"The celebration of Sunday observes the moral commandment inscribed by nature in the human heart to render to God an outward, visible, public, and regular worship 'as a sign of his universal beneficence to all' (St. Thomas Aquinas)."
"Father in heaven, awaken in my heart an awareness of the presence of your Son in my life this very day."
Taken from The Magnificat Lenten Companion
God's greatest blessing - Children!!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Electricity - I love you!!
Our electricity went out around 11pm on Thursday Feb 25, 2010. The wonderful electric company called daily with updates. But they weren't promising. The earliest they thought they might get it back on was around noon on Monday March 1, 2010. Do you know all the things that require electricity?
As I hopped into the shower Friday morning using a flashlight sitting on the sink so I could see while I washed my hair, I suddenly realized that there was no way I was going to dry my hair. Too bad I didn't think of that before I got my hair wet!!! So it was a bad hair day at work on Friday, but at least I had a hot shower and so did Dick. But it was the last of the hot water in the tank!! We came home Friday night hoping to find the electricity miraculously on, but it wasn't to be. So no hot dinner, no washing clothes, no checking the computer, no watching TV, no radio, no coffee in the morning, etc.
I did have to pick up Elizabeth's car Friday night since she had borrowed my car while hers was being repaired. That was not a fun experience. Her car drove just fine for about the first fifteen minutes and then it was down hill. I think someone forgot to put a part back or didn't do a very good job of installation. All I could hear was metal grinding against metal while I drove the car back to her driveway and that is where it still sits! Unfortunately the garage is closed on the weekend so phone calls will be made first thing Monday morning.
Saturday morning I drove to Elizabeth's house around 7am so I could take a warm shower before going to 8am Mass. After Mass, Renee went with me to pick out paint for my hallway. Once the paint job is done, a new hall rug will be installed. I'm hoping by the end of the year, the whole house will be spruced up!!
I then spent the rest of the day with Elizabeth, staying warm and working on my classwork. Left briefly to attend Zachary's basketball game. His team lost by one point, but they played a good game!
Then I left again to go to 4pm Mass with Zachary. After Mass I had a phone call from one of my neighbors to tell me "THE POWER IS BACK ON!" What beautiful words to my ears!! Couldn't wait to get home to enjoy lights, fireplace, cup of hot chocolate, etc.
But before going home, I went back to Elizabeth's to spend some quality family time. Paul, Renee, Zachary, Liam, Keegan, Peter, Leah, Ethan, Owen, Elizabeth, Adam, Maisie and Dick and I were all there. We missed Jim, Amy, Evan, Sophie and Calvin. Hopefully when we gather next month they will be with us. We enjoyed meatball subs, chicken and salad, cheesecake and bakery chocolate chip cookies since I could not make my own. But maybe Sunday I'll do some baking.
Now I'm hoping catching up with all the news on the Internet! Pray for folks in Chile and thank God that the Tsunami did not hit Hawaii. The earthquakes just seem to get bigger.
God bless all and Thank you God for taking care of us!!
As I hopped into the shower Friday morning using a flashlight sitting on the sink so I could see while I washed my hair, I suddenly realized that there was no way I was going to dry my hair. Too bad I didn't think of that before I got my hair wet!!! So it was a bad hair day at work on Friday, but at least I had a hot shower and so did Dick. But it was the last of the hot water in the tank!! We came home Friday night hoping to find the electricity miraculously on, but it wasn't to be. So no hot dinner, no washing clothes, no checking the computer, no watching TV, no radio, no coffee in the morning, etc.
I did have to pick up Elizabeth's car Friday night since she had borrowed my car while hers was being repaired. That was not a fun experience. Her car drove just fine for about the first fifteen minutes and then it was down hill. I think someone forgot to put a part back or didn't do a very good job of installation. All I could hear was metal grinding against metal while I drove the car back to her driveway and that is where it still sits! Unfortunately the garage is closed on the weekend so phone calls will be made first thing Monday morning.
Saturday morning I drove to Elizabeth's house around 7am so I could take a warm shower before going to 8am Mass. After Mass, Renee went with me to pick out paint for my hallway. Once the paint job is done, a new hall rug will be installed. I'm hoping by the end of the year, the whole house will be spruced up!!
