A flower for you...

Today it is really gross weather here in Massachusetts so I thought I would provide a bright and sunny photo to cheer up the day.  I took this photo when I was in San Antonio this past fall for Michael's graduation from basic training and to see Andie.  I was taking a walk along the River Walk and this flower struck me with this great awe of God's creation.  Flowers have a tendency to remind me how artfully God created the world.

In my face...

I really hate when people talk too closely to my face--especially if they are to close to my ears.  I hate the game telephone because it requires people being way too close to my ears for comfort.  It doesn't matter if you are whispering;come to close to my face and my stomach starts to turn.  It is almost as if my senses go on overload and I just stop processing things.  Of course try explaining why you are cringing when they just asked you a simple question or were trying to tell you something nice.  I think my sensory overload just caused me to respond in a way that offended someone.  It was totally unintentional.  I really just can't handle you being too close to me when you are talking.  Sorry.  

Family day

Today was my cousin's First Holy Communion.  It was a lovely affair.  The priest gave a really good homily that I thought was really understandable for the children but applied just as much to the adults.  Colleen looked precious in her little white dress and veil.  After Mass, there was a luncheon at my aunt and uncle's house.  I got to meet my cousin Samantha for the first time (she is only 10 weeks old).  She is absolutely adorable, and looks like a clone of her big sister.  It was nice to see all of the other in-state relatives as well.  The little ones all looked so cute.  It was a nice day overall.

Change the way world thinks...

This is my current song of choice. It is absolutely beautiful and totally inspirational. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday Ishmael!  Enjoy 23!  

Cherry tree...

The cherry tree in our yard has blossomed.  It isn't in full bloom yet-- there are still some unopened buds, but it is absolutely beautiful to look at.  God really is a master artist.

Another beautiful day...

You sons of men, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. --Daniel 3:82

It was another beautiful day today.  I took a long walk on the beach.  Once I got past the really rocky part, I was able to take my shoes off and walk barefoot in the sand.  Warm sand on my feet is one of those things I find really comforting.  It probably has something to do with the fact that I grew up with a beach down the street.  When the sand got to be unbearably hot I waded in the water a bit.  It was surprisingly not frigid--just cool and soothing on my burning feet.  It was such a peaceful walk.  I find walking in nature to be a good reminder of the beauty of God's creation.  Sometimes I need that reminder more than I would like to admit--today it came with perfect timing.  While I was walking, I was reminded of the prayer in Daniel 3:52-90 when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are invoking all of creation to praise God and how we are all called to take a place in this hymn of praise throughout our lives.

Spring has sprung...

It reached 82 degrees today here in good old Quincy, MA.  The flowers on our pear and cherry trees have begun to blossom. Perhaps I'll take a picture tomorrow.  There is something very refreshing about spring-- even if I cannot breathe thanks to allergies.    I saw my 98 yearold neighbor out for a stroll-- yes, he can stroll; the man can still run, and he will show up people a quarter of his age on the dance floor.  Kids are out and running around all day; it is definitely the perfect weather for school vacation week.    Spring here makes me miss Delaware in the springtime.  

Where did I ever find him?

...China

Ishmael is visiting in 1 week for approximately 9 hours so we can meet with a wedding photographer.  I cannot begin to express how grateful I am to have a fiance who willingly and lovingly makes last minute travel plans just so we can plan our wedding together.  It is such a blessing to have an involved fiance.  

Seeing how involved Ish is in our plans for our wedding day makes me feel like I am getting a sneak peek at our future.  I envision a sweet man who is lovingly involved with his family--a humble servant of the Lord living out his vocation in married life.  I cannot express in words the joy and hope I feel when I think about life after July 18, 2009.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

I think they doth protest too much...

If you have ever wondered why the Catholic Bible has more books than Protestant versions, this article is a good way of explaining the validity of both Judith and Tobit.  For all of you Baruch, Wisdom, Maccabee and Sirach fans, I'll try and find something for you.  Also, anyone who loves the extras in Daniel and Esther, I'm working on it.

Catholic Education...

Something that has bothered me for a while is reports I have heard of Catholic colleges allowing and even promoting things contrary to Catholic teaching.  Pope Benedict XVI is clearly concerned too.  Here is a wonderful (and rather amusing) article that summarizes what he said to Catholic Institutions of Education  while he was here in the USA.   I can only pray that people heed his words.

Blog neglect pending

Ishmael is coming up to Massachusetts this weekend.  As a result, you may not see any posts for a few days.