Jesus is Ready

Today's blog post is a reflection from the Advent book by Fr. Mark Toups.

This past week the book has prepared me for prayer by blessing my mind, ears. eyes, lips and heart. 

Next I am invited to imagine Joseph and Mary walking through my door. 

Closing my eyes, I picture the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, her spouse. 

I visualize Mary who is pregnant and ready to give birth. 

I see Joseph who has his arm around his wife. 

They've been on a long journey.

Yet, here they are, happy to see me. 

Mary, places my hand on her pregnant belly. 

I can feel the baby Jesus excited within her. 

I start to smile and the three of us begin to giggle.

Jesus is ready to meet us! 

He is excited to meet us! 

Opening my mind, ears, eyes, lips and heart to the greatest gift given to us.

Jesus, Emmanuel! 

Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. Luke 1:35 

Painting by Erin McAtee 

Room in our Hearts

I have mentioned before that "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is my favorite Christmas song. 

The words "Prepare Him room" have been present to me this Advent. 

“Not one of us would have designed a situation in which Joseph had to knock on doors to find a place for the Christ Child to be born. That's Divine Wisdom. The infant Jesus neither needed nor wanted luxury; He needed and wanted love. He needs and wants only a simple room in our hearts.” John Cardinal O'Connor - Founder of the Sisters of Life 

This quote spoke to my heart as I read the Sisters of Life Christmas card. 

Room in our hearts. 

Mary prepared her Son room. 

She became a tabernacle and proclaimed, Holy is His Name.

"But because of the purity of Mary's heart, she is able to receive the spoken Word from God and magnify that Word with perfect reverberation and echo. Mary's heart is perfectly shaped to receive the Word of God, for she is completely available to God." 

Rejoice! An Advent Pilgrimage into the Heart of Scripture by Fr. Mark Toups

Mary's example of availability is an example for us all. 

She had no control over when and where she would make room.

Yet, she made room. 

Room in her heart and she invites us to do the same. 

 “Ask the Lord to bless your heart so that you may know his love.” Rejoice! An Advent Pilgrimage into the Heart of Scripture by Fr. Mark Toups 

Painting by Erin McAtee 

Worth it

Today's blog post is from Lisa Brenninkmeyer's book, Be Still 365-Day Devotional to Quiet Your Heart. 

"When Mary was asked to collaborate with God, she was given no guarantees-just the opportunity to love. The first thing the angel said to her was, "Do not be afraid" (Luke 1:30). These are Mary's words to us, as well. She led by example, showing total confidence in God when she said, "Let it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). She showed total confidence in Jesus when she turned to the servants at the wedding at Cana and said, "Do whatever He tells you" John 2:5). She gives us the same message: "Do whatever He tells you." But we hesitate, wondering how much pain or sorrow such obedience might cause us. Mary didn't know what suffering her yes—her fiat—might bring. And we don't know, either. But we do know that we don't walk that path alone. And we know that obedience, though costly, pays eternal dividends that make any sacrifice worth it."

As Christmas draws near let's try to remember the heart of Christmas. 

I prayed with the Advent Challenge today on Hallow. I imagined Mary inviting me to hold her baby Jesus in my arms. He snuggled close to my heart. He blinked his beautiful eyes and looked up at me. 

With a single gaze and maybe even a tiny yawn, this new born baby finds that you and I are worth it.  

Mary's "yes" - her "fiat" was worth it. 

We are not alone. 

Emmanuel. 

"Who needs Mary?

'Those who don't feel known.

Those who are harsh.

Those who don't feel loved.

Those who are afraid that if they do too much, they'll be taken advantage of.

Those who are afraid of what obedience to God might cost.

Those who take care of everybody else and need someone to take care of them.

We all need a mother."

Painting by Erin McAtee  

Joy to the World Take 2

I accidentally erased my “Joy to the World” blog post. 

Big mistake. I am so disheartened when accidents like that happen. 

I shared in my original post about Guadete Sunday. 

I shared that the pink candle is called the “Shepherds” candle and represents JOY. 

Guadete in Latin means “Rejoice.”

However, tonight I didn’t feel like rejoicing after trying again and again to undo what I had thought was saved. 

Small world problem, I know.  

But I grumbled and asked myself, “What just happened?”

I imagine the shepherds asked themselves the same question… 

Yet, they chose to rejoice! 

Rejoicing was and is the answer to our questions. 

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This is an opportunity to ask for the grace I need to give this as an offering to God. 

