"Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
Luke 11:9
I wanted to write a quick post because this Gospel really got me thinking on Sunday. I was coming from a horrible week starting with my little boy fighting a nasty virus, a parking ticket, and then the disturbing hassle of having my wallet stolen while shopping. Things do seem to come in threes, don't they? Needless to say, I was feeling pretty discouraged by the time Sunday rolled around.
I almost laughed when I heard this reading, because all I had been thinking all week was "I don't think I'm a bad person...why is all this happening?" and I hadn't felt too inclined to ask God for anything, since it seems like all this stuff happens whether we like it or not! I wasn't angry that He allowed it or anything, just mildly annoyed and having trouble seeing the point of prayers of supplication. But then in Mass, I realized, I can ask! Not only can I ask, but I can be sure that the answer will be the best one, even if it's disguised as a big huge hassle. Instead of praying that my wallet never gets stolen again, I felt inclined to pray just to be okay with the way things are. Surprisingly, what dawned on me in that moment was that I'm so glad life isn't one big, easy cake walk. Each of us is formed in our strengths through the challenges we overcome. Every one of us has faced difficulty, and overcoming those is what makes all the people I love, who they are. I think of all the people I admire, and none of them have sailed through life on a rainbow. Quite the opposite.
I went into church feeling discouraged and beaten, and walked out grateful. What a blessing!
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
What We Wore Sunday + A Memorable Moment
Linking this post with Fine Linen and Purple.
Summer heat has arrived big time! My family had such a nice time Sunday morning going to breakfast at a charming neighborhood patio, taking a long walk to admire the beautiful gardens in the streets around St. Gregory's, and then a beautiful Mass as always. Since choir is on hiatus for the summer, I even get the pleasure of my husband's company during Mass and some help keeping Ryan quiet!
Speaking of Ryan...he put on probably the funniest show I've seen out of him yet in his 14 months of life. When we walked to the back of church after Mass, he spotted the table with a stack of Catholic newspapers on top. He stood up on his little tip-toes and grabbed the top paper, then toddled confidently over to where the priest was talking with a parishioner and shoved the paper into Father's hand. He then proceeded to return to the table, reach to the top of the stack, grab the topmost paper, and walk it over to the priest, about 15 times, until the whole stack was gone. By the time he got to the fifth or sixth paper, he had quite a crowd gathered around! He was really sure that Father Paul needed those papers.
Elizabeth, bless her, cantored both Masses Sunday morning. We did find a second to snap this photo while my son was busy delivering his newspapers!
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I don't have specifics for these outfits right now, but summer dress season it is!
Summer heat has arrived big time! My family had such a nice time Sunday morning going to breakfast at a charming neighborhood patio, taking a long walk to admire the beautiful gardens in the streets around St. Gregory's, and then a beautiful Mass as always. Since choir is on hiatus for the summer, I even get the pleasure of my husband's company during Mass and some help keeping Ryan quiet!
Speaking of Ryan...he put on probably the funniest show I've seen out of him yet in his 14 months of life. When we walked to the back of church after Mass, he spotted the table with a stack of Catholic newspapers on top. He stood up on his little tip-toes and grabbed the top paper, then toddled confidently over to where the priest was talking with a parishioner and shoved the paper into Father's hand. He then proceeded to return to the table, reach to the top of the stack, grab the topmost paper, and walk it over to the priest, about 15 times, until the whole stack was gone. By the time he got to the fifth or sixth paper, he had quite a crowd gathered around! He was really sure that Father Paul needed those papers.
Elizabeth, bless her, cantored both Masses Sunday morning. We did find a second to snap this photo while my son was busy delivering his newspapers!
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I don't have specifics for these outfits right now, but summer dress season it is!
Monday, June 10, 2013
What We Wore Sunday + Sunday Best
We were both at the same Mass this week, so we got a photo together!! Linking up with Fine Linen and Purple and Camp Patton!
