In Season and Out

This is one blog post everyone needs to read. One of my blog acquaintances, SAHMinIL, has written Fridays-Meatless-Penance, a wonderfully informative post on Fridays being a day of penance ALL year round;not just during Lent. She has done her research and even includes the part of canon law that states this. She also believes that the bishops being allowed to give their flocks the choice of what penance to do during Non-Lenten Fridays is a great disservice to us. I could not agree with her more! Many Catholics are unaware of the fact that Fridays are still a day of penance in the Church. All that many seem to think is "It's OK to eat meat on Friday now." True as long as you are offering an alternative penance. Read SAHMinIL's post- she has explained this all much better than I can.
Many of our bishops need to do more teaching, not just preaching from their pulpits. However, as Catholics it is also up to us to know and continuosly study our faith; it is filled with endless treasures! If you don't already have a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church-get one and read and then reread it! It is very user friendly. (See my sidebar under Catholic Links) The Catechism is a great place to start. The encyclicals and letters of our present Holy Father and those before him are also a great study tool. Finally, you can Google Canon Law to look up any point of which you may be unsure.
SAHMinIL's blog is also a great place if you are a home schooling parent. I have the greatest admiration for all of you who make this choice.
May you all continue to be blessed and strengthened as you continue your Lenten journeys.

What Do You Want Me To Do For You?

This is the question Jesus poses to the blind man, Bar Timeus. (Mark 10:46-52) This question has also been asked of me on any retreat in which I have ever participated. The online retreat that I began yesterday began in the same way with that same question. I have had different answers to that question each time it has been asked. Sometimes, like Bar Timeus, I have wanted to see. I have asked Jesus to remove my spiritual blindness. The very first time Jesus asked me that question, I knew the answer immediately; I wanted him to break through the numbness I had felt for over 14 years. This numbness was a result of the terrible sins I had committed in my years away from Christ and his Church. Hearing Jesus ask, through his priest, "What do you want me to do for you?", I knew my repentance was the only way to God's healing mercy.

So here the question is again as I begin another Lent. What do I want Jesus to do for me? Now, I shouldn't be looking to what Jesus can do for me-he already did the most amazing thing he could do; he suffered, died and rose for me. But in hearing his question, I hear his asking me for my faith and friendship because in the things God does for me, I in turn use those gifts to serve him.

This may sound a bit strange but my Lent this year is very much connected to my Advent and Christmas. During this past Advent and Christmas season, I asked Jesus what he wanted for his birthday. The answer came very clearly one night during my hour of Eucharistic Adoration; "I want your complete surrender." He meant it! He wanted everything. Now as Lent begins, I see that I have yet to completely fulfill Jesus' birthday request . I also see more clearly the ways in which I am to surrender myself completely. Our Lord has allowed me to see that I still hold on to things and people that are not beneficial to my life with and in him. It is in this realization that I have arrived at the answer to this question once again. I want the grace, the strength and the courage to let go of the unhealthy things and people in my life that come between Jesus and me.

This no small prayer! And it has been answered, albeit painfully. I have been holding onto a friendship that has run it's course. A few weeks ago that friendship ended. Sad as this is, it needed to happen. The pruning and stripping never feels good, but it is necessary if I am to grow spiritually. Lent is the perfect time for this.

I have come to realize that whenever I hear Jesus ask,"What do you want me to do for you?,that the answer will usually involve a sacrifice on my part. The sacrifice always draws me closer to him. As I continue my journey through this holy season, I pray that I will cooperate with the grace that God gives so that in dying to myself, I will rejoice in his rising at Easter.

As you begin your own Lenten journey, hear Jesus ask you this question. What do you want him to do for you? It isn't selfish because it requires great faith and humility to answer him honestly and it will draw you closer to him.

I pray that you have your best Lent ever~one that will lead you to the most joyous Easter.