Rejoicing comes when we bring our hearts to the One who created them. Rejoicing comes when we give glory and thanks! 

Bethlehem Hearts

 It is the season of the heart. 

Giving hearts, broken hearts, hopeful hearts grieving hearts, grateful hearts. 

Our hearts. 

This Advent the song that has been on my heart is, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. 

It is my favorite Christmas song!

It is the song my heart sings in the ups and downs, preparations, excitement and anticipation of Christmas. 

The words speak to my heart and in every season of life. 

It is the Lord who brings her joy,. It is the Lord who fulfills the desires of her heart. 

Isaiah 61:1-2A, 10-11

St. Augustine said that Mary conceived the Word by faith in her heart before she conceived him in her womb (Sermon 215).

"But because of the purity of Mary's heart, she is able to receive the spoken Word from God and magnify that Word with perfect reverberation and echo. Mary's heart is perfectly shaped to receive the Word of God, for she is completely available to God. To rejoice is to be fully open." 

Rejoice Advent Pilgrimage into the Heart of Scripture by Fr. Mark Toups 

Make my heart your home, baby Jesus. 

Make my heart your dwelling. 

The chambers of my heart are yours. 

My atrium is your manger.  

Bethlehem means house of bread.  

"Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!" 2 Samuel 7:3 

There is no room for sorrow or anger in Bethlehem. 

No room for anything but You, little Baby. 

O Come, Emmanuel into our hearts! 

May your heart be a Bethlehem. 

Meaning of Life

"Am I not here, who am your mother?" Our Lady of Guadalupe  

Painting by Erin K. McAtee 

Today on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a dear friend, whom I never met in person, but was dear to my heart, passed into eternal life.

His heart was beautifully expressed and shared with those who knew him.

Harold and I shared the same hope for miracles when we both pilgrimaged with our families to Lourdes.

However, healing didn't come as expected.

We shared a similar story.

We both clung to hope.

And we both have sisters who are Sisters of Life.

I learned much from his writings and witness to joy.

Harold's heart was on fire for God and he loved Mother Mary, the Immaculata.

"The child Jesus may attract us with His tenderness and infuse the peace to necessary to disillusioned hearts searching for the meaning of life." 2021 Militia of the Immaculata Prayer Intentions 

This was a comment I saved from Harold on one of my blogs.

"Thanks for your post. I Also enjoy watching The Chosen, though with a sometimes critical lens, and most recently was inspired by Episode two of season three. Have you seen it? Towards the end there is a beautiful scene in which Jesus answers this question asked by St. James the Lesser, who happens to have a physical ailment: "Why haven't you healed?" The scene really highlights the dignity of human life, that God has a plan for each life. There are hardships and difficulties – – there is suffering, but as Jonathan pointed out so boldly, Jesus the author of life has already won. Life is all the more worth living, in him."

Harold knew the true meaning of life.

This is for you, Harold. 

"Let not your heart be disturbed." Our Lady of Guadalupe

Our Lady of Guadalupe is wrapping you in her mantel. 

She is carrying you to her Son.

Rest now and be healed, you are in the arms of Jesus. 

Heal the Brokenhearted

 It's the greatest time of year and yet the hardest time of year. 

Great because Christmas is coming and hard because Christmas is coming. 

As we prepare our hearts before Christmas, there can be a lot of heartache and sorrow. 

Brokenness wishes to hide and wounds try to be covered up as we anticipate Who is to come. 

"God does great things through the greatly wounded. God sees the broken as the best and He sees the best in the broken and He calls the wounded to be the world changers. Our bad brokenness is made whole by this good brokenness. Who knows why God allows heartbreak, but the answer must be important enough because God allows His heart to break too." 

Be the Gift: Let Your Broken Be Turned into Abundance by Ann Voskamp 

Baby Jesus, He will come and the doors held shut in our hearts will be opened. 

He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor and to heal the brokenhearted. Isaiah 61:1 

"Love's new abyss renews my wound" 

Painting on Fabric by Erin K. McAtee 

Because

This Advent I am reading and journaling from Fr. Mark Toups's book, Rejoice! 

It is an Advent Pilgrimage into the Heart of Scripture. 

"Today be intentional about pausing for a minute before you actually pray." 

The book teaches St. Ignatius of Loyola's wisdom in praying an Our Father before prayer. 

"Ask the Lord to reveal what is in his heart and eyes as he beholds you." 