:: Elizabeth ::
Can I confess something? I can only very rarely recount what happened in a homily. I feel awful about it, but try as I might, I can barely remember the homily by the time I'm walking out of Mass. Maybe it stems from being raised in a church where we had Bibles out, and pens to take notes on the bulletin during sermons? Anyway, it's inexcusable, and I need to get better. Have any of you ever struggled with homilamnesia? How did you get over it?
This is all to say that I have nothing thoughtful to offer in terms of Mass reflections, so let's just get to the fluffy stuff, eh?
Cardigan: LOFT
Cami: Pea in the Pod (nursing)
Skirt: Lands End
Wedges: Anne Klein Sport
Mass grade for Anne: A+ (she hung out with Daddy while I sang, and I didn't hear a peep!)
:: Kathleen ::
Dress: Ann Taylor
Sandals: Guess
:: Elizabeth ::
Can I confess something? I can only very rarely recount what happened in a homily. I feel awful about it, but try as I might, I can barely remember the homily by the time I'm walking out of Mass. Maybe it stems from being raised in a church where we had Bibles out, and pens to take notes on the bulletin during sermons? Anyway, it's inexcusable, and I need to get better. Have any of you ever struggled with homilamnesia? How did you get over it?
This is all to say that I have nothing thoughtful to offer in terms of Mass reflections, so let's just get to the fluffy stuff, eh?
Cardigan: LOFT
Cami: Pea in the Pod (nursing)
Skirt: Lands End
Wedges: Anne Klein Sport
Mass grade for Anne: A+ (she hung out with Daddy while I sang, and I didn't hear a peep!)
:: Kathleen ::
Dress: Ann Taylor
Sandals: Guess
Sunday, June 2, 2013
What I Wore Sunday + Sunday Best
Linking up with Fine Linen and Purple and Camp Patton!
We were out in the suburbs to see my sister-in-law's new apartment today, and we did Mass and brunch suburbia-style (by which I mean we drove a lot... haha). Her new place is lovely, and I'm super excited to have her close!
I've been being hit over the head with similar messages of self-gift this week, both in my DIY retreat and in the readings this morning. I'm still working to boil down my thoughts into a reflection about the retreat, so stay tuned; I am learning a lot, and feel like I'm being stretched outside my comfort zone. But the idea of the loaves and fishes this morning was right in the theme. God is never outdone in generosity; He asks us to give everything we have, which seems like such a risk, doesn't it? But then he multiplies and multiplies and multiplies what we give to Him, and amazingly, the leftovers measure more than we had to start with!
Working on faith to trust that in my life; somehow, it's still not easy.
The outfit this week (why is it so chilly?):
We were out in the suburbs to see my sister-in-law's new apartment today, and we did Mass and brunch suburbia-style (by which I mean we drove a lot... haha). Her new place is lovely, and I'm super excited to have her close!
I've been being hit over the head with similar messages of self-gift this week, both in my DIY retreat and in the readings this morning. I'm still working to boil down my thoughts into a reflection about the retreat, so stay tuned; I am learning a lot, and feel like I'm being stretched outside my comfort zone. But the idea of the loaves and fishes this morning was right in the theme. God is never outdone in generosity; He asks us to give everything we have, which seems like such a risk, doesn't it? But then he multiplies and multiplies and multiplies what we give to Him, and amazingly, the leftovers measure more than we had to start with!
Working on faith to trust that in my life; somehow, it's still not easy.
The outfit this week (why is it so chilly?):
T-shirt: Target
Jacket: Old Navy
Scarf: Target
Skirt: Target (Maternity)
Sandals: Papillio (Birkenstock) via Zulily
Jewelry courtesy of a girl I used to babysit :-)
Props to my husband for getting my girl to smile for the camera!
Mass behavior:
Anne: A. She tolerated being passed around to grandparents & aunt like an absolute champ, and then actually nursed with some focus; at almost 7 months it is getting realllllllly hard to hold this girl's attention unless we are at home, and when she's hungry and distracted she is not that fun.
What I Wore Sunday, and Reflections on Corpus Christi
Linking up for this post with Fine Linen and Purple!