It's That Time of Year Again

Lent. This year for reasons I can't seem to figure out, I am having a bit of trouble getting into the spirit of this holy season. This may sound strange, but I look forward to Lent. It is "spiritual bootcamp" and the good Lord knows I need it!

When I returned to the Church six years ago, I did what I remember doing during my childhood; I gave up something. Yes, the proverbial chocolate- I am a hardcore chocoholic! But over the course of these years, I have felt the need to do something in addition to the giving up. Perhaps my difficulty this year is that, despite having prayed on it, I am just not sure what our Lord wants. So I will venture out into the desert and let the Holy Spirit be my guide.

I think my real problem is that the "what to do's" are coming more subtley than they usually do. As Ash Wednesday is the day after tomorrow, I have put together a rough sketch of a plan.

Here it is:

1. Attend the parish mission my parish is having next week.

2.Give something up~not sure what yet. Maybe chocolate again, maybe coffee.

3. Attempt to get up earlier than my already 5:30a.m. for extra prayer time.

4. Donate any change I collect between now and Easter to a worthy Catholic charity.This is also a remnant of my childhood.

5. Attend the Stations of the Cross every Friday night.

This seems to be quite a list. The spirit is definitely willing to do all of what is on this list. I pray my weak flesh will also rise to the occasion.

Writing this out actually helped me to see that I have a better idea than I thought of what our Lord may be calling me to do this Lent.

Oh~ and I just registered for the free online women's retreat being given by Loyola Press. Ladies click here if you'd like to join. (Sorry guys).

I also know that I do not need to get too tangled up in the details, but rather stay open to our Lord's promptings and cooperate with His grace. The best thing I can give him is my heart and all the love I can humanly muster up for all He has merited through His sacred Passion and Death. I will return love for love.

I wish all my kind readers a blessed Lenten season. May we die with him during this time so that we may rejoice in his rising at Easter.

Around The Blogosphere

In my cruise around the blogosphere today, I came across some worthwhile posts. Matthew Warner gives his thoughts and observations on what Mardi Gras should be and what it has become in his article "The Day After Fat Tuesday". For a more tongue in cheek look at the beginning of Lent read Laurence of England's "Extreme Lent". It's a good reminder to take Lent seriously but shouldn't take ourselves too seriously. You can still catch this week's
Catholic Carnival before it moves on. There's even an awesome cookie recipe in one of the posts if you want something decadent for your own Fat Tuesday. If you want to join in the festivities of the next Catholic Carnival, you'll find that information there as well. Finally, for my own self-promotion- I'm starting something new on my sidebar called Voice of the Saints. There will be a quote from a saint each day. Today I am starting with one of my favorites; Blessed Charles de Foucauld. I love reading the saints; they have so much to say to us. We need them to pray for us-don't be afraid to ask your favorite saints to do so. The Communiion of Saints is one of our Catholic treasures.
Happy Reading!

Simple Devotion~February 18, 2009

For Today...

Dear Lord,

I bring You my shortcomings... my impatience, my laziness, my failure to do all the good I can. Forgive me for the ways I do not cooperate with Your grace which you give to me in such abundance each day.

I bring You my worship and praise... simply for who You are; for the majesty of Your creation; for Your love and mercy; for all your graces and blessings and for Your Divine Providence in my life. Above all for loving me enough to die for me.

I bring You my prayer... for all those You have given to me in this life; those who remain and those who have gone through death or for other reasons. I give you all those who are in need of prayer and all those who have asked me for prayer because they or someone close to them is suffering. I wish to bring you my prayer in all that I think, say and do.

You spoke to me... last Sunday's Gospel about the leper whom You healed. In this I saw my own spiritual leprosy of which you mercifully healed me. Thank You.

They Need an "Aha" Moment

"How do you yet not understand."

~Mark 8:21

Lately it seems that I have been posting about Scripture. Trust me when I tell you I am no scholar on the subject. This post, like the others, is merely my own reflection on a passage or part of a passage that has spoken to me in some way. So here is my reflection on Mark 8:14-21; today's Gospel reading for Mass.