Tonight I read Psalm 43:4 three times as part of the homework. 

After reading the scripture, I journal what spoke to my heart. 

A word or phrase... 

Psalm 43:4, is not that long. 

I wondered what would stand out to me in such a short passage. 

And this is what I read...

"Because you are precious in my eyes 

and glorious, and because I love you." 

Psalm 43:4 

The words that spoke to my heart,

"Because I love you." 

My heart melted as I read this the three times. 

It is very easy to question God's love, although we are surrounded by it. 

Reading what stood out to me made me think of a child asking the question, "Why?"

I admit that's a question I think about often. 

Yet, the answer we give to children is the same for you and me.

"Because." 

He came, just to love us. 

Let us Rejoice! 

Re

Skipping Facebook for Christmas

Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent! 

I have decided I want to go off of Facebook for Advent to prepare my heart for Christmas. 

I will still post the Tri-Parish bulletin, Prairie Mountain Nutrition Menu and my blogs on Facebook. However, I will not be responding or scrolling during this Advent season. 

I feel like Luther Krank as I write this blog. 

Skipping Facebook for Christmas. 

Advent is so short this year, so Christmas will be here before we know it! 

My prayer is to focus on the Reason for the Season and to prepare my heart during these days before Christmas. 

There is no room in the Inn, so I want to make room in my heart. 

No room can compare to the rooms we prepare in our hearts. 

My prayers are with you during this holy season! 

A Marvelous Beginning

This blog is long overdue; but better late than never! 

In January of 2023, my best friend surprised me by sharing her exciting news that she was expecting a baby boy! 

On April 22nd, my best friend and her husband asked me to be their son's godmother! 

The day before my birthday, my newest godson was born!

On October 1st, the feast of St. Therese, my godson was baptized at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

"By the gift of hope, infused in us at baptism, God helps us to trust in the good news of Christ Jesus and to await confidently the blessings he has promised to those who believe in him." Archbishop Jose H. Gomez  

My mom and I drove to the Tri-Cities to be there on that very special day.

Meeting this sweet baby boy melted my heart! 

Seeing my best friend and her husband as parents filled my heart with joy! 

This little boy is truly a miracle! He is an answer to our prayers! 

"For this child we have prayed." 1 Samuel 1:27

Everything about the baptism Mass was beautiful; the music, the people and of course the Sacraments! 

"At Baptism, we're transformed into members of the Body of Christ, made into "other Christs."  Baptism also has to do with the Holy Spirit. I say that because it was the Holy Spirit who first formed Christ, and it is the Holy Spirit who continues to form other Christs - the members of Christs's Body - at every baptism." 33 Days to Morning Glory 

The Holy Spirit set my heart on fire! 

A burning love for my godchildren and for my Holy Spirit family. 

My other godson, who made first communion this past year, was an altar server at the Baptismal Mass! 

I proudly admit that I was smiling the biggest smile at both of my godsons! 

I can't thank the parents of my godchildren enough for giving their children the gift of baptism! 

Baptism is a gift. It is not a choice. 

Parents do not ask their children if they want to wear seatbelts. They know the seatbelts are there for a purpose and to protect. Baptism is a sacrament that gives us grace; grace that we need for the journey in this life. How can we expect the world to change when we won't give our own children the greatest gift there is? 

"Baptism isn't the end; it's a marvelous beginning, a glorious new morning. Yes, it transforms us, making us into members of Christ's Body!" 33 Days to Morning Glory, Fr. Michael E. Gaitley 

Me and two of my godsons  

Blessed are the Meek

 Happy All Saints' Day! 

Each year on All Saints' Day, our parish priest has gives us the homework assignment to choose one of the beatitudes and try to live by it throughout the year. 

Over the past ten years of the same assignment, I have enjoyed this challenge. Note that I didn't say that I mastered this challenge.

Some beatitudes like, "Blessed are the merciful and blessed are the peacemakers," are ones I've chosen to try over and over again. 

In the book Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, I learned that 

Peacemaking does not mean ignoring difficult issues and problems. I also learned that peacemaking is not avoiding conflict. 

"True peace will never come through pretending what is wrong is right! True peacemakers love God,  others, and themselves enough to disrupt false peace." Emotionally Healthy Spirituality  

Well this morning at Mass the beatitude that stood out to me was, 

Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. 

It's a beatitude I haven't paid much attention to before. 

