27°F WNW15mph SR0736 SS1645

Morning Offering given

Village sleeps

Today, we remember the Baptism, & 1st Communion of my children, Tabitha & Michael, in 1993 by Fr. Benda in Earlville. Prayers for their continued belief in God and prayers for Fr. Benda’s soul.

St. Peter Orseolo, who gave up the life of a successful government leader to give himself completely to God, inspires us to strive for this goal as well.

Meditations for Each Day pg. 12: The Death of the Sinner as Opposed to that of the Just. “It is the height of stupidity to wait to be converted at the hour of death.“

Day 10 Scripture Readings
“Cultivating a Quiet Heart” Matthew 11:28-30 ^* “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,^* and I will give you rest. 29^* p Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”
“New Beginnings” Ecclesiastes 3:1 ^* “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.”

Update from ENT
No fluid in the sinus. The membranes are swollen due to some form of irritation. Nasal spray to reduce inflammation ordered. See a CPAP doctor in June to discuss the excessive dryness the machine causes and what can be done to remedy it. Continue to take motion sickness medication as needed. Hmmm, glad I am on the if appointment opens up call me list.

Return label from Land’s End printed. They sent a one-time no-fee return label. Will get those jeans into the mail today.

How are you enjoying the scripture reading challenges? I am liking them very much! Today, I will journal about all that I have read. As I read through the journal, I’m seeing instructions very clearly.

Mass at 8 tonight @ St. John’s. Adoration @ St Therese’s tomorrow morning 5-7. Will take you all with me.

Know you are prayed for.

36°F NW17mph SR0736 SS1644

Morning Offering given

Village wet

Birthday greetings to Tom C-39 and Emma R-28

Coffee pod type, okay

•St Adrian, a brilliant scholar and administrator, was born in Africa, reminding us that we belong to a worldwide religion. Lord, help me to embrace in my thoughts, words, and actions people of every race, ethnicity, and religion who belong to You.
•Meditations for Each Day pg. 11: Death “Death, like suffering, is the result of sin (Romans 5:12). But it is more than a punishment for sin. It is also a liberation for the just who, like St Francis of Assisi, looked upon death as the good sister who will come one day to set them free and unite them with Christ in everlasting happiness. (Phil 1:23)
•Day 9: Cultivate a Quiet Heart 1Peter 5:7 ⁱCast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.^e
Day 9: New Beginnings Isaiah 58:12 Your people shall rebuild the ancient ruins; the foundations from ages past you shall raise up; “Repairer of the breach,” they shall call you, “Restorer of ruined dwellings.”^h
•Health update: the mild dizziness continues.
–Referral and appointment made with ENT LAX for today regarding fluid in the sinus cavities and the possibility of this being the cause of the dizziness. We shall see as I have been battling this sinus issue for a couple of years without much relief, and no dizziness was involved until this time.
–Referral made for CT of left wrist, as whatever is under the skin has increased in size in the past 2 years and is now putting pressure on things.
–Differing of opinion regarding what to do about fluid in legs. Medical compression socks are recommended by the attending, but at this time, the patient will not do so, as compression socks have given no relief in the past two years and only move the fluid to a higher location. Patient purchased a compression sleeve and, at present, is using it 2x daily with some success. Patient wants to find out “WHY” her legs are retaining fluid so that it can be addressed.
— No referral made to lipodema dr as current attending believes issue is lymphadema. No discussion on hard lumps or inability to lose weight was discussed (attending did listen)
— Attending spoke about a heart issue, saying the report says AFib was diagnosed, but was so infrequent that no medication was ordered. My memory… The doctor said they could not diagnose AFib because it lasted less than 30 seconds, and they couldn’t get enough information to call it that.
–CPAP recheck confirmed for June
–Motion sickness medication script renewed.

Once again it is looking to be an easy day for me. For this I am grateful.

Know you are prayed for.

28°F SE7mph SR0736 SS1643

Morning Offering given

Village waking

No Coffee/Tea

Today Happy Birthday goes out to Jean H.

St. Apollinaris recognized the answers to prayer that ease our way on eath and bring us nearer to God.

Thursday, “Holy Eucharist” stop in and see Jesus today

O Divine Saviour!
I thank Thee for having perpetuated
Thy humble, obedient, self-sacrificing, and recollected
silence of Nazareth in the tabernacle.
How Thy example puts me to shame!
Forgive me for my bold, self-seeking, and superficial talkativeness.
Teach me to understand the words:
“In silence and in hope shall your strength be.”