This is another one of those passages that makes me laugh a little. You may find that an odd reaction to this particular passage. I mean no disrespect toward our Lord or the Apostles for that matter. There is much to this passage and different parts of it have struck a chord within me at different times. What got my attention today was our Lord as teacher and the Apostles as students. Jesus seems to be somewhat frustrated with his students today. If you put this passage with yesterday's Gospel, we hear Jesus "sigh from the depth of his spirit". (Mark 8:12) Today he asks them, "do you yet not understand?" (Mark 8:21) As a teacher myself I can relate to Jesus' frustration. In my profession I am trying to impart some aspect of academics to my students. I know what it feels like to see that blank stare as their eyes begin to glaze over, or ask about something I have just spent a half hour explaining in great detail. I too want to exclaim, (and on occasion have) "Don't you get it yet?" Jesus is trying to teach something far more important than mere academics; he is teaching Himself. He is hoping, and I am sure, praying that in the time these men spend speaking with him, listening to him and witnessing his miracles that they will learn trust and come to a deeper faith in God. So Jesus' "Don't you get it?" carries far more urgency than does mine. The Apostles haven't quite made the connection that when Jesus is around, a few loaves and fish can be multiplied to feed thousands, raging winds and seas can be calmed, illnesses can be cured, and the dead can be raised. He is with them; all will be well. As with most students, their great "aha" moment hadn't happened right away.

Jesus went off into the desert and he would often go in search of some solitude to pray. Sometimes I think he simply needed a break from those 12 wacky friends of his! But seriously, and in all humility, I probably would have been right where the Apostles were- eyes glazed over and my head spinning- were it not for the 2,000 plus years of Christianity to help me understand and deepen my faith. Even with all of those years, I still find myself where they were. Perhaps that is what makes me laugh a bit- I see myself in the actions and reactions of the Apostles.

So the next time one of my students brings me to the brink of frustration, I will try to remember the patience of Jesus. The patience he had with his Apostles on this occasion as well as many others and the patience he continues to have with me. It is a patience born of love and of seeing the potential in his Apostles and the potential he sees in me.

After all that is what a good teacher does and our Lord is the best role model a teacher could have.

The Simple Woman's Daybook~February 16, 2009

Click here for more Daybook entries and to join in the sharing.
FOR TODAY:
Monday, February 16, 2009
Outside my window...
The sun is just coming up.
I am thinking...
about what to do with my early day out
of work.
I am thankful for...
quiet time to write.
From the kitchen...
a London Broil marinating for dinner and ingredients
for banana nut bread (was supposed to make yesterday)
and the aroma of coffee freshly brewed.
I am wearing...
still in pj's~it's early!
I am creating...
a new blog~still in planning stages.
I am going...
to work soon.
Iam reading...
Confessions of a Shopaholic-mindless, I know!
I am hoping...
for a smooth day at work~I'm the only one in today.
I am hearing...
Silence
Around the house...
Lots of things to put away.
One of my favorite things...
being able to get up early without too much effort
so I don't have to rush.
A few plans for the rest of the week:
nothing to speak of yet.
Here is the picture thought I am sharing: I love Thomas Kinkaid.
This one was sent to me in an e-mail.

The Leper~A Self Reflection

"If thou wilt, thou can make me clean."

~ Mark 1: 40

Hearing and rereading today's Gospel passage about the leper who approached Jesus reminds me of myself before my return to Christ and his Church.

There is physical leprosy, but there is also spiritual leprosy. In the physical form, a virus infects the body and parts begin to die and fall off. People with this disease are usually outcasts sent far away into isolation so as not to infect anyone else. In spiritual leprosy, sin infects the soul and it begins to die. Through sin the soul isolates itself from God's grace and the Church. The cure for the spiritual type (and probably to some extent the physical type as well) is faith in Jesus Christ.

