled upon this article about myths of drinking water. As I have been on weight watchers for almost the past two months (I lost 18 pounds so far and still going strong. :))this really intrigued me....

Is bottled water better for you than tap? Or should you choose vitamin-enriched water over sparkling? Experts say, skip it all. None of these products are likely to make you any healthier. Below, we look at five major myths about the benefits of drinking water.

But first, how do you know if you're drinking enough water? Experts say there's an easy way to judge. If you're not thirsty, you're fluid intake is likely "just right."

Myth No. 1: Drink Eight Glasses Each Day

Scientists say there's no clear health benefit to chugging or even sipping water all day. So where does the standard advice of drinking eight glasses each day come from? "Nobody really knows," says Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, a kidney expert at the University of Pennsylvania.

Myth No. 2: Drinking Lots of Water Helps Clear Out Toxins

The kidneys filter toxins from our bloodstreams. Then the toxins clear through the urine. The question is, does drinking extra water each day improve the function of the kidneys?

"No," says Goldfarb. "In fact, drinking large amounts of water surprisingly tends to reduce the kidney's ability to function as a filter. It's a subtle decline, but definite."

Myth No. 3: Lots of Water Equals Healthier Skin

The body is already 60 percent water. So, if you take a 200-pound man, he's 120 pounds of water.

Adding a few extra glasses of water each day has limited effect. "It's such a tiny part of what's in the body," says Goldfarb. "It's very unlikely that one's getting any benefit." His full editorial is published in the current issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

One study published in 2007 on the cosmetic benefit of drinking water suggests that 500 ml of water increases capillary blood flow in the skin. "But it's unclear whether these changes are clinically significant," says Goldfarb.

Myth No. 4: Drinking Extra Water Leads to Weight Loss

A more accurate statement may be: Drinking water is a helpful tool for dieters.

"Water is a great strategy for dieters because it has no calories," says Madeline Fernstrom of the University of Pittsburgh. "So you can keep your mouth busy without food and get the sense of satisfaction."

But water is not magical, she adds. Other zero-calorie options such as diet sodas are fine, too.

Myth No. 5: It's Easy to Get Dehydrated During a Workout

Dehydration sets in when a person has lost 2 percent of his or her body weight. So for a 200-pound man, this means losing 4 pounds of water.

Marathon runners, bikers and hikers all need to recognize the signs of dehydration. "It is also obvious that individuals in hot, dry climates have increased need for water," says Goldfarb.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that athletes drink 16 ounces of fluids a couple of hours before starting sports practice.

But for a stroll in the park, no water bottle is necessary. Goldfarb's advice: Just drink when you're thirsty.

Chicken Enchiladas Anyone???

2011-04-28T22:13:00.004-04:00

The picture above is of what I had for dinner tonight. I made delicious chicken enchiladas (minus the black olives) and spanish rice. My sister and I invited a group friends over for dinner this evening for some fellowship and fun. As my sister had to work till later I was in charge of preparing the meal so I can honestly say the food was all mine and I am quite proud with how it all turned out. The group I spent my evening with are all very dear to me. They each have found a spot in my heart which is somewhat surprised as I have not gotten close to a few of them until this year, but we clicked pretty instantly and spent a lot of time together this semester. I am grateful for my friends and the best way I knew how to show them was having dinner for them.

After dinner we spent time talking and laughing and also watching some you tube videos which had to do with the Catholic faith, along with Big Bang theory scenes. All-in-all it was a very nice evening and I am happy to know these people will be coming back again next year which means there will no be too many good-byes for this girl this time around which makes me happy. :)

Bringing Jesus To The Streets Of IU Campus

2011-04-28T21:57:00.004-04:00

This past Tuesday was another Eucharistic Procession. It was easily the smallest group we have had for this event. I believe only around seventy people, which is not that much considering there have been a couple of hundreds in the past. I believe it is because it was not very well advertised this year. I had heard about it only one week before, which is not the case in past years. Even though it was a more intimate group of people I believe it still had a large impact on those who saw our little procession.
It was somewhat of a frustrating day for me before the procession. The weather was looking pretty nasty and we were all worried that it would be even more stormy as the time for the procession rolled around. I had a lot of friends who would not make it praying that the weather would be nice for those of us who were going. Even more important that it would not start raining as we were all in the middle of processing through IU campus as we did not want to put Jesus in the middle of nasty weather. Thankfully everyone's prayers were heard because right about the time it was to begin the sky cleared and it was gorgeous the rest of the evening. It was a wonderful blessing.

I'm A Sanguine/Phlematic (Mostly Sanguine).

2011-04-27T23:46:00.001-04:00

This hits way to close to home in so many ways....

Sanguine / Phlegmatic sp

The sanguine-phlegmatic is an extraverted, optimistic, warm individual who readily connects with others and is well-liked by all. His sanguine side makes him creative, enthusiastic, friendly, and inspiring. His phlegmatic side makes him somewhat cautious at times, and also highly sensitive to other people’s moods, emotions, likes and dislikes. He keenly desires harmony in relationships.

He tends to overextend himself in order to meet others’ needs and to personalize any negative criticism (If the boss says, “We are not meeting our quotas,” the sanguine-phlegmatic thinks, “Is he angry at me?” If her best friend says, “I really can’t wear red lipstick,” the sanguine-phlegmatic will think, “She’s trying to tell me that my lipstick looks terrible!”). After all, the sanguine-phlegmatic has a double-dose of feeling; twice-blessed by the tendency to prioritize relationships and harmony.

If you are a sanguine-phlegmatic, most everyone likes you! You are easy-going, creative, fun-loving, enthusiastic, imaginative, caring, generous, flexible, and spontaneous. You are probably considered “emotional” because of your easily aroused feelings, your attentiveness to relationships, and your tender heart. Your weaknesses are superficiality, indecisiveness, disorganization, and procrastination. Often you find it difficult to know exactly how to state what you mean, or how to express yourself logically; this contributes to a tendency to talk more than is needed or to provide more detail than is necessary. In a relationship, you will likely gravitate toward a logical, organized, strong-willed and decisive partner—someone who makes decisions quickly and provides strong moral certitude and structure to your life. You can be easily influenced (which is exacerbated by your tendency to ask others for advice — without thinking it through) and to do what seems “kind” before considering whether it is objectively right. Many sanguine-phlegmatics are drawn to teaching (and parenting), the helping professions, and volunteer works for the Church or for the welfare of society.

You place a high priority on your personal search for meaning and self-identity. The strong need to discover your “true self” will be met by a rich prayer life and a personal relationship with Christ. Your weaknesses probably tend to bother you more than anyone else. For example, you may find yourself blurting out something without thinking, or spending too much time seeking advice only to find yourself more confused than you started, or oversleeping every day this week — despite all the best of intentions. You may find yourself becoming overcommitted because you simply can’t say “no” and have a strong need to be liked/please people. A typical sanguine-phlegmatic trick is to spend too much money shopping or (better yet) dining out with friends, and then to put off balancing the checkbook (too much work, too many other distractions) until it is hopelessly behind. Now you are overwhelmed with everything that has piled up! You may complain half-heartedly, blame circumstances, or go shopping. . . but you may not really make a concerted effort to change.

Easter Family Fun Photos

2011-04-25T20:19:00.008-04:00

These are all photos that were taken Easter Sunday with the family. It is very rare these days that my family is all-together and are all okay with having their picture taken....

Holy Saturday - Waiting

2011-04-23T16:46:00.001-04:00

"Good Friday Ideas For Families"

2011-04-22T10:23:00.002-04:00

I found this article and thought I would share it as it does have a number of good ideas. Enjoy!

Good Friday Ideas for Families
Catholic schools will be closed on Good Friday so the children will be able to participate in family observances of this solemn day. If possible, the entire family should attend Good-Friday services together, or at least make a trip to Church to make the Stations of the Cross (see section on Stations). Following are a few other suggestions.

a.. Hot Cross Buns. The familiar hot cross buns are sweet rolls with the sign of the cross cut into it, and they are one of several traditional European breads marked with a cross for Good Friday. According to tradition, these buns originated at St Alban's Abbey in 1361, where the monks gave them to the poor people who came there. (You may have your own recipe for sweet-rolls to which you can add currants or raisins before shaping and cut a cross in the top before baking; or you can buy them.) These Good Friday buns were very popular, and were sold by vendors who cried,

Hot cross buns, Hot cross buns! One a-penny two a-penny, Hot cross buns! If you have no daughters, give 'em to your sons! One a-penny two a-penny, Hot cross buns!

The Three Hours. Some churches hold prayer services during the three hours of Christ's suffering on the Cross. It would be appropriate to observe a period of silence at home, for devotional reading and private prayer (e.g., no radio, television, etc.), especially between the hours of noon and 3 o'clock in the afternoon.
Each member of the family might choose a particularly unpleasant job which has been put off for a long time - like cleaning the garage or a closet, or scrubbing the bathrooms (we're sure you can think of something!)- to emphasize the dreariness apropriate to the day.
Good Friday was thought to be a good day for planting seeds (a reference to the Gospel about the seeds which must be planted in the ground to bear fruit as a metaphor for Christ's necessary death and His burial on this day) so if the weather permits, this could be a worthwhile activity with children. (Don't forget to explain the symbolism.)
With very young children keeping silence during the Three Hours is virtually impossible. You might help them make a miniature Garden of Joseph of Arimathea in the yard. Mother or Father can teach children about the circumstances of Christ's burial and resurrection from the tomb by telling the the story of Joseph, Christ's friend who donated the new tomb where Jesus' body was buried after He was taken down from the Cross. Children can gather small stones, sticks, acorns. etc., for the little garden.
Older children can be given a drawing or coloring project. Perhaps they could draw one or more of the Stations of the Cross. (See also sections on the Cross and Christ symbols).

"You Were On The Cross"

2011-04-22T08:07:00.003-04:00

"Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent."
~St. John of the Cross~

This is such a masterpiece of lyrics and music. Take a moment today to reflect on it.....

You Were On The Cross
Written by Matt Maher/Kenny Butler/Audrey Assad; Performed by Matt Maher

Lost, everything is lost
And everything I've loved before is gone
Alone like the coming of the frost
And a cold winter's chill in my stony heart

And where were You when all that I've hoped for?
Where were You when all that I've dreamed
Came crashing down in shambles around me?
You were on the cross

Pain, could you take away the pain?
If I find someone to blame, would it make my life seem easier?
Alone, all my friends are asleep
And I can't find anyone to stay awake with me

Where were You when sin stole my innocence?
Where were You when I was ashamed?
Hiding in a life, I wish, I never made

You were on the cross, my God, my God, alone, alone
You were on the cross, You died for us, alone, alone
You were on the cross, victorious, alone, alone

You were there in all of my suffering
And You were there in doubt and in fear
I'm waiting on the dawn to reappear

Good Friday

2011-04-22T07:54:00.001-04:00

Roles of Men And Women In The Catholic Church

2011-04-21T21:11:00.004-04:00

There has been somewhat of an on-going discussion between my groups of friends over feminism in the Catholic Church. In one group we have been discussing the roles men and women should play in the Church. Basically why women should not be priests and why we should only have girl "altar boys" only when desperate. In the other group we talked about how there is the wrong kind of feminism and the right kind. Just because women are capable to do the things men can does not mean we need to prove it to everyone. We may be capable, but that is not what we are called to do.

My favorite Bible quote to reference when I speak about this topic is; Ephesians 5:22-33.

22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church-- 30 for we are members of his body. 31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32 This is a profound mystery--but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

It is quite obvious here that men and women are called to do different things. Men to take the lead and be strong to help protect and defend the Church. Women are called to follow the men's lead. Even though Men are called to be in leadership roles, women still have a lot of power in their parishes. Women are made to be caregivers and teachers. We as women are the ones put in charge to form the minds of the future of the Church. That is a huge deal to be entrusted with. We are also called to be Sacristans and make sure the sanctuary stays clean and beautiful because a building housing the tabernacle should be kept in the best shape. Women have equal rights to be sponsors at Baptism and Confirmation.They can be readers at Mass, extraordinary ministers (laypersons who assist the priest at Mass to give out Holy Communion, sometimes call Eucharistic ministers) if needed, and they can work in the parish office.

There is a downside for those who try to push the interchangeability between the roles of the sexes. It often results in society encouraging men not to be strong leaders and not to take roles of leadership in their families, in their parish, and in society. We don't want to give an excuse for men to become wimpy. We want all of our Catholic men to be strong and ready to take action when called to do so.

I know I am probably going to be considered a little old fashioned to some who may read this, but it is how I feel.

The Real Meaning Behind Palm Sunday

2011-04-18T12:27:00.001-04:00

Feeling The Love

2011-04-18T11:57:00.003-04:00

In my last post I mentioned how yesterday I was home sick with strep throat. I received phone calls and texts and facebook messages from those who heard I was sick to let me know they were all praying I would feel better. All those messages from friends each did make me feel better and cared for. There was one instance yesterday though, that made me feel touched the most.

I know I have mentioned in past posts, mostly in my earlier ones, that the song "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" has a special meaning to my family. The reason why it is special I know I have written about before and you can read it if you click here.

Last night as I was cuddled up on the couch I was channel surfing and what movie did I end up finding without knowing it would be on, but "The Wizard of Oz." I turned it on and it was just starting. It hit me as I was listening to Judy garland sing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" that my brother, David, was trying to let me know he was there. What was even more cool about this was that I was the only person in the room during the song. My mom had just gone to bed, my dad was gone to pick-up my little brother, and Crista was downstairs in her room. I felt so much more relaxed in that moment. This morning I told my mother about it and she laughed and said how of all the members in my family, David would be the one who understands feeling pain more than anyone else. She was not too surprised by that at all. I am happy to have my big brother up there looking after me. :)

How I Spent My Palm Sunday.....

2011-04-18T11:27:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was Palm Sunday, the kick-off to Holy Week, and sadly I had to spend it at home. I woke up yesterday morning with a full-blown case of strep throat. I was so frustrated over being sick this time as I knew I was going to miss Palm Sunday Mass (which happens to be a favorite of mine growing up) and I also had planned a fun little dinner for some friends yesterday evening, but I had to cancel that as well.

