22°F SE10mph SR0716(0616) SS1908(1808)

Morning Offering given

Village sleeps

Coffee strong

St. Mathilda proves that political leaders can encourage charity through righteous leadership. Lord, thank you for those leaders who model and promote Christianity in government.

Meditations for Each Day, pg. 98, “The Spirit of Prayer.”
Jesus tells us, “they must always pray and not lose heart.” We must always remain united to God in mind and heart. The Spirit of Prayer can really change everything.

Scripture Reading Day 14 ” The Way of the Cross”
John 19:30 ^* When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.”^q And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

The prediction for today is wind and snow. With that in mind, today’s schedule has been redone to include staying around the home fire. Yesterday, the walls in the kitchen were sanded. Today, hopefully, they will see paint. This has been an extremely long and challenging process for me. This project was started when Jason was 18, yesterday he turned 25. Our longest ongoing project has the hope of being finished. The man and I have always had a yearly project to work on, and in most instances, that project was completed in a certain time frame. Generally, before the annual family reunion in July. This year, the man turns 75. There are aches and pains he refuses to admit to. There are memory issues he doesn’t acknowledge. The same goes for me; I turn 71 this year. Our children are off living their own lives, as are our grandchildren. When you put that all together, you get delayed projects that seem unending. What was once a family endeavor has become two old people trying to continue. Sadly, this means it takes much longer. Pride gets in the way of asking the children to help. Hope that perhaps they would recognize the issue and just show up saying, ” Let’s get this done,” factors in. Regardless of whether it is finished or not finished, this will be our last project.
Sometime this weekend, I will go around and make a list of everything that needs finishing. As well as a list of things left to do. Perhaps that will get a place on the refrigerator to cross off. He is tired of me reminding him of something he already knows.

I’ve commented previously on a blogger named Sarah Trent. She touches me with her writing. Perhaps she has something for you as well. I’ve also commented previously on Jay Jay Douglas. His reels touch me as well. During this Lenten season, I have been watching and reading these two, wishing I had known about them years ago. They would have made a difference in my life back then. They make a difference in my thought process today. I’ve also been reading (barely, it makes me think too much) Overcoming Lukewarmness: Healing your Soul’s Sadness by Francis Fernandez-Carvajal. This, too, has been eye-opening for me. When I was younger and so very busy in the Church, it never occurred to me that I would feel distance. But when the COVID shutdowns happened, it messed with my commitment. Unfortunately, it messed with many people’s commitment. The Church was suddenly saying everything that was a must was now ‘not a must’. They chose fear of something that might happen over tending their flock. They punished those who went boldly ahead to preach the gospel by making them seem like they were doing wrong. I wonder what would have happened to the Lepers if St Damien of Molokai had listened. Where would the Church be today if the disciples had stayed in line? They pushed everyone away out of fear of catching and spreading something. In doing so, the foundation cracked and began to crumble. Now they are doing the ‘new age’ thing with happy, clappy music and a change in wording to make things more entertaining. There is NOTHING entertaining about Christ’s sacrifice of life for our sins. The quiet and heavy load of acknowledging that MY sin put Christ on that Cross and that he willingly died for ME is what Mass is all about. They say the retirement years are “Golden”, they could be if we weren’t rushing through them like madmen trying to have “fun” and see all the things we’d put on our bucket list over the years. But then, the going rage is to “have fun”, do it all, regardless of the cost to you or your soul.

Know you are prayed for.

41°F WNW27mph SR0718(0618) SS1906(1806)

Morning Offering given

Village readying for storm, the wind is already howling like a train on the tracks

Coffee ok

Happy 25th Birthday, Hannah B!
Happy Birthday, Jeannette S.
Let us remember Alfield Slater, who passed from this life to the next in 2001.

St Leander helps us reflect on the glorious mystery of our faith, the Holy Trinity. Loving God, I pray that You give me the intelligence and discernment to know You as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Meditations for Each Day, pg. 97, Prayer. Prayer is more than a request for some favour or grace. It is a raising of the mind and heart to God to adore, praise, love, and appease Him. It is an intimate conversation where we place ourselves quietly in his presence and open our hearts to him. We make known to Him our weaknesses, desires, and resolutions. We tell Him how we long to love him and long to do his will. We tell him how much we need his grace. We wait patiently and faithfully for his answer.

Scripture Reading for Day 13 “The Way of the Cross”
Matthew 27:46 ^v And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”^* which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
John 19:28 ^o After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled,^* Jesus said, “I thirst.”^p

I woke this morning in the midst of a violent dream that had me clutching a handicapped child to my chest, with tears running down my cheeks, and thoughts of thankfulness that this child still lived. We have allowed those of this world to convince us that having a place in this world should be what they deem is viable, useful/or enjoyable. We are being taught this through the washing away of the infirm that suffering, compassion, and care are not useful/or viable. Scripture tells us differently. Romans 5:3-5 tells us to rejoice in our sufferings. 1 Corinthians 19:4-5 speaks to us about compassion. Luke 7; 8;13 all speak to the infirm. Each of us, regardless of our state, has a purpose/calling/station in this world. There is nothing useless in doing God’s work.

