Each Sunday, I create a colouring page for our little ones. On one side is an action statement that children are asked to illustrate. On the other, a message to parents and prayer for the week.
When our Liturgy with Children ends, I bring our little friends up the back stairs of our church and, as they head to their parents, I put extra sheets in a special holder at the back entrance of the Church. I recently complained to our pastor that some people interrupt their celebration of Mass to come to the back and pick up colouring pages as I put them out.
This Sunday, as I put my pages in their place, an older gentleman approached asking for a page. I considered admonishing him, but he said, "It is for my wife. She is disabled and she gets pleasure out of colouring these."
Lesson learned: You never know what motivates people.
Following this experience, I am now planning to continue to produce colouring pages over the summer, with this lady's special interests in mind.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sharing in Eucharist
Sunday was the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.
As is the plan most years, I had flat bread and grape juice ready for our little ones who attend Liturgy of the Word with Children.
We performed our own version of Last Supper, washing each other's feet (and talking about how that felt) and then sharing bread and grape juice. The children quickly pointed out that this was Christ's Body and Blood - now questions asked. Then, to our utter amazement, a little girl, ready to start school in the fall recited almost the entire Eucharistic prayer word for word.
Proof that at least one person is listening in Church on Sunday.
As is the plan most years, I had flat bread and grape juice ready for our little ones who attend Liturgy of the Word with Children.
We performed our own version of Last Supper, washing each other's feet (and talking about how that felt) and then sharing bread and grape juice. The children quickly pointed out that this was Christ's Body and Blood - now questions asked. Then, to our utter amazement, a little girl, ready to start school in the fall recited almost the entire Eucharistic prayer word for word.
Proof that at least one person is listening in Church on Sunday.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Listening without Ears
There are times when our past experiences with a person colours our perception of what that person is saying. Although the time, subject and circumstances may be different, for me, there are times when the past clouds my ability to hear and listen now.
I know that I need to clear the slate a truly open my ears to listen when these people speak. It is only when I can really hear what they are saying that I can understand and appreciate what Christ is saying through them.
I know that I need to clear the slate a truly open my ears to listen when these people speak. It is only when I can really hear what they are saying that I can understand and appreciate what Christ is saying through them.
My Rock
I live in an area of Canada called the Cambrian Shield. I have grown up surrounded by our old well worn rocks.
I love our rocks. They are a solid affirmation that I am home; their warmth at the end of a summer day, the tiny lichen or moss plants adhering to them finding new life, the way water flows over them or ice freezes to them...I love our rocks.
These same rocks are rocks that bind. As I walk over these rocks today, I know the my relatives may have traversed the same paths, the ancestors of this land, the first nations people lived on them, baby animals of all types took their first steps on them.
These rocks link me to my past and to the future. They are solid and changing, much like my God. He will always we there. As plant life, animal life and human life come and then fade, these rocks will remain solid. As lives come and go, people enter my life and then fade away, I know my rock, my God, will always be here.
I love our rocks. They are a solid affirmation that I am home; their warmth at the end of a summer day, the tiny lichen or moss plants adhering to them finding new life, the way water flows over them or ice freezes to them...I love our rocks.
These same rocks are rocks that bind. As I walk over these rocks today, I know the my relatives may have traversed the same paths, the ancestors of this land, the first nations people lived on them, baby animals of all types took their first steps on them.
These rocks link me to my past and to the future. They are solid and changing, much like my God. He will always we there. As plant life, animal life and human life come and then fade, these rocks will remain solid. As lives come and go, people enter my life and then fade away, I know my rock, my God, will always be here.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Dad
Today is Father's Day.
A day to remember all of the wonderful things that the male parent does for a family. This year we are especially grateful to my husband and the father of my children. The hole left because he is not able to do everything that he would usually do, due to his recent surgery, is a huge. The cooking, laundry, and household repairs are all now in the hands of everyone else.
As he hobbles post-surgery, we are stumbling around with him, until we gain our own rhythm in the world of home 'work'.
We thank you honey and we love you. Wish you a speedy recovery. But most of all we are grateful for this time pay you back for everything that you do for us.
A day to remember all of the wonderful things that the male parent does for a family. This year we are especially grateful to my husband and the father of my children. The hole left because he is not able to do everything that he would usually do, due to his recent surgery, is a huge. The cooking, laundry, and household repairs are all now in the hands of everyone else.