I must say I have only ever missed Mass on Sunday morning once before, but that was when we were on vacation and I can't remember exactly why we didn't make it that Sunday... maybe the church was way too far. I just can't recall. This time was different as I had just went to confession the day before and so I was just pumped for starting this Holy Week on a great start. It was hard to watch the rest of my family leave while I was laying on the couch and was in so much pain I could only mouth what I wanted to say. So as everyone in my family each went on their way to Mass I stayed home and prayed the Rosary, read the Mass readings, and just prayed more than I usually do when I end up sick. I was still sad that I missed out on Mass I decided I would offer up my really sore throat for the souls in purgatory. I know God allowed me to become sick for some reason yesterday, and I am sure I will understand why eventually even if I don't really at the moment.

"Kid's Say The Darndest Things" #12

2011-04-15T23:17:00.003-04:00

Mrs. Morgan: So how was Henry's day today?
Me: He had a really good day. There was a fire drill this morning, we watched an Easter movie,
Mrs. Morgan (kinda cutting me off in mid-sentence): What kind of Easter movie? The Easter bunny kind or the Jesus kind?
Me: The Jesus kind.
Mrs. Morgan: Oh cool!
Henry: Mommy, Jesus is my favorite!
--------------------------------------

Miss Becky: Sidda do you have an extra pair of shoes in your cubby?
Sidda (in an assuming "duh" kind of way) Yeah, my high heels.

Getting in some good practice for when she will really need to wear those high heels. lol
---------------------------------------

Me: I think I woke up on the wrong side of the bed today.
James: what side did you wake up on?
Me: Well normally I like to wake up on my right side, but today I am pretty sure I woke up on my left side...
Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, James?
James: Yeah, I did.
Me: What side is the wrong one for you?
James: When I wake up on my back.
---------------------------------------

This comes from my ten year old nephew, Isaiah.

Isaiah: Chad (his mom's fiancee), are you Catholic?
Chad: No.
Isaiah: Are you Christian?
Chad (While shrugging his shoulders): Yeah. Yes.
Isaiah: (In a really loud accusing voice) Oh! That means you don't believe, (and then more quietly and slowly) something...
Maria (Isaiah's mom): And what does he not believe?
Isaiah: (Bangs hand on the table) I know! It means he doesn't believe the body and blood... I mean the bread and wine is not the body and blood!

It was SO SO SO cute!
----------------------------------------

Today during nap time I am pretty sure Savannah was dreaming when she woke up...

Savannah: (Sits up in a dreamlike state and looks straight at me) I have to....... I think I have to....... I have..... I have to do something. (and then immediately falls back on her cot and goes right back to sleep.)

"Grenade"

2011-04-14T22:48:00.005-04:00

Holy Week is coming up, and I must say that I am looking forward to it. Holy Week happens to be my very favorite week in the liturgical year. Tonight as I was listening to this song, "Grenade" by Bruno Mars, my mind-set was totally different than how it normally is while listening to this song. If I was not thinking about Holy Week I probably would not have even taken this song in the direction I am about too. The fact is this song, if looked at with the right perspective, is so symbolic. I am sure Bruno Mars was not meaning for it to be interpreted this way, but the fact is I have for the first time thought of this as being turned into a Christian song.... A lenten type song. Like maybe how Jesus was thinking while hanging on the cross and looking down and realizing the the majority of his closest friends had deserted him.... For example "Should of known you was trouble from the first kiss " could be about Judas and how he hands Jesus over with a kiss on the cheek. "Black, black, black and blue beat me till I'm numb" could obviously be about him while being scourged.... Some may think I am silly for thinking this way while listening to this song tonight, but sometimes that is how my mind works.

Grenade
By Bruno Mars

Easy come, easy go
That's just how you live, oh
Take, take, take it all,
But you never give
Should of known you was trouble from the first kiss,
Had your eyes wide open. Why were they open?

Gave you all I had
And you tossed it in the trash
You tossed it in the trash, you did
To give me all your love is all I ever asked,
Cause what you don't understand is

I’d catch a grenade for ya (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Throw my hand on a blade for ya (yeah, yeah, yeah)
I’d jump in front of a train for ya (yeah, yeah , yeah)
You know I'd do anything for ya (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Oh, oh

I would go through all this pain,
Take a bullet straight through my brain,
Yes, I would die for ya baby;
But you won't do the same

No, no, no, no
Black, black, black and blue beat me till I'm numb
Tell the devil I said “hey” when you get back to where you're from
Mad woman, bad woman,
That's just what you are, yeah,
You’ll smile in my face then rip the breaks out my car

Gave you all I had
And you tossed it in the trash
You tossed it in the trash, yes you did
To give me all your love is all I ever asked
Cause what you don't understand is

I’d catch a grenade for ya (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Throw my hand on a blade for ya (yeah, yeah, yeah)
I’d jump in front of a train for ya (yeah, yeah , yeah)
You know I'd do anything for ya (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Oh, oh

I would go through all this pain,
Take a bullet straight through my brain,
Yes, I would die for ya baby;
But you won't do the same

If my body was on fire, ooh
You’ d watch me burn down in flames
You said you loved me you're a liar
Cause you never, ever, ever did baby...

But darling I’ll still catch a grenade for ya
Throw my hand on a blade for ya (yeah, yeah, yeah)
I’d jump in front of a train for ya (yeah, yeah , yeah)
You know I'd do anything for ya (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Oh, oh

I would go through all this pain,
Take a bullet straight through my brain,
Yes, I would die for ya baby;
But you won't do the same.
No, you won’t do the same,
You wouldn’t do the same,
Ooh, you’ll never do the same,
No, no, no, no

Little Five Week - The Greatest College Week-end... And Then Some.

2011-04-14T22:24:00.006-04:00

Today was an incredibly gorgeous day in my hometown. The sun was shining, the temperature was just right, and everyone was all out and about. The kind of day that would be a real shame to waste staying inside. Granted, I am sure the most of the people who were out in my home town were out "enjoying: the week's festivities. It is Little Five week here in B-town. Little Five is also know as the best college week ever. Basically it is just an excuse for people to party hard and get totally wasted while going from one party to another to another. I am one who tends to avoid down town at all costs during this crazy week because traffic is not the greatest, I find Little Five week a bit over-rated anyway... I did celebrate a little bit tonight at a local bar as a large group of friends were all going and they were handing out free t-shirts, so I thought why not?

After just a little while at the bar I quickly came to the conclusion that I am finally starting to get-over the whole bar-hopping scene. Don't get me wrong, I do like to go when things are less crowded and I am out with a fun group of friends, but days like today remind me why I don't need to go out to the bars every week-end. The music was too loud and the crowd was pretty intense. Not too mention drinking is so unhealthy on so many levels, especially the crazy mixed drinks that are served at the bars. I guess my adventure with Weight Watchers this Lent has really curbed my appetite for the drinks I once really enjoyed. The amount of calories in those drinks make them less tasty to me so I have kind of avoided them this lent.

Speaking of weight watchers I must say I am proud that I have lost 17 pounds since Ash Wednesday. I am sad to say that not all of my personal lenten promises have not been as successful as that particular one. In the past few weeks I have found myself easily distracted during Mass and Eucharistic Adoration and my own prayer time. I am very excited that this upcoming week is Holy Week. I truly plan on kicking myself back into high gear to finish this lent in as positive a way as I began it. Lent has felt a bit like my own work-outs. They always start-out with high-energy, then in the middle all I can think about it if I am done yet, but by the end I finish with high-energy and a feeling that I can take on the world. I hope that at the end of this Holy Week I will be feeling rejuvenated and ready for whatever comes my way. Wish me luck! :)

I'm a 1930's Kinda Girl

2011-04-11T23:02:00.003-04:00

I took this quiz on facebook today because I was bored and it intrigued me... I think it hit pretty close to home... :)

What Decade Fits Your Personality Best? -- 1930's

My Result: 1930'sYou are strong and determined and have what it takes to get through life's storms. You are very helpful to those around you-- be it your friends, your family, or even a neighbor in need. You are a great leader and strong-willed person, and take challenges ...as a way to better yourself...But you also have a deep sense of warmth and nurturing for those you care about. You are well-rounded and tough because you have to be. You aren't a "diva" but rather a humble person with admirable character. With more hard-working, quality like you, this world would be a much better place. By being able to turn a little into a lot, you know how to make life enjoyable even if it's just through the little things.

"I Love People Who Make Me Laugh..."

2011-04-11T22:26:00.004-04:00

I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person.
~Audrey Hepburn~

This past week-end was a really busy, crazy, entertaining, and fun one for me. I went down to St. Meinrad with a group of friends to visit one of my very best friends who is a seminarian there. There were seven of us all-together who made the drive down. We chose to separate into girls/guys cars and each took a different route down to figure out which one is shorter. My car won, but only by about five minutes (granted the boys car left earlier than ours did and we had to make a stop back at my house because my sister had left her cell phone, and I accidentally took a wrong turn which we figured out pretty quickly, so really taken all that into account we would have made it even longer before the boys did...). It was a fun time driving down there while singing Ke$ha songs at the top of our lungs. It was definitely a girl kind of road trip for sure.

Once we all arrived we headed over to start our visit off with Mass and then ate lunch at Meinrad. We then decided to drive over the the Monastery in Ferdinand, In. where we stayed for a tour. It is sad to see the sisters that live there no longer wear their habits. As the sister who was giving the tour talked about the reasoning behind that choice she used the saying, "It's not about what you wear, but what you do." It was very hard for my friends and I to keep a straight face after she finished that saying because my group of friends happen to believe that the habit is a very important part of being a sister. I have to say that for the most part us younger Catholics prefer seeing nuns and sisters in their habits. I have more respect for the sisters that do because it shows that they really are proud of their vocation and are not afraid to show it. After the tour was over and we were all outside some of my friends joked around about how I should that tour might have fostered some vocations. I laughed and said it most likely caused the exact opposite...

After the tour we headed back to "the hill" wear my friend was the cantor for evening prayer. That was an event for a few of us. We were each handed a breviary to use, only for most of us it was the first time we ever had to use it alone without someone kind of showing us how to use it. That was a learning experience for me and my friend who I was sharing the book with. We got lost a few times, but in the end it worked.

We then had dinner in Tell City at a restaurant which had really great food and then drove over to Bird's Eye where a few of us chose to have ice cream. We then ended the night back at the Unstable on the hill where we had a few drinks, some of someone's birthday cake, played some pool, and shared a pizza. My car left for the drive home a little after midnight. I did not actually get into bed until about 2:30 a.m.. It was a very long but incredibly fun day.

Be Your Own Individual

2011-04-11T18:28:00.000-04:00

"Read, everyday, something no one else is reading. Think, everyday, something no one else is thinking. Do, everyday, something no one else would be crazy enough to do. It is bad for the mind to always be part of unanimity."

Apparently Lady Bugs Are Catholic. Interesting.

2011-04-06T08:27:00.003-04:00

Today I am supposed to talk about lady bugs with my kids as we are covering insects this week. As I was looking up some information on them, I ran across this question:

15. How did the ladybug get its name?
A. In Europe, during the Middle Ages, insects were destroying the crops, so the Catholic farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary for help. Soon the Ladybugs came, ate the plant-destroying pests and saved the crops! The farmers began calling the ladybugs "The Beetles of Our Lady", and they eventually became known as "Lady Beetles"! The red wings represented the Virgin's cloak and the black spots represented her joys and sorrows. They didn't differentiate between males and females.

Interesting fact. I have a new-found appreciation for the lady bug, even if they can stink pretty bad...

"Understanding Women"

2011-04-03T23:58:00.000-04:00

UNDERSTANDING WOMEN

A Woman's Vocabulary, Keywords and Meanings (as taken from an interview with a woman)

FINE
This is the word we use at the end of any argument in which we feel we are right, but need to shut you up. NEVER use 'Fine' to describe how a woman looks. This will cause you to have one of those
arguments.

FIVE MINUTES
This is half an hour. It is equivalent to the five
minutes that your football game is going to last before you take out the trash, so I feel that it's an even trade.

NOTHING
This means something and you should be on your toes. "Nothing" is usually used to describe the feeling a woman has of wanting to turn you inside out, upside down, and backwards. "Nothing"
usually signifies an argument that will last "Five Minutes" and end with the word "Fine".

GO AHEAD (with raised eyebrows)
This is a dare. One that will result in a woman
getting upset over "Nothing" and will end with the word "Fine".

GO AHEAD (normal eyebrows)
This means "I give up" or "do what you want because I don't care". You will get a raised eyebrow "Go Ahead" in just a few minutes, followed by "Nothing" and "Fine" and she will talk to you in
about "Five Minutes" when she cools off.

LOUD SIGH
This is not actually a word, but is still often a
verbal statement very misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot at that moment and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing".

SOFT SIGH
Again, not a word, but a verbal statement. "Soft
Sighs" are one of the few things that some men actually understand. She is content. Your best bet is to not move or breathe and she will stay
content.

OH
This word followed by any statement is trouble.
Example; "Oh, let me get that". Or, "Oh, I talked to him about what you were doing last night". If she says "Oh" before a statement, run, do not walk, to the nearest exit. She will tell you that she is "Fine"
when she is done tossing your clothes out the window, but do not expect her to talk to you for at least 2 days. "Oh" as the lead-in to a sentence usually signifies that you are caught in a lie. Do not try to lie more to get out of it, or you will get raised eyebrows and a "Go ahead," followed by acts so unspeakable that I can't bring myself to write about them.

THAT'S OKAY
This is one of the most dangerous statements that a
woman can say to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before visiting on you major retribution and tribulations for what ever it is that you have done. "That's Okay" is often used with the word "Fine" and used in conjunction with a raised eyebrow "Go Ahead". At some point in the near future when she has plotted and planned, you are going to be in some mighty big trouble.

PLEASE DO
This is not a statement, it is an offer. A woman is
giving you the chance to come up with whatever excuse or reason you have for doing whatever it is that you have done. You have a fair chance to tell the
truth, so be careful and you shouldn't get a "That's
Okay".

THANKS
A woman is thanking you. Do not faint, just say you're welcome.

THANKS A LOT
This is much different than "Thanks". A woman will
say, "Thanks A Lot" when she is really ticked off at you. It signifies that you have hurt her in some callous way, and will be followed by the "Loud Sigh". Be careful not to ask what is wrong after the "Loud
Sigh", as she will only tell you "Nothing".

Facts On Our Lady Of Guadalupe

2011-04-03T21:17:00.005-04:00

A few days ago I was talking with some friends of mine about the awesome power of the different miracles our faith has had. It is interesting how there are so many wonderful miracles that have happened which scientists have not been able to explain and it is kind of sad to think about how not many Catholics hear about them. One that is more well-known, but still incredible to my friends and I is the miracle which Our Lady of Guadalupe left Juan Diego... Juan Diego's tilma.