Six years ago, after allowing my soul to die over the course of many years from countless sins- some very serious, I found my way back home. This did not come without God's grace and some human help as well. I found the courage to approach Jesus in faith and with as much humility as I could muster and asked him for healing. He responded to me immediately as he did the leper in today's Gospel. This man was able to approach Jesus in his humanity while he walked this earth. I was able to approach him through his priest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I was made clean; our Lord willed it.

Our modern society has lost its sense of sin and the damage it does to us. Even at times our own parish priests don't seem to preach on it for fear of emptying the pews. We need to hear it. I needed to hear it. Not that I or any of us want to; it's never pretty. Speaking for myself, I needed to hear that I was sick and face what got me that way.

The leper knew he was unclean and he didn't want to be isolated anymore. It must have taken a lot of courage, not to mention faith, for him to approach Jesus. He did so with faith and humility; "if thou wilt it..." That simple phrase is an act of faith and humility. He didn't demand that Jesus heal him and he didn't say, "if you can". He believed that if our Lord willed it, he would be healed.

After much self-examination, I realized I was unclean and like the leper, I didn't want to be isolated anymore- not from God's grace or from his Church. After I approached Jesus through his priest in confession, I did what the leper did- I went and told everyone! Although I really didn't have to; most people could see my healing in how I began to live my life from that point on.

Every now and then the leprosy tries to return, but I do my best not to let it. I know where to find my "Divine Primary Care Physician". (He's a lot easier to find than any in my earthly health plan!) The words of absolution are probably the sweetest and most beautiful words we can hear.

The moral of the story? We need to form our consciences so that we know when we are sick through sin. Then we need to approach the Divine Physician in the sacraments. Making a good confession will make us clean and receiving our Lord in the Eucharist will give us the strength to stay that way.

If you are reading this and are in need of a "spiritual bath", don't be afraid to approach Jesus. As long as you do so with humility and faith, he is there waiting to stretch out his hand to give you his healing grace just as he did for the leper- just as he did for me.

Do They Really Think The Are Being Helpful?

Yesterday while I was in the middle of my daily cruise aroud the internet, I stumbled upon a February 2, 2009 article in Glamour magazine. The article was titled, "Abortion: The Serious Health Decision Women Aren't Talking About Until Now". In order to get to the article, I had to go through the main page of the website. Here I was bombarded with ads for Gardasil, and the titles of their blog posts which include, "How Many Guys Have You Kissed?", and "How To Prepare for Plunging Necklines". An article in another section was titled "My Most Sexually Awkward Moment". This magazine seems to be targeted to a readership in their twenties. As I made my way through this mess searching for the article in question, I wanted to scream from a rooftop somewhere, "Young women of America you are being lied to, assaulted and abused!" I know the editors of this magazine and others like it do not have this intention in mind, but as someone who has succumbed to the lies and the ads and has been rescued from them, the truth of what they are doing is abundantly clear. But I digress...

I finally found my way to the article on abortion. The writer of the article thought she was giving the whole story by reporting snippets from one or two women who had had abortions. The doctor who was quoted seemed very callous although she was portrayed as someone being "helpful." The article again strove to be helpful by giving a few questions women should ask themselves when faced with this decision; questions like "Are you doing this because you feel it is best for you?", "Do you believe that an abortion is equivalent to killing a child who is already born?" In the discussion under this question, they did make an attempt to give some resources that may give women other options like adoption. The final question is where they really miss the mark, "Why is the abortion rate so high?" In trying to answer this one the article talks about more effective uses of contraception as well as emergency contraception that can be taken up to 72 hours after intercourse in the event that the first method of birthcontrol fails (broken condoms etc). It was at this point I found myself mumbling aloud, "They just don't get it!"
What was more outrageous than the article itself, was the comments that followed. One in particular was heartbreaking. A woman talked about how she is still unable to forgive herself and realizes she gave up the only chance she had of having a child. I wish I had her e-mail to let her know there is help out there. The other comments just made me angry. Most were the usual praises for an "open and honest" article on this subject. I couldn't help myself; I had to leave a comment voicing the truth of how horrible this is (no I did not include the gory details) as well as the web address for Rachels Vineyard. I wanted to say more in my comment but knew I would get carried away.

