"...as a thief in the night..."

...that is how death came to our sister, Margrit...when she least expected it.  And we were all in shock!  Painful shock!  Three days later...the same. Sister Roseann called home...just days apart.

The first thought after I "de-numbed" was: why is the Lord picking on us?  No matter when or how death touches us, it is not easy to go through it all.  Sometimes it is difficult to accept.  Sometimes it us difficult to understand why.  Yet we know the Lord does know best.  The Lord sees the bigger picture, the whole picture.

This week we will celebrate All Saints day and All Souls day....remembering all our family members, friends, peers, people with whom we have worked or journeyed who have gone ahead of us.  Our intercessors.  Our friends whom we should not let "rest in peace" but keep them busy helping us.  They can "run" to the Lord with our needs...yes, and even our wants!  Remember they have nothing to do but praise God and "flit" around in eternal joy!   

Autumn Beauty!

I can't make up my mind if I like Autumn or Spring better.  I love the colors of Autumn and I like the brightness and freshness of Spring.  I guess I need not decide.

We have taken two Sundays to go explore, admire, and take in the beauty of God's creative power. It is positively amazing.  Now, however, the colors are beginning to wane and the trees beginning to bare.  Readying for letting go, the dying....which is such a reality in life.  A time of reflection as well.

In terms of my ministry....all my research and preparation for my presentations is over, as are my presentations....and the Lord was with me.  The Spirit worked wonders.  My presentations went well.  I prayed that I would present what the "hearers" needed to hear.

Now I can get acquainted with my office!  Dig through files and shelves....and discover.

The other magnificent thing I did yesterday....went to hear the very popular and wonderful speaker: Matthew Kelly.  If you have an opportunity to hear him...GO!!!!  He is wonderful...an interesting Australian accent that keep you alert.  If you can get a hold of any of his CD's....get them.  If you have access to his books...get them as well.  You will not regret it.  In fact you can get some FREE!  Go to DynamicCatholic.com.

AUTUMN BLESSINGS....... 

Unbelief!

My unbelief:  this is Saturday afternoon and I AM HOME!

I have been busy, busy with preparation of presentations, doing the presentations, going to class, hosting, welcoming, cleaning up after the numerous sessions....etc., etc., etc....as the song goes!

This morning I had a meeting which ended at noon....then after all the "afters" I returned home and have been "cleaning out" all those added-up emails....so right now I am not seeing straight, but do feel pretty good...but I can hardly wait to close off my laptop....

So...busy....reminds me of Martha and Mary...and, Lord, Lord, at times I am such a Martha....but must say there is more of a Mary to me today than used to be.  I need more of her.  How about you?

I'm going downstairs, sitting on the couch and doing NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Celebrations...

What a rich week!  My birthday, feast of the Little Flower, feast of the Guardian Angels, feast of St. Francis of Assisi!  How blessed we are!

St Therese....who gave us the "little way"--and we can all ascribe to that.
Guardian Angels....our protectors, our "inspirers", our intercessors, our companions.
St Francis...our "peace" patron, our example of rebuilding our church, our teacher of love and respect of our earth and nature...

What challenges we have to remember and imitate these helpers!