A Simple Twist of Faith

Rejoice Always

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to “Rejoice Always.”  (II Thessalonians 5: 16)  During the Christmas season, as I was rushing all over town in my mini-van, I hear a segment on the radio that has stuck with me.  The interview was on happiness.  In the conversation, the guest asserted that 50% of happiness comes from hereditary sources.  One is born with a sanguine or melancholy disposition.  10% of happiness comes from life circumstances. One’s finances, social, economic, and physical well being are included in this percentage.  That leaves 40% of happiness based on a choice, choosing to be happy.  40%!

What is Wisdom?

This morning, I read the following reflection on Psalm 37 in Give Us This Day  and thought I would like to share it with you, my friends:

"What then is wisdom?  It is concerned that life should have meaning, have a part in what endures.  Wisdom takes care that in the end a man should not stand empty-handed.  It is based upon the gift of distinguishing what is valuable and what is cheap, what endures and what passes, what is genuine and what is specious...

    But if we ask, "What then shall I do?  Wisdom, counsel me!" then wisdom replies, " You must learn to dstinguish.  You must bring into your life things that are of divine character, things that do not merely pile up or excite, but have value."

    And what has value? Wisdom replies, "the good!" When we have a duty, even though it is unpleasant, the situation changes, the action is past, but something remains: the good has been done.  This has divine character.

    Or if I act kindly towards a person, whom perhaps I do not like, try to understand him, help him-in this fulfillment of the divine command something takes place which remains...

    So we might speak of many things-also of this-ad it would not be unimportant-that it is a part of wisdom to be careful of one's own wisdom.  It is a virtue which is easily spoiled. If one is too conscious of it, or emphasizes it, then wisdom itself becomes folly, and a greater than that which it sought to overcome. "

Fr. Romano Guardini, The Wisdom of the Psalms

My "TO DO" List for 2012

I always like to start my New Year's Resolutions on Chinese New Year.  Chinese New Year celebration started on the new moon (January 23 this year) and is a 15 day celebration ending with the Lantern Festival on the full moon. 

I read this passage a few weeks ago, and have been pondering their implication in my life. 

Saint Paul always gives great advice.

Rejoice Always

Pray unceasingly.

In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not quench the Spirit.

Do not despise prophetic utterances.

Test everything; retain what is good.

Refrain from every kind of evil.

(2 Thessalonians 5:16-22)

Let's see how I make out for 2012.   

 

 

Love Thy Neighbor

An inspiring story of generosity, and acceptance:

" In 1966, a young Palestinian man traveled with his young wife and infant daughter from the turmoil filled and troubled Palestine to live in the land of opportunity, the good old U.S.A.

  Now leaving Palestine wasn't easy for them. First of all, this was their home. Secondly, he was barely 25 years of age with a High School education and she was 20 years old with more limited education. America was entirely different than their little villages in Palestine. It was bigger, busier, faster, and a bit scarier because everyone was so different. Both left behind nearly all of their family and friends with the belief that opportunity and a better life for them and their little girl could be found in America.

  They found a small apartment in Stuart Gardens Apartments in Newport News, Virginia.

  This is a story about kindness, a sense of community, color blindness and compassion. It's about the good people who lived in Stuart Gardens Apartments. It's about a part of the American Spirit that I think needs a little awakening today."

Read more here

From Death to Life Part 6

Over the past two months, I have been sharing my personal journey back to the practice of my faith and full communion with the Catholic Church. How I lost my faith in God, and how through God’s grace and loving care I was able to repair my relationship with God our Father and experience the loving care he has for me in my life. 

Please join me, you may want to get a cup of coffee first …  

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5

I took an extended break from blogging during the Christmas season, but now I am back with part 6. 

Celebrate Christ

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Merry Christmas!

Peace be with you, my friends.

Game On...

So, today is grocery shopping day for the big Christmas weekend. 

My sister-in-law always hosts Christmas dinner, and she has asked me to bring a dessert, a salad, and rolls. 

Instead of playing it safe, I have decided to take a risk and try some never before tested recipes I have been craving on Pinterest.

"Grown-up" Waldorf salad

Fruit Christmas Tree

Blackberry Pie, my husband's favorite which I NEVER make.

Yeast Rolls

Christmas Eve, we will be going to church, and I just wanted something light and easy. 

Minestrone Soup

Bread Sticks

Easy Antipasto Platter

What are you making for Christmas dinner, for Christmas Eve?

Do you have special traditions or will you be trying something new?

 

Finding Joy

For the past ten days I have been M.I.A. from this site.  I apologize for the absence. I have been busy preparing for Christmas guests, and needed to focus on that task. This past weekend my best friend, her husband, and their three children, two of them my godchildren came to visit.  It was a wonderful low-key visit, well was low-key as it can be to have five children ages 4-10 and four adults in a 1,200 square foot house.  I am so glad we are friends, and have stayed friends for the past 33 years.  She is the perfect foil to me, a sunny optimist, and I love her for it.   

My sister is also coming on Friday, and I am really looking forward to her visit too.  She is taking the red eye in from the West Coast, so will be here in the morning of the 23rd and staying for a week.  She has never met our oldest daughter, Bumblebee, before so this will be a very special trip indeed. Both of my girls are very excited to see their aunt.

My little ones, especially my six year old, is bursting at the seams with excitement over the entire Christmas presents over the tree gig.  We have been trying to focus on Jesus' birthday, using our special Advent calendar, which chronicles the journey Mary and Joseph made from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  The spirit of Christmas can be difficult to find in the bustle and commercialism of the season.  However, they both have done a much better job than me.

Did you know?

In honor of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 

 

From Death to Life Part 5

Over the next several  Sundays, I have been sharing my personal journey back to the practice of my faith and full communion with the Catholic Church. How I lost my faith in God, and how through God’s grace and loving care I was able to repair my relationship with God our Father and experience the loving care he has for me in my life. 

Please join me…week 1, week 2, week 3, and week 4

 

It was then in my darkest hour when I let go of my plans, and allowed the Lord to direct my life that the answer came. Listen to our Savior’s own agony in Matthew 26: 36-39:

“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray. “ He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with Me.” 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.”

Control versus Surrender.

 Although I had a new life in Christ, I was still trying to live life on my own terms.   Subconsciously, I thought, I am now doing what I am suppose to be doing, I am going to Church, I was participating in the Sacraments, I have repented and reformed my life.  What isn’t God giving me the life that I so desperately want?