As he hobbles post-surgery, we are stumbling around with him, until we gain our own rhythm in the world of home 'work'.
We thank you honey and we love you. Wish you a speedy recovery. But most of all we are grateful for this time pay you back for everything that you do for us.
Kuchen
This dessert, called "Kuchen" is a yeast dough base with fresh fruit or berries on top. We try to make it with the fruit that is in season, but these days one can access almost anything at any time of the year.
So as supper required some attention and dessert was placed on the table - unsupervised - anything can happen.
One of my daughters loves raspberries and dislikes crust. Can you tell?
Lifesaver
This morning, the children and I celebrated the Feast of the Holy Trinity. Discussion about Trinity needed to be very basic this morning because the children were all very young.
Simply put, God is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God is all three things at the same time. There is no beginning of one or ending of the other. The Father, sent his Son to live among man, the Son lived on earth and is now living in heaven, and this Son sent his Holy Spirit to his disciples which includes us.
To illustrate the continuity of the Trinity, the children were given the candy called Lifesaver to share with someone after explaining Trinity.
Pretty cool Huh? God as a Lifesaver!
Simply put, God is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God is all three things at the same time. There is no beginning of one or ending of the other. The Father, sent his Son to live among man, the Son lived on earth and is now living in heaven, and this Son sent his Holy Spirit to his disciples which includes us.
To illustrate the continuity of the Trinity, the children were given the candy called Lifesaver to share with someone after explaining Trinity.
Pretty cool Huh? God as a Lifesaver!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
The Dance of Divine Love
From our Pastor's reflection this weekend:
In our modern day, dancing seems to be more and more a community affair. Have you ever noticed that modern music lends itself more to groups of people gathering on a dance floor? Admittedly we still count the slow dance among our repertoire, but the intricate movements of a tango, or of the Viennese waltz hold a certain beauty even for the bystander which seems almost to be lost except to only some relative few. For a waltz to move gracefully, there must be one who will lead and another who will follow. If both partners tried to lead, there would be confusion, and if both were to follow, there would be equal muddle.
So it is with the relationship we are invited to explore with our God. From the day of our baptism, we are invited to stand on the dance floor, and to allow God to lead the dance. If we ourselves are intent on dictating the movements, we often will find ourselves stumbling, but if we are willing to listen, to follow the promptings of the spirit, the dance can be fluid, graceful and moving in perfect time to a music that seems even more sublime than any instrument could render.
The dance of divine love continues today. We in our turn are being invited to play our part, to discover what it’s like when we allow the Father to lead, when we look to Jesus for guidance and when we allow the Spirit to act through us. This is a gesture of mutual love, and we are being asked, May I have this dance?
The dance of divine love...means giving up control and allowing God to work through me, to change me, to make me one with Him.
Where you lead, dear Lord, through your Holy Spirit, give me the strength to give away 'me' and to follow you whole-ly and fully.
Room To Grow
I enjoy a very honest relationship with my children. When they are upset with my behaviour I welcome (?) their critiques.
Today, I learned that there are times when my children feel that I am not there for them. My children are getting older and do not need me to hold their hands. Hearing these words hurt, but prompted me to ask to learn more.
It seems that, being accustomed to mom always being around, to drive them or their friends, to help with homework, clean, cook, listen, offer advise; when mom is not home her absence is felt.
It felt good to know that I was wanted, but also felt like the many things that I do are expected more than appreciated.
I try to be appreciative. I wonder how often in my life I fail to notice my family, friends, and strangers when they do good. For all of those times, I am embarrassed to have missed the chance to be grateful. I am sorry.
To my God, who I likely forget to thank most often for all of the wonderful things in my life: I love you and I am so very appreciative of everything (too much to name) that you have given to me. How can ever thank you enough? What can I do to 'be there' for you?
Today, I learned that there are times when my children feel that I am not there for them. My children are getting older and do not need me to hold their hands. Hearing these words hurt, but prompted me to ask to learn more.
It seems that, being accustomed to mom always being around, to drive them or their friends, to help with homework, clean, cook, listen, offer advise; when mom is not home her absence is felt.
It felt good to know that I was wanted, but also felt like the many things that I do are expected more than appreciated.
I try to be appreciative. I wonder how often in my life I fail to notice my family, friends, and strangers when they do good. For all of those times, I am embarrassed to have missed the chance to be grateful. I am sorry.