I looked up the definition and found this answer,

"Those who are meek are patient, gentle and merciful, drawing people together and salvaging relationships." Pope Francis 

I am noticing that the beatitudes are all very different yet, similar. They compliment each other well. 

They are all worth striving for! 

Don't hide your light! 

 

Where’s my dad?

SO what's with the Nemo pumpkin, you might ask. 

Rather, what is with the caption, "Where's my dad?" 

If you know, you know. 

If you do not know, I'll tell you in this blog. 

A couple months ago my sister Maddie introduced our family to a song I can't get out of my head. 

There is or was, a viral video of the musical Finding Nemo. 

I had no idea there even was a musical. 

The first words of the lyrics are, "Where's my dad?" 

It's so ridiculous, yet, clever. It's catchy and hard to forget.

I didn't plan on painting Nemo's face on my pumpkin, but when I saw the idea on Pinterest, I was excited to try it. 

But, guess what song started playing in my head? 

"Where's my dad?" 

To those who have not seen Nemo, this blog is going to be super confusing.

However, it might still be confusing, even if you have seen the movie.

I find it hilarious but maybe because it's now a family joke. 

And now, well, this maybe is a blog joke. 

 Happy Halloween! 

Don't Hide Your Light

 October 25th, 1995, my sister Jennifer Rose went to be with the angels in heaven. 

I was only ten weeks old at her funeral. 

I didn't have as much time with Jenny on this earth as I would have liked. 

However, with every passing year I have grown closer to my sister above me.  

I give thanks to my mom and dad for celebrating Jennifer's life every year. 

I give thanks for the light they brought into this world. 

My dear friend Tiffany never met Jennifer but shared with me that Jennifer visited her in a dream just the other night. 

In the dream Jennifer spoke to my friend and said, 

"We do not have much time. Do not hide your light!" 

As my friend shared the dream with me, my friend's eyes filled with tears and so did mine.  

Yet, I couldn't help but smile.

Here was my sister, who I only knew for ten weeks, sharing her light from heaven. 

She was reminding us of the bigger picture.

I asked Tiffany if I could share her dream in my blog. 

Tiffany's response was, "I'm so glad to get that little message from such a beautiful little girl. I think she meant for that message to be shared." 

Jenny never fails to point us back to heaven. 

Quote of the Day: "Many live like angels in the midst of the world. Why not you?"–St. Josemaria Escriva

 

Today we listened to Christmas music because mom would listen to Christmas music with Jennifer. 

This song couldn't be more fitting. 

Glory and Praise

Yesterday, October 19th, I had my sixth month heart check up. It was time for an echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart. I never know what to expect from these appointments. Will there be good news or bad news? However, yesterday, there was GOOD news! 

My mom and I left at 5:20 am for my first appointment at 9am. On our drive up to Sacred Heart I mentioned that it was cool that Oct. 19th was the Feast of the North American Martyrs. Remember this for later...

We made it to the hospital with plenty of time to have blood work done before the ECHO. The blood work went fast and that was great to have that done first. 

My echocardiogram was fast too. The ECHO lasted only thirty minutes and the tech was kind and brought me a heated blanket. 

Two of my least favorite things (blood work and ECHO) behind me! 

After the ECHO, Mom and I went to visit our dear friends, Emma and Patti Watson. 

We were pretty sure Emma was in the same room I was when I was in heart failure at Sacred Heart. 

We enjoyed a great visit and thank God for the miracles of their lives! 

I ask for continued blessings and prayers for the Watson family. 

My last appointment was with my cardiologist who would share the results from the echocardiogram with us. 

My doctor didn't know if he agreed with the ECHO results. 

He told us he had to look at the ECHO results three times, triple checking my name to make sure these were my results before coming to see me.

The ECHO said my Ejection Fraction was 50% which is a NORMAL heart pump. 

My doctor thought for sure 35% Which is HUGE.  

I had a great appointment with signs of UNEXPLAINED strengthening in my heart! My ECHO showed a considerably strengthened ability to pump!

 My doctor asked what I have been doing differently. I haven't changed medication in over two years. 

I didn't have an answer. The only thing I could say was that I feel stronger since I started working out. 

My mom shared this beautiful prayer and I wanted to share it on my blog.

I want to thank Our Lady of Lourdes for her intercession on Gabbie's behalf--I can see Our Blessed Mother taking Gabbie to Jesus and telling Gabbie, "Do whatever He tells you." Thank you, Jesus, for this precious gift of healing grace!