Steps for Praying in Front of the Tabernacle

1. Preparation: Before approaching the tabernacle, take a moment to quiet your mind and heart. Acknowledge your intentions and prepare to enter into God’s presence with reverence and humility.
2. Acknowledgment and Praise: Begin your prayer by acknowledging Jesus Christ as your Savior. You might say, “Father, I come before You with gratitude for Your presence here.” Reflect on His goodness and the blessings in your life. 
3. Confession and Repentance: Spend time in confession, asking for forgiveness for any sins. This step is crucial as it purifies your heart and prepares you to receive God’s grace. 
4. Intercessory Prayer: Pray for others, lifting up their needs before God. This can include prayers for family, friends, the church, and the world. Intercessory prayer is a powerful way to express love and concern for others. 
5. Worship and Adoration: Engage in worship, expressing your love for God. This can be through silent reflection, singing, or reciting prayers that honor His holiness. The act of worship elevates your spirit and draws you closer to God. 
6. Listening and Reflection: Spend time in silence, allowing God to speak to your heart. This is a moment to listen for His guidance and to reflect on His word and promises. 
7. Closing Prayer: Conclude your time in front of the tabernacle with a prayer of thanksgiving, expressing your gratitude for the time spent in His presence and for His continued guidance in your life.

Meditations for Each Day, Pg. 10: The Apostolate of Suffering Suffering reminds us continually that we have not been made for this world, but are on a journey towards eternity.

Day 8: New Beginnings, Isaiah 40:31 They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength,
they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.
Day 8: Cultivating a Quiet Heart, Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth in wisdom; kindly instruction is on her tongue.

Good Morning!
Looking to be an easy day here in the Wilds of Wisconsin.
The weatherman calls for rain.

Know you are prayed for.

29°F S8mph SR0736 SS1642

Morning Offering given
Let us remember St. Joseph today. The man who said yes to God by taking St. Mary as his wife and raising her child as his own.

Village waking to fog and ice

No Coffee

St. Lucian reminds us that we may advance closer to God by studying scripture and the gospels. God, open my mind to you in all that you have created, from the heavens and the earth, to the mysteries of the Bible.

Meditations for Each Day by Antonio Cardinal Bacci: pg 8: The Problem of Suffering
God is infinitely good and infinitely just. He created man without suffering, giving him the gift of liberty. Man abused this gift by committing sin. God, in his infinite justice, demanded expiation, hence suffering and death. God permits suffering for our spiritual welfare, because of this, we ought to receive it with an act of resignation and love, as Jesus did in Gethsemane. Thus uniting our suffering with those of our Redeemer.
January 7th Scripture Readings
•7th Cultivating a Quiet Heart… Philippians 4:8-9 ^g Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.^* 9Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me.^h Then the God of peace will be with you.^*
•7th New Beginning… Isaiah 43:18-19 Remember not^* the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; 19See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? In the wilderness I make a way, in the wasteland, rivers.

Contact your Godchildren today. Let them know you are thinking about them and praying for them. Also, if possible, contact your Godparents, thanking them for all they have done to contribute to your faith.

Know you are prayed for.

29°F NW7mph SR0737 SS1641

Morning Offering given

Village peaceful

Tea good… oolong pumpkin.

St Charles of Sezze shows us we do not let our limitations stop us in our journey toward God. Faithful Lord, I pray to show the kind of devotion to the Lord that is embodied in St Charles and January’s flower, the snowdrop.

The Magi have arrived at the house of Joseph, Mary, & Jesus. Bringing them gifts.

•Jan 6th Scripture Reading… Isaiah 29:19 The lowly shall again find joy in the LORD,
the poorest rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.o
Meditations for Each Day by Antonio Cardinal Bacci, page 7: The Epiphany. “Unfortunately, when we hear the divine call, no matter how clear and simple it is, we find a thousand excuses for delaying and perhaps for not responding to it at all. Let us humbly promise to be more generous in listening for it and more energetic in complying with it, regardless of the cost.” Note: I purchased this meditation book in 2021; it has been the best investment I have made concerning furthering my faith (except for the Bible). Each year, I come across something missed in the years before, which brings greater clarity. Most times, I believe my faith wasn’t ready to understand it before.

I have found this chart to be quite interesting. For those who would like to know when their particular church was founded, you may find this information of interest as well. For those who want to understand why the Great Schism happened, click here

Know you are prayed for.

28°F S3mph SR0737 SS1640

Morning Offering given

Village sleeps

Tea good

St John Neumann brought, through words and actions, Jesus’ message to everyone, especially immigrants, strangers, and the poor. Lord, teach me to be a true evangelist, bringing your words and works not just to those I know well, but to everyone you put in my life.

From the Margins: Home is where your mind goes when the night is black, and your heart is hurting.

