Angel of healing

On this feast day of three great archangels; Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, we ask for their protection, prayers, and inspiration, especially from St. Raphael, an angel whose name and significance is close to our hearts - he is one of our special patron saints. :)  Also a very appropriate intercessor for me especially during this time of healing.  

Glorious Archangel Saint Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the "medicine of God," I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor {mention your petition} and the great grace of purity of prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Saint Raphael of the glorious seven who stand before the throne of Him who lives and reigns, angel of health, the Lord has filled your hand with balm from heaven to soothe or cure our pains. Heal or cure the victim of disease, and guide our steps when doubtful of our ways.

Daybook.

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... Hot, muggy, and grey. Fall, where are you? 

I am hearing... Billie Holiday on Pandora and distant thunder...we're not yet out of storm season.

I am pondering... about whether or not I should audition for the alto lead position for the Southwest FL Symphony Chorus.  I would love to sing under Dr. McDonnell again (who extended the opportunity to Andrew and me), I do miss singing in a chorus, and the rehearsals are pretty close to home, but do I want to sign away an evening out of my week for that, not to mention time on various weekends for performances?
   

I am creating... a clean house and a little office/craft corner for myself.

I am thankful for... life's hard moments which force us to grow and cast ourselves trustingly into the Father's arms.

From the kitchen... Yeast sitting, bread about to be made.

I am going... to the grocery store and library. Exciting, huh? :)

I am reading... looking through a few dried flower craft books for arrangement ideas. 

I am hoping... that I really am kicking this nasty cold and cough and that it is not just wishful thinking.
   

Around the house... Laundry waiting to be folded. Slowly getting things back in order after a crazy last month.

One of my favorite things... for the past couple weeks, I've enjoyed a big bowl of fresh fruit for breakfast every morning - the peaches really have been terrific this season.
Also, we came across a brand new Charles Dicken's series, Oxford-edition, at Goodwill this past weekend.  Although it was missing 4 of the most popular books, we got the other 17 for a mere $20! What a steal - this set retails new around $500, and used $200.

A few plans for the rest of the week: finalizing decorative ideas for the house/patio, searching Craig's List for a few items, hanging out with a gf, choosing honeymoon pictures to print out for the scrapbook, and if it clears up, I would love a few hours on the beach.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... just happy us.

The little loves in my life.

My nephews and nieces (4 of them, godchildren) have been on my mind this week.  Thankful for their smiles, sweet innocence, unconditional love, joy, precious childish insights, and infatuation with life.  Also thankful for Skype which allows me to see these cute faces at least once a week!  Their little souls are always in my thoughts and prayers...

Kieran, Elias, Aidan



Gabrielle, Declan, Nehemiah



Embracing the cross

We know that life is inundated with a variety of a million crosses to be dealt with and born.  Suffering, disappointments, hurt feelings, financial struggles, temptations of the flesh, relationship conflicts - each and every result of original sin.  It is easy to lose heart, complain, wallow in self-pity, question the number and nature of crosses which appear to be useless upsets in our lives.  Sure, we have a choice and can approach frustrations with a bitter, resentful attitude if we so choose, but who truly wants to add misery to their lives?  (Ironically, some do.)  

Doesn't the noble path call for acceptance and trust that everything works together for good in the Divine Plan?  Those who have gone before us witness that this is indeed true.  The martyrs chose the Lord over life itself.  He was their portion and their cup, and that was reward enough for them.  The saints embraced life's troubles with joyful, outstretched arms; they knew from whence strength would come and what treasure  awaited them at the completion of their good fight.  We have it much easier than most of those good people did, and still we grumble when the merest of things does not go our way.  More often than not, it is more than just a mere thing to the scope of our poor, simple intellects, and we permit our emotions to run amuck because our dreams/plans are not playing out as we desire.

Who holds all things in the palm of His hand?  Who gives motion to life itself?  Why are we so silly as to bewail life if it does not unfold as we hope - why do we stubbornly persist in attempting to orchestrate our lives to such astronomical degrees?  Suffering and troubles are thus necessary, to "gently" remind us to Whom we belong and to Whom we owe life itself.  Can we not bear our burdens in obedience out of love for Him?  I think so.  Especially when we know the cross was followed by the resurrection - pain and suffering will be followed by eternal rapture.  And, we need not be discouraged thinking that rewards will not be merited until after we are released from the physical world; He does draw near to us now, to comfort our soul, provide strength, draw us up again and again, and ever nearer to Himself.  Each time we embrace the crosses He permits us to suffer, we are all the more closely embracing Him and becoming more like Him.  What a reward in itself! <3 

How sad for those who choose the way of misery and self pity, viewing suffering as a useless waste of time and energy - if only they knew the peace that comes from taking up the cross as did He, and trusting in the Father's design.  Suffering is indeed a tremendous blessing, for without it, we would be at a loss as to how to both emulate and unite to, our beloved Lord.  We struggle as it is to follow in His footsteps in the way of virtue, as there are a myriad of temptations and distractions to either cause our failure or dilute our fervor.  So, we should rejoice when forced with suffering, for it has a simple approach - pick up the cross, carry it to completion, and lay it at His feet. 