Thank you to everyone for the prayers! 

I am in complete "What just happened?" 

I don't have the answer but I know God does. 

I shared this crazy awesome news with the Sisters of Life.

They too had been praying for me and thought of the North American Martys yesterday. 

Meet St. John de Brebeuf: 

In 1649, the Iroquois attacked the Huron village where John was living. They brutally martyred him, Gabriel Lalement, his companion, and their converts. Their suffering is indescribable: bludgeoned, burned with red-hot hatchets, baptized with boiling water, mutilated, flesh stripped off and eaten, hearts plucked out and devoured. But John de Brébeuf had his prayer answered. He traded his life for the seven thousand souls he had converted and baptized.

My God and my savior Jesus, what return can I make to you for all the benefits you have conferred on me? I make a vow to you never to fail, on my side, in the grace of martyrdom, if by your infinite mercy you offer it to me some day.

—John de Brébeuf

Excerpt from Voices of the Saints by Bert Ghezzi.

To God be the glory and praise! 

Painting by Erin McAtee 

https://www.erinkmcatee.com/works-on-paper

 

Happy 100th Birthday!

 Happy 100th Birthday to Grandpa Lee in heaven! 

I am laughing as I write this blog because I can hear Grandpa say, "Whoop-de-doo." 

However, 100 years is worth "Whoop-de-doo-ing"! 

Without you, we would not be here. 

Our crazy big family that we call Rehder nation, would not exist. 

I am so grateful that you are our patriarch. 

I miss your smile but know you are smiling and celebrating with Grandma in heaven. 

Cheers to you and to 100 years, Grandpa! 

Simply Live

It's been on my heart to simplify my life. 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 

A couple weeks ago I went through my closet and realized how attached I am to clothing. 

However, I made the decision to let go and I freed up a lot of space; which leads me to want to make space for more than just my wardrobe. 

Space in my heart. 

Life is not just about simplifying but simply living. 

Make time to pause and enjoy the dance. 

And today is the day the sun danced.

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us! 

9 Years Old

It’s this sweet girl’s 9th birthday today! 

We had fun celebrating her birthday with breakfast for dinner and Rocky Road ice cream for dessert! 

These past nine years have been the best nine years of my life! 

I can’t imagine life without you, Faye! 

I love being your  godmother and I love watching you grow up! 

I am very impressed by your cursive handwriting and proud of the kind big sister you are to your brothers. 

In this picture of us together, one can’t see your butterfly wings you were wearing, but I know they are there and you are going to fly far in this life. 

You’re not afraid to spread your wings and fly. 

God has big plans for your life! 

“I am not afraid. I was born for this!” St. Joan of Arc 

Happy birthday, goddaughter! 

9 years ago 

Happy Heaven Birthday Grandma

Today would have been my Grandma Barb's 96th birthday! 

We finished decorating our house for Fall today and thought of Grandma. 

I have been thinking a lot about her lately. 

Grandma's favorite holiday was Halloween. 

She loved dressing up and handing out candy to trick-or-treaters. 

I remember shopping for Halloween masks with Grandma in Twin Falls. The Halloween masks were not for me but for Grandma, to add to her collection of Halloween masks. 

This was a strange favorite part about going to Grandma's house, looking through her Halloween masks. 

Grandma liked to have fun and always enjoyed a party.

She was the life of the party. 

I miss our lunch dates at seniors every Tuesday. 

I miss walking with her and her squeezing my hand. 

On our visits to Grandma and Grandpa's house, I could always count on Grandma waiting outside on the deck ready to greet us when we arrived. 

I remember running up the porch stairs as a kid to try to be the first one to hug Grandma. 

When we left to go back home, Grandma would again be on the deck waving goodbye. 

Until we see you again in Heaven, Grandma. 

Happy heavenly birthday! 

Behold this Heart

 Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. 

It's also my 8th anniversary of consecration to Mary! 

I wanted to blog on this special day but lacked inspiration. 

I opened my Magnificat book and read this morning's Gospel readings. In both Gospels listed for Mass, the word "Behold" stood out to me. 

Then I knew exactly how I wanted to blog today.

I am sharing with you this poem, "Behold this Heart" by Sr. Jordan Rose, S.V. 

Sr. Jordan wrote this poem based off of this painting. 

This painting was painted by our beautiful and talked friend Erin. I listed her website and pictures from her event with Sr. Jordan.

This painting touched my heart as I wrote and shared my Prayer for Hope. 