For those who do not know about this miracle here is a bit of a synopsis of the story behind it.

On December 9, 1531, Our Lady appeared to Blessed Juan Diego who was a recently converted Aztec. She asked his to go to the Bishop and request him to build a church for her on the barren hill of Tepeyac which is now part of Mexico City. Our Lady wanted to show her merciful love to all of her children. The prudent Bishop asked Juan to ask the Lady for a sign. Juan did so and Our Lady promised to give him the sign. On December 12, Our Lady again appeared to Juan on Tepeyac Hill and told him to pick the Castilian roses which miraculously appeared there and bring them to the Bishop as a sign for him to believe her request. Juan gathered the roses into his tilma and brought them to the Bishop. He opened the tilma to show them and, to everyone's astonishment, the Image of Our Lady appeared on it. The Bishop then built the church as Our Lady had requested and ten million natives were converted and baptized to the one, true faith within the next 10 years.

Scientists today cannot really explain the image on Juan's tilma. The fabric that the tilma was made with was a type of cactus which is supposed to disintegrate between twenty-sixty years, but after about four hundred fifty years it is still intact. Most shockingly about that is the fact that there is nothing covering it to protect it from disintegrating. When looking under a microscope scientists could find no proof of brush strokes to prove that it was painted on. The image seems to increase in size and change colors due to an unknown property of the surface and substance of which it is made. According to Kodac, the pciture feels more like a photograph, but photography was not invented until three hundred years after the miracle happened. After multiple times of trying to reproduce the image no one has been able to succeed in making another exact replica. I personally find the eyes of this image the most amazing of all the other scientific facts. If one is looking at the eyes of the image very closely then it would be easy to see a reflection of images of people believed to be Juan, the Bishop, the interpreter, and a few others. It is believed that the reflection shows the reactions of those in the room as Juan's tilma was opened. The distortion and place of the images are identical to what is produced in the normal eye which is impossible to obtain on a flat surface. Lastly, the stars in the sky show the exact way the constellations were the night of the miracle.

Just one example of how awesome the Catholic faith really is.

"Kid's Say The Darndest Things" #11

2011-03-30T14:24:00.005-04:00

I was getting a glass of water in the kitchen when my cell phone rang. The ring tone happened to be the song "Chicken Fried." For those of you who are not familiar with this song, the chorus goes like this, "Oh, you know I like my chicken fried. Cold beer on a Friday night. A pair of jeans that fit just right, and the radio up. Well I've seen the sunrise. See the love in my woman's eyes. Feel the touch of a precious child, and know a mother's love..." So my ring tone played when I hear this voice come from behind me....

Jonathan (with a HUGE smile on his face): Hey!!! My dad like to drink cold beer on a Friday night too!!!!

It was SO funny, especially because I had no idea he came up behind me at all.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apparently at lunch time one of the kids spilled their cup of milk all over the floor....

Jonathan: Hey, game fowl!!!!!!!
Miss Becky: Jonathan! Where did you learn that from?
Jonathan: My grandpa.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I am changing Josh Neary's diaper... Just another part of my job.

Me: Josh it looks as though either the last person who changed your diaper didn't wipe you enough or you are just starting to poop...
Josh Neary: I am not pooping. Uh-huh.
Me; Well, since I was the one that changed you last I am pretty sure you were trying to, bud.
Josh: No, I'm not starting. I started to on Saturday.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

While we were outside on the playground....

Miss Ingrid: Hey Josh, come over here! I need to tie your shoe.
Josh Neary: Nuh uh!
Me: You know Josh, when you trip and fall because you don't want to have your shoe tied I won't feel so bad for you... just saying.
Josh Neary (yelling as he is running around): That's not gonna happen!!!!

Two minutes later... Josh tripped on his shoe lace and fell......
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today during circle time we were singing "I'm bringing home a baby bumble-bee." I was trying to see who remembered the song by stopping between each stanza and asking what happens next... there is one line in this song that goes "I'm puking up my baby bumble bee." Don't ask. I didn't write the song. I just sing it... anyway.

Me: What happens to us next?
Josh Lindauer: Puking up the bee.... but we don't actually really puke it, just fake puke it, right?

It made me laugh.

"To Love Another Person Is To See The Face Of God..."

2011-03-29T22:43:00.004-04:00

.... That is the final line to the musical "Les Mes" right before the finale song. I have been a fan of the musical "Les Mes" since I was in high school. I have to say that if it were not for an old high school crush of mine who played the lead in a local high school play I never would have thought twice about watching it. I fell in love with this musical from the first night I saw it on the stage at that high school. The cast that year did such an amazing job for a group of high schoolers that I felt a bit spoiled. Anyway, the reason why I am even talking about this is because a few weeks ago I finally talked my mom into watching it with me.

For those of you who have never heard of this musical, it is based of the book by Victor Hugo; "Les Meserables." The setting of this book is during the time of the French Revolution and basically follows the storyline of the different classes of people who lived during that crazy time in France. This musical also happens to have a bit of Catholicism in it as well as a Catholic Bishop challenges the main character to live his life as a gift for God. What really captures my attention about this musical in particular is the lyrics of the music. I have watched this numerous times and each time I watch it I end up bawling like a baby because of the beauty of the storyline and the music and the lyrics. Because of the musical I ended up picking Victor's book to read for a huge English project my senior year of high school and now it is one of my personal favorites to go back and read every so often.

The song that I chose to share on here is called "Bring Him Home." It is a prayer in which the leading role, Jean Valjean, is sending out a prayer to help save the life of one of the men, Marius, who was injured in battle. This happens to have the four most popular men who played Valjean singing together as a quartet and to hear these four voices blend together is truly heavenly....

Words Of Wisdom From Fr. Bill

2011-03-28T22:06:00.003-04:00

Some things that I believe will impact your potential of growth and success in life:

1. Learn to accept life as it is. Life is hard. You won't get everything you want, but blaming others and being negative is the road to misery.

2. Maintain a positive attitude about life, especially about others. Look for the good in others. Don't waist time looking for people's faults. We all have them.

3. Care for other people. Truly there is no greater road to happiness. A selfish life is a very lonely life.

4. Have a dream, set some goals. Find your purpose. You can change the world just by changing one life.

5. Don't be afraid of hard work, which is another way of saying "give your best." It is truly satisfying.

6. Always have high moral standards for yourself, in particular be honest. Having high standards for your conduct is very freeing. It helps you know what to do in any situation.

7. Develop a relationship with God. There is a restlessness in each of our hearts, and truly it can only be filled by God. Learn that early. A lot of people waste a lot of time chasing after things that they think will fill them - money, prestige, power, achievements. Without God, they are hollow.

Good People, Good Conversations, And Good Food. What More Could A Girl Ask For?

2011-03-26T21:09:00.009-04:00

It is so refreshing to me when a group of almost complete strangers happen to come together and once the knowledge of where each one stands as far as their love of God goes end up having some pretty intense or deep conversations. That is just what happened to me today...

Earlier this week a good friend of mine asked me to come with him and some of his other friends to lunch today and it would be his treat. It was a nice surprise and who can turn down free food? Obviously I could not turn down free food, especially after I found out where we were going to lunch; Noodles and Company. Once we were all there it was quickly understood how our friend was buying us all lunch. Really he won a free lunch for him and a group of his friends so he did not have to pay a thing. I felt blessed to be one of the select few invited to this lunch as there were only six of us.

As I sat there with the group I realized the only one I knew very well were two of the people at my group. It was easy to see from the start of our meeting that these people all had a love for God even though not all of us shared the same Catholic faith. I ended up joining in on one conversation as one of the guys at our table was sharing a bit about how his relationship with his girlfriend was going. I always enjoy hearing those kinds of stories... I am kind of girly in that way. He was talking about how he was seriously beginning to think even more seriously about asking this girl to marry him, but there were still things about their relationship he was not sure about. Not bad things, just weather they were really called to be married or if God had other plans for them. There was something he said that really touched me. He said something along the lines of how if God was calling them into marriage he could not wait to see how wonderful their union would help with God's Kingdom. He talked about how he wanted this woman to love God more than him even if that did mean that she ended up feeling called and pulled into another direction other than marriage with him. He also mentioned how he had not told her he loved her. He explained that from the beginning of their relationship he explained to her he would not say "I Love You" unless there was a ring on her finger. My friend and I were impressed by that because as women it is very hard for us not to want to hear those words in a relationship and even harder to be ok with not hearing them. He explained that in his past he had used those words for all the wrong reasons, but now he realized how stupid that was and only wanted to say them when he knew that he would be marrying the person he said it to. He was shocked about the turn of his conversation with all that info as we were for receiving it. Us three had a connection and understanding in that moment as my friend, Stephanie, was expressing everything I was thinking in my head and wanted to say only she beat me to it...

Hearing what he had to say made me think about some things. It affirmed in me about how I feel about my own outlook on what I want a real relationship to be. A relationship with God put first. A relationship where both of us are looking to God and what He wants rather than what we are wanting to be selfish about. What he and his girlfriend are choosing to do is a beautiful example of how I wish more people were in their relationships... It is relationships like this that give me hope.

It is interesting how conversations like that are what stick with a person more than anything else at the end of a day. I hope that whatever happens with this person's relationship will give him peace. I made a new friend even if I will probably never see him again. Who knows, maybe I will....

Audrey Assad "For Love Of You"

2011-03-26T14:45:00.004-04:00

Since in my last post I spoke about Audrey Assad I thought I would share a song of hers which I truly love... It is called "For Love of You." :) I hope you enjoy it.

"You Called And You Shouted! Broke Through My Deafness. Now I'm Breathing In And Breathing Out. I'm Alive Again!"

2011-03-26T14:14:00.008-04:00

I feel like I must explain my long absence from my blog. I have been completely busy with long meetings and work and so many other things that have kept me pretty occupied and left me without any blogging time. I have been lucky to get any sleep with the crazyiness of my life.

You see one of the parishes in my home town was blessed with the opportunity to bring Matt Maher in concert here. I was even more blessed to be asked to be part of the team that was in charge if putting everything together. I knew about this concert since October, but it has been talked about for much longer. As soon as my friend asked me if I would be interested in taking part with a Matt Maher concert I quickly said I would without any hesitation. I have been a fan of his music now for a few years and to see him in concert for free and in the front row was a huge deal to me. It definitely was earned though. Our team put in a lot of hours of planning... My main task was to help with making sure Chic-fil-a would do a Spirit Day for St. Paul's to help raise money for the concert along with making sure that they would be able to be able to sell their food outside of the church before the concert started. Along with that I spent hours helping to sell tickets, first
after Masses at St. Paul's then I spent
hours at my own parish helping sell tickets after two of the Masses... It was frustrating and boring at times, but well worth it in the end.

This past week was a whirlwind of activity as it was the week of the concert. We had meetings both Monday night and Tuesday night that went pretty late as we were going through everything to make sure the whole evening would go smoothly and on time. I took off of work Wednesday, the day of the concert, early to help get everything set-up and last minute details worked-out. It was tiring and I did not get to sit-down hardly that night, except for during the concert when Matt asked everyone to take a seat.

We were an excited bunch as the clock ticked closer and closer to the time that the doors would be opened. We were mentally preparing ourselves for the six hundred people who were going to walk in and kind of take-over the building. We had people come in as far as Cincinnati, Ohio to see this concert. It was crazy to think that everything we had worked for was about to happen.

We were also blessed with this concert because Matt had Audrey Assad open for him. I had never heard of this person before this concert, so I was not sure how I felt about her. Audrey is a convert to Catholicism and I quickly became a fan of hers as soon as I heard her voice. She truly has a voice of an angel, and the lyrics to her songs are so beautiful. I was also blessed to have the chance to talk with her. My friend and I kind of snuck into the meet-and-greet group as both of our tasks were pretty much finished at that point and so we figured, why not? She was down-to-earth and really did not mind answering our stream of never-ending questions about life on the road for an artist. The way our conversation went felt like I was talking to a good friend and I was not quite ready to say good-bye.

That is a night I know I will remember for a long time. It was a blessing to know that I played a role to bring two amazing artists to my hometown.

So after the concert, Thursday night was taken up by Latin Mass at another parish near Bloomington which was beautiful. Last night was my parish's fish-fry fundraiser and so I did not get home till somewhat late, and once I did get home I was beat. So if anyone has been wondering where I have been I hope this post has answered that question for you.

The Power Of Prayer

2011-03-16T21:13:00.003-04:00

Facebook Photo Challenge: Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.

The power of prayer is something that makes an impact on my life. The most recent example of this is when my nephew/Godson was so sick just a few weeks ago. It was pretty scary at first. I felt so blessed and touched to know of all the people who I love and care about were praying for my nephew and checking-up on him daily. The majority of my friends had never met Keegan before but were sincerely worried about him. They offered Masses for him, their work-outs, prayed rosaries and a few of them even fasted for the little guy. Now he is up and running as if he had never been sick. I can tell you that it was a very humbling and amazing experience that has left a huge impact on me.

What I Want To Do Before I Die

2011-03-15T21:36:00.003-04:00

Facebook Photo Challenge: Day 15 - What I Want To Do Before I Die.

I am a pretty simple girl in so many ways and with that comes some pretty simple thing I want to have accomplished before I day. This quote pretty much sums up everything I hope to have done in my life. I use it as a reminder to myself of what I need to do to keep focused on that goal.

Boss For A Week

2011-03-15T21:14:00.004-04:00

It is Spring Break here in b-town and normally I don't mind it at all because we are usually low in numbers with kids and high in numbers with teachers. This Spring Break; however, the staff is at just the right amount and the kid's are mostly here... My boss is one of the people who chose to leave us for the week along with two of the other people who have worked at the daycare the longest. Because of that fact my boss asked me to step-it-up and take his place for the week.

I am not one to ever have wanted to be the boss; especially of a school or daycare. I am not one for drama, but being in charge of a school or really any business you kind of get pushed into being in the middle of drama. So far it has been smooth sailing for me the past few days. I hope that it continues to be just that as I go through this week.

I have to say that I feel great that my boss has so much faith in my abilities to leave me in charge for the week and I am going to make sure I do all that I can to not let him regret that decision. Wish me luck!

The One Thing I Could Not Live A Day Without

2011-03-12T14:32:00.006-05:00

Photo Challenge
Day 14

A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

The one thing I could not live a day without is my God and my Catholic faith. Everywhere I go I know that the one place that will feel most like home is where a Catholic Church is. My faith is the most important part of what makes me who I am. I am nothing without the wonderful people that make up the Church family.