To my God, who I likely forget to thank most often for all of the wonderful things in my life: I love you and I am so very appreciative of everything (too much to name) that you have given to me. How can ever thank you enough? What can I do to 'be there' for you?
One More Step
This week, my daughter, who was in a single vehicle collision this winter took one more step towards recovery for that incident.
Over the past months, with her mother by her side, she drove on that fateful road, at first slowly and in tears, then with growing confidence.
Finally, she drove it alone. This time, it was daylight, the sun shone and the roads were dry...a far cry from the snowy mid-winter ride over icy roads, that took her confidence, but a step non-the-less.
Congratulations!
Over the past months, with her mother by her side, she drove on that fateful road, at first slowly and in tears, then with growing confidence.
Finally, she drove it alone. This time, it was daylight, the sun shone and the roads were dry...a far cry from the snowy mid-winter ride over icy roads, that took her confidence, but a step non-the-less.
Congratulations!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Wait is Over
The surgery took almost twice as long as we had anticipated, but he is now on the road to recovery.
Watching the nursing staff run all afternoon reminded me of my hospital nursing days. Patient overload, on-the-spot decision making, questions from patients and families, requests from colleague for assistance...I do not miss it.
But this is also time to offer praise and appreciation for all of the hospital's unsung heroes. Nurses, cleaning staff, physio therapists, occupational therapists, ward clerks...each play a vital role in the health and recovery of the many who need medical care. Often your deeds go unnoticed and under appreciated.
From the depths of my heart...thank you.
Watching the nursing staff run all afternoon reminded me of my hospital nursing days. Patient overload, on-the-spot decision making, questions from patients and families, requests from colleague for assistance...I do not miss it.
But this is also time to offer praise and appreciation for all of the hospital's unsung heroes. Nurses, cleaning staff, physio therapists, occupational therapists, ward clerks...each play a vital role in the health and recovery of the many who need medical care. Often your deeds go unnoticed and under appreciated.
From the depths of my heart...thank you.
The Invisible
Yesterday afternoon, I was blessed to listen to a young lady speak.
Her story, one of a young life of abuse, alcohol and drugs. Moving from home was her only way to protect herself. But life on the street has left its marks on her physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.
Her face is scarred. HIV courses through her veins. At this time AIDS is threatening the life of her sister.
Having survived such difficulties that could have sunk a lesser person, she thrives now by sharing her story.
Her message: she has lived in the only ways she knew to survive, she has experienced pain in many forms, but what hurts most is being invisible to main stream society. Whether as a 'working girl' or person living on the streets, most people would not look at her, look her in the eye or treat her as an equal.
Having listened to her story, it saddens me most, that I am among the perpetrators. I have walked by people failing to acknowledge that they even exist. I have patronized street people instead of recognizing that they are just the same as me...a human.
The lessons that she taught burned into the souls of many who listened. Her story fed the conversation for the afternoon. When one women introduced her self by asking, 'What can I do?", she left inspired to do more - more being human and recognizing the humanity other.
What a tremendous gift this young lady has given us. May we continue to remember her story and treat everyone as we would want to be treated.
Her story, one of a young life of abuse, alcohol and drugs. Moving from home was her only way to protect herself. But life on the street has left its marks on her physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.
Her face is scarred. HIV courses through her veins. At this time AIDS is threatening the life of her sister.
Having survived such difficulties that could have sunk a lesser person, she thrives now by sharing her story.
Her message: she has lived in the only ways she knew to survive, she has experienced pain in many forms, but what hurts most is being invisible to main stream society. Whether as a 'working girl' or person living on the streets, most people would not look at her, look her in the eye or treat her as an equal.
Having listened to her story, it saddens me most, that I am among the perpetrators. I have walked by people failing to acknowledge that they even exist. I have patronized street people instead of recognizing that they are just the same as me...a human.
The lessons that she taught burned into the souls of many who listened. Her story fed the conversation for the afternoon. When one women introduced her self by asking, 'What can I do?", she left inspired to do more - more being human and recognizing the humanity other.
What a tremendous gift this young lady has given us. May we continue to remember her story and treat everyone as we would want to be treated.
In Wait
My husband is currently in surgery. In essence his ability to walk is, at this moment, in the skilled hands of a highly qualified surgeon.
For now I wait.