Today's Gospel of the loaves and fish was a familiar one, but the homily gave me a brand-new way of looking at it which makes it so relevant to all of us. The choir's Alleluia was resounding and beautiful, setting the stage for a powerful reading. In the homily, the priest asked us to consider what it takes to really appreciate a dining experience, as opposed to just eating to get it over with, and one of the elements he mentioned was preparation for all aspects of the meal. The challenge was to prepare our hearts for the Banquet that we receive at each Mass, so as to receive the fullness of grace in the Eucharist. Such a simple message, but one that I needed to hear. How often do I walk into Mass quickly, huffing and puffing with a diaper bag in one arm and a toddler in the other, thanking my lucky stars we arrived in one piece (my husband sings every week and has to arrive early, so Ryan and I make our way to Mass on our own). Preparation isn't usually at the forefront of my mind these days, but it should be. This hour in Mass is the most important hour of the week! So, thank you, Father, for reminding me of such a fundamental truth.
On a cute note, Ryan sat on the floor, turning the pages of the hymnal and singing "aaaaahhhh". Every once in awhile he'd stop to find his Dad in the choir, point triumphantly, and shout "Dada!". I still lose it every time. His joy is a sight to behold!
Now, for what I wore (I don't shop much, but this is pretty typical of what I can scrounge up in my closet):
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Sweater: Express
Tank: Gilligan & O'Malley
Skirt: Merona by Target
Sandals: Kelly & Katie from DSW
Today's Gospel of the loaves and fish was a familiar one, but the homily gave me a brand-new way of looking at it which makes it so relevant to all of us. The choir's Alleluia was resounding and beautiful, setting the stage for a powerful reading. In the homily, the priest asked us to consider what it takes to really appreciate a dining experience, as opposed to just eating to get it over with, and one of the elements he mentioned was preparation for all aspects of the meal. The challenge was to prepare our hearts for the Banquet that we receive at each Mass, so as to receive the fullness of grace in the Eucharist. Such a simple message, but one that I needed to hear. How often do I walk into Mass quickly, huffing and puffing with a diaper bag in one arm and a toddler in the other, thanking my lucky stars we arrived in one piece (my husband sings every week and has to arrive early, so Ryan and I make our way to Mass on our own). Preparation isn't usually at the forefront of my mind these days, but it should be. This hour in Mass is the most important hour of the week! So, thank you, Father, for reminding me of such a fundamental truth.
On a cute note, Ryan sat on the floor, turning the pages of the hymnal and singing "aaaaahhhh". Every once in awhile he'd stop to find his Dad in the choir, point triumphantly, and shout "Dada!". I still lose it every time. His joy is a sight to behold!
Now, for what I wore (I don't shop much, but this is pretty typical of what I can scrounge up in my closet):
.JPG)
Tank: Gilligan & O'Malley
Skirt: Merona by Target
Sandals: Kelly & Katie from DSW
Monday, May 27, 2013
Peace Within
I'm writing to check in, lest it seems that I have disappeared! Not exactly, but I did recently begin an online course, which is my first attempt at anything academic in quite awhile. It feels like a whole new territory: juggling class, reading, and homework with the daily ins and outs of having a rambunctious toddler in the house (two on my nanny days). Needless to say, what "free time" I have has mostly involved this new venture. But, like anything, even an exciting new pursuit needs sanity breaks, and so I am thrilled to be writing again.
What's new of late? Well, my little boy turned one in April, and with that milestone I officially have a little walker in the house! Toddling, crashing into everything, but so determined to get everywhere on foot. Thank goodness for summer and a big huge park across the street! I have also come to a point - finally - where I can sense some peace in my heart at the thought of adding to our family in the near future. Besides my utter fear after a traumatic birth the first time around, we had decided it would be prudent to try and wait until my husband got on the career path he was aiming for. Now that we have that piece in place, it seems a little easier to envision another child in the picture. I have come to the realization that no matter how scared I feel at the prospect of being pregnant again, it will probably require having another human being inside me for real love to enter the picture and cast out the fear. Plus, I know that I am very, very lucky to be able to conceive and bear children, and that's nothing to take lightly. I would love to give my son the gift of siblings. So, another baby may or may not be imminent, but it's a relief to finally feel some peace about the whole thing.