I feel blessed to live in a country where I am able to go to Mass without being told I cannot go... although with what happened in Chicago it is easy to see that Catholics here are still put down for what the Church stands for. I am so saddened every time I think about the fact that the protesters were not stopped by the authorities. I know that is not much compared to what Catholics deal with in China and other communist countries, but it is still sad to know it was allowed to happen here. It is time to still keep my head up and walk tall and not be afraid to say I am a Catholic. I also have the freedom to believe what I do and I will keep those who do not like my faith and what it stands for in my prayers. I can't fight hate with hate. Love is what will win in the end.

That's Music To My Ears

2011-03-11T20:28:00.006-05:00

A little after I started my blog I made a post of my all-time favorite songs. Well I have to say that as much as I still have those songs as some of my very favorites, my choices for those songs have changed. It is interesting how after a few years go by the things I once considered my favorites can change. Friends I thought I would never grow apart from somehow end up with a phone call every so often or an e-mail here or there to catch-up. Favorite foods of mine I had a few years ago I got burnt-out on. Television shows I happened to be completely hook-ed on either ended or are no longer as interesting to me as before... Life is like this though. It is filled with different phases and chapters and it never stays the same for long. So for fun I thought I would update my favorite songs list and put it up here... Enjoy. :)

My favorite all-time "love" song: "Here" by Rascal Flatts; "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" by Aerosmith; "Just The Way You Are" by Bruno Mars

Favorite "get up and dance" song: "I Like It" by Enrique Iglesias; "Redneck Woman" by Gretchen Wilson; "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz

Favorite "loving life/ blast in the car with the windows down and music blaring" song: "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry; "Tick-Tock" by Ke$ha; "Fast Cars And Freedom" by Rascal Flatts

Favorite "when I'm feeling down" song: "Sweeping The Ashes" by Serena Ryder; "Standing Still" by Jewel; "Crash & Burn" by Savage Garden

Favorite "When I'm angry with the world" song: "Not Ready To Make Nice" by the Dixie Chicks; "King Of Anything" by Sara Barielles; "Don't Waste My Time" by Kelly Clarkson

Favorite "oldies" song: Most definitely "My Girl" by the Temptations. (Yeah, that one hasn't changed, probably won't either.)

Favorite "sweet" song: A tie between "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle and "I Loved Her First" by Heartland.

Songs that always make me cry: "On Eagle's Wings," "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland, and "There You'll Be" by Faith Hill, " "To Where You Are" by Josh Groban

Favorite "Friendship" songs: "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts and "I Will Remember You" by Ryan Cabrera, "I'm Only Me When I'm With You" by Taylor Swift.

Favorite "Take on the World" song: "Firework" by Katy Perry; "Unstoppable" by Rascal Flatts; "It's My Life" by Bon Jovi

Favorite "break-up" song: "You Were Meant For Me" by Jewel; "Better In Time" by Leona Lewis; "Love The Way You Lie" by Eminem

Favorite "Patriotic" songs: This is a tie between "God Bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood and "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue" by Toby Keith; "If You're Reading This" by Tim McGraw

Favorite "Crush" song: This is a three-way-tie between "Sparks Fly" by Taylor Swift; "Take Me There" by Rascal Flatts and "I Wanna Kiss A Girl" by Keith Urban

Favorite "How I Feel About Relationships" song: A tie between"I Do Not Hook Up" by Kelly Clarkson and "Single" by Natasha Beddingfield

Favorite "Praise and Worship song: A tie between "Draw Me Close," "Here I Am to Worship," "The Heart Of Worship"

Favorite "Christian" song: A tie between "Empty and Beautiful" by Matt Maher and "Beloved" by Tenth Avenue North

And So It Begins....

2011-03-09T18:04:00.002-05:00

Lent that is.

Today is Ash Wednesday, the very first day of Lent. I have decided to join a health program very much like weight watchers for Lent. I chose to do this because even though I am not totally overweight, I am not where I should be either. I also chose to do this because it will make me more aware of what I have been putting into my body versus what I really should be putting into my body, as well as the best ways to work-out. It is a lifestyle change for me that I fully intend on keeping up after Lent. To me that is what Lent should be about. Choosing to give up something or do something that will change a person for the better. Doing this will help me keep my body healthy so that I will be able to do my best as I go and follow what God's plan for my life is.

Today while at work, one of my co-workers who is not Catholic was asking me all about Ash Wednesday. She did not really understand the meaning behind receiving ashes. Growing up she was told that Catholics do it to show-off... I had to explain to her that really is the wrong reason why we receive ashes on the forehead. Receiving the ashes is more of a humbling experience. It is not about trying to be "better" than other people. It symbolizes that we are sinners and and in need of conversion... She was more understanding of my answer and happy to hear that it is not supposed to be a showy event. It was a very good conversation.

Prayers For My Nephew, Keegan, Please. :)

2011-03-04T21:48:00.007-05:00

Sorry I have been a bit negligent with the blog the past few days. I have been a bit pre-occupied. You see my baby nephew has recently come down with r.s.v.. It is a very serious case and so the doctors had him admitted into the hospital Thursday. R.S.V., for those of you who do not know what it is, is a a respiratory virus. It is very dangerous for children under the age of two. My nephew just turned one a little over a month ago. He also has asthma which makes his case even more serious than others. Add to the fact that he has a double ear infection and you can see how miserable the little guy must be feeling. Right now the doctor told my sister that he wants to keep Keegan in the hospital until he can keep his oxygen level above 88 WITHOUT his oxygen tube. He still needs the tube to keep his level in the nineties, so he will be in the hospital for awhile longer. Please keep him in your prayers. He is so tiny and it just breaks my heart to see him feeling so sick. :(

Because of that I have been spending a lot of my free time with him and my sister at the hospital. Last night the three older boys stayed with us so momma and daddy could be with Keegan all night.

Tonight while I was holding him (he let me hold him for about 20 minutes before he wanted his mom back) my sister took a video of him. We got him to dance a little bit. I would put it up here, but facebook videos just won't work like that for some reason. If you would like to see it just click on here.

I Am One Lucky Girl. :)

2011-03-02T22:43:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,

Try each day to follow Christ's word. Listen to Him as a true friend with whom you can share your path in life. With Him at your side, you will find courage and hope to face difficulties and problems, and even to overcome disappointments and set-backs.
You are constantly being offered easier choices, but you yourselves know that these are ultimately deceptive and cannot bring you serenity and joy.
Only the Word of God can show us the authentic way, and only the faith we have received is the light which shines on our path.
Gratefully accept this spiritual gift which you have received from your families; strive to respond responsibly to God's call and to grow in your faith. Do not believe those who tell you that you don't need others to build up your life! Find support in the faith of those who are dear to you, in the faith of the Church, and thank the Lord that you have received it and have made it your own!

Pope Benedict XVI

Tonight I was given this quote from a dear friend in a little note. He was telling me thank-you for being one of those who help builds up his life. It was a sweet little thing that touched me dearly. I try to let those I love and care about how much I love and care about them and how much they mean to me. I thank God everyday for the AMAZING people he has placed in my life. I really don't know where I would be without these great family members and friends to lean on for support. They are truly the best gifts He has given me.

The Best Verse In The Bible....

2011-03-01T21:29:00.003-05:00

Psalm 46:10
'Be Still and Know that I AM GOD'

Sometimes this can be easier said then done.....

Thursday Nights Are My Couch Potato Nights

2011-02-28T20:31:00.007-05:00

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show

Since I am usually on the go each evening the only time I am home happens to be Thursday evenings and so that is when I find television shows to watch. This can cause dilemmas. Especially when 9:00 p.m. rolls around and I have to choose between Bones or Grey's to watch....

Top photo is of the cast of Grey's Anatomy. Funny/sad story of this show. Today at work we finally got four fish as our class pets. I gave them my own pet names. I named them after characters in this show. There was George, Izzy, Meredith, and Christina... Sadly Izzy and Meredith were too small and got sucked up by the tank pump and died... They did not last but three hours. It was pretty sad....

The second one is of the cast of House... I catch-up with re-runs on Thursday night for this show....

The third one is of Reba. Love this show! I am very sad it is all finished. No matter how many of the shows I have seen they always seem funny to me. My dad even enjoys watching Reba with me. Truth be told, I have gotten my dad to enjoy watching all these shows with me with the exception of Grey's, but that is understandable.

The fourth is of the cast of Bones. Those of you who have not watched this show of all of these I highly encourage this one. The F.B.I. agent Booth is Catholic and his partner, an forensic anthropologist, Bones, happens to view science as her god...It is an interesting duo to listen to and watch. It is based off of the life of Kathy Reichs, a forensic anthropologist.

Last is my real silly pointless show I watch just to get a good laugh... The Big Bang Theory. I tend to relate to the character Penny the most myself. I have decided the next time my class receives a group of fish I will name them after the characters of this show. They are cute fish names.... Penny, Sheldon, Leanord, Raj, and Howard. It works. Hopefully they won't die....

"Sisters. Sisters. There Were Never Such Devoted Sisters"

2011-02-27T14:42:00.007-05:00

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 2
A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest

This is a picture of my little sister, Crista and I. The top one is from about four years ago on a "March For Life" trip before we loaded on the bus. The one on the bottom is of us two on the metro in d.c. this past January while on our "March For Life" trip.

Even though there is only a two and a half year age gap between my sister and I, I can honestly say that has never really been that big of a deal to us. From the beginning we have been pretty much joined at the hip. I remember when we were really young wherever I went Crista HAD to come too. She was my little shadow. I remember there were times when that got on my nerves, but for the most part it did not bother me. We even shared a bedroom with each other for a good portion of our lives which was a lot of fun. I now know that if we tried to do that again today it probably would not work since I would drive her crazy with my country music and she would make me go insane with her messier habbits...

Growing up I appreciated having her around even more since we were both home schooled, so really if we wanted to play during recess we played with each other. We had to be pretty creative when it came to "recess." I remember we would go outside in our backyard and play kickball with imaginary team members. It was a fun time.

As we grew older we had the same group of friends and enjoyed doing the same kinds of things. Wherever we went we were always known as the "McConnell girls." It was never where is Teresa and/or Crista. It was rare that we would go anywhere without each other.

In the past few years it is not quite like that anymore. We each have our own friends and we do not see each other nearly as much. That does not change the fact that she is and will always be my best friend. I love her dearly. :)

Reflection On The Meaning Of The "Our Father"

2011-02-27T14:20:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I was blessed to be able to go to confession. The penance the priest gave me was to pray the "Our Father" very slowly while contemplating the words I was saying... I ended up finding an article that was incredibly well-written. I decided to borrow a little bit of it here... There is much more detail in the full article, which you can read if you click here.

“Our Father”
God is not just Father or even my Father, he is “our” Father. Although the word “our” is not in St. Luke’s account (Lk 11:2), it is certainly implied. The universality of God’s fatherhood is an important theme in Matthew’s Gospel. It highlights God’s covenantal family. Because God is “our” Father our relationship with others must cut through all races, sexes, cultures, classes, parties, or any other distinctions. The other, no matter how despicable or downtrodden, irregardless of their offenses and brokenness, is always my brother or sister because they are also God’s children. The Father’s great love sent Jesus to bind our wounds and unite us into one family. This is one reason that so much of Catholic worship is communal worship. It celebrates God’s love as the family of God.

“Who Art In Heaven”
Heaven is the possession of God, because God is everything worth possessing. When we possess God and nothing else, we have everything. On the other hand, if we possess every conceivable earthly good and do not have God, we have nothing. “What will it profit a man,” Jesus asked, “to gain the whole world and to suffer the loss of his soul” (Mt 16:26)?

“Hallowed Be Thy Name”
In this petition we ask that His most holy name be sanctified and honored everywhere. May we always honor His name in our thoughts and in our actions. Without His help we are utterly helpless to do so. So we pray: “Never let us violate your name by sin.” When we sin we drag your name, which you indelibly imprinted on our soul, through the muck of evil and death.

“Thy Kingdom Come”
We have a distorted understanding of kingship. We view it only in a governmental sense. A king is viewed only as a ruler or perhaps the ceremonial head of state. In democratic countries like the United States we have almost no appreciation of the biblical concept of kingship. This may be why some modern translators render the Greek word basileia as reign of God rather than kingdom of God. God’s fatherhood is the basis for His kingship, because in God His fatherhood and His kingship are one.

“Thy Will Be Done On Earth As It Is In Heaven”
Submission to the Father’s will defines what it means to live faithfully in His kingdom. This is how we, His children and His subjects, must live. Obedience to His will is the only way we can show our love. Thus Jesus said: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (Jn 14:15). It is only in the full submission to the Father’s will that we are truly free and at peace.

“Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread”
When these two images, daily and tomorrow, converge they underscore the supersubstantial bread of the Eucharist, “the bread from heaven” (Jn 6:32-32). This daily bread sustains our supernatural life, is the source of all grace, and in the great tomorrow it is cause of our resurrection in Christ. Liturgically this awesome reality is evidenced in the ancient practice at Mass of reciting or singing the Lord’s Prayer before Holy Communion. The Our Father is a reminder that we are about to receive the Bread of the great tomorrow when our union with the Heavenly Bridegroom will be eternally celebrated in the wedding banquet of the Lamb.

“And Forgive Us Our Trespasses As We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us”
Nevertheless, the Father extends His merciful forgiveness. When our repentance is complete so is His forgiveness. However, God demands that we act like Him by forgiving those who have offended us. He knows that forgiveness liberates the wounded heart and removes the poison that endangers it. In that process we experience the depth of God’s love and mercy. When we forgive we also reveal he Father’s heart to others.

“Lead Us Not Into Temptation”
So we ask our Father, “lead us not into temptation.” In other words we ask the Father to make us humble relying on His strength and protection. We ask Him to keep us from becoming overconfident, complacent, self-seeking and boastful. When we are humble in this life the Father can exalt us in eternity. We ask the Father, “Deliver us from sin, the only evil.”

“But Deliver Us From Evil”
While our Father never uses force, He is not a passive bystander waiting on the sidelines to see which destiny we choose. He is always the loving Father nudging His wayward children with his loving support and direction. When, for example, we get caught drunk on the job and are fired, or are arrested for shoplifting, or have an affair exposed, or get caught cheating or lying, or get divorced for unfaithfulness, selfishness and neglect -- these are signs of God’s undeserved mercy. He’s trying to get our attention to the far greater danger that lies in eternity. When our evil is exposed, God is not abandoning us to sin with its pleasures. If we were not caught we would fall deeper into the arms of Satan until, like the scribes and Pharisees, we had sealed ourselves off from God’s mercy and forgiveness.

