Meditation for the Day

Today is the feast of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska -- the messenger of Divine Mercy. If you've never read her diary, I would highly encourage you to!

“My Jesus, penetrate me through and through
so that I might be able to reflect You

in my whole life.”

“O Jesus, I want to live in the present moment,

to live as if this were the last day of my life…
I want to look upon everything from the point of view
that nothing happens without the will of God.”

– From Divine Mercy in My Soul:

The Diary of St. Faustina Kowalksa

The light blogging of late

has been due to, well, a great number of things, but primarily because on Saturday, we celebrated Mom and Dad's Silver Wedding Anniversary! The actual day was August 14th, but our big Mass and celebration was Saturday. An oh, it was a party to remember. Hopefully I'll be able to get my hands on some photos soon, and can share a few!

ProLifeInternet

Myself and several friends were disappointed when prolifesearch.com suddenly "shut down" a few months ago, due to a number of difficulties. So I was thrilled to receive the following comment the other day on one of my archived posts:

Wanted to let you know the new version of this site (ProLife Search) is www.prolifeinternet.com -- the old one shut down and this one is doing the same thing, except in an open and verifiable manner. Every time someone searches, 100% of the proceeds go to pro-life efforts. - Jim Nolan, Crossroads Pro-Life

So, what are you waiting for? Make it your new homepage now! And let the searching begin!

With Gratitude to Sylvia

Several months back, sweet Sylvia was gracious enough to give me The Blogger Reflection Award. And though she kindly left a comment and let me know, it took me until now to take the few minutes to actually get the image on my sidebar!

But even more touching than the award was the reflection she offered...

Ever since I first met Claire and found out about her ministry with the Rosa Mystica Modesty Movement, I have been astounded by her servant’s heart for God. She has such a beautiful outlook on life, and her speaking and writing on femininity has encouraged me over and over again. She has truly been using the gifts that God has given her to the best of her ability and He has touched many people through her.

Sylvia, though I may be a few months behind -- thank you! I am both honored and humbled!

As Jocelyn, the founder of the award, explained:

The reason for the title is because this award should make you reflect on five bloggers who have been an encouragement, a source of love, impacted you in some way, and have been a Godly example to you. Five Bloggers who when you reflect on them you get a sense of pride and joy... of knowing them and being blessed by them. This award is for the best-of-the-best so consider who you pick, carefully. This award should not be given to just anyone. If you're going to do the award don't just write a few words and slap it on your blog. Write real thoughts about these bloggers and what they've been to you, and if the bloggers you pick have already been given the award, don't be afraid to give to them again. They deserve it as many times as it's given.

All I can say is, what a neat idea and a neat award. And my five recipients are...

- My bosom friend and sister-in-Christ, Malori! It's fitting that I can offer my dear, longtime penpal and long-distance friend -- whose blog is titled "Ramblings and Reflections" -- the Blogger Reflection Award. Malori, I thank God for you and for the beautiful friendship we share. You have a heart of gold, and I'll be praising Him till the end of my days for the car trouble that brought us together back in '96! I love you! Kindred spirits forever...


- Mrs. Danielle Bean, who is one of my "everyday heroines". And whose blog is one of my daily (or near-daily) visits, even when I'm rushed. :) Happy, sad, touching, awkward, humorous moments of family life... she writes about with all, and with a candor and artistry that I know brings a lot of us back to her corner of the web again and again! A real-life Mom, with a real Mommy-heart, and who is benevolent enough to share it with us.


- One of my all-time favorite authors, Regina Doman. Though she hasn't had a blog for long, she's moved me powerfully through her outstanding fairy tale novels (by the way, a review of her latest will be up-and-coming!). Mrs. Doman, thank you for using your incredible gift to offer us a glimpse of reality permeated by living Faith. Your books have the potential to impact my generation -- and I hope they do.


- Alice at Cottage Blessings! I have yet to meet a more gracious lady... though I've never met this one in person, she's the picture of a selfless, smiling, creative mother who extends the same warmth to all who encounter her. Such mothers are the St. Gianna's of today...so, Mrs. Gunther, thanks for welcoming me to your virtual "cottage", and for sharing so many blessings!