While waiting is usually the hardest part, I spent my first hour visiting with our Lord in a near by Cathedral. What a lovely, peaceful time. I believe that God does not give you anything that you cannot handle and so I am sure that He believes that my husband and I will be able to live with the results of this surgery. If God believes in me and my husband then surely, all is as it should be and will be.
Waiting, this time, is really not that hard.
For now I wait.
While waiting is usually the hardest part, I spent my first hour visiting with our Lord in a near by Cathedral. What a lovely, peaceful time. I believe that God does not give you anything that you cannot handle and so I am sure that He believes that my husband and I will be able to live with the results of this surgery. If God believes in me and my husband then surely, all is as it should be and will be.
Waiting, this time, is really not that hard.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Like a Lion
This Sunday, my little friends and I talked about the Holy Spirit. One of my wise friends told us, very matter of factly, that the Holy Spirit is part of God - God, Jesus and Holy Spirit are all God.
Such wisdom from a seven year old!
Another little one told us that the Holy Spirit is like a lion. I quickly responded that she was quite right. A lion is brave and courageous - the Holy Spirit gives us courage.
Her guardian responded, "And the Holy Spirit has given you the gift of creativity!"
Such wisdom from a seven year old!
Another little one told us that the Holy Spirit is like a lion. I quickly responded that she was quite right. A lion is brave and courageous - the Holy Spirit gives us courage.
Her guardian responded, "And the Holy Spirit has given you the gift of creativity!"
Monday, June 13, 2011
The Servant Friend
This week my husband will face surgery to fuse his ankle. He will not be able to put weight on that foot for 8 - 12 weeks. After that he faces months of rehab.
In an effort to be prepared for the coming summer and the limitations that may come, we spent Sunday at our cottage, cleaning and planting.
Last week our priest was away on retreat. At around 7:30 p.m. he appeared at our cottage to offer my husband best wishes and the Sacrament of the Sick. What a wonderful blessing this servant friend is to our family!
In an effort to be prepared for the coming summer and the limitations that may come, we spent Sunday at our cottage, cleaning and planting.
Last week our priest was away on retreat. At around 7:30 p.m. he appeared at our cottage to offer my husband best wishes and the Sacrament of the Sick. What a wonderful blessing this servant friend is to our family!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Children at Play
I took my camera for a walk this morning. A nearby pond served as the object of my delight as local wildlife came out to greet the day.
ducks took time to play and splash around.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Only the First Two Lines
This is a lesson I hope will stay with me for a very long time.
A month ago, as part of a committee I am with, for work purposes, I sent two nomination forms for an annual provincial award. One nominated a peer whose leadership and dedication are deserving of recognition as "Professional Achievement" and the other for a group I lead to bring a major event to our local youth for an award called "Initiative of the Year".
As nominator I knew I would receive a copy of the letter telling the nominee of the awards event. Two days ago I received a copy of the letter for the nomination for "Professional Achievement". I was disappointed to see that someone else's name appeared as nominee and my name was also not on the letter as nominator. Thus I called the organisation to request a change. The revised letter appeared in my in-box shortly there after.
The next day I received another letter. I did not open it at first because I knew what it was for. Later that day, the organization that my co-chair works for emailed asking, why, if I had nominated their worker, did I not request a letter of recommendation from them. Curious I opened the invitation email to discover that although the name of the award and the nominated group (and name of my co-chair) were correct, in the body of the letter the description of the award category was for "Professional Achievement" not "Initiative of the Year". Again, I emailed requesting a correction.
To my surprise, the lady who sent the emails called me and asked, "What is your problem?" She explained that the name of the group, the chair and the award were all correct. I asked her to open the invitation and then to read the second paragraph. She read aloud and then paused, "oh, I see....well, normally people do not read beyond the first two lines." She promised to send a revision shortly.
I remained polite and withheld my laughter until I hung up the receiver.
Lesson to be learned, when dealing with any branch of government - and you receive a letter - just read the first two lines, like normal people do!
A month ago, as part of a committee I am with, for work purposes, I sent two nomination forms for an annual provincial award. One nominated a peer whose leadership and dedication are deserving of recognition as "Professional Achievement" and the other for a group I lead to bring a major event to our local youth for an award called "Initiative of the Year".
As nominator I knew I would receive a copy of the letter telling the nominee of the awards event. Two days ago I received a copy of the letter for the nomination for "Professional Achievement". I was disappointed to see that someone else's name appeared as nominee and my name was also not on the letter as nominator. Thus I called the organisation to request a change. The revised letter appeared in my in-box shortly there after.