“Amen.”
We end our prayers with the word amen. It is a transliteration of a solemn Hebrew word (’amen) describing something firm, true, or reliable. At the conclusion of Christian prayer it expresses our complete trust and surrender to God’s will. It is our fiat.

30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 1 Complete. :)

2011-02-26T11:05:00.003-05:00

On facebook there is a huge challenge called the 30 photo challenge. Normally I try to avoid such challenges, but this one looks like it would be fun so I decided to go along with the crowd. Since there are some interesting photo challenges I figured it would also be fun to put it up on here as well.... :)

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts

1. Full name is Teresa Allison McConnell
2. I am the very middle child of five in my family
3. I am very Catholic. I LOVE my faith. :)
4. Recently I have decided I want to buy a beta fish and name it Charlie... Originally I wanted to name my first lab Charlie... either way one of my pets will be named Charlie.
5. I work at St. Charles Daycare and absolutely LOVE my job.
6. I am a country music kinda girl
7. I have given my car the name "Old Timer" because it is a grandpa car which has been very good to me.
8. I play the piano and the song I have most recently mastered is the song "Only Hope." The Mandy Moore version, not the Switchfoot version, because the Mandy Moore version just sounds better on the piano.
9. I am a bookworm. I love reading books... I am in the middle of a few right now. :)
10. My favorite flowers are daisies. :) They make me happy. They are also fun to doodle when I am trying to stay awake during nap time at work....

1 Corinthians 13:4 Prayer

2011-02-25T19:16:00.003-05:00

Lord,
Because love is patient…Help me to be slow to judge, but quick to listen. Hesitant to criticize, but eager to encourage,remembering your endless patience with me.

Because love is kind… Help my words to be gentle and my actions to be thoughtful. Remind me to smile and to say “Please” and “Thank You” because those little things still mean so much.

Because love does not envy or boast, and it is not proud… Help me have a heart that is humble and sees the good in others. May I celebrate and appreciate all that I have and all that I am, as well as doing the same for those around me.

Because love is not rude or self-seeking… Help me to speak words that are easy on the ear and on the heart. When I’m tempted to get wrapped up in my own little world, remind me there’s a great big world out there full of needs and hurts.

Because love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs… Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. When I want to hold onto a grudge, gently help me release it so I can reach out with a hand of love instead.

Because love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth…Help me stand up for what is right and good. May I defend the defenseless, and help the helpless. Show me how I can make a difference.

Because love always protects and always trusts… Help me to be a refuge for those around me. When the world outside is harsh and cold, may my heart be a place of acceptance and warmth.

Finally, because love always perseveres… Help my heart continually beat with love for You and others. Thank you for showing us what the word love really means. Amen.

By Holley Gerth

God Is My Hero

2011-02-24T13:05:00.005-05:00

I have been wanting to blog all week, but when I have actually sat down to blog I have had no idea what to blog about. They say writer's block is not real, it is only an excuse people use. That may be true, but I still have had times, like this past week, where nothing comes to mind at all.
Tonight, however, something has come to mind....

I was listening to pandora this evening when the song, "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias came on. Now, I must admit back in high school I LOVED this song. I still really like it, but I am not so sure how I feel about a guy being a girl's hero. It is a romantic thought. Every girl has dreamed about the knight in shining armor coming in to rescue the princess, which in every girl's fantasy the princess is always herself. I myself have thought about it many times. It is fun to think about, but it is not really how it works....

The problem with this picture is that the girl always seems weak. It is okay to need help sometimes and to have someone there to help, but us girls should first lean on God and the strength we receive from Him. I came by this little story that explains all about why God made us women the way he did...:)

"Mom, why are you crying?" he asked his mom.

"Because I'm a woman" she told him.

"I don't understand," he said.

His mom just hugged him and said, "and you never will." Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?"

"All women cry for no reason" was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry.

Finally he put in a call to GOD. When GOD got on the phone the man said, "GOD, why do women cry so easily?"

GOD said:

"When I made women she had to be special. I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world; yet, gentle enough to give comfort.

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly. This same sensitivity helps her to make a child's boo-boo feel better and shares in her teenagers anxieties and fears.

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

I gave her a tear to shed, it's hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed. It's her only weakness; it's a tear for mankind."

"Someone's Watching Over Me"

2011-02-19T20:02:00.005-05:00

While being sick this week-end I have spent a lot of time sleeping and watching tv and listening to music. This is the first time I have really sat down for a lengthy period of time. I have "re-discovered" this Hilary Duff song. I am not a huge Hilary Duff fan, but I do have to say the lyrics to this song are very beautiful. It is very easy to see how christian this song really is. I personally like the lyrics in bold the best. I will keep on praying that I won't be afraid to follow wherever God is calling me.....

"Someone's Watching Over Me"
by Hilary Duff

I found myself today
Oh I found myself and ran away
But something pulled me back
A voice of reason I forgot I had
All I know is you're not here to say
What you always used to say
But it's written in the sky tonight

Chorus:

So I won't give up
No I won't break down
Sooner than it

seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even if it all goes wrong
When I'm standing in the dark I'll still believe
Someone's watching over me

I've seen that ray of light
And it's shining on my destiny
shining all the time
And I won't be afraid
To follow everywhere it's taking me
All I know is yesterday is gone
And right now I belong
To this moment
To my dreams

Chorus:

So I won't give up
No I won't break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even if it all goes wrong
When I'm standing in the dark I'll still believe
Someone's watching over me

It doesn't matter what people say
And it doesn't matter how long it takes
Believe in yourself and you'll fly high
It only matters how true you are
Be true to yourself and follow your heart

Chorus:

So I won't give up
No I won't break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even if it all goes wrong
When I'm standing in the dark I'll still believe
Someone's watching over me

"To Err Is Human, Forgive Is Divine"

2011-02-17T14:00:00.007-05:00

Last night at holy hour I was asked to be the speaker. The topic was all about forgiveness. I was very excited for this talk and all was going well with it until I woke-up yesterday morning. I woke-up sicker than I have all week. I did not have a fever so I managed to make myself still go into work. As the day progressed, however, I began to feel worse and worse and eventually ended up with a 100.5 degree fever. I took advil and was very tempted to skip holy hour. It would not have even been a mental debate had I not promised to speak. I decided to take advil in hopes that the fever would go down and I could give the talk. Luckily, it did go down, and I did still give my talk. I had planned it for about ten to fifteen minutes. but fighting a really bad cough I shortened it quite a bit, but still managed to keep the important parts in my very short talk. I will share my outline with you all here....

I. Introduce myself and my talk.
"To err is human, to forgive is divine"
-Alexander Pope-

II. How we are all called to forgiveness
A. God does not call us to do anything He would not do Himself
1. confession
2. how some of Jesus' last few words before His death were "Forgive them Father, they
know not what they do."

II. Some common misconceptions about forgiveness
A. How some people believe that when we forgive someone we are condoning the action that
they did
1. We can only forgive what we believe is wrong
2. We are not condoning what happened. We are only choosing to move on from it.
B. Some people believe that we have to be asked for forgiveness in order to forgive
1. Again not true because, sadly, not everyone will be looking for forgiveness
2. Forgiveness is internal
3. We do not even have to tell the person we are forgiving that we forgive them.

III. Why forgive?
A. Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves
B. Forgiveness challenges us to believe that the final outcome of a situation does not have to
be our hurt.
C. Every meaningful relationship must have forgiveness involved
D. When we forgive we tend to gain more confidence and are happier when living in the
present moment.
E. Physically people who are better with working on forgiveness tend to have lower blood
pressure and lower stress-levels.
F. When we forgive we tend be less likely to have problems with substance abuse and
depression.

IV. What happens when we do not choose to forgive?
A. We allow to continue being prisoners of the situation.
B. We are not really in control of the situation, the situation ends up controlling us.
C. We bring our anxieties and bitterness into our future relationships
D. We can not fully enjoy the present when we are holding a grudge about something that
happened to us in our past.
E. People fall into depression more easily
F. Most importantly we put up a barrier between our relationship with God.

V. Forgiveness is a journey...
A. It is not always an easy process. It may take days, weeks, months, or even years
depending on the degree of hurt that a situation has caused us.
B. To help us through this journey we must rely on God and our faith. We cannot do it alone.

VI. We all make mistakes
A. We are all human and no one is perfect
B. Compassion is a key ingredient to forgiveness. We must show compassion to one another.
C. Forgiveness is supposed to be a humbling experience. We are not supposed to believe we
are better than the other people involved because we are forgiving them. It is not
supposed to be like that at all.

VII. Share the story of St. Maria Goretti

VIII. Conclusion
End with

"We do not really know how to forgive until we know what it is to be forgiven.
Therefore we should be glad that we can be forgiven by others. It is our
forgiveness of one another that makes the love of Jesus manifest in our lives,
for in forgiving one another we act towards one another as He has acted towards us."
-Thomas Merton-

"Circle me, Lord..."

2011-02-13T22:48:00.004-05:00

Circle me, Lord.
Keep protection near
And danger afar.

Circle me, Lord
Keep hope within.
Keep doubt without.

Circle me, Lord.
Keep light near
And darkness afar.

Circle me, Lord.
Keep peace within.
Keep evil out.

Amen.

The above prayer was shared today during the homily of our pastor's last week-end here. It was a very moving homily and I must admit I did tear up a bit from it. Father Bill brought a whole lot to our parish and he became very important to my family. The most touching part of the Mass with him was how I could see he was crying a little bit while waiting for the gifts to come down the aisle. It was easy to see that as much as he meant to us the parish did mean a whole lot to him as well. What he taught us will be remembered as we welcome our new priest. Change is not easy, but with the right attitude it can be the beginning of a good thing. My family still intends to visit Father often and will be kept close at heart. :)

Good-byes And Surprises

2011-02-12T00:26:00.007-05:00

All is quiet in my house except for the sound of the heater. I cannot seem to fall asleep and I know the reason is because at this moment there is somewhere else I would love to be at, but I know why I can't be there tonight or the rest of the week-end. That place happens to be in Indianapolis where a large gathering of undergrads are attending Kairos 21 retreat. It is a huge sacrifice for me to give up a retreat week-end. Knowing the majority of my friends are at the retreat enjoying great talks and eachother's company tonight is making not being there even harder. At this moment I am sure most of them are still awake enjoying their free-time playing games, singing songs, talking, and becoming very sleep deprived while having a whole lot of fun. As much as I wish I were there in person I understand now why God did not call me to go to this retreat as much as it is hard for me to not be there.

This week-end happens to be the last week-end for our parish priest to be here. He has only been with us for a short period of time considering how long the average amount of time is for a priest to stay with a parish. It was a surprise to hear about when he told us he only had a month left to stay with us. He also has said how much he really does not want to leave, but the only reason he is going is because the Bishop has told him to. He is being obedient to his adviser. Father has become very important to my family while we have been going through some difficult times. He has been one of the easiest priests for me to go to confession to. His homilies at Mass have always been easy for me to take something away from. He has done so many positive things at our parish. Knowing he is leaving and not really wanting to is making this good-bye even harder. If I had gone on the retreat I would have missed-out on his last Mass here, and that would have made me very sad. More sad than not attending the retreat, which is saying something pretty big considering how much I love retreats.

Another reason why I am ok with not being able to be on this retreat is the fact that my family is throwing my father a surprise birthday party on Sunday. The only reason why I am even ok with writing this on my blog is the fact that my father does not get on the computer... except to check his e-mail. When he sits and types out his e-mails he only uses two fingers because he has never really understood the need for typing classes. His work made him take a typing class which he attended, but even the teacher ended up passing him only because he went from one finger to two. Thinking about that kind of makes me laugh. I love my dad dearly. He turned sixty while I was away for my March for Life trip so we did not have a big celebration with him. In fact when I got home that day no one was here to greet me. My parents were out on a dinner date for his birthday. I was cool with that. In fact I kind of enjoyed having a bit of "alone" time to reflect on the trip. Anyway, so my mom is expecting fifty to sixty people coming to his party. My little brother will be the dj. There will be tons and tons of Mexican food since that is my dad's favorite kind of food. There are lots of letters that have come in for my dad from those who will not be able to be here for it in person. Along with his birthday this is also supposed to celebrate the fact that my dad has stayed sober for 22 years from alcohol which is something my family is very proud of him for. I could go on and on about all the many ways my dad has helped others around my town with different needs, but that would take a long time to write. The fact that so many care enough about him to let him know how much he means to them speaks volumes about the kind of man my dad is. I feel very blessed that God gave me the parents he did. I would not trade them for the world! Had I gone on the retreat I would miss-out on this grand occasion and that would really really make me sad.

The picture has Father Bill in the middle and my dad on his right. It was taken at one of the parish pic-nics that Father Bill pushed for.

Since I was not able to be with my friends I have sent them each a little note which they should receive sometimes tomorrow and I have been keeping them in my prayers. I cannot wait to hear how their experience was this past week-end when they return. :)

Catholic Horses Joke

2011-02-10T20:53:00.002-05:00

My dad sent this to me today. I thought it was pretty good. I know it made me smile. Enjoy. :)

CATHOLIC HORSES

One day while he was at the track playing the ponies and all but losing his
shirt, Mitch noticed a priest who stepped out onto the track and blessed the
forehead of one of the horses lining up for the 4th race.

Lo and behold, that horse...a very long shot... won the race. Before the
next race, as the horses began lining up, Mitch watched with interest as the
old priest stepped onto the track again.

Sure enough, as the 5th race horses came to the starting gate the priest
made a blessing on the forehead of one of the horses.

Mitch made a beeline for a betting window and placed a small bet on the
horse. Again, even though it was another long shot, the horse the priest
had blessed won the race.

Mitch collected his winnings, and anxiously waited to see which horse the
priest would bless for the 6th race. The priest again blessed a horse.
Mitch bet big on it, and it won.

Mitch was elated. As the races continued the priest kept blessing long
shot horses, and each one ended up coming in first.

By and by, Mitch was pulling in some serious money. By the last race, he
knew his wildest dreams were going to come true. He made a quick dash to
the ATM, withdrew all his savings, and awaited the priest's blessing that
would tell him which horse to bet on.