- Bethany, a young woman whom I know I'd love to meet, and who has my favorite Scripture verse (Phil 4:8) in her blog header! Her stunning photographs, often shared with just the right verse or quote, always inspire me -- as does her radiant joy as the fourth in a singing family of 13 children. Bethany, you may not know me, but you've blessed me. Thank you!


To read more about the Blogger Reflection Award or for instructions for the recipients, visit the founder's blog here.

May your day reflect the image of God that you are!

Out West in Photos, Part 1: Traveling, The Black Hills, and Mount Rushmore

Our gentlemen, cleaning the windshield midway :)

Sarah looks rather cozy, don't you think?? (It sounds better than "squished"!)

"Can you believe all this stuff?"

Driving the the US "Flatlands"... the little dots are cattle!

Enjoying the Black Hills... though the soil was red! We girls had fun taking photos...

...while the boys climbed, of course! :)

A picturesque mountain stream

We waded down it, enjoying simple pleasures

...And Dad had to gallantly retrieve Veronica's flip-flop before the stream took it away forever (tragedy!)

The water was c-o-l-d, but oh! So pretty.

"Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters..." ;)

A nice big rock-table that Dad and the kids climbed up to (I wasn't with them, but was down near a napping Mom while I kept up with my journaling...)

The hills really do look black from far away

"Somewhere, over the rainbow...

...way up high!"

Mount Rushmore, enveloped in fog! We were there near sunset -- which turned out to be the best time of day to be there. To watch a cloud settle right around the monument was something else.

But we were privileged to catch a glorious sunset, too (that was before the fog came, actually)

Enjoying Dad's treat of ice cream at the Mt.

One big cone: enough for two!

In front of the monument, beautifully lit...

The Harvest is Plentiful...

I read a delicious poem and the story behind it over at the Bonny Glen the other day. The colorful words and scene pictured brought several things to mind...

The Solitary Reaper

by William Wordsworth

Behold her, single in the field,

Yon solitary Highland Lass!

Reaping and singing by herself;

Stop here, or gently pass!

Alone she cuts and binds the grain,

And sings a melancholy strain;

O listen! for the Vale profound

Is overflowing with the sound.

No Nightingale did ever chaunt

More welcome notes to weary bands

Of travellers in some shady haunt,

Among Arabian sands:

A voice so shrilling ne'er was heard

In spring-time from the Cuckoo-bird,

Breaking the silence of the seas

Among the farthest Hebrides.

Will no one tell me what she sings?—

Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow

For old, unhappy, far-off things,

And battles long ago:

Or is it some more humble lay,

Familiar matter of to-day?

Some natural sorrow, loss, or pain,

That has been, and may be again?

Whate'er the theme, the Maiden sang

As if her song could have no ending;

I saw her singing at her work,

And o'er the sickle bending;—

I listen'd, motionless and still;

And, as I mounted up the hill,

The music in my heart I bore,

Long after it was heard no more.

..........................................

In many ways, I hope my life reflects that of The Reaper. A lass, laboring about her work, and singing "as if her song could have no ending". When souls "stop here, or gently pass", I hope they catch a glimpse of a working, maiden soul, a heart lifted in song; though not an eternally "melancholy strain", but a prayerful, joyous one. A life blended of work and song, the life of a laborer in the field. In some ways, solitary, but at the same time, surrounded by life. I shall say solitary in calling, but united in destiny.

And by the grace of the Lord of the vineyard, may those who pass by and see the maiden at her work be prompted to listen, perhaps "motionless and still", and as they continue on their way, the music in their heart be bore.


May the life, the work of this maiden be naught but one sweet, unending song, offered by a laboring heart and soul in the hopes of laying before the Master a bountiful harvest. Amen.

"The harvest is plentiful

but the workers are few.

Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore,

to send out workers

into his harvest field."

(Matthew 9:37-38)

No One Says It Like Father Corapi

And the other morning as I listened to him on Relevant Radio, I couldn't help but write some quotes down!

"The only way for you to become a saint - and, by the way, that's the only reason we're here, folks - is to do God's will."

"Our Lady led me to one place... to the Eucharist. If you piled up all the other goods of the Church over there, and put the Eucharist over here, that over there would be nothing in comparison... all other power - from preaching or teaching, or anything else, is a speck compared with the Eucharist."