We didn't plan it that way, the Holy Spirit inspired both of us at different times in different places. 

I love this poem and this painting and wanted to share it with all of you. 

Thank you for sharing your beautiful artwork, Erin! 

Thank you Sr. Jordan for sharing your poem. 

Behold this Heart. 

The Greatest of These (Behold this Heart)

               By Sr. Jordan Rose S.V.

Burning

    Bleeding 

Broken

    Blooming 

Bearing and 

    Believing 

All things

Behold this    

    Heart 

Hear it 

    beat

at the 

    feet 

of her Son's 

    cross 

Pondering

Promises  

Proclaimed and 

Preserved 

    long--

        ago

 no 

    questions 

asked 

    this

her 

task 

to stand 

    in the 

darkness of faith 

    with Him 

Behold this 

    Heart 

Hoping

enduring

    all things

Even here

    Even now 

Fiat

    unto 

death

her every 

breath 

a 

song of 

silent 

surrender 

               to mystery 

Oh 

    blessed 

            is she

who believed

    Behold this 

    Heart 

Who believed

Behold this heart 

Not 

    resisting 

not 

    insisting 

On its own

    Way 

        will 

            plan

No 

    She stands 

for by the 

    cross of Jesus 

Stood

    His mother

            no other

place

    could bear

pulse

    of her

Burning

Bleeding

Broken

Blooming

    heart

Beating with His

    Beating with His

        Beating with His

to the

last

    at last

His hour

has come

    Woman

Behold your

    Son

She will not leave

    Him orphan

Behold this

    Heart

Her faith

    Her hope

        Her love

Oh

    the greatest of loves

remains

Proclaims

    This is my Beloved Son

No speech

    No word

No voice is heard

No sign

    of spirit

as dove

    but

Her love

    Never fails

For there is no fear

in love

Burning

Bleeding

Broken 

Blooming

    Bearing

        and

Believing

all things.

https://www.erinkmcatee.com/behold-this-heart

Disney's Lowest

Today is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.

Part of the cross is living in a broken world. 

Yesterday I couldn't believe the article I read. 

https://www.oursundayvisitor.com/disney-has-reached-their-absolute-lowest-with-this-new-series/?fbclid=IwAR0Bx0GSU80nTErhLjgxoBFlUS14pK1PxLCVVeUR-kIrEsca0SuGGytk53g

This article just goes to prove how broken and far we have strayed. 

Happiness has turned to sorrow.

The Disney I knew as a kid, doesn't exist anymore. 

The magic was used for evil. 

A dream is a wish your heart makes and I wish things were different. 

This is not a happy ending. 

It is a realization between good and evil. 

Satan is staring us right in the face. 

Waiting for us to break. 

We must not break. 

Cling to the cross.

"Jesus Christ has taken the lead on the way of the cross. He has suffered first. He does not drive us toward suffering but shares it with us, wanting us to have life and to have it in abundance." ~ Pope John Paul II 

Artwork by Erin K. McAtee 

Totus Tuus

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary. 

From the Magnificat,

"To say her name is to utter words of hope. This word of hope proclaims our salvation, for Mary was created to be the Mother of our Savior. She invites us to call upon her name frequently."

She is our Mother. 

She is worthy of our trust. 

"John Paul explains, “For it must be recognized that before anyone else it was God Himself, the Eternal Father, who entrusted Himself to the Virgin of Nazareth, giving her His own Son in the mystery of the Incarnation.” Mary surely marveled at this act of humility on God’s part." 33 Days to Morning Glory

Mary always directs us toward her Son.

 "Hold back nothing of yourselves for yourselves so that He Who gives Himself totally to you may receive you totally."

St. Francis of Assisi "Let the Whole of Mankind Tremble"  

Mary, my mother, I give myself totally to you as your possession and property. Please make of me, of all that I am and have, whatever most pleases you. Let me be a fit instrument in your immaculate and merciful hands for bringing the greatest possible glory to God. 33 Days to Morning Glory consecration prayer

Twenty-Grateful

These are our new friends S and R! 

They are friends with the Sisters of Life. 

The Sisters asked our family if the mother and daughter could come to Idaho and stay with our family for a week in the country and enjoy some fresh air.

We said "yes" and before we knew it they flew out West! 

We met R & S and instantly our hearts melted! 

They came here on Thursday, the day before my birthday. We took in the Idaho County Fair and introduced our friends and family to our new friends. 