True to his pattern, the priest stepped onto the track for the last race
and blessed the forehead of an old nag that was the longest shot of the
entire day. Mitch carefully observed the priest blessing the eyes, ears, and
hooves of the old nag. Mitch had a difficult time believing that nag could
ever win, but that priest had blessed all the correct winners thus far.
That horse didn't look like a winner, but that priest was a winner. With
the long odds on this horse, Mitch knew he had a huge winner if this priest
was right again. He bet every cent he owned on the old nag.

He then watched dumb-founded as the old nag jogged around the track, coming
in dead last. Mitch, in a state of shock, made his way down to the track
area where the priest was. Confronting the old priest he demanded, "Father!
What happened? All day long you blessed horses and they all won. Then in
the last race, the horse you blessed lost by a Kentucky mile. Thanks
to you, I've lost every cent of my savings -- every bit of it!'.

The priest nodded wisely and with sympathy. "Son," he said, "that's a
problem with Protestants, they can't tell the difference between a simple
blessing and last rites."

Sitting This One Out For A Change

2011-02-08T21:54:00.004-05:00

This upcoming week-end is the Kairos retreat. Sadly, I will not be able to attend this one. I know, crazy, me the retreat junkie NOT attending a retreat, but it is a fact this time. There is a saying out there that says that if God wants you to be on a retreat He will get you there. I suppose this time He wants me to sit one out. A huge group of my friends will be attending it, some are even flying in from out of state to be here. One in particular is flying in from Boston. Since I will not be able to be with my friends in person, I will be letting them know I am with them in spirit. One nice way (other than praying, which I will be doing) I will be doing this is by writing them letters. Each retreatant will be receiving a packet full of letters from friends and family letting them know how much they are loved. These types of things are just my style. It is nice to uplift friends and help brighten their day. I like to do that every so often. It is even more fun when they really are not expecting it. For the next few nights I will be occupying myself with this task along with a few others which may mean I might not have time to blog for a couple of days, but it is a small sacrifice to give-up blogging in order to make my friends feel special and loved. :)

"Kid's Say The Darndest Things" #10

2011-02-07T22:29:00.003-05:00

I know I haven't done one of these in a long while... but here we go.

My eight year old nephew came to visit me at the daycare. He was having a lot of trouble trying to climb the rope...

Me: Hey, Isaiah, do you want one of my little kids to show you how it's done?
Isaiah: If I can't do it then they can't. They're littler then me.
Me: Hey, Sofie. Come over here. Do you want to show my nephew how to climb the rope?
Sofia: Yes.
Sofia climbs the rope in about thirty seconds.
Isaiah: Well, can she climb back down?
Sofie climbs down the rope with out a problem.
Isaiah: She needs to be my teacher!
--------------------------------------

Marva: Hey Sofie, what's on your shirt.
Sofia: A ghost.
Marva: What else is on your shirt?
Sofia: polka ducks.... there are also polka ducks on my pants too.

What she meant was polka dots..... lol
-------------------------------------

Camille thought she saw Jacob put some chalk in his mouth....

Camille: Hey Jacob, what is that in your mouth???
Jacob (with a face that looked at her like she was crazy): I have teeth in my mouth!

It was too funny!
------------------------------------

Kaytlin: Marva, what color are your hands?
Marva: Brown
Kaytlin: What color is your face?
Marva: Brown
Kaytlin: What color is your body?
Marva: Brown. Kaytlin, what color are your hands?
Kaytlin (studying her hands with a serious look on her face): Uh, uh, uh, I think yellowish?
-------------------------------------

During circle time we were practicing a song for a thanksgiving day feast had had for all the families to come and attend. It is an Native American song and one of the lines is "This is the way we wash our clothes wash our clothes wash our clothes. This is the way we was our clothes. We are the wampanoag." there are other lines like "this is the way we plant our corn..." etc. After the washing the clothes verse one of the kids says this:

Dash: I just take my clothes out of the dryer at home and they're clean.

After he said that we got into a discussion about how different the lifestyles of the people were at the time of the first Thanksgiving. How they had to hunt their food and make their own clothes and how they washed their clothes... how they did not have a supermarket like we do today, so forth and so on. FInally one of the girls cuts in...

Savannah (with a very serious face): Uh uh... That's, that's a joke!

It was too cute.

7 Deadly Sins/ 7 Contrary Virtues

2011-02-06T22:57:00.005-05:00

Today during the homily at Mass father focused mainly on how we all have bad habits which we need to work on. He talked about how we can only overcome these bad habits through an active relationship with God. The thing about bad habits is how they show us how we will always need help from God through our whole life. He then talked a bit on the seven deadly sins and how we all battle with these in our own ways. It is a good thing we have the virtues to pray for growth in to help us out with the struggles of our daily lives. Virtues are always a work in progress. It is not something you are born with, or once you think you have it you always will. No, virtues are something that must be practiced, but we can only really practice them to the best of our ability with the grace of God. So here is a little bit more about the deadly sins and some virtues that correspond with them.

Pride is excessive belief in one's own abilities, that interferes with the individual's recognition of the grace of God. It has been called the sin from which all others arise. Pride is also known as Vanity. (pray for the virtue of Humility to overcome this sin)

Envy is the desire for others' traits, status, abilities, or situation. (Pray for the virtue of kindness to overcome this sin)

Gluttony is an inordinate desire to consume more than that which one requires. (pray for the virtue of abstinence to overcome this sin)

Lust is an inordinate craving for the pleasures of the body. (pray for the virtue of chastity to overcome this sin)

Anger is manifested in the individual who spurns love and opts instead for fury. It is also known as Wrath. (pray for the virtue of patience to overcome this sin)

Greed is the desire for material wealth or gain, ignoring the realm of the spiritual. It is also called Avarice or Covetousness. (pray for the virtue of liberality to overcome this sin)

Sloth is the avoidance of physical or spiritual work. (pray for the virtue of diligence to overcome this sin)

Ever Wonder Where The "Super Bowl" Got It's Name?

2011-02-06T17:17:00.004-05:00

I am a huge football fan. Normally the Play-offs and the Super Bowl are a few of my favorite things to watch in the winter. This year it is a bit different considering the two teams are going to be playing in the Super Bowl this year. I am not much of a fan of either, but considering I really cannot stand the Steelers, I will be hoping the Packer's win this evening. In honor of the game here is some trivia for those who are interested.

Is the Super Bowl really named after a 1960s children's toy?

By Chris Chase

Follow Yahoo! Sports on Facebook and be the first to know about the most interesting stories of the day.
It seems too much like an urban legend to be true that the Super Bowl was named after a children's novelty toy that was popular in the mid-1960s.
But strange as it sounds, it is. The name of America's biggest sport event got its name from

a Wham-O toy called "Super Ball." The story was recounted in Michael MacCambridge's book, "America's Game."
Once the NFL-AFL merger was announced, discussions began about the inaugural championship game between the winners of the two leagues. A group of seven men were tasked with the specifics. During the course of the meetings, it became confusing when the men referred to "the championship game" because the others didn't know whether he was referring to the league championship games or the finale, which still didn't have a name. To end the mix-ups, Kansas City Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt jokingly referred to the final championship game as the "Super Bowl." He had come up with the name while watching his children play with the toy pictured above.
"Super Bowl" is how the game was referred to for months, even though Hunt himself said it was "far too corny" to ever be used on the big stage. In the middle of 1966, he wrote commissioner Pete Rozelle and said the group needed to come up with an official name for the game. "If possible," he wrote, "I believe we should 'coin a phrase' for the Championship Game. [...] I have kiddingly called it the 'Super Bowl,' which obviously can be improved upon."
Rozelle agreed. The league's publicity director recalled that the commissioner despised the word "super," because it didn't have any sophistication. Rozelle was evidently a "stickler on words and grammar." The game would be known as the "AFL-NFL World Championship Game."
That bulky title didn't last. People caught wind of Hunt's name and soon everyone, from media members to players, were calling the title game "the Super Bowl." The NFL was slow to adapt, though. It wasn't until the third game that the words "Super Bowl" appeared on the official game program and the fourth game when the phrase appeared on tickets.

I Am A "Lyric" Person

2011-02-04T18:14:00.003-05:00

"You know I've got this theory, there are two kinds of people in the world. There are lyric people and music people. You know, the lyric people tend to be analytical. You know, all about the meaning of the song. They're the ones you see with the CD insert out like 5 minutes after buying it, pouring over the lyrics, interpreting the hell out of everything. Um, then there’s the music people, like Brooke. Who could care less for the lyrics as long as its just got like a good beat and you could dance to it. I don’t know, sometimes it might be easier to be a music girl and not a lyric girl. But since I’m not, let me just say this. Sometimes things find you when you need them to find you, I believe that. And for me its usually song lyrics."
-One Tree Hill (Peyton Sawyer's character)-

I read this quote for the first time today, and I can totally 100% understand where this quote is coming from. If you are new to this blog and have not yet seen a post where I talk about the lyrics of a song, then just wait it out a little bit and sure enough I will post one. Better yet, you can read them by clicking the music link on my side-bar. I am obsessed with songs which have emotional and memorable lyrics. Lyrics are poetry and if they touch me without hearing the song then I know the song has got to be a piece of art. There are definitely certain song lyrics that have truly changed my life. That usually happens when it is spot on to what I need to hear or what emotion I am feeling. Lyrics can be beautiful... they can also be harmful depending on what the writer is trying to convey. Just another thing I am careful about.

Learning To Appreciate Winter Beauty

2011-02-02T17:32:00.005-05:00

The ice storm hit hard in my hometown. Everything here is pretty much closed up and everyone (who still have electricity in their homes) are in hibernation mode. It is a interesting feeling. There is a nice layer of ice covering everything out side. I went to clean off the ice on my car, just for something to do, and it took me about fifteen to twenty minutes to clear it all off. While I was out there I noticed something. It was completely silent outside, with the exception of my car running. No one was outside shoveling their driveways. There were no sounds of cars going down the road. There were no children running around and playing. There were no signs of any animals either. It was very interesting. Silence like that hardly ever happens during the day on my street. I took the time to really look around my street at what nature had done to it. My neighbor's tree in the front yard had a number of branches fall down and block her front door. The snow was shiny from the layer of ice laying on top of it. The trees all glistened in the sunlight from the ice which covered every branch and stem and twig. It looked like a gorgeous winter wonderland. It was a moment that reminded me how even though I am usually not appreciative of winter weather, winter still has it's own beauty that should be noticed. God is really something when He wants to catch a person's attention...

"Planned Parenthood Aids Pimp's Underage Sex Ring"

2011-02-01T22:18:00.001-05:00

Being Short Is Better

2011-02-01T10:52:00.004-05:00

If I could change one thing about myself (not that I think about this all the time or anything) I would add a few inches to me height. Being 5'21/2" in. is not that small, but it is enough to be somewhat frustrating. I am not going to lie, I did not complain about my lack of height while standing around my tall friends when we were waiting for the March to start last week... That came in very handy for me as they all blocked the wind from my sister and I, so we were pretty warm. There are times that being short is not fun. Trying to see something when in a large crowd of people, or when at a movie theater a tall person almost always sits in front of me and blocks my view of the screen so I have to move in an uncomfortable position to see the movie. Those are just a few examples, and I could write more, but I do not really want to.

The reason why I am even talking about height is the other night I opened up a Mother Teresa book and this is what it said:

"In the Gospels, Zaccaeus was a little man who wanted to see Jesus. He tried in many ways, but he could not see Him until he accepted that he was small. That acceptance let him to the next step, the acceptance of the humiliation that he had to climb a tree so that he could see Jesus, an so let everyone know that he was very small. We need the same kind of humility for us."
-Mother Teresa-

After reading that I guess I do not mind being short....

Working On This Whole Trust Thing...

2011-01-30T22:51:00.004-05:00

^{Yesterday I took the chance to go to confession. It had been about a month since I had last gone, and although I did not really have too much to say I ended up going for some advice. As I mentioned in a previous post about a interesting moment that happened to me personally on my trip. I was still feeling a bit confused and unsure about what my future. Before I went into confession I prayed to God about what that all meant. I decided to open up the Bible and it opened to this passage:}

^{Philippians 4:6-9}
⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

That made me feel a little bit better, but still not fully at peace. I went into confession and told Father my list of sins. He then asked me if there was anything else that was troubling me about my relationship with God. I did not really plan on explaining the story of what happened on my trip, but when he asked me that I knew I had to get it off my chest. He then told me that that sort of thing happens a lot to lots of different people. He said that since this was the first time it had happened to me by a stranger it did not mean I am called as a nun. He told me to just leave it alone for now. If I am called to becoming a nun or sister than there will be more signs to come in my future, but for now to just not think about it at all. I felt an immediate sense of relief hearing that from my priest. For my penance he told me to keep praying to trust God and His plan for me. The more I thought about that penance the more I have realized that I really do need to pray more about trusting God. There have been some other things in my life over the past few years that have made me confused and frustrated about what God has planned for my future. So here's to me REALLY working on being relaxed while God takes the wheel.

I Am Proud To Be Catholic!

2011-01-30T22:40:00.005-05:00

I had a blast on my March For Life trip. There were so many fun and happy and great moments, but there were also a few not so high moments. I want to share a story of one of those not so great moments... The day of the march happens to be the only day the seminariens from St. Meinrad are allowed to wear collars. Our two seminarien friends were very excited to wear theirs. It was a fun time for them as they were enjoying random strangers calling them "Father." There was one instance though that was not so high. As we were walking after the march to find a less crowded metro station we crossed paths with a man who judged my two friends by the collar they were wearing... judging the whole priesthood really. You see, this man made a very rude comment to my friends as he walked by us. He said very loudly and clearly, "Pedophiles for Christ!" I was very offended by that comment, and I am sure my two friends were even more so. It is frustrating to think that people still have those feelings towards the Church. I received an e-mail from a friend today, and it fits perfectly to this issue. It is actually by a Jewish Rabbi which makes it even more powerful to me.

Excerpts of an article written by non-Catholic Sam Miller - a prominent Cleveland Jewish businessman:

"Why would newspapers carry on a vendetta on one of the most important institutions that we have today in the United States, namely the Catholic Church?

Do you know - the Catholic Church educates 2.6 million students everyday at the cost to that Church of 10 billion dollars, and a savings on the other hand to the American taxpayer of 18 billion dollars. The graduates go on to graduate studies at the rate of 92%.

The Church has 230 colleges and universities in the U.S. with an enrollment of 700,000 students..

The Catholic Church has a non-profit hospital system of 637 hospitals, which account for hospital treatment of 1 out of every 5 people - not just Catholics - in the United States today.

