In Paradisum.

Andrew was asked to sing the bass solos in the Ave Maria University of Music Department's Fall Concert this semester, and I had the privilege of attending the first one last night. Scheduled near the Feast of All Souls, the AMU choirs appropriately sang works from various composers centered on themes of death, judgement, hope, eternity, and salvation. They did a great job. Andrew participated in Bach's Cantata No. 106 "Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit" and Gabriel Faure's Requieum in D Minior.

Texts from the Bach have been resonating within me all weekend..."God's time is the very best time. In him we live, move, and are, so long as he wills. In him we die at the right time, when he wills....Ah, Lord, teach us to think that we must die so that we become wise...Today you will be with me in paradise...With peace and joy I travel there in God's will, my heart and mind are confident, peaceful and calm. As God has promised me: death has become my sleep."

Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace. Amen (Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.)

Thankful.

Thankful for lovely time spent with a sister and 3 precious nephews this past week...
thankful for the cooler weather...
thankful for a loving and caring hubby...
thankful for a special sister-in-law who listens so well and says the right things...
thankful for technology/Skype, which allows me to feel close to my family...
thankful for the jobs that keep us so busy but allow us to survive...
thankful for a wonderful holy pastor/boss...
thankful for the love and companionship of friends...
thankful for the examples and intercession of the saints...
thankful for God's grace and for prayers answered this weekend...
indeed it is time to give thanks and praise Him.

Also dwelling on these words of Padre Pio..."Pray, hope, and don't worry."

His eye is on the sparrow

"Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?  Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.  Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.  Do not be afraid.  You are worth more than many sparrows."

Luke 12: 6-7

"O my Lord, how obvious it is that you are almighty!  There's no need to look for reasons for what you want.  For, beyond all natural reason, you make things so possible that you manifest clearly there's no need for anything more than truly to love you and truly to leave all for you, so that you, my Lord, may make everything easy..."

~ St. Teresa of Avila

The better part.

"The Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her."

 ~ Luke 10: 41, 42

There are so many worries, foolish cares, and distractions in our simple and jaded view of life.  We must not allow ourselves to be so wrapped up in our bubble that we forget Who stands nearby awaiting our love, and that our attention must first, foremost, and always be centered on Him.  How tragic when we allow those petty cares we grasp so tightly to interfere with our devotion to our Lord.  Better to remain always at His feet then to be rushing in and out of His presence because there is "so much" to be done.  So silly of us, of me. He should be at the desk, at the stove, sink, and laundry room, in the car; always on our minds like the Beloved He is.  Our daily work will indeed even go much smoother, be more peace-filled, and feel less like drudgery if we consciously keep Him at the center of all that we do.  A perfect opportunity also to offer Him love and consolations instead of wasting time uselessly bemoaning our own tiny, tiny problems.  The reward? He will provide us with the grace to plow through our duties, and peace to sooth our frantic minds and weary spirits.  We struggle even to offer Him so little, and He gives ten-fold in return.

  

PS.  St. Therese of the Child Jesus, pray for us.

Too cute not to share.

A fellow blogger-friend posted a link to this blog, and hubby and I spent a good 5 minutes oooing and chuckling over these photographs.  I love the fabric, composition, creative thought, and of course, the baby, that went into this little hobby.  Moms, if you find yourself getting bored during your child's naptime, try this! :)  Below are a few of my favorites...



Princess and the pea



Gone Fishin'



Pippi Longstockings

Bookworm



Precious Pearl



Mary Poppins



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.