I then spent the rest of the day with Elizabeth, staying warm and working on my classwork. Left briefly to attend Zachary's basketball game. His team lost by one point, but they played a good game!
Then I left again to go to 4pm Mass with Zachary. After Mass I had a phone call from one of my neighbors to tell me "THE POWER IS BACK ON!" What beautiful words to my ears!! Couldn't wait to get home to enjoy lights, fireplace, cup of hot chocolate, etc.
But before going home, I went back to Elizabeth's to spend some quality family time. Paul, Renee, Zachary, Liam, Keegan, Peter, Leah, Ethan, Owen, Elizabeth, Adam, Maisie and Dick and I were all there. We missed Jim, Amy, Evan, Sophie and Calvin. Hopefully when we gather next month they will be with us. We enjoyed meatball subs, chicken and salad, cheesecake and bakery chocolate chip cookies since I could not make my own. But maybe Sunday I'll do some baking.
Now I'm hoping catching up with all the news on the Internet! Pray for folks in Chile and thank God that the Tsunami did not hit Hawaii. The earthquakes just seem to get bigger.
God bless all and Thank you God for taking care of us!!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Mission Day 4 - Mary
The hand that rocks the cradle has power to rule the world.
Motherhood is the greatest gift God gave to mankind - the power to take part in His creative acts.
Mary, our blessed and holy Lady, is mother of us all. She carried the Christ child in the tabernacle of her womb. How blessed she is and how blessed we are to call her mother.
God bless!
Motherhood is the greatest gift God gave to mankind - the power to take part in His creative acts.
Mary, our blessed and holy Lady, is mother of us all. She carried the Christ child in the tabernacle of her womb. How blessed she is and how blessed we are to call her mother.
God bless!
Lent: Day nine, Thursday Feb 25, 2010
When I followed "My will be done" I led myself down many dark and dangerous paths. Now that I choose to follow "Thy will be done" He leads me down many healing and holy paths. The creator is so in love with the creature that once the creature discovers this, there is no other path to follow.
God bless!!
God bless!!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
San Diego
I'll post all the pictures this weekend, but here's a few for now!!
Bonnie, Nick, Karen, and Mom at lunch at the Pomodoro.
Karen, Mom, and Bonnie at tea.
Bonnie, Nick, Karen, and Mom at lunch at the Pomodoro.
Karen, Mom, and Bonnie at lunch at the Villa.
Mission Day 3 - Suffering
There is more joy in Heaven over one repentant sinner.
Sin is an illegitimate attempt to escape from pain.
Perfection embraces pain in union with Christ crucified.
The cross without Christ is a curse. The cross with Christ is a blessing.
Suffering expands the human heart.
The great tragedy of suffering is to not learn from it.
God bless!!
Sin is an illegitimate attempt to escape from pain.
Perfection embraces pain in union with Christ crucified.
The cross without Christ is a curse. The cross with Christ is a blessing.
Suffering expands the human heart.
The great tragedy of suffering is to not learn from it.
God bless!!
Lent: Day Eight, Wednesday Feb 24, 2010
"A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn." (Ps 51: 19)
"Happy the man whose offense is forgiven, whose sin is remitted. O happy the man to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, in whose spirit is no guile." (Psalm 32)
God bless!!
"Happy the man whose offense is forgiven, whose sin is remitted. O happy the man to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, in whose spirit is no guile." (Psalm 32)
God bless!!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Mission Day 2 - Love
"Our greatest weakness is the Love of Power, our greatest strength is the Power to Love. Our greatest fear is that Jesus means what he says, "Depart from me..." Our greatest joy is that Jesus means what he says, "Come into my kingdom...""
"God is love. Whoever abides in God, abides in love."
"We can give without love, but we can never love without giving."
"Remember to love people and use things. Never love things and use people."
God bless!!
"God is love. Whoever abides in God, abides in love."
"We can give without love, but we can never love without giving."
"Remember to love people and use things. Never love things and use people."
God bless!!