The next day I received another letter. I did not open it at first because I knew what it was for. Later that day, the organization that my co-chair works for emailed asking, why, if I had nominated their worker, did I not request a letter of recommendation from them. Curious I opened the invitation email to discover that although the name of the award and the nominated group (and name of my co-chair) were correct, in the body of the letter the description of the award category was for "Professional Achievement" not "Initiative of the Year". Again, I emailed requesting a correction.
To my surprise, the lady who sent the emails called me and asked, "What is your problem?" She explained that the name of the group, the chair and the award were all correct. I asked her to open the invitation and then to read the second paragraph. She read aloud and then paused, "oh, I see....well, normally people do not read beyond the first two lines." She promised to send a revision shortly.
I remained polite and withheld my laughter until I hung up the receiver.
Lesson to be learned, when dealing with any branch of government - and you receive a letter - just read the first two lines, like normal people do!
The 'Stang goes to Church
This past weekend we celebrated First Communion with a number of our young parishioners.
Our parish has two sites. I began my day at one site with 7 children and then to the other site for the remaining 12.
One of my daughters needed a vehicle for work. The other two needed to get to the other site for Children's Liturgy Hence, I took my husband's fancy Mustang to Mass.
As the first Mass ended, I tried to quickly escape to the next site where I knew families were waiting. After wading through the crowd who offered words of gratitude and congratulations I found a group of men (some dads of the children who received their first Communion) gathered around my husband's car.
I parted the crowd and slipped into the vehicle. When the car starts the windows automatically open slightly. It was at that moment that I heard a dad exclaim, "The church lady drives a 'Stang!".
I giggled as I drove away...at the image of Me as a 'church lady' and the impressions I must have left behind.
Our parish has two sites. I began my day at one site with 7 children and then to the other site for the remaining 12.
One of my daughters needed a vehicle for work. The other two needed to get to the other site for Children's Liturgy Hence, I took my husband's fancy Mustang to Mass.
As the first Mass ended, I tried to quickly escape to the next site where I knew families were waiting. After wading through the crowd who offered words of gratitude and congratulations I found a group of men (some dads of the children who received their first Communion) gathered around my husband's car.
I parted the crowd and slipped into the vehicle. When the car starts the windows automatically open slightly. It was at that moment that I heard a dad exclaim, "The church lady drives a 'Stang!".
I giggled as I drove away...at the image of Me as a 'church lady' and the impressions I must have left behind.
Geese
There is a pond not far from my home that is often the destination of my walks.
Recently I found a lady feeding the Canada Geese adults and babies. These geese have become so accustomed to humans that they allowed me to pet the babies.
The soft fluffy down contrasted by their very solid bodies was an unexpected discovery. The babies were almost oblivious to my presence. The parents, standing only feet away, did not charge but they watched carefully.
What a blessed few moments in time, spent one on one with nature's finest gift - her young.
Recently I found a lady feeding the Canada Geese adults and babies. These geese have become so accustomed to humans that they allowed me to pet the babies.
The soft fluffy down contrasted by their very solid bodies was an unexpected discovery. The babies were almost oblivious to my presence. The parents, standing only feet away, did not charge but they watched carefully.
What a blessed few moments in time, spent one on one with nature's finest gift - her young.
I Wish I Were
Thought I should pass this one along:
I Wish I Were
I wish I were big enough to honestly admit all my shortcomings.
Brilliant enough to accept praise without it making me arrogant.
Tall enough to tower over dishonesty.
Strong enough to welcome criticism.
Compassionate enough to understand human frailties.
Wise enough to recognize mistakes.
Humble enough to appreciate greatness.
Brave enough to stand by my friends.
Human enough to be thoughtful of my neighbor.
And spiritual enough to be devoted to the love of God.
-- Author unknown --
I Wish I Were
I wish I were big enough to honestly admit all my shortcomings.
Brilliant enough to accept praise without it making me arrogant.
Tall enough to tower over dishonesty.
Strong enough to welcome criticism.
Compassionate enough to understand human frailties.
Wise enough to recognize mistakes.
Humble enough to appreciate greatness.
Brave enough to stand by my friends.
Human enough to be thoughtful of my neighbor.
And spiritual enough to be devoted to the love of God.
-- Author unknown --
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