tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194994810442406852024-03-14T10:58:41.999-07:00The Stationary MissionA Journey to CompletionThe Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-36517766364312886502013-07-18T17:39:00.001-07:002013-07-18T17:41:56.324-07:00Mission of MotherhoodToday is my last day of 'family vacation'. I came to NJ earlier this week to join my sister and brother-in-law at their summer rental and my parents were here as well. <div><br></div><div>If I haven't mentioned before, my sister has 4 children. A 4 1/2 year old boy, 3 year old twins (one girl, one boy), and an 8 month old girl. Yes, we all know, yikes!</div><div><br></div><div>There have been many precious moments between all of us. On the flip side, there has been many insane moments as well. This short week with them has led me to believe that all moms have answered a call to be a missionary. </div><div><br></div><div>Here are my reasons:</div><div><br></div><div>1. <b>Nothing is about you. </b>Your agenda, your best intentions, your desires come last, if ever at all in the grand scheme of your life. You willingly lay that down for those you serve. (Ok, so maybe you fight it, kick, and scream, but you do it nonetheless) </div><div><br></div><div>2. <b>You (apparently) speak a different language than everyone else. </b>On a mission, you may try to speak the language of the people you serve. As a mom, you <i>are</i> speaking the right language. When you speak, no one seems to understand. And just as with foreign languages, speaking louder doesn't always mean they understand you better. </div><div><br></div><div>3. <span style="font-weight: bold; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Clothe the naked? Give drink to the thirsty? Feed the hungry?</span> Oh yes! Start the lines! Apparently growing children are just as hungry as the poor and needy! </div><div><br></div><div>4. <b>Sacrifice and love are required at all times. </b>I can't think of any person in any of these vocations that does not have an understanding of sacrificial love. It truly is not an option. I am so grateful to have so many witnesses of this in my life. </div><div><br></div><div>5. <b>You can always expect the unexpected. </b>Whether a vehicle breaks down or a child throws up, there always seems to be a wrench thrown into your plans. It's best to not be caught off guard by the wrench and just keep an eye out for it! Sure the wrench may still show up, but at least you won't have a black eye! </div><div><br></div><div>So, mothers, even if you never leave your home state (or town even), you <i style="font-weight: bold; ">are </i>on a mission. God has called you and you have said yes. </div>The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-13227510044544307712013-04-24T13:36:00.001-07:002013-04-24T13:50:24.180-07:00Now That's a Mission!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the past couple of days, I've been searching for inspiration for a post. I opened my 'Laudate' app on my iPhone and went to the Saint of the Day section. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Capuchin Priest and Martyr (1577-1622). In a nutshell, he became a priest and desired martyrdom. Yes, desired to die for the Catholic faith. He was sent on a mission. His mission was to correct the heresy of Calvin and he was attacked by Protestants who were trying to convince him to change his views. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His reponse is amazing, "I came to refute your errors, not to embrace them; I will never renounce the Catholic doctrine, which is the truth of all ages, and I fear not death." Then they killed him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <em>Reference: Lives of the Saints, by Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. ed. [1894]</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow. I think of all of the wishy washy talk we have today between Catholics and other religions. The notion that "we just have to be good people" is everywhere. Not to mention the quote that's been whizzing around facebook by Ghandi: "We must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty" This quote seems to oversimplify things. Through our fallen human nature, we all have a little dirt. We will all fall to sin, even if we all don't turn into terrorists. A better statement might be, "Although fallen, humanity has a great capacity to do good"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong, the quote from Ghandi and being a good person sounds nice, doesn't it? Toss in the word tolerance and I'll really make my blog a hit. But, I must focus in on the issues with these ideas. The above quote makes me think of an anology. When you buy a bunch of grapes, sometimes, you pick a few to eat and they are sour. But you try one more, and it tastes fine. In that respect, Ghandi's statement above is true. Just because a few are sour, it didn't mean the whole bunch is a loss. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We are not grapes. We are human beings, so we must rely on what we know from the instructions given to us by Jesus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't recall, and please correct me if I am speaking wrongly, anytime where Jesus said "just be good", or "just make nice". I do recall He said to follow Him, keep His commandments, and that no one could go to the Father except through Him. I also recall the story in which He tells us, if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and so on. It is better to be in Heaven and missing one part than for your whole body to be in hell. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't recall Him ever sitting at a table of Pharisees, and saying, "Well, I disagree but if you're happy, then that's okay". He taught them, tried to show them a better way, while always loving them. Even with tough love when he threw the tables that one time. Jesus was killed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">St. Fidelis did not say to those ready to kill him, "Wait, don't kill me, I'll go back home, and you can keep on teaching your new found understanding of Scripture". He boldly claimed, "I came to refute your errors...I fear not death."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pray that I can become more like Christ and St. Fidelis, and boldly claim: I fear not ridicule, persecution, and most of all death, but I must speak the truth of the Catholic faith. May we all be bold witnesses on our daily mission in our lives. Just remember, how can we fear death when we know what Jesus won for us?