But the press is vindictive and trying to totally denigrate in every way the Catholic Church in this country. They have blamed the disease of pedophilia on the Catholic Church, which is as irresponsible as blaming adultery on the institution of marriage.

Let me give you some figures that Catholics should know and remember. For example, 12% of the 300 Protestant clergy surveyed admitted to sexual intercourse with a parishioner; 38% acknowledged other inappropriate sexual contact in a study by the United Methodist Church , 41.8% of clergy women reported unwanted sexual behavior; 17% of laywomen have been sexually harassed.

Meanwhile, 1.7% of the Catholic clergy has been found guilty of pedophilia. 10% of the Protestant ministers have been found guilty of pedophilia. This is not a Catholic Problem.

A study of American priests showed that most are happy in the priesthood and find it even better than they had expected, and that most, if given the choice, would choose to be priests again in face of all this obnoxious PR the church has been receiving.
The Catholic Church is bleeding from self-inflicted wounds. The agony that Catholics have felt and suffered is not necessarily the fault of the Church. You have been hurt by a small number of wayward priests that have probably been totally weeded out by now.

Walk with your shoulders high and you head higher. Be a proud member of the most important non-governmental agency in the United States .

Then remember what Jeremiah said: 'Stand by the roads, and look and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is and walk in it, and find rest for your souls'. Be proud to speak up for your faith with pride and reverence and learn what your Church does for all other religions.

Memorable Moments Captured On Film From My Trip

2011-01-29T13:45:00.014-05:00

I am happy to say that I have recovered my photos. It was by accident, but I have them back... From top to bottom...

The first picture is of my sister, my great friend, and myself. We grew up together and so our friend is like a brother to us. Can you say family photo time???

The second photo is just one of the many shots I took of the crowd at the March. Being so short I could not get a great one, but this one was pretty good.

The third one is of my sister and I and two friends who came along with us on the trip... They are seminariens. I happened to be in the car with them for the trip to d.c. and home. Good times. :)

The forth one is of me and my friend. We stayed at her family's home. I was so happy to be able to see her and spend some time with her. I missed her a great deal. She is planning on becoming a nun as soon as she pays her school debts off. :)

The fifth one basically shows our view from where we were sitting for the Vigil Mass at the Basillica.. They were really great seats. :)

The sixth one is of Newt Gingrich! After I took his picture he waved at me. It was kinda cool.

The seventh one is of my sister and our two good friends while we were saving our seats for our group. They are sisters too. :)

The eighth one is of the view from behind where we were sitting for Mass at the National Basillica...And that is not counting all the people sitting in the adjoining chapels and to the sides of us....10,000 people were there for this Mass.

The ninth one is my personal favorite moment I captured on film. Among the craziness in the basillica, my sister and I passed by this chapel. It was the only one with just one person in it. It was a holy moment... I had to get it on film. It was too touching not too. I have no clue who the man is that was praying....

The bottom one is of the National Basillica. Both my younger sister and I said we felt like we were at home as soon as we walked up to this place. We have been there so many times now that we know where to find everything. It was nice to know that the place that made me feel like home is the Catholic church.

"There's No Place Like Home. There's No Place Like Home. There's No Place Like Home..."

2011-01-28T21:46:00.005-05:00

I must admit that since my trip was so much fun, coming home and getting back into my normal routine has not been so easy. This morning when I woke-up was the first morning in the past week that I have not wished for a few more hours of sleep. I think my sleeping schedule is finally getting back to normal after my crazy week of traveling and working. I feel like I have not stopped moving. Even tomorrow I will have a little bit of sleep-in time, but I am meeting a friend to take a zumba class together before noon...

I find a sense of peace when I am working-out. Just keeping my mind on breathing at a good pace and keeping moving is so much simpler for me to do right now. I tend to pray a lot while working out, especially when I am jogging. It keeps my mind off the pain I am pushing myself through and so it is easier to win the mind-over-body game that happens while running/kick-boxing/pilates. Getting back into my exercise routine was the easiest part of coming home. I missed being able to push myself while on the trip. We had such a packed schedule that there was not much room when it came to working-out. I took advantage of Monday afternoon when we went in search of a less crowded metro station. We walked a ways and I did not feel guilty about missing my work-out that day.

I have to say being welcomed back with loud excited screams by the kids was my favorite part of the day. Each of them kept saying how they missed me, and I received lots of hugs and kisses from them. One little girl came and whispered in my ear "Miss Teresa, you're the best." How can a girl not eat that comment up? Moments like these are blessings in a crazy work-day. I do not take them for granted, but thank God for them everyday. :)

I went to Mass yesterday and was greeted with questions from friends about how my trip went and being told they were all praying for me. I did not know some of these people even knew about my planned trip to d.c.. It was just another reminder that I was home and surrounded by people who care about me. As nice as it was to get away from my hometown for awhile, there is nothing like returning home and knowing people are here waiting for me.

"Be Still And Know I Am God"

2011-01-27T22:22:00.001-05:00

Psalm 46

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

A Local Youth Group From My Home Town On News About March...

2011-01-26T22:10:00.003-05:00

St. John's youth group being interviewed about the March for Life. The young girl who speaks happens to have been part of my homeschool group during my senior year of high school. I am so proud of this. :)

Still Gonna Keep Taking It One Step At A Time

2011-01-26T21:44:00.005-05:00

While on the March for Life trip I must say that I had a bit of an inner struggle/confusion going on. You see, while waiting for the Vigil Mass to begin I became very friendly with the people who were sitting around me. We were all crammed together like a can of sardines that it is not hard to make a connection with those around you.

One man who I met happened to sit at the very end of the pew that I was leaning on. He and I talked about where we were from (he was from Missouri) and what we liked about our home towns. He was very easy to talk to and I enjoyed my conversation with him. At the end of the Mass as my group was getting ready to go he tapped me on my shoulder and asked me what I was majoring in. I told him early childhood education. He then told me I was a very brave woman. I laughed at that and explained to him how I have been working at a daycare for five years now, so I was pretty sure I knew what I was getting myself into. He then looked me straight in the eye and asked me if I had ever thought about being a nun. I cannot explain why at that moment I felt a feeling of nervousness, but I did. I explained to him how I have prayed about it, but I am pretty sure I am not called to be a nun. He smiled at my answer and I then had to say goodbye to him as my group was leaving him.

A few of my friends over heard this conversation and found it interesting as there has been a running joke of how I will become a nun, I am just in denial. I was hoping they would not spread that story around because I still wanted to process it all in my head, but it did not happen as I wished. The first thing my sister told the group when we met up with everyone was my conversation with this man.

I am completely used to my friends joking around about me becoming a nun. It is nothing new. It has happened for a number of years now, but they make it known to me they are just joking. In fact the majority of the time after they joke about it they always end up telling me they know I will actually become a wonderful mother and have twelve kids. Why it is ALWAYS twelve kids, I have no idea, but it is. I suppose if God chooses to give me twelve I will find a way to handle it, but I really would not mind dealing with no more than five, but beggars cannot be choosers I suppose. I suppose the reason why I was so taken back by this man's comment is because I have never really been told by someone I just met about if I have thought about being a nun.

The next morning I took this to prayer when I went with a small group of friends to a holy hour and Mass. I also had some good conversations with my two seminarien friends. I know that I must keep contemplating and praying about whatever vocation God is calling me to. I am pretty certain I am called to marriage, but until that happens I will work on my relationship with Him now.

Sleep... Who Needs Sleep? Sleep Is For Babies! Ha!!!

2011-01-25T22:01:00.002-05:00

Considering I have spent the majority of this past week-end sleep-deprived, along with the rest of my group, I decided to post the top 10 benefits to being sleep deprived. I got a laugh out of them....

10. Sleep deprivation allows you to speak your mind.

9. Sleep deprivation provides more time for productivity.

8. Sleep deprivation lets your family see your emotional side.

7. Sleep deprivation can lead to lack of rationality, which can lead to creativity.

6. Sleep deprivation gives you excuses to try gourmet coffee.

5. Sleep deprivation provides you with an excuse to nap.

4. Sleep deprivations gives you a free pass when you forget important information.

3. Sleep deprivation allows you to fast forward through boring situations

2. Sleep deprivation can give you a pretty good buzz by the end of the day.

1. You can see the sunrise and the sunset in one day!

“A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles”

2011-01-25T18:47:00.004-05:00

I know I have been M.I.A. for sometime now. I have been incredibly busy with preparing for my March for Life trip and then being away for it that I have not had much free time to blog. In fact, I just got home a little while ago and am very tired, which is why this entry will be pretty short. I am only going to list the highlights from my trip and then later on I will come back and go into more detail because there is a lot to say.

My Favorite Moments From The Trip

The road trip to and from with one of my very best friends, Mike Keucher, and another new friend John Kimwando. We had way too many good laughs and conversations that I cannot go into detail here, but they helped make a great beginning and ending to this pilgrimage. :)

Seeing my good friend Jess and spending time with her and her family. They were kind enough to open their home to twelve energetic and fun people and I am very grateful for that. It is because of this fact I was really able to attend the March at all.

Sightseeing around d.c. Sunday afternoon was great times with the whole group.

Attempting to play "pretend" with some friends while looking at the air and space museum.

Going to the National Basillica in d.c. for the vigil Mass.

While at the National Basillica part of my group ended up with AMAZING seats. We could see everything. It was wonderful. I guess after four times, by the fifth you kinda know exactly how it works.

Being able to take a picture of Newt Gingrich, who sat just a few rows behind us. He even waved at me and posed for the picture. :)

Ending up sitting across from a group of people during the vigil Mass who know my friend Liz. She was supposed to come with our group, but changed her mind. Anyway as I figured out these people knew her she was on the phone with one of them at that exact moment. I got to talk to her on their cell phone. It was really cool how it happened.

Apparently my mom told me I ended up being on E.W.T.N. as I was walking away from receiving communion. I have never been on t.v. or in the newspaper before, so that was kind of cool too.

After Mass we went on the metro and most of the group on our car broke out singing in Latin. Only with a large group of Catholic people would that EVER happen.

The March itself was HUGE!!!! We ended up being towards the very back of the line so we stood there for hours and hours before we actually began to move.

While waiting to march I had a lot of fun with my sister having staring contests and playing 20 questions. It was some fun sister bonding... I had fun with my other group members, but I enjoyed hanging-out with her the most at that time. :)

After the march my "car" group ended up going separate ways and walked and walked and walked and walked to find a less crowded metro station. Got my work-out in. :)

Eating dinner with my friend's family while enjoying a couple of beers. It was good times.

Enjoying spending time with the WHOLE group after dinner laughing in the living room. Some of us played euchre, some of us were messing on our phones, some of us were getting back masages, some of us were doing homework ... but we were all enjoying each other's company. That was my favorite part of the trip.

I would have loved to post pictures of a lot of these things, but sadly and strangely somehow they got deleted. I really am not sure how it happened, but it was kind of sad. It happens though, and I am sure I will find pictures from other members in the group, so all is not lost. :)

And now I am going to go relax a bit. Even though this may seem like a long post, really it is not long at all. I will be posting more, as I said earlier. :)

The title of this post best says how I feel about my trip... "A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles."

"The Perfect Man"

2011-01-18T23:10:00.003-05:00

Tonight I spent part of my evening watching the movie, "The Perfect Man." It is very much a chick-flick, but I enjoy the message that comes out of it. For those of you who don't know, the movie is about a a mother and her two daughters. Every time the mother has fallen in love but ended up with a broken heart she would have her family pack-up and move to another town. The mother felt as though if she were not in a relationship with any guy, no matter how much of a loser the guy is, then she was not worth anything. In the end the daughter helps the mother realize how amazing she is and how she does not need another man to make her wonderful. While the mother feels the need to fall in love to feel whole, the daughter is too afraid to let herself get close to anyone because of how she has watched her mother deal with men while growing up. It was an interesting movie to watch.

There are lots of girls who seem to follow in the mother's footsteps and need to always have a boyfriend or they don't feel as if they are worth anything. This is really sad to me to watch happen. Don't get me wrong here having a boyfriend is a nice surprise to have, but us girls should not feel that we need one at ALL times. Really us girls need to have our hearts set on Jesus, because He is the perfect man who will help make us feel whole. Once we focus on Him and what He wants of us than that is what will make each of us feel a true sense of worth. God will bring the right man to us at the right time. Patience is a virtue and when it comes to waiting for that "someone" it is really hard to have, but it will be worth it in the end.

"Relax!"

2011-01-15T23:58:00.003-05:00

This past week I found out that our parish priest will be leaving us within the next month. I am very saddened about this change, especially since he has only been with us for a short period of time. I understand why he will be leaving us, but I know that St. Charles will not quite feel as much like home in the way that it once was. The fact that we will not have an official parish priest until sometime this Summer will make it feel even more strange in some ways. I can't help but wonder who our new priest will be and what ways the dynamic of my parish will change.
This morning I opened up my "God Calling" book and this is what it had to say...

January 15
Relax

Relax, do not get tense, have no fear. All is for the best. How can you fear change when your life is hid with Me in God, who changeth not- and I Am the same yesterday, today, and forever.
You must learn poise, soul-balance and poise, in a vacillating changing world.
Claim My power. The same power which which I cast out devils is yours today. Use it. If not, I withdraw it. Us it ceaselessly.
You cannot ask too much. Never think you are too busy. As long as you get back to Me and replenish after each task no work can be too much. My joy I give you. Live in it. Bath your spirit in it. Reflect it."

Have You Prayed About Your Vocation Recently???

2011-01-13T19:25:00.006-05:00

As I said in my previous post, this week is Vocation Awareness Week. Last night at "holy" hour we talked all about vocations and ways to really go about understanding what God is calling us to do in our lives. There was a panel of three guests, a priest, and then a couple who are engaged to be married this May. It was interesting to really learn each one of their stories. I particularly enjoyed hearing the young woman's story because it helped affirm how I have been discerning God's call in my own life. She never has really spent her time discerning about being called as a nun. Instead each time she has had to make a choice in her life she discerned whether that is what God was wanting her to choose. When it came to becoming engaged she discerned whether she was called to spend the rest of her life with her fiancee. Before she was engaged both her and her boyfriend did a novena for over a month and spent time together going to Mass and in eucharistic adoration to figure out if marriage was what God was calling them too.