"We are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, out inner self is being renewed day by day.  For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal."  ~2 Corinthians 4:16-18 

A new Blessed & a wonderful Holy Father!

Today in England, Pope Benedict XVI beatifies a man who sacrificed all in his quest for truth and in order to follow God's will in everything.  A former Anglican converted Catholic, ordained priest, and later cardinal, John Henry Newman is appropriately being honored as an example of perseverance in the path to sainthood.  He said, "A good man seeks to please himself, not necessarily seeking to offend God, but a saint is one who seeks to please God in all things, no matter what the cost."  The Holy Father used Newman's life as an example as to how we should be answering Christ's call in our own lives.

"Newman's life also teaches us that passion for the truth, intellectual honesty and the genuine conversion are costly. The truth that sets us free cannot be kept to ourselves; it calls for testimony, it begs to be heard, and in the end its convincing power comes from itself and not from the human eloquence or arguments in which it may be couched."

"We know that in times of crisis and upheaval God has raised up great saints and prophets for the renewal of the Church and Christian society; we trust in his providence and we pray for his continued guidance. But each of us, in accordance with his or her state of life, is called to work for the advancement of God's Kingdom by imbuing temporal life with the values of the Gospel."

"Christ had need of families to remind the world of the dignity of human love and the beauty of family life.  He needs men and women who devote their lives to the noble task of education, tending the young and forming them in the ways of the Gospel."

"Ask our Lord what he has in mind for you. Ask him the generosity to say yes. Do not be afraid to give yourself totally to Jesus.  He will give you the grace you need to fulfill your vocation."

 

These are only a few gems from this amazing address; read it in its entirety here.  What a wise and holy pope we have in Benedict XVI.  I have not had an opportunity to read much of his writing yet, but this short speech alone is peppered with Benedict's great humility, strong desire for the continuous conversion of souls, and an overflowing love for Christ and His Church - I believe I will be reading much more Benedict in the future.  A great affection for our dear late Pope Paul II was fostered in my heart during my childhood thanks to my father's constant praise of, and explanation of his documents, faith, and love for God's people.  And now another spiritual giant to lead us - much needed strength and wisdom during this time when Christ's Church and people are under so much attack.

 

Blessed John Henry Newman, pray for us, that we will seek to please God in all facets of our daily life in order to become saints.

Lately

- Last week was a busy one with going back to the job(s) full swing after surgery.  God's strength is limitless!

  - Incisions are healing well; I've found that Vit. E really helps with the itching.

- Had some lovely days with this one - beach, errands, lots of movies, games, heart to heart talks. 

Discovered that she really enjoys her desserts! We shared some tasty ones.

Sanibel/Captiva Islands were beautiful.  Only 7 people on this particular beach! Want to go back soon.

- Post Catherine's visit, I have been swamped with catching up tasks around the house and for work.

So much music from the church to organize/sort/file, but making headway.

- With hubby's school and jobs also settling into full swing alongside mine, I appreciate more the time we have together. And I miss him more often! :)

- Realizing how much guidance, love, and affirmation young people need...I pray and hope that I am able to be some source of these things for my students.

- Slowly, slowly, settling into a routine, but now fighting off a cold, so organization and scheduling have been on the back burner. Hoping to get there soon...

- Been able to catch up with a few dear friends lately and it's been wonderful!

I am so blessed in the way of friendships.

- Laura is coming to visit for a few days next week with the adorable nephews; I have Friday off, so we have some fun activities planned.

I.need.rest. On that note...

"Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope."

 Ephesians 3:20

Labor Day...

My Labor Day was spent in Sarasota where I met up with Catherine & Laura's gang at Uncle Bruce's. We hung out at the beach, enjoyed playing with and watching the boys, and catching up with the Uncle's family.  Then I took our dear Catherine back home with me and she's here until Saturday!  She has a bit of a sore throat right now, so I think we're going to take it easy today and keep her well dosed with vitamins.  I do have to go back to teaching this week (tomorrow) so we are going to try and make the most of today and Thursday.  Love having siblings come visit!! (hint hint!)

Uncle Bruce having "breakfast" with Elias

They love Aunt Catherine!

Lunch

So glad you're here!!