"If we announced that Jesus Christ was coming to visit here tomorrow morning at 10, all the trafficways would be bottlenecked. Folks, He IS coming! If the Lord gave us Himself in the Eucharist, that means we need Him!"

"Why are Catholics who receive the Eucharist every week no different from the rest of the world? Because you receive only what you're ready to receive. The graces are infinite - but you have to be ready to receive them... If you begin to live the Gospel, your channel of grace will be widened."

"I'll tell you one thing that never wears off: the Blessed Sacrament. Get your priests to make a daily Holy Hour. When priests start living the only reason for their priesthood, the Church will turn around."

"Sometimes the last thing in the world we would choose to do is the very thing the power of God can choose to work through us... often the very thing we don't want to do, that doesn't come naturally to us, this is the very path that God chooses for our salvation."

"The lay state is not the absence of a vocation... it is a vocation."

What can I add? That's enough to meditate on for a while!

A Quote I Love

“A set-apart young woman is one marked by the imprint of Christ, one italicized by a lily whiteness and punctuated by a feminine mystique that leaves the world about her astounded. Yet there is something more that characterizes her life. There is another gem that she possesses that causes her to sparkle like a princess-cut diamond amidst a world full of coal. She possesses a placid calmness. Like an oak tree in the midst of a raging storm, she remains unruffled and unmoved by life’s curveballs and cares. She possesses a confidence that is otherworldly. She smiles at trials, laughs at challenges, and is undaunted by the thought of dying. She cares not whether the world applauds her life; her ears are attuned heavenward as she listens for her Prince’s cheers.”

– Leslie Ludy, author of Authentic Beauty

and co-author of When God Writes Your Love Story

Fighting for Life

There is an intense spiritual battle going on nearby...

A brand-new huge Planned Parenthood Clinic (said to be the largest in the nation) is scheduled to open next Tuesday, September 18th in Aurora, IL... and the pro-life response has been tremendous. Numerous Catholic, evangelical, and even non-denominational organizations and literally thousands of individuals have banded together, unified to fight against this fortress of death. On August 9th (40 days before the scheduled opening), an around-the-clock 40-day vigil was begun by the faithful. There have been special events, vigils, and rallies attended by hundreds of people and youth. This past Sunday a 7-day "Jericho March" (see Joshua 6:1-20) was begun, which will culminate this Saturday in a massive march of seven battalions circling the block! Tonight, Joliet's Bishop J. Peter Sartain will offer a special Mass at our Lady of Mercy Church in Aurora.

Because of being gone the last two weeks, we have not yet been able to physically join in the vigil, but by keeping the intention foremost in our prayers and family rosaries have been spiritually joining the battle. Tonight we plan to attend the Jericho March (7:00) and the Mass with Bishop Sartain (7:30). And we've been receiving email updates from from Eric Scheidler (son of longtime pro-life activist Joe Scheidler), whose Pro-Life Action League has been behind many of the efforts.

Just reading through the special website made for this effort has left me completely in awe. The way so many have banded together nothing short of an incredible testimony to God's grace bringing goodness even through the presence of evil. "The only way for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing". Good people are indeed doing something, doing much; they have risen up in droves to join the fight!

And when I just saw on the site that from midnight to 8am next Tuesday (the scheduled opening of the clinic), husbands, fathers, and sons will keep vigil "in defense of their wives, daughters, and sisters," tears came to my eyes and goosebumps to my arms. What a witness. What a testimony to the truth of the pro-life movement: not degradation of womanhood, but defense of it. By our fathers and brothers and sons. By men of God. By all of us who realize with wonder how precious womanhood is, and how precious life is. And who are willing to fight and sacrifice to protect both.

If you are from anywhere near the Aurora/Naperville area, I encourage and challenge you to become part of the army! And actually... anyone can, near or far, by uniting in prayer, fasting, and sacrifice!

For more information, updates, action items, press releases, news coverage...
visit http://www.familiesagainstplannedparenthood.org/.


"Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands...'" ~Joshua 6:2

*Note: Just a very tiny confirmation that this is, indeed, a heated spiritual battle was evidenced when I tried to publish this post. I hit "Publish", only to be greeted by an error page saying "something went wrong"... and when I clicked "back", the whole post was gone. A few months ago, this would have meant it was completely lost. But Praise God that Blogger has a new automatic save, which enabled me to recover this post!