I found this story very insightful for myself. Like her, I have not really thought too seriously on becoming a nun. Not that I have totally closed the door on that idea, but right at this moment I have not felt that being a nun or sister is my calling. With every big choice I have I also go to God in prayer about it. I pray a lot before making a decision. The more I sit in prayer with God, the more I feel peace with my life and the direction I am going right now. I know that if and when it comes time in a relationship to think about marriage I want to take this girl's advice. I want to really pray about that with the person I am in a relationship with before a proposal officially happens.

One question that was asked was how to decipher which answers come from God and which ones come from the devil. It is always tricky to figure out. Father said that the more we pray about our vocation then the choice that really fills us with peace and fulfillment is the answer he believes comes from God. The devil will always be there trying to make a person turn away from God's path, but the more we rely on God while spending quality quiet time with Him and talk with a mentor/close family and friends (when I say close, I really mean a select few people who really know YOU best and who you are comfortable sharing yourself with) about the discernment process the more it will help drown out the devil.

After the discussion we spent some time in Eucharistic Adoration which was a perfect way to help digest all that we had listened too.

Vocations Awareness Week 2011

2011-01-12T23:08:00.004-05:00

This week happens to be Vocations Awareness Week.... So I have found this great video about ways to discern your vocation...

This Is Me When I Have Writer's Block

2011-01-11T20:48:00.004-05:00

Fill this out IN YOUR OWN WORDS and repost. ... And use your own answers, not someone else's.

1. Where was your display picture taken?

In my living room

2. What exactly are you wearing right now?

my work-out out-fit and my IU hoodie

3. What is your current problem?

Boredom and writer's block...

4. What makes you happy most?

Family, Friends, Lucy (the dog), music, the smell of sun screen (cause it makes me think of Summer), Going to Mass, Going on retreats, Being a role model, Knowing I have helped make someone's day...Chocolate, Playing the piano, Reading a great book, Cuddling on the couch with another person, Receiving a really great back masage, Road trips with friends... lots of things make me happy. :)

5. What's the name of the song that you're listening to?

I am not listening to music right now... shocking, I know, but true.

6. Any celeb you would marry?

Keith Urban... but sadly he is already married. Channing Tatum would be another one...

7. Name someone with the same birthday as you?

Umm....Cate Blanchett, and George Lucas....

8. Ever sang in front of a large audience?

Well... if you count karaoke a few years ago with my family... we all sang "We are family" and only knew the words to the chorus... yeah... and then us girl cousins sang Shania Twain's "Honey, I'm Home." We didn't do half bad with that one.

9. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity?

nope.

10. Do you still watch kiddy movies or kiddie TV shows?

Yeah, at work... I gotta be up on my game with the popular kiddie shows for the kiddos.

11. Do you speak any languages?

english

12. Has anyone you've been close with passed away?

Yes, my grandpa. It was sad

13. Do you ever watch MTV?

Occasionally I have in the past.

14. What's something that really annoys you?

well I do get annoyed when I am on the highway and get cut off by someone who does not know how to use a turn-signal, it frustrates me. When people are two-faced. That annoys me big time... when a certain sibling of mine goes into my room and "borrows" clothes, but only tells me this when I randomly find it while in her room talking with her...

Chapter 1:

1. Middle Name:

Allison

2. Nickname(s):

Resa, Miss Resa, Aunt Tee tee, Ter, Reaper (long story), T.C. (don't know where the C comes from on that one).

3. Current location:

Living room

4. Eye color:

hazel

5. Hair Color?

brown

Chapter 2:

1. Do you live with your parents?

yes... but not for much longer.

2. Who do you live with?

My dad, mom, sister, brother, and dog

3. Do you have any siblings ?

yes, four

Chapter 3: Favorites

1. Ice Cream:

cookies and cream,

2. Season:

summer/fall

3. Shampoo/conditioner:

head and shoulders...

4. Dessert:

ice cream

Chapter 4: Do You..

1. Dance in the shower?

no...I do sing sometimes

2. Do you write on your hand?

when it is an emergency and I have no paper near me.

3. Call people back:

usually

4. Believe in love:

yes

6. Any bad habits?

I am sure I do...not putting my coat and shoes away when I get home... instead I leave them by the grandfather clock...

Chapter 5: Have You..

1. Broken a bone:

2. Sprained stuff:

yes. my ankle.

3. Had physical therapy:

4. Gotten stitches:

5. Taken painkillers:

yea

6. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling:

no, but that would be kinda fun I think.

7. Been stung by a bee?

yes.

8. Thrown up at the dentist:

no, thankfully. I never heard of that happening to someone before...

10. Had detention:

I was homeschooled, so no...

Chapter 6: Who/What was the last.

2. Person to text you:

Maria

3. Person you spoke to on the phone?

my mom

4. Person you hugged?

Joseph

5. Person you tackled?

Um... I don't know.

6. Person you talked to on msn/facebook?

My friend John

7.Thing you touched?

The keyboard

8.Thing you ate?

a chocolate covered pretzel

9. Thing you drank:

water

10. Thing you said:

"You mean that is the only bad habit I have, mom?" Yeah, I had help from her for that one question....

Chaper 7: Future

1. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

wherever God wants me to be...

2. 10 years?

see above answer

3. In 50 years?

who knows... if I live that long I will be in my seventies... hopefully retired. lol

4. Where do you hope to live?

wherever

5. Do you want to be famous?

I think "famous" is over-rated.

6. Do you want children?

yes!

7. Will you have plastic surgery?

no!

"All Good Things Must Come To And End..." :(

2011-01-10T21:01:00.006-05:00

I finally have been able to really sit down and write another blog post. Yesterday I guess I could have written one, but I was a bit sleep deprived from the retreat and ended up choosing to go to bed instead. When I say sleep-deprived I really do mean it. I believe I had about four hours of sleep Saturday night. Anyway, I am getting off-track....

I want to thank those of you who prayed for the confirmation II retreat. Your prayers worked! I have to say this past retreat was the best confirmation II retreat I have helped chaperone. The kids were well-behaved, and the talks were superb. It was a blast! I was very sad for it to come to an end.

My two very favorite part of this past retreat week-end was adoration time. The kids were all really great during this part. I did not go to confession because the kids were the one's that needed to go, and I also had gone the week-end before in preparation for the retreat. My other favorite part was hanging-out with my friends and the kid's after adoration and confessions were all done. We were all so slap-happy by that time that most of the night was spent laughing at the most random things ( most of which I do not even remember what we were laughing at) and me getting a work-out running up and down the stairs to find out what the score to the Colt's football game was every few minutes.

It is interesting to me how when I am on a retreat, no matter which one it has been, I always feel as though I never want to leave. I would not mind staying around the group an extra day or even longer. I guess that is partly why I enjoy helping out with so many different retreats... In fact, I had an Antioch retreat reunion meeting I went to pretty much as soon as I got home from the confirmation II retreat, and I have another one I will be helping out with next month. As soon as one retreat is done another one tends to take my focus.

"11 Step Program For Those Considering Having Children"

2011-01-10T13:14:00.002-05:00

My older sister shared this with me, and I found it too good not to pass on. :)

11 Step Program For Those Considering Having Children

Lesson 1

1. Go to the grocery store.
2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.
3. Go home.
4. Pick up the paper.
5. Read it for the last time.

Lesson 2

Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their...
1. Methods of discipline.
2. Lack of patience.
3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.
4. Allowing their children to run wild.
5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's breastfeeding, sleep habits, toilet training, table manners, and overall behavior.
Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you will have all the answers.

Lesson 3

A really good way to discover how the nights might feel...
1. Get home from work and immediately begin walking around the living room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly. (Eat cold food with one hand for dinner)
2. At 10PM, put the bag gently down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep.
3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag, until 1AM.
4. Set the alarm for 3AM.
5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2AM and make a drink and watch an infomercial.
6. Go to bed at 2:45AM.
7. Get up at 3AM when the alarm goes off.
8. Sing songs quietly in the dark until 4AM.
9. Get up. Make breakfast. Get ready for work and go to work (work hard and be productive)

Repeat steps 1-9 each night. Keep this up for 3-5 years. Look cheerful and together.

Lesson 4

Can you stand the mess children make? T o find out...
1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.
2. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.
3. Stick your fingers in the flower bed.
4. Then rub them on the clean walls.
5. Take your favorite book, photo album, etc. Wreck it.
6. Spill milk on your new pillows. Cover the stains with crayons. How does that look?

Lesson 5

Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.
1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.
2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.

Time allowed for this - all morning.

Lesson 6

Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.
1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment.
Leave it there.
2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.
3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Sprinkle cheerios all over the floor, then smash them with your foot.
4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.

Lesson 7

Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a pre-school child. (A full-grown goat is an excellent choice). If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.

Lesson 8

1. Hollow out a melon.
2. Make a small hole in the side.
3. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side.
4. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.
5. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.
6. Tip half into your lap. The other half, just throw up in the air.

You are now ready to feed a nine- month-old baby.

Lesson 9

Learn the names of every character from Sesame Street , Barney, Disney, the Teletubbies, and Pokemon. Watch nothing else on TV but PBS, the Disney channel or Noggin for at least five years. (I know, you're thinking What's 'Noggin'?) Exactly the point.

Lesson 10

Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying 'mommy' repeatedly. (Important: no more than a four second delay between each 'mommy'; occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet is required). Play this tape in your car everywhere you go for the next four years. You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.

Lesson 11

Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually tug on your skirt hem, shirt- sleeve, or elbow while playing the 'mommy' tape made from Lesson 10 above. You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.

This is all very tongue in cheek; anyone who is parent will say 'it's all worth it!' Share it with your friends, both those who do and don't have kids. I guarantee they'll get a chuckle out of it. Remember, a sense of humor is one of the most important things you'll need when you become a parent!

Just Some Prayer Requests.

2011-01-07T23:20:00.004-05:00

Hello readers. I just wanted to say I will be away this week-end helping chaperone a Confirmation II retreat. My own small group will be attending and I am very excited to watch them open up even more this week-end. Please keep us all in your prayers. :)

Also one of the girls in my small group will not be able to attend the retreat this week-end because she is having surgery done on her shoulders. This girl is a cancer survivor. The reason she had to have surgery is because the chemo ended up messing with her body so bad that only surgery can help it. She will also have to have hip surgery done later on this year as well. Please keep her in your prayers. She may be cancer free, but she still has a long road to recovery to go through. Her attitude throughout all of this has really inspired me. I have learned a lot from her and probably more than I ever helped her learn in the past few years. She is amazing!

"And The Winner Is...."

2011-01-05T22:36:00.006-05:00

Tonight I have been sitting in front of the television skipping through the channels and trying to see if one of my favorite shows happens to be on, Bones, Reba, or House maybe. I flip through and find myself quickly sucked into none other than the People's Choice Awards. As I sat there watching I could not help but realize how I was so tuned into this show. Even after I got up to mess around on the computer they were about to show the winner of some category (I don't even know which one it was, but I do know that the girl star from the Twilight movies won it. :( ) and I stopped my dad from changing the channel just because I wanted to hear who the winner is.

I will admit that a good portion of my Christmas break was spent catching up on past seasons of the television show Glee and watching the first season of The Big Bang Theory. It is interesting to me how we all can get so involved in television programs. It is crazy how with some shows how the audience can really emotionally connect to the plots that go on during episodes, or connect with a certain character. We can watch the show for an hour and then when that show is over we are left wishing there was more to watch.

Media really does have a hold on society. We can numb ourselves to the sex or drug scenes on our favorite shows thinking how they will only last a minute so why worry about it when really all those few minutes can mess with our minds. Somewhere along the line we get so used to seeing things like sex or drugs on tv to the point where we no longer see how doing those things are wrong anymore. In it's own way it makes the things that really are not best for us seem amazing and magical and a necessity. That is why it is so important to keep close to the faith by going to daily Mass and receiving communion regularly. Media may have a "hold" over society, but as long as we remember what is real truth and ask ourselves if what we are watching really will be helpful for us spiritually than it's "hold" will not be as strong.

"Legacy"

2011-01-04T19:57:00.005-05:00

While I was playing Euchre online today I also happened to have pandora on when this song was played. I have never heard it before and was about to press skip when the lyrics caught my eye. My favorite lyrics from this song happen to come from the bridge. "And will the world see Christ when they look at my life? Oh, will the world see?" I hope that when I die people did see Christ

Legacy
by: Sanctus Real

What will they say when I'm gone,
In words that are written in stone?
Under my name, what will they claim about me?

Oh, I want to leave a legacy to be remembered.
More than just a memory that fades away
Because we only, we only get one life

Free me, my hands are tied
I'm so tired of wasting time
These endless inventions
Steal my attention from real life
And when its done, when its over

Oh, I want to leave a legacy to be remembered
More than just a memory that fades away
Because we only, we only get one life

And will the world see Christ
When they look at my life?
Oh, will the world see?

Mmm, come on, give me, give me, give me real life
And no more, no more, no more wasting time
Because we only, we only get one life (Just one Life)

Oh, I want to leave a legacy to be remembered
More than just a memory that fades away
Because we only, (Get one shot, at this one life) We only (One moment in time)
Because we only, we only get one life

"JP II We Love You!"

2011-01-04T19:31:00.003-05:00

This video is about a miracle that has been approved for the beatification of John Paul II. This makes me happy. :) :) :)

Some More Favorite Quotes Of Mine

2011-01-03T22:25:00.004-05:00

Here are some of my favorite quotes that have inspired me with how I can work on becoming a better person... Enjoy!

"In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your effort with success."
~Proverbs 3:6~

"The place to improve the world is first in one's own heart and head and hands."
~Robert M. Persig~

"Life's most persistent questions is... what are you doing for others?"
~Martin Luther King Jr.~

"Listening can be a greater service than speaking."
~Dietrich Bonhoffer~

"If what you did yesterday seems big, you haven't done anything today"
~Lord Holtz~

"Without mistakes there would be no forgiving, and if there was no forgiving, there would be no love."
~Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta~

"If you don't like the way the world is; you change it, just do it one step at a time."
~Miriam Wright Edleman~

"If God can work through me, He can work through anyone."
~St. Francis de Sales~

"You never know what happiness a simple act of kindness will bring about."
~Bree Able~

"Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God, do you learn."
~C.S. Lewis~

"One kind word can warm three winter months."
~Japanese Proverb~

"Little deeds of kindness, little words of love, help to make the world a better place."
~Julia Carney~

"Make yourself a blessing to someone. Your kind smile or pat on the back just might pull someone back from the edge."
~Carmelia Elliot~

"I cannot and will not cut my conscience to this year's fashion."
~Lillian Hellman~