Suffering with purpose;
In offering our suffering for another, we find purpose in that suffering. And by working directly with others to alleviate suffering, we help to transform people and the world through the power of the gospel, especially for those most in need. We help others find purpose in their suffering by giving them hope….
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Alex update
Alex is doing better today!!!
We had a hard day yesterday, lots of pain and lots of tears.
He slept really good again last night but woke up in quite a bit of pain, I gave him ibuprofen after he had breakfast and that was the last time I've given him anything for pain!! He still tires out pretty fast and took a three hour nap this afternoon (unheard of for this kid) I took him outdoors to walk around our yard this p.m. and right now his dad and brothers are sitting in the shade with him outside so he can get some fresh air and just see something other than the "view" from the couch.
I made his appointment this a.m. and he will be getting his cast put on this Friday at 9:45 a.m.
Once the cast is on he will have an easier time and we won't have to be so careful, the doctor made it very clear that until that cast is on, he must be very, very careful with his arm, it is just wrapped in a thick bandage right now and they don't want it to be bumped etc. at all.
Unfortunately he won't be going to kaleidoscope this week but next week is the final week and I'm going to see if he can go for that. Also, the swimming lessons that he was supposed to start today also had to be cancelled, he was so bummed about that:(
thanks again for the Prayers being said for Alex and us.. so appreciated!!!
We had a hard day yesterday, lots of pain and lots of tears.
He slept really good again last night but woke up in quite a bit of pain, I gave him ibuprofen after he had breakfast and that was the last time I've given him anything for pain!! He still tires out pretty fast and took a three hour nap this afternoon (unheard of for this kid) I took him outdoors to walk around our yard this p.m. and right now his dad and brothers are sitting in the shade with him outside so he can get some fresh air and just see something other than the "view" from the couch.
I made his appointment this a.m. and he will be getting his cast put on this Friday at 9:45 a.m.
Once the cast is on he will have an easier time and we won't have to be so careful, the doctor made it very clear that until that cast is on, he must be very, very careful with his arm, it is just wrapped in a thick bandage right now and they don't want it to be bumped etc. at all.
Unfortunately he won't be going to kaleidoscope this week but next week is the final week and I'm going to see if he can go for that. Also, the swimming lessons that he was supposed to start today also had to be cancelled, he was so bummed about that:(
thanks again for the Prayers being said for Alex and us.. so appreciated!!!
Minute Meditations
Poverty Around Us
Like suffering, poverty is not good in itself. But we can find some valuable things in it, like hope, simplicity and an appreciation for the basics of life.
Like suffering, poverty is not good in itself. But we can find some valuable things in it, like hope, simplicity and an appreciation for the basics of life.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Quick update
I just wanted to post and say "thank you" so much to all the well wishes for a speedy recovery to Alex.. very much appreciated!!!
Alex had a good night, he slept really well and I slept with him as he requested and I had worried I wouldn't sleep but.. I slept like a rock!!
Alex woke up around 6 a.m. and he was then in a lot of pain and it took some convincing to get him to take his pain meds but we finally got it down and now he is resting on the couch watching a cartoon.
I feel really bad that his arm is so darn sore, it is so difficult to move him and to try and get him settled into a comfy position it is quite the test for mom and dad... I can hardly wait for the pain to go down as the doctor promised it would in a few days.. I am counting it down, it is horrible to watch him in this kind of pain, the smallest movement has him screaming in pain and it is impossible to do anything for him beside offer comfort.. and as all parents know.. you HATE to see your kids in any pain and you want to make that pain go away right now!! So, that is the worst part for me not to mention the lingering guilt I have for not putting that dumb step stool away.. yes, I know it is not my fault, but I walked by it that day and in my mind I said "oh, I need to put that away" and I didn't... argh!!!
I still can't believe that he broke his elbow from falling over that stool, it is so low to the ground and he wasn't standing on it, it was simply in his walking path as he ran into the room and it clipped him in the leg causing him to fall forward and land on his elbow and his elbow took all the brunt of his fall.. just a total freaky, stupid thing.. I know kids get hurt all the time.. but I am still angry with myself for not having just put that stupid thing away.. it is just going to take some time to get past that, and Alex being well, Alex.. had said "mom, you should have put that stool away" brutally honest and that is fine.. he is correct and if anything I have learned one heck of a lesson!
