Right On!

A homeschooling mom’s bumper-sticker answer to the question “What about socialization?”...

Homeschoolers:
Civilized, not Socialized

HT: Young Ladies Christian Fellowship

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Greetings on this beautiful day!

This day is so alive, so beautiful. All the flowering trees are in perfect bloom, reminding me of last year's post at this time! I can hear the chirping of birds outside and feel the carress of a gentle breeze through the open window next to me. And the sun is simply pouring down from the bluest of blue skies. How I love spring! What a gift from our brilliantly artistic Creator.

The past 14 days have been so full. So often I struggle with the delicate balance of things...if I could choose what I "would like" to do, it would be almost continually writing the posts - and series - for this blog that are ever-forming in my head! But alas, so often duties call my name. Like now... Mom is calling for lunch.

So I leave you with some terrific wisdom from Chesterton:

"Feminists are those who cannot stand female characteristics."

"...it (feminism) is mixed up with a muddled idea that women are free when they serve their employers but slaves when they help their husbands."

Blessings on your day!

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One Year

It was exactly one year ago today that I started blogging. I almost missed the "anniversary"! My prayer is that I've been able to "be a light" here this year, and by the grace of God, may continue to be with increasing trust and faithfulness.

"Our Lord does not call us to be successful, but only to be faithful." (Mother Teresa)

Please feel free to leave a comment or email me if you have any encouragement for me, or suggestions for how to make this blog a more faithful tool for God's glory, or topics or questions you would like to see addressed, or feedback on post themes that may or may not have been helpful to you... this little space is not intended to be merely a personal "journal", or place to "vent", but hopefully a blessing and encouragement for myself and others to remain faithful on our individual calls to holiness. Any and all prayers/suggestions to help me keep focused on that goal are welcome!

Soli Deo Gloria!

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From Papa for Easter

“My Lord and my God!” We too renew that profession of faith of Thomas. I have chosen these words for my Easter greetings this year, because humanity today expects from Christians a renewed witness to the resurrection of Christ; it needs to encounter him and to know him as true God and true man. If we can recognize in this apostle the doubts and uncertainties of so many Christians today, the fears and disappointments of many of our contemporaries, with him we can also rediscover with renewed conviction, faith in Christ dead and risen for us. This faith, handed down through the centuries by the successors of the Apostles, continues on because the risen Lord dies no more. He lives in the church and guides it firmly towards the fulfillment of his eternal design of salvation.

- From Pope Benedict's Easter Sunday Address

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Surrexit Christus, Alleluia!

Even though it might not feel like Easter outside, perhaps the winterlike weather is our Lord reminding us that no matter what the exterior circumstances, we still have reason to rejoice!

Let the Alleluias ring!

...

In Corde Matris

The following was one of the reflections I penned after experiencing "The Passion of the Christ" for the first time three years ago...

This Triduum, may we unite ourselves intimately with Mary, to suffer the Passion with her.

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To the Mother

What were you thinking, Mary

on that age-awaited day?

“Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

you heard His people say

What were you thinking, Mary
as their whips tore through your Son?
Our sins of flesh atoned for
by the One guilty of none


The innocent, the spotless One
Your precious baby Son
You gave Him up, and offered Him…
to die for everyone


What were you thinking, Mary
as they mocked the Kings of Kings?
“Ecce Homo…Behold the Man!”
On cold deaf ears it rings


What were you thinking, Mary
when Pilate called for water?
It was the spotless Lamb of God
they were about to slaughter


The innocent, the guiltless One
Your precious baby Son
You gave Him up, and offered Him…
to die for everyone


What were you thinking, Mary
as He embraced the tree?
Those beams He would first carry
and be nailed to then, for me


What were you thinking, Mary,
when in the road at your feet
Your little boy fell down in the dust
and your eyes were able to meet?


Your mother’s love went out to Him
Your mother’s hands ached to hold Him
Your mother’s heart beat One with His
as you looked at your precious Son


Your mind went back so many years
to the infant Son you held near
And as your tear-filled eyes sought His
His own told you not to fear…


What were you thinking, Mary
as each nail was firmly pounded?
Each sin of mine wielding that hammer
while each clang in your heart resounded


You stood at his feet as He gave his life
Each soul to redeem and save
Your Son looked down, and then these souls
To you as children He gave


Your mother’s ears heard His prayer for them
who nailed your heart there with Him
Your mother’s heart beat One with His
as you saw the price paid for sin


What were you praying, Mary
as in your arms lay your Son?
Your mother’s heart beat close to His
pierced, now still…the work was done


This Child Whom you were given
Your precious baby Son
You gave Him up, and offered Him…
to die…and live…for everyone

by Claire J.M. Halbur, April 2004
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