Lent: Day Seven, Tuesday, Feb 23, 2010
"Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God." To have a relationship with God, we must spend time with Him. Not only letting Him know our deepest desires, but listening to His Word spoken to our hearts. Open up your heart this day that Jesus might live within it.
God bless!
God bless!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Lent: Day Six, Monday, Feb. 22, 2010
"At the heart of all temptations is the act of pushing God aside because we perceive him as secondary, if not actually superfluous and annoying, in comparison with all the apparently far more urgent matters that fill our lives." Pope Benedict XVI
Let us put God first during this season of Lent - reflect on his great Love for all of us and be thankful! What a prayer that is to just say thank you to our God!
God bless!!
Let us put God first during this season of Lent - reflect on his great Love for all of us and be thankful! What a prayer that is to just say thank you to our God!
God bless!!
Mission Day 1 - Why be Catholic?
Fr. Angelus gave us three reasons:
1. We are Christian because we believe that Jesus was raised from the dead.
2. We are Catholic because we believe that Jesus left us the Vicar of Christ in the person of Peter and down through the ages to Pope Benedict XVI.
3. We are Catholic because we believe that Jesus left us his flesh and blood in the Eucharist for us to be fed that we might become like Him.
God bless!!
1. We are Christian because we believe that Jesus was raised from the dead.
2. We are Catholic because we believe that Jesus left us the Vicar of Christ in the person of Peter and down through the ages to Pope Benedict XVI.
3. We are Catholic because we believe that Jesus left us his flesh and blood in the Eucharist for us to be fed that we might become like Him.
God bless!!
The Chair of St. Peter - Monday Feb 22, 2010
St. Peter, First Pope - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online
Happy Feast Day to my son Peter!! Peter, you are loved and blessed!!
St. Peter, pray for us!!
Happy Feast Day to my son Peter!! Peter, you are loved and blessed!!
St. Peter, pray for us!!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Lent: Day Five, The First Sunday in Lent, Feb 21, 2010
We are not above temptation. It will come. But it will be easier to overcome if we have fasted and prayed and believe that what is impossible for us is possible for God. God bless!!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Lent: Day Four, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010
We exercise and feed our bodies which will one day die and become dust once again. Is it not just as important to exercise and feed our souls that will one day live forever? Read something spiritual today such as the Bible and pray! God bless!!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Lent: Day Three, Friday, Feb. 19, 2010
We deny ourselves in order to empty ourselves to make room for God's presence in our daily lives. Be holy this day! God bless!!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Lent: Day Two - Thursday Feb 18, 2010
Today is the second day of the Lenten season. We are called to make sacrifices. Jesus said, "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it."
From the canticle of Jeremiah 17: 5-8
"Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season, but stands in a lava waste, a salt and empty earth. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; in the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit."
God bless!!
From the canticle of Jeremiah 17: 5-8
"Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season, but stands in a lava waste, a salt and empty earth. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; in the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit."
God bless!!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Lent: Day One - Ash Wednesday, Feb 17, 2010
Today is the first day of the 40 days of Lent! Life demands sacrifice of us and now is as good a time as any to practice it.
God bless!!
God bless!!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Tuesday Feb 16, 2010
Another busy day in San Diego. Karen and I went to 8am Mass and then off to see Marion. She had a shower this morning so was very sleepy. We tried giving her a bit of coffee to help her wake up but it didn't work. We did say a rosary with her and then gave her a blessing and left. I'll see her one more time on Thursday. It's hard to believe that she'll be 99 in August.
We then picked up mom and took her to the dentist followed by a birthday lunch. Mom is now 87 years old and so appreciative of everything. She was surprised to received a gift card to Target from all the workers at the assisted living place. They all really love her. We had a nice lunch and then came back to Karen's house to hang some pictures. Unfortunately the pictures are being stored in her friend's garage and her friend had tree trimmers there today and they were parked in front of the garage. Instead we worked on trying to get Internet access which had been out since late yesterday. Between resetting the router and contacting the cable provider, we managed to get it back up and running 4 hours later. We're just now finishing up dinner at 8pm. Tomorrow will be another full day. Hope all got home safely in the northeast snow!!
