Savoring the last weekend.

Today we commemorate the feast of the baptism of our Lord, the day that marks the close of the Christmas celebratory season. I have always been stuck by this first act of Jesus in His public ministry; to mingle Himself, the Savior of the world, among sinners and humbly submit to baptism. He truly wishes to dwell with us and assist us in our trials and temptations. It is a good day to also reflect upon the fact that we are especially united to Him and His Mystical Body through the grace of our own baptisms; that sacrament that permanently marks us as His own.

We stretched this last weekend of Christmas out as slowly as possible, despite the business of getting back to our normal parish weekend schedule - choir rehearsal, CCD classes, a baptism - and Andrew was away Saturday evening teaching a voice class for the newly ordained deacons of the archdiocese. I spent a little time finishing laundry, checking the pantry status and meal planning, tending to Michael, and catching up with a few friends. In our together time, we listened to lots of Christmas music, and enjoyed our tree and Christmas gifts. It has been in the low 30's-20's, so we stayed indoors away from the frosty air. We concluded our Sunday with a (late) Epiphany house blessing, chicken soup, evening prayer, and the Rosary - ready to usher in Ordinary Time!  

O Lord, Almighty God, bless this house that it may become a shelter of health, chastity, self-conquest, humility, goodness, mildness, obedience to the Commandments, and thanksgiving to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Upon this house and those who dwell herein may Your blessing remain forever.

Texas holidays.

Michael and I had a lovely visit with my family Dec. 31-Jan 9. It was fun to see him interact with his grandparents, uncles and aunties, and cousins! And it was gratifying for me to see the joy he brings to others. I enjoyed spending time with my sisters and mother, especially; time that I find I need at least once a year. We are a very close family, but there is nothing like going for a cup of coffee or lunch, and having a heart to heart chat in person (thank you, Laura!) Activities included playing with and cuddling the little ones, playing games, visiting the Dallas Zoo and the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (so interesting), exploring downtown Dallas, and eating delicious foods. I will let the (many) pictures speak for themselves on the joyous time had by all! I am so blessed to have this family.

 

 

 

This young man is 10 months now - can you believe it??

Reflections for the new year.

Well! Here we are at 2013. A new year. Nothing exciting when one knows that we are still growing older, still have the same bills, financial worries, relationship struggles, the ups and downs on this roller coaster of life. Despite this knowledge, each new year should usher in with it a sense of anticipation and search for new approaches, a desire to learn; perhaps from failings, or perhaps to seek out those challenges which will force learning upon us, and a yearning to grow yet another inch closer to God and our fellow man. I came across this instruction from a wise saint which spoke to me and provides me, quite simply, with on outline for my personal goals for this year:

"So now let us follow the Word; let us seek the repose on high; let us cast aside the opulence of this world; let us have recourse only to that portion of it that serves a good end; let us gain our lives by acts of charity; let us share what we have with the poor that we may be rich in the bounty of heaven." ~ St. Gregory Nazianzen

The Word of God. Living simply. Serving with charity. Helping the poor. These themes shall be the basis for my life this year, and hopefully those of my family. I feel that we have begun a significant transition to living more simply in the past year, and I look forward to continuing in that manner, as well as deepening our understanding of the peace and joy that is gleaned from such a lifestyle. Our Lord truly demonstrated that the simple life is the best way to encourage more focus on God and the needs of others. To live the Gospel is to live in love and in service. So here's to living more simply, more spiritually, more economically, more cleanly, more intentionally, more joyfully, more in love...building on last year's successes rather than harping on its shortcomings; to living the days out, in and through Him. All these desires must be wrapped in the blanket of faith and entrusted to God, for we can do nothing without Him. Being that 2013 has been declared the Year of Faith by Pope Benedict, I also hope to dwell more upon this virtue and keep it forefront in mind...Jesus said we could do immeasurable things with faith only the size of a mustard seed. Let us cast trepidation aside, let us throw our whole selves forward with faith; let us have faith that He will work with our weak, minuscule faiths, and accomplish great things for the Kingdom.

"Enter the new year with hope, knowing that you can do nothing of yourself. Walk in faith, and that faith will grow and grow! And you will begin to understand that He can do all things in you. So in total simplicity and child-likeness in a faith that sings of your desire for Him, in a love that celebrates with an untarnished hope, face this new year without fear! Why should you be afraid when the Lord is with you? We live in the resurrected Christ. Together upholding each other in love and joy and faith, we shall restore that which needs restoring in the church."
~ Catherine Doherty 

A happy new year blessed by our Lord to you all!

October '12 photo shoot by Chutikorn Photography