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth,

I just went "out West" for two weeks with my family!

Together at Glacier National Park!

The days before we left were a whirlwind of packing and preparing, and the few days since we returned home have been a whirlwind of unpacking and tackling the numerous phone messages, emails, and all the things that need attending to after being gone that long!

This week is a packed one for me, but I do hope to share (in increments) about our very memorable trip, as well as some of the many photos we took. Anyone care to guess how many?

In a nutshell, in honor of my parents' 25th Wedding Anniversary -- which was August 14th -- we did a "redux" of their honeymoon... driving 30 hours and 4,000 miles round trip to Montana and back, and enjoying incredible natural and spiritual wonders! I didn't break from my writing, though... in fact, I journaled the whole trip in detail -- something I've always wanted to do for a vacation but never had dedicated myself to yet.

So, except a "re-cap" of the blessings here soon!

Do I Have Love?

Adapted from and inspired by the quote shared on BiblicalWomanhood.com...

If all of my room is spotless and sparkling
and I have a lace bed quilt and lovely flowers all around
but I can't speak kindly to my family,
I might as well have dust and dirt on all sides.

If I am able to make quilted Victorian table-runners
and set a table fit for a king
but I don't show respect to my father,
I might as well have a stained tablecloth and paper plates.

If I can plan, prepare and cook a six-course meal
and serve it in style with skill and poise
but I'm not thankful to God for my daily bread,
I might as well be eating a microwave dinner.

If I am able to be a gracious hostess to friends,
and love to serve a tea in rosebud teacups
but do not have a heart of compassion for Christ's poor,
I might as well serve tea in styrofoam cups.

If I possess all the powers of charm and manners,
and a closet full of stylish apparel
but cannot get my hands dirty in service of others,
I might as well have a wardrobe of rags.

If I have all in place and order in my room and home,
and appear to all eyes to be organized and confidant
but don't place each day in the hands of my God,
I might as well not have that day.

If I have been given numerous gifts and talents,
and can dazzle all around with my skill
but have not love,
I am nothing.
.....................................

I Corinthians 13: "If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails."

This Weekend's Focus

I seem to be doing plenty of public speaking lately! And I think today was the first time I've had the privilege of being at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass four times in one day. :) As the new DRE of our parish, I spoke and took registrations at each of the Masses this weekend. Since this new position is going to receive a lot of my time, energy, and focus this year, I thought it would be fitting to share my speech text. Not that I want to burden you with too many of these...

Anyway, if you would, please keep my role and our program in your prayers. Thanks!!

Good morning! As Father mentioned, I am Claire Halbur, and I am delighted to be your new Director of Religious Education here at St. Joseph’s. The past two years, I have been privileged to work with our Religious Ed Program here as a teacher and assistant to our former Director. It is fitting and Providential that I am now able to move into the role of Director for 2007-2008. I have been able to get to know many beautiful families here the last two years, and the Lord has placed a special mission on my heart to serve the families of our parish in this way.

I am convinced that this work of Religious Education – specifically, forming our children in the Faith - is a very important one in the Church today. Our children and young people are growing up faced with bigger challenges and bigger temptations than any generation before. The Truths of our Catholic Faith are their weapon for living a life of happiness, of fulfillment, and of peace – both here, and forever in Heaven. Parents: you want happiness, fulfillment, and peace for your children, don’t you? The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that “parents receive the responsibility and privilege of evangelizing their children”. This means that teaching the Faith to your children is ultimately your job. I beg you, take seriously your right and duty to raise up your children in the Faith.

We are here at St. Joseph’s to assist you in this task. The Catechism tells us that “The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents”. We do this through the Catholic Education offered here at our school, and for those children of our parish who attend Public School, through our Religious Ed program for grades 1 through 8. I must mention that the Diocese requires a minimum of two consecutive years of Religious Education classes in preparation for First Holy Communion or Confirmation. However, it is very important that your child receive the full 8 years of classes for their formation to be as complete as possible, and for them to be well-equipped to face the challenges of young adulthood in today’s society.