Finally what saddened me most was that nowhere does the article mention the baby. Not that I would expect an article in a magazine like this to do so. I was just so struck by how this article gave such a clear picture of what our society has become- "me centered". It's all about "what's best for me." Nowhere did it ask "What's best for the baby?" And they really couldn't see how abortion really isn't best for the woman involved either.
After the ordeal of this article, I felt sick to my stomach. However, I was glad that I came upon it for the simple reason that it gave me a glimpse into what is going on out there. Not that I live in a cave, but because I choose not read most secular magazines it can become easy to put the reality of just how bad things are in the back of my mind. I have to remind myself that in being able to fight the Enemy, you have to know the Enemy. The pro-abortion and pro-choice people are not the real enemy; Satan gets that title.

You may have noticed that I posted a prayer intention for this year on my sidebar. It is to pray for our youth because they are being lied to. Unless they come from strong, practicing faith based families, they are likely to fall prey to the attractive snares the devil has set. Articles like this don't help matters. I know I have only scratched the surface of what articles like this are really about, but my purpose in writing this is just to bring the reality and severity of the problem to the forefront. Again, sometimes I get so caught up in fighting the fight that I lose sight of the reality of the situation.
You can read the article for yourself. Just click the link above and it will take you straight to it. I wanted to save you the horror of the main page.

Valentine's Day With Jesus

I just love this! This is the best valentine I could get. He gives me His heart every day and says , "Be Mine."

Breast cancer-Abortion Connection

The link between breast cancer and abortion has been medically researched and found to be credible. Statistics report that a woman who has an abortion increases her risk of breast cancer by at least 50%. Over the last several years, it has come to light that the Susan G. Komen Foundation financially supports Planned Parenthood. One of the leading breast cancer research foundations supports the leading abortion provider. Doesn't seem to make sense, does it. This video from Facing Life TV sheds more light on this topic. Eve Silver, who is interviewed in the video, is a former Susan G. Komen worker. It is eye-opening. Watch the video and then share it with everyone you know. The site also gives information on where to find more on the studies done. Finally, while I support breast cancer research, I no longer knowingly support the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The Seven Wonders of the World

I found this over at Matthew Warner's blog-
http://www.Fallibleblogma.com. I know I've seen it before, but it's worth a re-watch. Enjoy! Check out Matthew's blog-lots of worthwhile reading.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Thank you to Peggy for hosting this Daybook. To join in click here.

FOR TODAY: Monday, February 9,2009

Outside my window... stillness and lots of sunshine. Some squirrels playing.

I am thinking... about how this day will unfold.

I am thankful for... God's Providence in all things.

From the kitchen.. lots of leftovers- got to freeze some or eat them quick!

.I am wearing... navy blue cords with navy sweater, ,ight blue blouse under sweater.

I am creating... a Spiritual Scrapbook- a constant work in progress.

I am going... to work soon.

I am reading... articles from First Things, Adoremus Bulletin, National Catholic Register.

I am hoping... to get finances squared away once and for all.

am hearing... Silence- sometimes it's the best sound of all!

Around the house... lots of things to clean up and put away.

One of my favorite things... an afternoon cup of Earl Grey tea.

A few plans for the rest of the week: catch up on reading, call some friends I haven't spoken with in awhile.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... Sorry no picture today- will have one next week.