When you wake at 3AM, knowing God calls
1) I am here, Lord
2) Write down his words. Perhaps you are being warned or instructed about what is coming
3) Pray someone might need those prayers
4) Worship someone might need it
Stay off your phone.

Know you are prayed for.

24°F SW16mph SR0720(0620) SS1905(1805)

Morning Offering given

Village waking getting ready for more weather

Coffee okay

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JASON! WOW 25
Happy 67th Birthday, Mark.

Blessed Seraphina provides a model for how to use physical suffering and humiliation to advance our spiritual growth. Jesus, help me to bear my aches and pains, and illness by keeping an image of your suffering always in my mind and heart.

Meditations for Each Day, pg.96, Detachment from the World. “Work & Pray with our feet on the earth and our minds in Heaven. Seek God (not ourselves) in everything we do.

Scripture Reading Day 12 “The Way of the Cross”
Luke 23:34 [Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”]^* They divided his garments by casting lots.^r

In a few short days, Easter week will arrive. Have you taken a moment to make note on your Lent? Have you considered whether it was difficult or easy? Did it bring you closer to Jesus? Did you have any light bulb moments that you plan to take with you as you continue your journey to Christ? Have you considered making a weekly “Holy Hour”? Think about it. Pray about it. Just you and Jesus, one hour, every week, in conversation.

Know you are prayed for.

31°F NNW17mph SR0722(0622) SS1904(1804)

Morning Offering given

Village is readying for a snowstorm

Coffee good

St. Eulogius reminds us how effective prayer-based action is in building the Kingdom of God. Jesus, teach us how to pray to the Father, remind me to use the words You gave us often and with deep sincerity.

Meditations for Each Day, pg. 95, The growth of Jesus. It is impossible to standstill in life.

Scripture reading for Day 11 of “The Way of the Cross”
Matthew 26:39 ^u He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father,^* if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.”

Good Morning!
Today I am weary, so I am extremely thankful my day is easy. Just a few hours of pick-up and delivery, and I am finished.
I see we have “weather” moving in. Looks like north of us will get the brunt of it. I can live with that.
The last payment on a 2-year debt has been made. Live & learn, should have paid cash and didn’t, dumb move on my part. On the upnote, have more jingle in my pocket now.
Had a moment yesterday to speak with DS#4… always good to hear his voice. Looking forward to seeing him in April.
Also passed a message to DS#3… hopefully he considers the source of the original message.
DD#4 sounded hopeful yesterday. I was glad to hear that in her voice. Oh, life can be a butt kicker if you don’t have hope.

Today’s ponder... “You cannot pray in faith and wait in doubt.” This should be on a T-shirt.

Know you are prayed for.

40°F ENE14mph SR0723(0623) SS1903(1803)

Morning Offering given

Village sleeps

Coffee good

Today, we celebrate with Kurt & Cecile as they celebrate their 19th anniversary.

St John Ogilvie reveals that conversion as a thoughtful process is as valid as conversion through our emotions. Jesus, let me never take my closeness to You for granted, for it is only when I am aware of You in my life that I can bring others to You.

Meditations for Each Day, pg 93, The Hidden Life of Jesus There are many who complain that their work is degrading or heavy or unsatisfying. This is an indication that they are working for themselves rather than for God.

Scripture Reading Day 10 of “The Way of the Cross”
John 12:24-25 ^* Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat;^r but if it dies, it produces much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life^* loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.^s

Taming Trents is a blog worthy of following. “The Gardner” was particularly moving for me

“Maybe I was never meant to harvest the beauty as fast as it appeared
Maybe I was supposed to let it stay.
Let it scent the air.
Let it catch heaven’s dew in the early morning quiet.
Let it exist without needing to be cut, held, or shown.
I’m grieving the garden I keep destroying
Because I thought I had something to prove.

Good Morning!
Another early morning with places to go and people to see.
A lot is happening in my life these days. Much of it brings sadness. But that’s to be expected when you’re a mother with many children, each with their own personalities and ghosts to fight. The plight of the adoptive mother who took on the child that was already broken when it arrived, and did the best you could with the help of God to heal what was damaged. I believe, for the most part, my children healed well. Some have scabs and scars that are seen at different times when they are confronted with the past. Some have chosen to make it all my fault… a compliment in a mixed-up sort of way. Sort of validates my power as a parent over them. Gives me standing in their life, as if I were the biological parent. All of them are now in adulthood. Making choices and decisions that at times have me furrowing my brow.
The old adage, “you can bring a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink,” comes to mind when I see them deviate from what they were taught and how they are living life. I see them struggle, as I did/do with decisions that I have decided to “fix” myself instead of taking to God through prayer.
I love them. Plain and simple. Always will (even if I don’t agree) because I see they are trying, struggling, and doing what they believe they should (just as I did). Eventually, they will come to the realization that without God, there is no happy, satisfied place.

Know you are prayed for.