We have a great volunteer staff of Religious Ed teachers and assistants who love the Lord, love His Church, and love His children. The books we use are a wonderful, family-centered curriculum, and have been endorsed by primary Church leaders, including Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, and Cardinal Ratzinger – now Pope Benedict XVI. In addition, many unique and wonderful activities are part of our program here: monthly family nights, monthly RE Masses in which the children get to specially participate, and a beautiful Christmas play that involves every student in the program. We are focused on giving your children the riches and traditions of our Faith, in all their fullness and beauty. Students of our program learn about the Church year and learn many beautiful Catholic devotions such as the Holy Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and Benediction.

In the Gospel today, our Lord said: “I have come to set the earth on fire.” That is exactly what we are trying to do here – set your children’s hearts on fire with love: a love that will transform their lives. We are here to help you raise your children to be saints.

We are taking registrations after all the Masses this weekend in the back of Church. I encourage you to stop by our table after Mass to register, or to pick up information for yourself or for a friend. And those of you who are grandparents in the congregation: are your grandchildren being brought up in the Faith? Take a registration packet for them!

I look forward to meeting many of you. Thank you for your time, please keep me in your prayers, and know that you remain in mine. God bless you.

Good enough to be from Chesterton

or from one of those other great philosophers. Actually, it's a bit from an email from a friend of mine (a philosopher-theologian in the making -- those are his majors). It was so profound, I asked for permission to share it...

So don't be frightened by the long task ahead of us. Don't be scared away by the fear that you might not be strong enough yet. You are only called to live one day at a time. God will never let the cards be stacked against us too hard. He will never let it be harder than we can handle. And the amazing thing is, in this war, our Commander already won, all we have to do is stay on His side.

The first time I read that, I thought Wow. And I went back, and read it again. And an amazing peace settled over me as I let it sink in. Our Commander has already won. If only we would remember that more often. Our task, really, is simple: All we have to do is stay on His side.

Amen! Deo Gratias.

The Master Baker

...or the One Who can bring beauty from brokenness, life from ashes, healing from frailty, strength from weakness. We received the following in an email today, and it reminded me of a similar post I wrote last year: Theology and Cake.

Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is a wonderful explanation!

A daughter is telling her mother how everything is going wrong: she's failing algebra; her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away. Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely, Mom, I love your cake."

"Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers.

"Yuck," says her daughter.

"How about a couple raw eggs?"

"Gross, Mom!"

"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"

"Mom, those are all yucky!"

To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!"

Let us continue learning to trust Him!

My Extempore Speech Text

Well, extempore speaking was quite an experience! Mom and Dad were great - Mom worked really hard phone calling offices for me last week to see if an internet connection would be possible, and Dad got it all set up for me when we got there. So there I was, in a tent outsite the 4-H building, all set up with the laptop, printer, and internet... I sat there before going in to get my topic and prayed that God would be glorified. Two of the three topics I pulled from the envelope were what I call "fluffy", so, though I knew it would be a challenge, I opted for the third -

Support: The US should remain involved in the Middle East peace talks

I came out with that slip of paper and began typing away. (By the way, I hadn't known before going that you are told whether to support or oppose the issue... I think it would've been much harder for me to speak in opposition to it! Not that I really have a strong personal position either way on the issue, but coming up with some convincing opposing arguements to this one would have been difficult, I think).

I ended up not receiving the "Superior" ribbon -- chiefly because I exceeded the 4-6 minute time limit by 41 seconds. So one good thing I learned was - have a stopwatch on the podium. :) (With coming from camp and all, this was forgotten until it was too late to procure one). The judges, though somewhat critical, were still positive in their critique and offered many good suggestions. I sensed that they disliked my more "philosophical" approach and wanted more facts and statistics... but overall, it was an excellent experience and one that I would not be afraid to do again. Truth to be told, the ribbon to me doesn't matter that much to me... I described it to several people as "just the cherry on top". The experience, the learning, the challenge, the reaching beyond one's comfort zone, the act of tackling something you said you'd never do, being able to take constructive criticism, learning how to "think on your feet", how to take a topic not-of-your-choosing and run with it... all these are worth so much more to me than the award. The look on Mom's face was priceless when she hugged me right before my ascending the podium and told me, "You're brave -- this is something I don't think I could ever do. I'm so proud of you!"