We then picked up mom and took her to the dentist followed by a birthday lunch. Mom is now 87 years old and so appreciative of everything. She was surprised to received a gift card to Target from all the workers at the assisted living place. They all really love her. We had a nice lunch and then came back to Karen's house to hang some pictures. Unfortunately the pictures are being stored in her friend's garage and her friend had tree trimmers there today and they were parked in front of the garage. Instead we worked on trying to get Internet access which had been out since late yesterday. Between resetting the router and contacting the cable provider, we managed to get it back up and running 4 hours later. We're just now finishing up dinner at 8pm. Tomorrow will be another full day. Hope all got home safely in the northeast snow!!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday Feb 15, 2010
Another Day - We were up early again today to go to 8am Mass and then we picked mom up so she could spend the day with us. She sat in the family room with Delta while Karen and I emptied boxes and put stuff away. The day went by much too quickly. We quit around 1pm and took mom to Olive Garden for lunch. Then we had to stop by See's Candies so I could stock up for work. (No candy for my kids. Some of them would not be happy with candy for the grandchildren.) We stopped at Karen's friend Ellen's house to pick up more boxes to unpack. We'll either work on them tomorrow or hang pictures. Tomorrow is mom and Tim's birthday!! We'll be celebrating!!
Sunday Feb 14, 2010 - Valentine's Day!
Meant to post this last night, but didn't have Internet access until just a little while ago.
We were up early Sunday morning so we could go visit Aunt Marion in La Jolla. She recognized me, said hello and then did not say another word the whole time we were there which was only about an hour. We had to leave to pick up mom to take her to tea for Valentine's Day. The tea room is a beautiful place and the meal they serve is more than filling. I left there stuffed!!
We brought mom back to Karen's house where we relaxed for the afternoon before taking her back to her place. Then Karen and I went to 5:30pm Mass followed by dinner at her realtor's house. It was an interesting assortment of people. It seemed like they had planned the dinner for Valentine's Day and invited people who did not know each other. It was a good meal and good company.
Karen and I came home exhausted and that's when we discovered no Internet. But it was a busy good day. I did get all my students' classwork corrected and emailed back to them.
We were up early Sunday morning so we could go visit Aunt Marion in La Jolla. She recognized me, said hello and then did not say another word the whole time we were there which was only about an hour. We had to leave to pick up mom to take her to tea for Valentine's Day. The tea room is a beautiful place and the meal they serve is more than filling. I left there stuffed!!
We brought mom back to Karen's house where we relaxed for the afternoon before taking her back to her place. Then Karen and I went to 5:30pm Mass followed by dinner at her realtor's house. It was an interesting assortment of people. It seemed like they had planned the dinner for Valentine's Day and invited people who did not know each other. It was a good meal and good company.
Karen and I came home exhausted and that's when we discovered no Internet. But it was a busy good day. I did get all my students' classwork corrected and emailed back to them.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Saturday February 13, 2010
This day went by in a flash!! It was sunny with no snow! Temps were probably in the 60s. I went to see my mom around 10am. Managed to find parking across the street from her building. We had a nice lunch together, then a quiet afternoon, followed by 4:30pm Mass. Karen and I finished up some pizza and chocolate chip cookies for dinner and we are now both falling asleep. Tomorrow will be another busy day. (I worked on some classwork during our quiet afternoon. Hope to get all corrected papers back to students sometime tomorrow)
Back home, Renee finished painting the upstairs bathroom. Can't wait to see it!! Next week we'll pick out the colors for the hallway.
God bless all!!
Back home, Renee finished painting the upstairs bathroom. Can't wait to see it!! Next week we'll pick out the colors for the hallway.
God bless all!!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Friday Feb 12, 2010
Arrived in California last night at 8:40pm. Southwest did a great job of making up time. My flight was supposed to leave Manchester at 2:10pm but never left until 3:20pm. We still arrived in Phoenix in plenty of time for me to catch my connecting flight to San Diego which also arrived late.
I started my day with Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament followed by some errands. Jim and Sophie picked me up at 11am so I arrived in plenty of time at the airport. Security wasn't as bad as I expected and the wait wasn't bad either since I had plenty to read and I also love to watch people.