12-year-old speaks out on the issue of abortion

Thanks to Paul at GNW for tweeting about this. This young lady knows her stuff and is quite passionate. You go girl!
Paul's blog is also worth checking out www.gnwpaul.blogspot.com/

More Than One Life At Stake

I read a story today that was a double edged sword; both edifying and also sad. The article on Catholic Exchange was titled Daughter of Rape Victim Pleads for the Life of Unborn Child in Danger of Abortion. This story is happening in Argentina which is a country with fairly strong pro-life views, so there is much controversy surrounding it.
I was edified both by the young woman doing the pleading as well as by the lawyer who has come forward offering to take the child into his own family once he or she is born. The young woman's mother is also a rape victim who suffers from mental illness, just as the mother of the unborn baby. Her witness speaks volumes to the endless possibilities of each life.
The woman's parents are requesting the abortion because of the rape and because they say their daughter is mentally ill. Will this child have emotional difficulties? Maybe, maybe not. Are the events surrounding this child's conception tragic? Definitely, but the conception itself is NOT tragic!
What saddens me about the story other than the obvious- the loss of this child's life, is that not only are the grandparents asking that their grandchild be killled, but they are also about to add to the trauma that their daughter has suffered from the rape.
Now, I can only imagine what it is like to go through something as horrifying as rape; not to mention being mentally ill on top of it. However I do know from experience the horrors of abortion and its after effects. Thanks be to God I repented of this sin and sought healing. If this woman is forced to go through an abortion, it will only add to her trauma. Post Abortion Syndrome (PAS) is very real. (See note at end of post for resources.) I'm sure this woman's parents are not thinking or are even aware of this. What I pray they do become aware of is the sanctity of this baby's and every baby's life.
I read this article early this morning. It has been on my mind all day which is why I decided to write about it. Whenever I post about anything of such importance, I always ask myself, "What's your motivation?" In this case it is not to judge, it is not to merely vent and it is not to tell my own story. My motivation in this case is prayer. I ask that you follow the link at the beginning of this post to the article on Catholic Exchange. After reading it, please join me in praying for the unborn baby, the baby's mother and grandparents. I would even ask that you pray for the rapist. Also ask a special blessing on the young woman pleading for this baby's life and for the young lawyer willing to open his heart and home to this child. We need more like them.
God can bring great good out of terrible evil. We only need to look at a crucifix to see that. The young woman doing the pleading and her twin sister are also proof of it. So are the many who have sought and received healing from the wound that abortion inflicts.

Consecration of an Unborn Child to Jesus and Mary
Dear Blessed Mother, we gather here in your presence and in the presence of your Son, the Almighty God, here present in the Tabernacle and in our hearts. We ask you, Blessed Mother, in union with your Spouse, the Holy Spirit, to be the safeguard of this little child at birth and throughout its life. We ask you, dear Lady, to keep your mantle over this little one as well as (name), the mother. We come to you to consecrate this child to your Immaculate Heart and to the Heart of your Son. Please give this child your special blessing now and for eternity, and guard it from all the evils of the world. Amen.
(Prayer is from http://www.cukierski.net/)

*For resources on Post Abortion Syndrome and Post Abortion healing:
http://www.rachelsvineyard.org/
Forbidden Grief by Dr. Theresa Burke PhD, with David C. Reardon
Redeeming a Father's Heart by Kevin Burke MSS, LSW

Prayers

I just wanted to add my prayers for Amy Welborn's husband, Michael Dubruiel who died yesterday morning.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in Your peace. Amen.

Mary, our Mother, please console Michael's family. Amen.

He Has Been There

Last night I came across an article in this week's National Catholic Register on The Meaning of Lonliness by Melinda Selmys. It was a beautifully written piece, but two short sentences in the article struck and took hold of me: "He wanted the comfort of human companionship. He did not have it." Those lines at that moment became my meditation for the evening. Jesus, who is God and became man, was lonely. As I sat with that thought, I was overwhelmed with just how agonizing and difficult that time in the garden must have been for Him. As I continued the article, it talked about Christ's feelings of abandonement at the Crucifixion. The only ones there for Him at that point were His Blessed Mother, John, Mary Magdalen and a few of the women who had followed Him. I thought about the Apostles; the men who had become Jesus' closest friends. They spent almost every waking and non-waking moment with Him for three years! And where were they when Jesus needed them most; desired their company most? Fear gripped them and they hid. I don't mean to pick on the Apostles. I'm not sure I would have had the strength of Mary Magdalen in that situation either.