January Bible Readings:
•4th Philippians 4:5-7… Your kindness^* should be known to all. The Lord is near.^d 6 Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. 7 Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.^f
•5th Proverbs 17:2727… Those who spare their words are truly knowledgeable, and those who are discreet are intelligent.^j

Word of the Day
Chary ( chair–ee)

Good Morning!
Temps are warming up this morning. Had a bit of rain, it looks, overnight as there’s ice on the vehicles. The office was nice and warm this morning at 5. One copy job completed. It’s looking like an easy morning… I’m liking that. How was your weekend? I’m hoping all was enjoyable for you.

Today remember to pray the souls in purgatory and for the Holy Spirit.

Dear Lord, we humbly come before You this morning,
for the guidance and comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Illuminate our hearts, inspire our thoughts, and direct our paths today.
May Your presence fill us with peace and wisdom,
enabling us to reflect Your love in all we do.
By Your power, we are born,
Your perpetual guidance directs our lives,
and by Your word we die.
Lord, though the departed souls are no longer with us in flesh,
We believe that their lives do not end.
We pray on behalf of the souls of our beloved departed
and for the dead, only known to You.
May the departed souls enjoy the company of Christ,
who died and rose again.
May they rejoice in Your Kingdom,
where their tears are wiped away.
Unite us in Heaven one day to sing Your glory forever.
Amen.

Know you are prayed for.

14⁰ SSE13mph SR0737 SS1639

Morning Offering given

Adoration at 5

Coffee KwikTrip

More later

14°F WNW5mph SR0737 SS1638

Morning Offering given. Jesus, let me live for you. Jesus, let me die for you. Jesus, I am thine in life and in death.

Village sleeps

Coffee ok

Today, remember Pearl Weston Slater Williams. My grandmother on my biological father’s side. May she rest in peace

THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS
1st Saturday Devotion
Jan 3rd Scripture Reading… Psalm 37:11 But the poor will inherit the earth, ^h
will delight in great prosperity.

Good Morning!
Early morning baby run
3 copy jobs
2 emails
office clean up
laundry 3 loads
Mass 8PM St John’s
These are the to-dos for today.

I found and ordered this print to be used this year to honor the Holy Family.

How bout you?
Anything special planned for the year?

Know you are prayed for.

8°F NW6mph SR0737 SS1637

Morning Offering… Jesus, take me as I am, summon out what I should be, set your seal upon my heart, Holy Spirit, dwell in me.

Village waking, covered in about 3″ of beautiful fluffy white snow

Coffee, strong

New Bible Reading/Journaling Plan… “Cultivating a Quiet Heart” (be sure to read the footnotes so that you get the context correct; they are in bold). Feel free to keep a journal to record your thoughts and feelings about the readings. This Bible version is the NABRE and can be found here, including all footnotes and bible information.
•January 1: 1Peter 3:3-4 Your adornment should not be an external one: braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or dressing in fine clothes,_b 4 but rather the hidden character of the heart, expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and calm disposition, which is precious in the sight of God.
•January 2: Galatians 5:25-26 Now those who belong to Christ [Jesus] have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires._s 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit._t 26 Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envious of one another._u

Today is 1st Friday

St Adalhard showed us we should spend more energy on our spiritual treasures than our material treasures. Beloved Jesus, You warned against trying to serve God and money; give me the strength to serve God and do Your work on earth.

From the margins:
“All of us fight battles; some are given uniforms to do so.”

Have an awesome 2026… perhaps even bringing the Holy Family into your home as a model of home life.

Know you are prayed for.

4°F W4mph SR0737 SS1636

Morning Offering… Jesus, take me as I am, summon out what I should be, set your seal upon my heart, Holy Spirit, dwell in me.

Village sleeps

Heavenly Father,
As the old year closes and a new one begins,
I pause to thank You for every blessing,
every lesson, and every moment of grace You’ve given me.
Fill my heart with peace for what is past,
courage for what is ahead, and joy for the present moment.
Guide my steps so they follow Your path,
let my words and actions bring light to others.
Bless my family, friends, and all those I meet this year
with health, love, and purpose.
May this year be a season of growth, kindness, and deeper faith.
Amen.

Birthday greetings to Juana R. May your day be awesome and your new year hopeful.

Down Memory Lane… this day, 1994… Dubuque Co., IA Sheriff’s Office parking lot. I was unloading my equipment from the squad. As I put down the trunk lid, my foot hit a “very small” patch of ice. My arms flew into the air with the right one coming down on top of the trunk. I got up with an absolutely limp arm. Gathered what I could and went to the door. I could not lift my arm to press the buzzer. Roto cuff injury…surgery on the calendar. Today, the arm is functioning well. Although I’m told a reverse shoulder replacement surgery should be performed. I opt out of that. I have very little pain, and it functions normally.

Holy Day of Obligation… Mary, the Mother of God… Mass 10 AM Sacred Heart, 8:15 AM St Patrick’s Sparta

Good Morning!

Enjoy the day

Know you are prayed for.