</span>The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-61664478073462183762013-04-16T22:01:00.000-07:002013-04-17T13:22:04.543-07:00The Least Mission<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight, I went to a prayer group ta my parish. Due to the bombing in Boston on Monday, we had some quiet prayer time for the victims and their families. Toward the end of the night, there was a time to voice prayer intentions. A woman prayed for the "ones who commit these evils, that love will win out in their hearts." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Immediately, my mind jumped back to December. Here in CT, the Newtown shooting took place and I found myself so upset with the media and even those dear to me in how they were speaking of Adam, the shooter. In all of the media reports, even now, they recall the tragic loss of 26 people that day (20 students, 6 teachers). They leave out two other victims from their minds: Adam and his mother who he shot before heading to the elementary school. As I thought of him and the bombers, I thought of one of my favorite scripture passages that, to me, is all about missionary work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The passage is from Matthew's gospel, chapter 25, verses 34-36,40):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visitied Me; I was in prison and you came to Me...Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to me.'</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's easy to read the passage above and volunteer our time serving the needy, bringing food to a food pantry, donating clothes to Goodwill. Helping those less fortunate is not that difficult for us to do. These things are greatly important, but is something missing? I am reminded of a talk I heard Scott Hahn give in which he made it clear that Jesus spoke very specifically. (He was talking about in John's Gospel, the Bread of Life discourse). If Jesus wanted to be speaking figuratively about the Eucharist, he would have said so, but he didn't. And here, in this passage, He does not speak ambiguosly about who we need to serve. <strong><em>"Even the least" </em></strong>is the direction. While there are easy ways to support the people who are in the category of <strong><em>"less than us," </em></strong>it's important to remember the least. It is difficult to pray for them, let alone outright help them, but we can. And we are commanded to. If we miss the mark on this, Jesus speaks very clearly about what will happen later in that same passage (Matthew 25:41-43,45-46):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sin, and in prison, and you did not visit Me...Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are so many people that are unseen, that are worse off than the poor, hungry, naked, and thirsty. Those who are on the verge of losing their souls to hell need us to see them. We need to be misisomnaries for them. Our prayers can have the power to introduce some inkling of loe into their lost hearts. God's mercy is endless, so must our prayers be for these, truly the least of our brothers and sisters on this earth. The ones who's hatred, misunderstanding, rage, confusion can cause them to commit such horrors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>*Bible passages are from the New American Standard translation, taken from </em></span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Bible Gateway</em></span></a>The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-46620569371572903132013-04-15T21:23:00.002-07:002013-04-17T13:22:42.937-07:00Mary's Mission<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight, as I was trying to sleep, I began to pray a rosary. (Admittedly, I only started praying with hopes that I'd fall asleep before the first decade was over) While I was praying, I was contemplating the reading I had just done from my consecration preparation book, 33 Days to Morning Glory. </span><a href="http://www.allheartsafire.org/begin/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Consecration Info Here)</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The reading for the past 2 days have been about the importance and logical reason to give everything to Mary by means of consecration. The main focus is giving her everything right down to the merits of our prayers to use as she pleases. The author, Fr. Michael Gaitley, presents our human issues with this idea. He surmises that we would be hesitant because normally we'd like to tell God, Jesus, and even Mary how to spend the merits of our prayers. For example, if we say a rosary, we want to dictate who that rosary should benefit. Through consecration to Mary, we give up that 'control' and we place our trust in Mary's generosity, according to Fr. Gaitley. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While praying, I started to think of the people I wanted to offer up my rosary for. Then I thought of the people Mary might know of that needed my rosary. One group is definitely larger. Then it hit me. How many souls can be reached through the grace and merits of one person's prayers if we let Mary have control?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The answer is: an unfathomable number of souls. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The idea is that together with Mary, through this consecration of our heart to hers, we can accomplish this mission for souls without ever leaving home. Through this offering of our total self, including the merits of our prayer or sacrifice, we can be great missionaries. The excitement of this thought might be why I got out of bed just to type this all up, rather than fall asleep. I hope it excites you too! If you made a consecration before but have lost site of it, like I did, renew with a new preparation. If you have never done one, check it out! The next start date (that finishes with consecration on the feast of the Visitation) is April 28th. </span></div>
The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-91544076890122007912013-04-14T14:07:00.002-07:002013-04-17T13:23:29.308-07:00Fishing and Shepherding<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have attended Catholic Mass this weekend, you heard the Gospel reading from John 21:1-19 (or 1-14 if they did the shorter version). </span><br />
<br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the homily, I caught this one thing the priest said that I felt needed to be reflected on further. He said, "Today's gospel reading is mostly fishing and shepherding."</span><br />
<br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first half of this passage, we see the disciples were at sea fishing, having no luck. Jesus was on the shore and instructed where to cast for fish. They followed his instruction and were successful. </span><br />