This brief meditation led me to think about my own circumstances. Three years ago I found myself living alone after the failure of a 14 year marriage. Until that time I never really understood what it meant to be lonely. It truly is a feeling like no other. It is often said that being alone and being lonely are two different things. This is very true, and I now know the vast difference between them. What amazes me is how God prepared me for this time in my life. He gave me first and foremost, the gift of faith. Without Christ, I often tell people I would have been out on a ledge during that difficult time. He truly walked me through it; with His own very Real Presence as well as with the presence of others. He allowed me to suffer through those moments in the garden (and still does at times), but as the Father did for Him, He sends me angels in the form of good friends to minister to me.

"He wanted the comfort of human companionship. He did not have it". Christ chose to suffer the bitterness of lonliness so that He could know it Himself and be there for me in mine. Many people today are deprived of human companionship for many different reasons. I pray that "angels" come to minister to them as well. I pray that they may know Christ in their lives so they may unite their suffering with His. Lonliness is never easy, but as with any suffering, when we remember that our Lord has been there too our suffering is united with His. I know for me, this certainly takes the edge off a bit.

This article was just another of the little ways our awesome God chose to speak to me. I'm glad it was a time I was actually listening. It brought me to a deeper understanding of our Lord's suffering as well as my own.

The Simple Woman's Daybook for February 2, 2009

Thank you to Peggy at Simple Woman for starting and continuing this journal for all of us to participate in.


FOR TODAY : Monday, February 2, 2009

Outside my window there is bright sunshine- at least for now...

I am thinking about how I really don't like doing this from work- feel a little too rushed, but
may not get to do it tonight.

I am thankful for my job- so many people seem to be losing theirs these days.

From the kitchen are the fixings for homemade cheeseburgers (fries only if I feel like overindulging).

I am wearing my brown crewneck sweater with tan/brown pinstripe pants.

I am creating... continuing my prayer scrapbook.

I am reading God Alone Suffices-Biography of St. Teresa of Avila

I am hoping for a snow day tomorrow- Jersey is supposedly in for a storm tonight into tomorrow.(We are never too old for a snow day!)

I am hearing not much of anything- the office is fairly quiet right now.

Around the house is a lot of clutter- need to do some straightening up.

One of my favorite things is making homemade chicken soup on a cold, snowy day- good idea if I get my snow day tomorrow!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Nothing in particular planned for this week just yet- will see where the week goes.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... his name is Knut and just had to share him!

My NonSuperbowl Sunday

What can I say- as much as I love a good football game, I really can't stand all the other stuff in between the actual game. So I have declared for myself and anyone else who would like to join me a "NonSuperbowl Sunday". Here are 10 things I will be doing (or at least attempting to do) instead of watching The Game. OK, I can't promise to take a peek at the score now and then.

10 Things to Do Instead of Watching the Superbowl
(in no particular order of importance)
1. Read a good book.
2. Go out for a brisk walk (weather permitting in your area)
3. Create something delicious for dinner- I'm making
chicken soup.
4. Post on your blog-or create one if you don't have one yet.
5. Say a Rosary- you can even ask our Lady to intercede for your
favorite team.
6. Write NBC to voice your disappointment/outrage at not
airing the Catholic Vote ad.
7. Write a letter to a friend you haven't been in touch with for
while- I mean a good old fashioned snail mail letter- not
an e-mail.
8. Spend some time prayerfully reading Scripture.
9. Bake cookies- I do this when I'm bored, so I try to keep myself
from being bored in order to avoid the calories!
10. Visit someone else who is also not watching the game and
choose something from #1-9 on this list. (Can you tell I was
stretching to get to 10?)

Enjoy the day no matter what you do!