Connected

Lord’s Blessing

Tonight we read the scriptures for the Mass celebrating the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The first reading was Numbers 6:22-27 which includes one of my favorite blessings beginning with “The Lord Bless you and keep you.” This is also the song that my mom used to sing in high school choir. They would […]

Framing Photos

After my father died, family members went through the hundred or so matted photos that my dad had prepared and took their favorites to keep. My grandson had several and for his birthday, asked to have them framed. Today he gathered up his stack of prints and I took him to the local craft store. […]

The Sound of Music

The other night my mom and I started watching The Sound of Music. She was excited and said it was one of her favorite movies. However, none of it was familiar to her. When the songs came on, I could see a glimpse of recognition as I started to sing along. but she said it […]

Making Christmas Spirit

I saw a quote today from TobyMac that I loved. “Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry. Clothe the naked. Forgive the guilty. Welcome the stranger and the unwanted child. Care for the ill. Love your enemies.” It occurred to me that no matter what is going on in our lives, or how […]

Orion Appeared

I went out briefly tonight and on my way home the sky was dark and clear. As I was driving down the street by the house, I noticed a couple of stars. I looked more intently and gradually the constellation Orion appeared. I will forever be reminded of my father when I see that constellation. […]

Double Hawk Blessing

I was tired this morning, but able to go out and run a couple errands. On my way home I was even more tired and wondering when I would have energy again. As I was getting on the highway, a red tailed hawk swooped right in front of me, talons extended as it landed on […]

Starting to Prepare

Today was the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Mom and I watched the Mass as I still haven’t been feeling well. We listened to the homily and then listened to the homily by Fr. Mike Schmitz as well. I find him very enlightening and relevant. Part of the message was how God reversed […]

Unexpected Reunion

My daughter in law and I went to a craft fair today at the high school I graduated from. A friend of mine attends it every year and sells her fun crocheted hats and other items. I met her working at a retail store about 30 years ago. We worked with a great group of […]

Four Things That Bring Great Peace

As I continue to slowly go through “The Imitation of Christ”, I was excited when I saw the title of the next section “Four Things That Bring Great Peace”. It said that Christ offered these things to bring us freedom and peace: Try to do the will of another rather than your own. Always choose […]

Gifts For Elderly

Every year I choose 3 tags from the church’s giving tree at Christmas time. I have been choosing kids that are the same age as my grandchildren. Then my grandchildren come shopping with me to pick out the gifts. This weekend as I was perusing the tree, I learned that the parish chose to give […]