Well, thanks for letting me update and rant a bit:)
Alex had a good night, he slept really well and I slept with him as he requested and I had worried I wouldn't sleep but.. I slept like a rock!!
Alex woke up around 6 a.m. and he was then in a lot of pain and it took some convincing to get him to take his pain meds but we finally got it down and now he is resting on the couch watching a cartoon.
I feel really bad that his arm is so darn sore, it is so difficult to move him and to try and get him settled into a comfy position it is quite the test for mom and dad... I can hardly wait for the pain to go down as the doctor promised it would in a few days.. I am counting it down, it is horrible to watch him in this kind of pain, the smallest movement has him screaming in pain and it is impossible to do anything for him beside offer comfort.. and as all parents know.. you HATE to see your kids in any pain and you want to make that pain go away right now!! So, that is the worst part for me not to mention the lingering guilt I have for not putting that dumb step stool away.. yes, I know it is not my fault, but I walked by it that day and in my mind I said "oh, I need to put that away" and I didn't... argh!!!
I still can't believe that he broke his elbow from falling over that stool, it is so low to the ground and he wasn't standing on it, it was simply in his walking path as he ran into the room and it clipped him in the leg causing him to fall forward and land on his elbow and his elbow took all the brunt of his fall.. just a total freaky, stupid thing.. I know kids get hurt all the time.. but I am still angry with myself for not having just put that stupid thing away.. it is just going to take some time to get past that, and Alex being well, Alex.. had said "mom, you should have put that stool away" brutally honest and that is fine.. he is correct and if anything I have learned one heck of a lesson!
Well, thanks for letting me update and rant a bit:)
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Alex broke his elbow
Well, just a quick update, my son Alex tripped over a small step stool late yesterday afternoon, he seemed in far too much pain for my liking, so I decided to run him into the E.R. and just have it checked out (never thinking it would be more than a sprain) well, he broke his elbow and needed surgery!! Sooo.. we had to wait for his stomach contents to digest and he went into surgery around 10:30 p.m. last night and was taken up to his hospital room around 12:30 a.m. Needless to say, I'm exhausted!!Alex was released at 3:00 this afternoon and will go back in one week to have his cast put on (he has three metal pins in his arm right now) they wait for the swelling to go down and then put the cast on, he will wear the cast for between 3 to 4 weeks.
So, that is my not fun news... I'm going to go and rest while Alex rests (he has been having a lot of pain!!)
Friday, July 25, 2008
July's message
Message of July 25, 2008
Dear children! At this time when you are thinking of physical rest, I call you to conversion. Pray and work so that your heart yearns for God the Creator who is the true rest of your soul and your body. May He reveal His face to you and may He give you His peace. I am with you and intercede before God for each of you. Thank you for having responded to my call."
Dear children! At this time when you are thinking of physical rest, I call you to conversion. Pray and work so that your heart yearns for God the Creator who is the true rest of your soul and your body. May He reveal His face to you and may He give you His peace. I am with you and intercede before God for each of you. Thank you for having responded to my call."
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Minute Meditations
The Dark Night
In the end hiddenness, smallness, even darkness is a gift. It can be where we encounter God and where God touches us. It is a place that affirms the holiness of our littleness and the little things we do. The vigil of darkness gives way to light and to a transformed life. The moment of abandonment becomes the first taste of glory.
In the end hiddenness, smallness, even darkness is a gift. It can be where we encounter God and where God touches us. It is a place that affirms the holiness of our littleness and the little things we do. The vigil of darkness gives way to light and to a transformed life. The moment of abandonment becomes the first taste of glory.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
I'm coming around
I went to the doctor yesterday (I had it with feeling so crummy) well, looks like a nasty sinus infection (which I am prone to) so, I am now on an antibiotic and also using nasal spray, ibuprofen and plenty of liquids and rest and this afternoon I do feel like I'm beginning to come out of this junk!
It is a lovely day here in my part of Minnesota, too hot to be out real long but after supper it usually cools down to where we can sit outside and Alex can draw with his sidewalk chalk and Zach and Matt will play ball & do tricks for me on their scooters.
Have a great Tuesday!!
It is a lovely day here in my part of Minnesota, too hot to be out real long but after supper it usually cools down to where we can sit outside and Alex can draw with his sidewalk chalk and Zach and Matt will play ball & do tricks for me on their scooters.