53⁰F SW15mph SR0725(0625) SS1902(1802)

Morning Offering given

ugh…

32⁰F SW14mph SR0727(0627) SS1900(1800)

Morning Offering given

Village sleeps as it should

No Coffee

Adoration 5-7(4-6)

Mass 8 (7)

Know you are prayed for.

45° F WNW14mph SR0629 SS1759

Morning Offering given Rosary

Village shrouded in heavy fog with rain

Coffee good

Sts. Perpetua & Felicity inspire us to greater sacrifice. Jesus, I pray for the strength to give even a fraction of what the saints gave.

Today, we remember Richard Murphy, who passed from this life to the next in 1995. May he rest in peace.

Scripture Reading for Day 7 of The Way of the Cross
Matthew 16:24 ^q Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,^* take up his cross, and follow me.

Meditations for Every Day, pg.89, St Thomas Aquinas

Way too much to do today, and little initiative to begin it. Had a wonderful day shopping, talking, and laughing with my friend Alma. She brought 3 of her teenage girls along; they had never been to Walmart, Hobby Lobby, or a thrift store. It was fun to watch them.

As you all know by now, I despise DST. It starts at 2am, tomorrow, ugh.

This man has awesome podcasts with good advice. JayJayDouglas, I cannot believe how much I enjoy what he has to say. I wish I had known some of these things at an earlier age.

Have an awesome day.

Know you are prayed for.

41°F Fog SSE11mph SR0630 SS1758

Morning Offering given

Village shrouded in fog, peaceful, reminds me of an old mystery movie

Coffee strong

St Chrodegang helped bring us the movingly beautiful Gregorian Chant; we celebrate our faith and love for God. I pray to appreciate the many forms of worship enhanced by music, art, and writing with which God has gifted us.

From the Margins: Wisdom, Justice, Power, Mercy, constant guardians of the law.

Scripture Reading for Day 6 of The Way of the Cross
Matthew 10:38-39 and whoever does not take up his cross^* and follow after me is not worthy of me. 39^* v Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Meditations for Each Day, pg. 88, Holy Contentment: …the knowledge that everything we suffer for the love of God helps us to merit _{(the quality of being particularly good or worthy)}heaven.

Back in the 90’s, when we began foster care work with Core 3 children. We were nervous about expenses but felt called to care for these troubled children. I remember standing in the kitchen of our home on Manchester Ave in Earlville, IA, and hearing God tell me, “I take care of the Sparrows, I’ll take care of you too.) So, I quit my job, gave up my retirement plan, health care benefits, etc., and became a full-time mom. There was not one time God did not provide in some way, shape, or form exactly what our family needed. He continues to provide this today. There is nothing fancy about the way we live. Our lives are modest and simple. We do what we can, for whom we can, with what God provides for us daily. At one time or another, I have upset each of our children with my blundtness by stating in verbal or written words that the choices they are making are placing them in the near occasion of sin. That if they continue the path they are on, they will sin. Some have chosen to stop having a relationship with me. I’m okay with that because I find comfort in knowing I did what a parent is to do: counsel a child when they are headed in the wrong direction. I know I have done what God instructed me to do. The estrangement doesn’t mean I don’t love them. It means I have stopped enabling them to believe there is nothing wrong with their actions. We all struggle. We all fall short. But the learning begins when we stand firm in beginning the change in our lives that will lead us onto the pathway to a strong, intimate relationship with Jesus. Picking ourselves up, acknowledging in all honesty that we stepped off the path and need to begin again, praying that Jesus will keep us moving forward toward him. We all doubt, we all hate to be told what to do, we all want to be in control, we all go through dryness, we all wonder if there is a heaven at one time or another in our lives. These things are normal phases everyone goes through while cultivating a relationship with Christ.

Know you are prayed for.

34°F E7mph SR0632 SS1757

Morning Offering given

Village sleeps

Coffee okay

Birthday greeting to Penny Packer.

Our deepest sympathies to the family of Mitchell Simonson. May he rest in peace.

From the Margins: The salvation of the state is the watchfulness of the citizen. (from the wall at the Nebraska State Capitol)

St Virgil teaches us to support our churches through prayer, work, and money. Jesus help me to be creative and generous in sharing my time and talent with my local church.

Meditations for Each Day pg. 87 Our Martyrdom: John 12:24-25 ^* Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat;^r but if it dies, it produces much fruit. 25Whoever loves his life^* loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.^s

Scripture Reading for Day 5
Galatians 5:24 Now those who belong to Christ [Jesus] have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires.^s

Good morning…
My heart goes out to the family of Mitchell Simonson, age 17, who passed away suddenly. There are no words to express how shocking it is for one so young to pass without warning.

My day will be easier today just earlier and later than normal.

Hit deer #5 of the year last evening on my way home. The Lord was good to me, a few scratches and deer hair, not much else. For this, I am grateful. So that makes it: left front bumper, left front quarter panel, left front door, left rear door, and front bumper of a different car. No insurance claims as damage is minimal.

Know you are prayed for.