Never made it to bed until 1am East Coast time, but was up and ready to go by 5:30am West coast time when Tim sent me a text message to welcome me to the West Coast. It's a beautiful sunny day and the birds are singing. I'll post pictures when I return.
I started my day with Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament followed by some errands. Jim and Sophie picked me up at 11am so I arrived in plenty of time at the airport. Security wasn't as bad as I expected and the wait wasn't bad either since I had plenty to read and I also love to watch people.
Never made it to bed until 1am East Coast time, but was up and ready to go by 5:30am West coast time when Tim sent me a text message to welcome me to the West Coast. It's a beautiful sunny day and the birds are singing. I'll post pictures when I return.
Ephesians 4: 29-32
"Never let evil talk pass your lips; say only the good things men need to hear, things that will really help them. Do nothing that will sadden the Holy Spirit with whom you were sealed against the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind. In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ."
Good words to carry with you through the day!! God bless!!
Good words to carry with you through the day!! God bless!!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Which Way to Live??
Which way would you rather live - with anger and resentment? or love and forgiveness? One brings dissension and the other brings peace. One is attained through the lack of a prayer life and the other is attained through a constant prayer life. Pray as if your life depends on it, for it does!! God bless!!
Our Lady of Lourdes - 2/11/2010
Read the beautiful story of Our Lady of Lourdes!!
http://www.catholic.org/clife/mary/lourdes1.php
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us! As we go to work, as we meet others where they need to be.
God bless!!
http://www.catholic.org/clife/mary/lourdes1.php
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us! As we go to work, as we meet others where they need to be.
God bless!!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
St. Scholastica - Feb 10, 2010
St. Scholastica, pray for us as we travel today and help us to live this day well. Teach us to love and not to count the cost! To follow Jesus wherever He may lead us! Amen!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Cloud of Unknowing
This was last evening's meditation from The Magnificat:
"When you feel that you have done your best to amend your life according to the laws of the Church, give yourself in earnest to the contemplative work. And if the memory of your past sins or the temptation to new ones should plague your mind, forming an obstacle between you and God, crush them beneath your feet and bravely step beyond them. Try to bury the thought of these deeds beneath the thick cloud of forgetting just as if neither you nor anyone else had ever done them. If they persist in returning, you must persist in rejecting them. In short, as often as they rise up you must put them down..." (The Cloud of Unknowing)
"When you feel that you have done your best to amend your life according to the laws of the Church, give yourself in earnest to the contemplative work. And if the memory of your past sins or the temptation to new ones should plague your mind, forming an obstacle between you and God, crush them beneath your feet and bravely step beyond them. Try to bury the thought of these deeds beneath the thick cloud of forgetting just as if neither you nor anyone else had ever done them. If they persist in returning, you must persist in rejecting them. In short, as often as they rise up you must put them down..." (The Cloud of Unknowing)
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Another basketball game and a sleepover!!
Three of the Doherty boys spent the day and night with Mimi and Bumpy!! Great time was had by all!!
First we had the basketball game and the Nets won!!
Then we had hot chocolate and a movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs!!
First we had the basketball game and the Nets won!!
Then we had hot chocolate and a movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs!!
The Foolishness of God
"The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God...For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength." (1 Corinthians 1: 18, 22-25)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Wonderful Birthday Dinner!!
Happy Birthday, Elizabeth!!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Student of the Month!!!
Congratulations, Calvin!! I am so proud of you! You have worked hard to earn Student of the Month!!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Human Worth
When we use another as an object to satisfy our own desires and needs, we lose a sense of respect and love for the dignity and worth of the human person. It is then that we consider the other as disposable. We are called into relationship in order to seek the good of the other and in seeking the other's good we discover the good in ourselves. And when we discover that good, we see the face of God and know that we are truly loved. For in this life we seek with blind faith, and we desire with hope, and we live with love and when all is said and done we will no longer need faith because we will see, and we will no longer need hope because all will be realized, but love will live on. Love one another. For it is in loving that we discover God's presence within us. God bless!
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