Have a great Tuesday!!
Monday, July 21, 2008
THE DAILY GROTTO
THE DAILY GROTTO Melissa has gone to be with the Lord, please pray for her family and loved ones.
Monday Meme
Vicki has this meme on her blog and now I'm posting it on mine.. check out the bottom to see if you are tagged:) (oops, its a one word meme:)
1. Your cell phone? Motorola
2. Your significant other? Jim
3. Your hair? short
4. Your mother? Jan
5. Your father? Dennis
6. Your favorite things? sunshine
7. Your dream last night? dreamless
8. Your favorite drink? water
9. Your dream/goal? defend
10. The room you’re in? dining
11. Your church? Cathedral
12. Your fear? spiders
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Minnesota
14. Where were you last night? home
15. What you’re not? short
16. Muffins? Blueberry.
17. One of your wish list items? flooring
18. Where you grew up? Minnesota
19. The last thing you did? dusted
20. What are you wearing? shorts
21. Your TV? Flat
22. Your pets? Lucky
23. Your computer? Compaq
24. Your life? Blessed
25. Your mood? low
26. Missing someone? yes
27. Your car? minivan
28. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
29. Favorite store? dollar
30. Your summer? Nice!
31. Like (love) someone? family
32. Your favorite color? blue
33. Last time you laughed? Today
34. Last time you cried? yesterday
35. Who will re-post this? Esther
1. Your cell phone? Motorola
2. Your significant other? Jim
3. Your hair? short
4. Your mother? Jan
5. Your father? Dennis
6. Your favorite things? sunshine
7. Your dream last night? dreamless
8. Your favorite drink? water
9. Your dream/goal? defend
10. The room you’re in? dining
11. Your church? Cathedral
12. Your fear? spiders
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Minnesota
14. Where were you last night? home
15. What you’re not? short
16. Muffins? Blueberry.
17. One of your wish list items? flooring
18. Where you grew up? Minnesota
19. The last thing you did? dusted
20. What are you wearing? shorts
21. Your TV? Flat
22. Your pets? Lucky
23. Your computer? Compaq
24. Your life? Blessed
25. Your mood? low
26. Missing someone? yes
27. Your car? minivan
28. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
29. Favorite store? dollar
30. Your summer? Nice!
31. Like (love) someone? family
32. Your favorite color? blue
33. Last time you laughed? Today
34. Last time you cried? yesterday
35. Who will re-post this? Esther
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Sunday
I've been feeling a little under the weather over the weekend, we did make it to Mass this morning and when we got home I went back to resting.
I get migraines but this isn't really that either, just a dull headache with some dizziness that also makes my stomach feel weird from being dizzy, it started early Saturday morning and has continued on and off and I'm still dealing with it today:(
Kendra has just left with my husband to meet my parents and she will spend a few days with them, she has found the summer to be very boring, most of her friends are busy or gone to lake homes etc. and she is actually looking forward to being back in school.
Other than this, very little to report.
I hope you are all having a better weekend than I am.. many blessings!!
I get migraines but this isn't really that either, just a dull headache with some dizziness that also makes my stomach feel weird from being dizzy, it started early Saturday morning and has continued on and off and I'm still dealing with it today:(
Kendra has just left with my husband to meet my parents and she will spend a few days with them, she has found the summer to be very boring, most of her friends are busy or gone to lake homes etc. and she is actually looking forward to being back in school.
Other than this, very little to report.
I hope you are all having a better weekend than I am.. many blessings!!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Minute Meditations
The Little Way
Why should the everyday tasks of life not reveal the divine any less than larger and more dramatic spiritual gestures do? The world tends to measure success and effectiveness in terms of big numbers: how much money someone makes, how much a person owns, how much they do and so on. But the little way gauges success much differently.
Why should the everyday tasks of life not reveal the divine any less than larger and more dramatic spiritual gestures do? The world tends to measure success and effectiveness in terms of big numbers: how much money someone makes, how much a person owns, how much they do and so on. But the little way gauges success much differently.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Minute Meditations
Seeing God
Seeing God in every moment leads us to total reliance on God in every moment. This little way to faith and trust can help us accept ourselves for who we are, redefine how we see success and failure and cope with suffering and the sacrifices of daily life.