I'll write more soon. A blessed Memorial Day to all!
What's new of late? Well, my little boy turned one in April, and with that milestone I officially have a little walker in the house! Toddling, crashing into everything, but so determined to get everywhere on foot. Thank goodness for summer and a big huge park across the street! I have also come to a point - finally - where I can sense some peace in my heart at the thought of adding to our family in the near future. Besides my utter fear after a traumatic birth the first time around, we had decided it would be prudent to try and wait until my husband got on the career path he was aiming for. Now that we have that piece in place, it seems a little easier to envision another child in the picture. I have come to the realization that no matter how scared I feel at the prospect of being pregnant again, it will probably require having another human being inside me for real love to enter the picture and cast out the fear. Plus, I know that I am very, very lucky to be able to conceive and bear children, and that's nothing to take lightly. I would love to give my son the gift of siblings. So, another baby may or may not be imminent, but it's a relief to finally feel some peace about the whole thing.
I'll write more soon. A blessed Memorial Day to all!
Sunday, May 26, 2013
What I Wore Sunday
Happy Feast of the Holy Trinity!! Linking up with Fine Linen and Purple.
We attended the vigil Mass again, so this is technically what I wore Saturday. I'm one of the cantors at our parish, and I love love love serving in that way. I've been a singer my whole life (studied voice performance in college, currently sing with the Chicago Symphony Chorus), and I have never enjoyed using my gifts so much as I do as a volunteer in our parish, helping to create a meaningful, reverent liturgy. It's so fulfilling! It also gives me a chance to really focus; usually I'm sitting with my squirmy daughter, and I'm still having trouble paying attention to anything else but her. My husband likes having that quality time with her, too. Win-win-win.
Today I'm beginning a do-it-yourself retreat in preparation for Marian consecration to Jesus. The book is called 33 Days to Morning Glory, and I'm ending the retreat on June 27, the feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (or should I say "haaaaalp"?). I thought that would be a good one for moms; perpetual job, perpetual help? And also it's the next Marian feast and I wanted to get started! I'm going to post reflections here, so stay tuned! And let me know if you're reading along!
And now, the purpose of the post:
Details, top to bottom:
Necklace: cross from my hubby, St. Gerard medal from my pastor (just before Anne was born)
Cardigan: Merona via Target, several years ago
T-shirt: Cynthia Rowley via Marshall's
Belt: Target (it has a cool tribal-looking pattern... on the back.)
Skirt: Studio West via Zulily
Shoes: C. Label via Zulily
Happy Memorial Day!
We attended the vigil Mass again, so this is technically what I wore Saturday. I'm one of the cantors at our parish, and I love love love serving in that way. I've been a singer my whole life (studied voice performance in college, currently sing with the Chicago Symphony Chorus), and I have never enjoyed using my gifts so much as I do as a volunteer in our parish, helping to create a meaningful, reverent liturgy. It's so fulfilling! It also gives me a chance to really focus; usually I'm sitting with my squirmy daughter, and I'm still having trouble paying attention to anything else but her. My husband likes having that quality time with her, too. Win-win-win.
Today I'm beginning a do-it-yourself retreat in preparation for Marian consecration to Jesus. The book is called 33 Days to Morning Glory, and I'm ending the retreat on June 27, the feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (or should I say "haaaaalp"?). I thought that would be a good one for moms; perpetual job, perpetual help? And also it's the next Marian feast and I wanted to get started! I'm going to post reflections here, so stay tuned! And let me know if you're reading along!
And now, the purpose of the post:
Details, top to bottom:
Necklace: cross from my hubby, St. Gerard medal from my pastor (just before Anne was born)
Cardigan: Merona via Target, several years ago
T-shirt: Cynthia Rowley via Marshall's
Belt: Target (it has a cool tribal-looking pattern... on the back.)
Skirt: Studio West via Zulily
Shoes: C. Label via Zulily
Happy Memorial Day!
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