In short, it was another beautiful moment (moments) of looking with eyes of trust towards my Father, placing the whole endeavor in His Hands, and being able to close my eyes afterward and thank Him for stretching me.

In case you should be interested in reading my speech text, here it is...

“'I wish for peace on earth… I do
I hope that war will cease to be,
and death will end his horrid reign
allowing us to breathe
But in one place, I will admit
I wish to bring a blessed peace: The heart of man
But not the heart of any single human…
Peace, ruling in our collective heart
could transform all manunkind into what it was initially: Mankind.'
…………
Although I can’t remember the author of this quote, it is relevant to the topic I selected this morning: Support for the United States remaining involved in the Middle East Peace talks.

Peace is a subject that is on our minds – and our lips – continually. The position of the US in regard to conflicts in other countries is a hotly-debated one – both on an individual and national level. Our great nation is in both a wonderful and precarious place with regard to the power of our actions, home and abroad. There is constantly a battle of wills going on – we all want peace; we just have conflicting ways of hoping to achieve it.

The current process of Middle East peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians began in 1991 after the first Gulf War. There was a focus on withdrawal from various areas in exchange for promises of peace. From 1991 till now, there has been a running cycle of treaties, declarations, agreements and changes of rulers.

September 11’s rocking of our nation is what really prompted our involvement in this whole process. On June 24, 2002, President Bush declared 'peace requires a new and different Palestinian leadership so that a Palestinian state can be born.' On April 30, 2003, the United States, the U.N., European Union, and Russia presented a 'Roadmap' to Palestinian statehood within three years. At the time, it was not implemented.

The process of the US being involved in Middle Eastern politics is a touchy, but I think necessary one. Are there risks involved for us by “putting our nose in”? Always. But there are also always risks involved by not getting involved. Our nation has been incredibly blessed with wealth, a relatively stable political and social system, a great deal of homeland security, and a great deal of power to influence the rest of our planet. The fact of the matter is that we can choose to either use this wealth, stability, and power to reach out and help the struggling nations of our world, or not. And by struggling, I’m talking politically, economically, and practically. Is prudence called for? Of course. Much as we’d like to, we simply can’t solve all the world’s problems. There will continue to be war, strife, hunger, pain, and so much more. But I firmly believe it is a right and a duty of ours to use the greatness of our nation, to the best of our ability, to transform those who have not been so blessed.

Our country was founded on the chief principles of Faith, Family, and Freedom. I think we take these too much for granted. When we have been given good gifts, we must be willing to reach out a hand to those who have not been. The fact is that there are people everywhere – just like us, in that they are “ordinary” citizens of a country – who are living lives of brokenness. I believe our involvement in the Middle East peace talks is step, a hand reaching out because we care about the victimized citizens of these countries. It’s most often these innocent ones who suffer. Because we go about our daily lives here filled with comfort and convenience does not mean we can forget how different life is elsewhere.

So in short, should the US remain involved in the Middle East peace talks? I believe so. This is not to say that every move we make, or have made, has been a wise one, or that every decision is either. But so much is about the motives. When I did my Extempore Speech at the county level this spring, I spoke on the “3 people I would most like to meet in the history of the world, and why”. The three individuals I choose to speak on were very diverse and different, but had one great things in common: their selflessness. It was the thread that tied them all together. I think is poignant that this thread can be tied in to this topic also.

And while we are called to put forth our best efforts in bringing peace to struggling nations, we have to remember that peace anywhere begins at home. In our homes and in our hearts. We must continually revaluate whether or not our moves here reflect the same generosity we are striving for abroad. Mother Teresa of Calcutta spoke words of wisdom to our country when she said:

'The greatest destroyer of peace is abortion
because if a mother can kill her own child,
what is left for me to kill you and you to kill me?
There is nothing between.'

Looking inside ourselves is the key. Mother Teresa’s powerful words are a perfect closing thought for us this morning. This one woman, who will go down in history for her contributions to world peace, reminded us: 'If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.' Thank you."

Soli Deo Gloria!

Finished!