Seeing God in every moment leads us to total reliance on God in every moment. This little way to faith and trust can help us accept ourselves for who we are, redefine how we see success and failure and cope with suffering and the sacrifices of daily life.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Daily Meditations
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 7:1-9
Psalm 48:2-3a, 3b-4, 5-6, 7-8
Matthew 11:20-24 A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture: "It would have remained until this day. . . ." (Matthew 11:23)
Jesus reproaches the faithlessness and self-involvement of the world and the times in which He lived. And while it might not seem so, there is a great comfort in these reproaches because we can see that the world has changed very little. The world still looks upon the everyday miracles of Jesus and assumes that they are its own. People look upon their accomplishments and think they will last forever. We have a whole world that has built a Titanic and that glories in its sturdy, unsinkable nature, having forgotten that if there is strength, it is the strength of God. Jesus need not utter the reproaches for us that He did for His time. It is all too easy to see the dreadful and dire consequences of the lives we lead and the society that we inhabit. But should we lose hope? No indeed! The conditions under which we live, and the conditions of ignorant and ungrateful humanity, follow its basest leanings with the most vigorous intellectual defense of returning to our animal natures. But Jesus is redemption, truth and light. Yes, without Him, we are worthy of nothing but reproaches. But with Him, we become the children of God. At the time Jesus uttered His reproaches, is it to be thought that every person in the cities of which He spoke was without hope? Not at all. The cities were without hope as a whole, but the people within—each of them—could be saved and brought home. And as the number accumulated, indeed, the cities themselves stood a chance of being redeemed. We are ignorant of what happened within those towns after the death of Jesus. Jesus is silent on that matter. They were hopeless without Him, but with Him, they too could come into the light. And so it is with us today. Without Him, there is no hope; we can see no miracles; we can love nothing but ourselves and our basest urges. But with Him, everything is transformed, the reproaches become caresses and our sullen hatred becomes openness and love. If we can hear His voice, we too will "remain to this day [eternity]."
Isaiah 7:1-9
Psalm 48:2-3a, 3b-4, 5-6, 7-8
Matthew 11:20-24 A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture: "It would have remained until this day. . . ." (Matthew 11:23)
Jesus reproaches the faithlessness and self-involvement of the world and the times in which He lived. And while it might not seem so, there is a great comfort in these reproaches because we can see that the world has changed very little. The world still looks upon the everyday miracles of Jesus and assumes that they are its own. People look upon their accomplishments and think they will last forever. We have a whole world that has built a Titanic and that glories in its sturdy, unsinkable nature, having forgotten that if there is strength, it is the strength of God. Jesus need not utter the reproaches for us that He did for His time. It is all too easy to see the dreadful and dire consequences of the lives we lead and the society that we inhabit. But should we lose hope? No indeed! The conditions under which we live, and the conditions of ignorant and ungrateful humanity, follow its basest leanings with the most vigorous intellectual defense of returning to our animal natures. But Jesus is redemption, truth and light. Yes, without Him, we are worthy of nothing but reproaches. But with Him, we become the children of God. At the time Jesus uttered His reproaches, is it to be thought that every person in the cities of which He spoke was without hope? Not at all. The cities were without hope as a whole, but the people within—each of them—could be saved and brought home. And as the number accumulated, indeed, the cities themselves stood a chance of being redeemed. We are ignorant of what happened within those towns after the death of Jesus. Jesus is silent on that matter. They were hopeless without Him, but with Him, they too could come into the light. And so it is with us today. Without Him, there is no hope; we can see no miracles; we can love nothing but ourselves and our basest urges. But with Him, everything is transformed, the reproaches become caresses and our sullen hatred becomes openness and love. If we can hear His voice, we too will "remain to this day [eternity]."
Monday, July 14, 2008
Minute Meditations
Integrity
Jesus calls us to be men and women of integrity. Speak the truth simply and clearly, whatever the cost to you. Where you are right, say so; where you are wrong, acknowledge it. Jesus is the truth. When you stand and walk and speak in truth, he joins himself to you more closely.
Jesus calls us to be men and women of integrity. Speak the truth simply and clearly, whatever the cost to you. Where you are right, say so; where you are wrong, acknowledge it. Jesus is the truth. When you stand and walk and speak in truth, he joins himself to you more closely.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Minute Meditations
His Full Will
Jesus tells us not to dilute the call, not to pick and choose what we want to do. He wants us to bow our stubborn heads and ask God to help us, step by step, to do his full will, his way!