This little girl loves animals and so does her mama! 

They came at the most perfect time with the Fair happening the week they were here. 

It was also a fun way to spend my birthday with friends and family.

Later that night we celebrated with Barbie GF chocolate cupcakes. 

Did I say Barbie? Yes. Yes, I did. 

28 is pretty great. 

The greatest gift from my birthday though was sharing it with our new friends. 

There is so much to be grateful for. 

So much I take for granted... 

Realizing that, changed my heart. 

Transformed my heart. 

There is always something to be grateful for. 

We are so grateful to our friends and family who helped us make this a comfortable and fun get away for S & R. 

Those six days made my heart grow and glow. 

On the night before they left I showed S my prayer corner. 

Sister Jordan loves and cares for S and had asked me to pray for S a year or two ago.

I had S's name written on a piece of paper hanging on my prayer board.

I told S my prayers would continue and now in a more deeper and personal way. 

Only God knew I would meet the mother and daughter I had been praying for. 

 

On the last day of the visit, a surprise gift from Monica Goeckner came before we left for the airport. 

Monica crocheted a Sister of Life doll for R. 

Her smile fills my heart every time! 

My heart didn't want to let go. 

It still doesn't. 

We will never forget the two of you. 

 I am asking my blog readers to please join me by praying for this mom and daughter. 

They're back in NY. 

S is going to school and R is in need of an opening at the daycare at the college.

I am grateful for your prayers! 

The Barbie cupcakes were fantastic. 

Big thanks to everyone who treated me like gold on my birthday! 

Thank you S for your permission to blog about our week together! 

Victory will Triumph

I haven't blogged in a hot minute. 

This summer flew by and was action packed!  

Lots of weddings, an engagement, trips and time spent with family and friends. 

All good things! 

It is already fair week and that means it is also my birthday week! 

I am looking forward to celebrating my birthday with my sister Nicole while she is home visiting.

Yesterday was the Solemnity of the Assumption.  

I wanted to share pictures of the Catholic Church, Maria Lanakila, in Lahaina, Maui.

I took a picture of the Our Lady of Lourdes statue outside the church when I visited in 2020. 

This Church was spared from the Maui fire! 

I have no doubt that the Blessed Mother protected this church. 

A miracle to recognize and give thanks for! 

However, the loss of this island is still very heartbreaking. 

Tragedy still lingers. 

I am reminded to pray,

Encourage each other daily while it is still today (Hebrews 3:13).

The meaning of Maria Lanakila is Our Lady of Victory! 

Her Immaculate Heart will triumph! 

Carrying of the Cross 

Victory was won 

Monster Cookies

My dear friend Tiffany introduced me to these no-flour-monster-cookies! 

Chocolate chip cookies have always been my favorite but I am so glad I tried something new! 

One wouldn't even guess they were gluten free! 

I made them myself a couple weeks ago.

I had some people in mind that I wanted to deliver to. 

I am sharing the link with the recipe.

I might have made baking look a little harder than what it should be. 

For starters, make sure you actually have all the ingredients you need.

Not just the candy... 

After a few trips to the store, I was ready to bake. 

However, Mom noticed I was measuring peanut butter in the peanut butter lid instead of a measuring cup. 

That goes to show my baking skills level. 

So I re-measured the peanut butter the correct way. 

 Then I started to have fun with the chocolate chips, mnms and oatmeal. 

This cookie har recipe made a cookie sheet full of bars. 

Enough to deliver and enjoy!

They are delicious! 

Try the recipe in the link below. 

 https://togetherasfamily.com/no-flour-monster-cookie-bars-2/

Thai for a blog

Last week I shared on Facebook that I enjoyed gluten free Thai food.

My cousins Mike and Courtney went all out and made Thai just for me. 

As my gluten-free friends know, gluten-free is hit or miss.

This, however, was a big hit! 

I asked if I could share the ingredients. 

  

Gluten Free Thai Ingredients

Cook on stove

Thai rice noodles 

Eggs 

Chicken or shrimp

Sauce 

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup chicken broth

3/4 cup soy (gluten free)

4 tbsp rice vinegar

1 TBSP Fish sauce (optional) 

Peanut butter

Siracha

Ginger

Mix sauce with stove ingredients and add the following to top it off 

Garlic

Lime

Cabbage

Carrots

Cilantro

Peanuts

Gluten free Thai! 

 

Maybe I might try making it or I might just leave it to the professionals. 😆