Yay! I'm finished the Suzuki Violin Book 1 Teacher Training Course. These two weeks have certainly been intense... but I've been able to learn and grow so much. As this time in my life our Lord seems to have called me to serve through my love of children and music by teaching it to them. And I love that with the Suzuki program, it's not just about learning to play the instrument -- it's about developing a beautiful heart. Perhaps at some point I'll share a few of the written assignments that I completed as part of the course here, to help better explain the philosophy and approach of this method.

It's so amazing how the days here seem to have sped by, and yet have at the same time gone so slowly! It seems like yesterday that we arrived, and yet it feels like we've been here forever. And we have done so much each day that by the time late afternoon comes, morning seems like a long, long time ago. There were days when I would exclaim "Was it really this morning when we did such-and-such?". Such is the never-solved paradox of time, I suppose! Thanks be to our good God Who gives each moment to us. May we wisely choose how we spend each of them.

The next big event around the corner for me is speaking (tomorrow morning, no less) at the Illinois State Fair. If you remember to offer a prayer for me sometime around then, that would be so appreciated. I'm going to be doing an Extempore Speech -- meaning I'm handed a topic when I get there and 45 minutes later, have to speak on it. Definitely a practice of The Rebelution's motto "Do Hard Things". :) You see, through all my years of public speaking with 4-H, etc. I always said I would/could never doing an extempore speech. It's now my final year as a 4-H member, and I decided for the county contest in Feb. that I would tackle the thing I "could never do". It ended up being a great experience and... I was selected to go to State Fair. So it's the whole nine yards now. :) I am going to have to speak on a current event (will be handed three from a hat to choose from) -- I just hope it's something I'll know what to say about. :) I'm actually looking forward to it, though...the exercise of pushing yourself "outside your comfort zone" is so freeing -- and so good for learning how to trust Him more. I'll be sure to update here on what happens...

Now, it's off to pack my bags!

A Sunrise Update

I don't have the seconds for anything more than "Buenos Dias" and "Que tenga un buen dia"! Most mornings here the sky has been rather overcast when I wake at 5:30, but this morning I was [pleasantly] startled to see an orange glow across the sky when I opened my eyes...a lovely sunrise. It hasn't lasted long (almost gone already), but oh! What a treat.

May your day be full of the glow of the Master!

Greetings from the Point!

Well, today I finally got an internet connection set up here at Stevens Point! There is so much I could write, but it's 10:30 right now and 5:30 tomorrow morning comes early. Last week was great but intense. It's like we're on a little "musical planet" here!

The absolute best part is that there are some lovely churches nearby, and one that has a daily 6:45am Mass (hence the rising time) which works perfect for us to walk and get back in time for classes. We've been blessed with gorgeous weather, bright, vivid days, and beautiful calm nights. It drizzled a bit today, but that was still beautiful.

Oh, and I have to clarify, since I was informed on the first day...what I'm doing is technically called teacher training and registration (not certification). Apparently, it can't offically be termed that because of the structure of the course. They said that only in Europe is it set up to be legitimately called "certification". Even the faculty here are not "certified" (though many have their Masters or more in Music and they are of course trained and re-trained)... interesting, hmm?

If this week is anything like the last, I can't promise I'll have any time for posting, but whether I do or not...Pax Christi!

I know, I'm supposed to be gone from the blogsphere

but as I'm sitting here taking care of emails and follow-up before leaving, this email just came in and I thought it was rather too timely!

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Dictionary.com Word of the Day for Saturday, July 28, 2007

matutinal \muh-TOOT-n-uhl\, adjective:
Relating to or occurring in the morning; early.

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That's me. Okay, not usually, but right now it is... Now back to work! =)

The Hills are Alive

with the sound of music. Or at least, UW-Stevens Point will be! In a few hours, I'm off to the American Suzuki Institute and when I come home two weeks from now, Lord-willing, I'll have my Suzuki Violin Book 1 Teacher Certification. I'm very excited... just not quite fully packed yet. :)

"I want to make good citizens.

If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth

and learns to play it himself,

he develops sensitivity,

discipline and endurance.

He gets a beautiful heart."

—Shin'ichi Suzuki

Don't know anything about the Suzuki method? Click here for an introduction!

~ ~ ~

I'll have the laptop with me, but am not sure how much time I'll have in between classes, observations, reports, and concerts... however, I'll do my best to squeeze in an update here or there!

Pax et bonum!