Jesus tells us not to dilute the call, not to pick and choose what we want to do. He wants us to bow our stubborn heads and ask God to help us, step by step, to do his full will, his way!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Minute Meditations
Greatest Treasure:
Happy and blessed are those who consider God to be their greatest treasure. They spend their lives seeking to make him their portion. Is Jesus the highest priority of your life? Is he the center of your life, around whom everything else revolves?
Happy and blessed are those who consider God to be their greatest treasure. They spend their lives seeking to make him their portion. Is Jesus the highest priority of your life? Is he the center of your life, around whom everything else revolves?
A quick update
I just realized that I haven't taken the time to do much blogging about me and my family for a bit, so I thought I would sneak in a few moments and catch up:)
Well, today the kids and I ran over to North Dakota (about 24 miles from us) so we could take advantage of a larger town and look for a dress for Kendra as she will be going to a wedding in August with my parents, we had good luck and found a cute dress at Gordman's for just $16!!!
She will still need some shoes but she is not touchy about where we get them, pay-less, target, etc. so that won't be a problem.
Well, today the kids and I ran over to North Dakota (about 24 miles from us) so we could take advantage of a larger town and look for a dress for Kendra as she will be going to a wedding in August with my parents, we had good luck and found a cute dress at Gordman's for just $16!!!
She will still need some shoes but she is not touchy about where we get them, pay-less, target, etc. so that won't be a problem.
Matt and Alex resumed their park and rec activities after having a week off for the fourth of July holiday. Matt enjoyed bowling yesterday as part of his club kid activity.
Summer is going so fast or so it feels like it to me, I'm just trying to enjoy each day with my kids and spend more time with them and less blogging, so if I don't post as often that is why.. just taking time to enjoy my blessings and remembering not to take them for granted.
I hope July is going wonderful for all of you, my dear blog friends:)
Many Blessings!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Coupons
Coupons (on the thoughts of some of my other favorite blogs "frugal" I thought I would share this site where you can print coupons:)
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Minute Meditations
Open our hearts
When we open our hearts to the living Word, we open our lives to the living Christ. He will teach and admonish us, challenge and convict us, and he will raise us up and bring us to the fullness of life!
When we open our hearts to the living Word, we open our lives to the living Christ. He will teach and admonish us, challenge and convict us, and he will raise us up and bring us to the fullness of life!
Monday, July 7, 2008
My new must have
Is this stuff even good for you? I decided to try the diet Rockstar a month ago and since then.. I must have one any chance I get... maybe a few a week (they are kinda on the spendy side)
Supposedly they have vitamins and such in them that is supposed to give you a natural energy boost and I must admit they do just that and if I have one I don't need any coffee or diet soda etc.
When I'm having a particularly tiring day or just need that boost that coffee doesn't always give me.. boy.. drink this right before you want to clean your house... super powers me thinks:)
If these are bad for me.. I'm in trouble... I hope they don't contain a bunch of stuff that is bad for my liver, etc. :(
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Minute Meditations
Never To Die Again!!
We cannot imagine what that moment was like when Christ broke from the tomb, glorious, never to die again. And that’s going to happen to us! By the same Holy Spirit we are destined to live forever: That’s fantastic!
We cannot imagine what that moment was like when Christ broke from the tomb, glorious, never to die again. And that’s going to happen to us! By the same Holy Spirit we are destined to live forever: That’s fantastic!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Blow out those candles!!!
Alex got to blow out the candles for Jim's birthday cake as Jim has a cold and didn't want to spread his germs to the rest of us, Alex was thrilled:)Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Minute Meditations
Suffering and hope
In the face of suffering, hardship and defeat, when all seems lost and God seems absent, surrender to God is about continuing to trust and believe that, despite all evidence to the contrary, God is still with us…and raises us up to new life…a life in which the scars of our pain are not erased or denied, but transformed into a sign of hope.
In the face of suffering, hardship and defeat, when all seems lost and God seems absent, surrender to God is about continuing to trust and believe that, despite all evidence to the contrary, God is still with us…and raises us up to new life…a life in which the scars of our pain are not erased or denied, but transformed into a sign of hope.
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