Blessed

I am one blessed gal. Between my loving family and abundant, kind friends, I was simply showered with joys on my birthday! And it's the little, thoughtful things (that aren't little to me). Dad and David singing Happy Birthday while waking me. The lovely pashmina from my mom. A surprise homemade skirt by Veronica (I'm wearing both here). Birthday kisses and a coupon good for 22 back rubs from David. So many birthday greetings on Facebook, I lost count. Six red roses from one of the catchesists in my RE Program. Tulips from my goddaughter. Sweet posts by friends and sisters. A swivel seat for my troubled back, wrapped so beautifully and dropped on my porch by friends. Heartwarming homemade cards by little ones. Phone calls and "singing telegrams". E-cards. Cards in the mail. The university choir serenading me at practice...

I thank our Lord, and I thank you... (Phil 1:3).

Please keep me in your prayers this weekend as I speak at the "Embracing Your Call to Holiness" Women's Conference for the Diocese of LaCrosse, WI!

P.S. Many thanks to everyone who responded to this post. Not all quotes fit into the print booklet, but it will be great to have a testimonies section of the website when I expand it! Keep responding!

P.P.S. Sorry that I slipped posting on Days 6-9 of the Novena for Priests. Let's not cease interceding for them every day. Consider a perpetual novena for the rest of the Year for Priests.

Fatherhood

Yesterday, Dad and I went on our "Daddy-Daughter Date", a tradition he's done with his three daughters for at least the last 17 years. He takes us out for our birthday for a meal, and then to the nearby Poor Clare Monastery for Evening Vespers. My birthday was actually over two months ago, but we didn't have a chance to go out before now. :)

This time, instead of a restaurant, Mom and Sarah packed us a lovely picnic basket, which we took to a nearby greenhouse/botanical gardens sort of place. The outdoor beds seemed to be in a state of transition, so we found a sweet little bench inside the greenhouse and under a palm tree, spread the picnic cloth over our laps, and enjoyed our meal. We both agreed that it was the most fun yet!

When I was younger, I used to not realize just how privileged I am to have a father like this. In recent years, I have realized. And I was so strongly reminded of this tonight, when a few of us went on an evening walk and ran into a young girl trying to find a friend's house (which she'd never been to). In helping her locate the address, we got to know one another. At nineteen, this young girl had been through so many hardships. She mentioned leaving home at 15, and that her dad "was abusive and stuff". Just having enjoyed a beautiful afternoon of prayer and bonding with my father, I couldn't help but notice the painful contrast. And thank the Father for bestowing such gifts.

A General Thank You...

I just wanted to express my thanks to those of you (particularly Lady Rose and Vicki) who have been kind enough to bestow various blog awards upon me on many occasions... even though I may have not always responded! Your commendation really does make my day. :) I've just taken the time to add them to my sidebar.


Any blog author who visits mine and who has not been awarded one of these can consider themself awarded. :)

I Am Blessed

My family, friends, and especially my goddaughters made my birthday so special! So did each of you, with your kind words, wishes, and prayers. I am both blessed and overwhelmed by the outpouring of sweetness. Thank you, all of you!

It's hard to believe we are two weeks into Lent already...I am trying to make the most of this truly beautiful season. Yes, it is a "desert", but because we are there with our Lord, there is beauty. We easily forget that this is a positive season. We are supposed to deprive our bodies in order to beautify our souls. That's right: Lent is beauty treatment for the soul!

I don't know about you, but I always have to resist the urge to take on everything during Lent. The same dozen vices and struggles assail me with ongoing persistance, and, perfectionist that I am, I want to tackle them all at once. Unfortunately, I am too often an all-or-nothing person. When a few of my good intentions slip, I too quickly lose hold on the rest of them. Being faithful in the little things, and targeting my struggles one or two at a time, are ongoing goals of my Lent this year. This is not to say I've been glamorously successful thus far...but I am glad to have 4+ weeks left to work on this "beauty treatment"!

Thanks

Well, it seems that all I need do is have a birthday and leave the blog for a few days, and two of my goddaughters will take it over with posts that make me blush, and cry, and laugh!

Jesting aside, I was (and am) most honored and humbled by their words of kindness. I was blessed with a quiet, though lovely, 20th Birthday...

Thank you, everyone, for your kind well wishes and comments! And thank you, Veronica and Amanda for your wonderful "surprises". I love you both!

My Dad is the Best

I mean, how many guys would volunteer—cheerfully and instantaneously—to go out into a blowing, frigid winter storm at 11:30pm just to get a couple items that I said I needed from the van?

I'm one lucky girl. Rather, one blessed girl. Love you, Dad!