<br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second half of this passage, we see Jesus speaking to Simon Peter:</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">"<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">He then said to Simon Peter a second time, </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">“Simon, son of John, do you love me?” </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Jesus said to him the third time, </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">“Simon, son of John, do you love me?” </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">“Do you love me?” and he said to him, </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep."</span></span></span></i></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It may seem strange that these two things are chosen to be read together in one Sunday. Looking at the surface level only, what does fishing and shepherding even have to do with each other? When we look deeper, we see not only the importance of them together, but even the reason for their order. </span><br />
<br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Think earlier in the story of Jesus, when he is gathering the disciples, he tells them at one point "I will make you fishers of men". Here, in the most simplest understanding, Jesus reminds them of this original call and that when they follow His direction, there will be triumph in the task. Put yourself in their shoes, life was good. They knew Jesus to be the Savior, then he died and appeared to them twice before this encounter. I am certain they must have been confused, processing all that had happened, trying to figure out exactly what they needed to do. He came to them this third time, "cast your nets to the right". As if to say, "don't you remember? Your task is simple, fish for men where I lead you". </span><br />
<br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After reminding them of their <b>mission</b>, Jesus confirms the love Peter has for him and makes certain he is clear that his mission to lead the charge. Peter confessed his love for Jesus and was entrusted to feed and care for the lambs and sheep that belonged to God. </span><br />
<br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, what does that mean for us? Maybe it means we should stand ready to here the voice of Jesus telling us where to 'cast our nets'. Maybe it means listening and obeying the ones who have confessed their love for Christ in a special way who have been entrusted with leading the charge in Peter's footsteps. </span>The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-32640473735228830502013-04-13T10:30:00.000-07:002013-04-17T13:23:56.083-07:00Renew the Mission<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi everyone,</span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a long time, but I've realized I need to get back to blogging. Today, I saw a link to an article on my news feed and I just had to read it. It was about Pope Francis and reform in the Church. (</span><a href="http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/pope-francis-and-the-reform-of-the-laity/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out the article!</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">)</span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the article is this beautiful quote from the Holy Father: </span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><i>The layperson is a layperson and has to live as a layperson with the power of baptism, which enables him to be a leaven of the love of God in society itself, to create and sow hope, to proclaim the faith, not from a pulpit but from his everyday life. And like all of us, the layperson is called to carry his daily cross — the cross of the layperson, not of the priest." </i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was set on fire by this statement. The power of baptism...a leaven of love of God in society...proclaim the faith...from his everyday life. Immediately, those words led me to the very name of this blog. The Stationary Mission. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After months of sitting idly by in this life, the realization comes in an instance to remind me what our purpose is in this life. While I struggled with the lack of desire to get more involved <i>inside</i> the Church, our Pope is encouraging us to get involved <i>outside</i> the Church. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While many of us are "stationary" in the sense that we frequent the same places most of our days (work, home, Church, local restaurants/stores, etc.), we are, in fact, missionaries. Why? Did we <i>"feel the call"</i> to missionary work? Did we receive some form of <i>enlightenment or unique gift</i> to serve in this way? </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not exactly. We are<b> baptized</b>. We are baptized into family with God as<b> priest, prophet, and king</b>. We must bring grace to the people outside of the Church who so greatly need it. We must preach with loving words and humble example to those we meet everyday. Men who have answered the call to ordained ministry in the Church have their duties to attend to, and they need our prayers. We lay people have our duties, our mission, to attend to. I am certain we have their prayers as well.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where are you lay people? Are you awake? Are you ready? <b>Get going!</b></span></span>The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-15729601729239399192012-01-20T11:35:00.000-08:002012-01-22T20:55:54.045-08:007 Quick Takes - Healthy LivingHi Everyone!!<br />
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Here are this week's quick takes with an overall theme of healthy living. Please check out Jen @ <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/">Conversion Diary</a> where 7 Quick Takes is hosted!!<br />
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NFP/NaproTechnology. Back in October, I started learning more about the Creighton Model System of Natural Family Planning. What? I'm not married, I'm not even engaged, right? The earlier the better, especially if you are unsure of your body and have some issues you are concerned about. The Creighton Model focuses on observing signs given by your body throughout a woman's cycle to detect any issues, plan/avoid pregnancy and when followed strictly as directed, is 99% effective for pregnancy planning. My teacher recommended that I see a NaproTechnology doctor. I said, "well I just have a bunch of PMS, it's not a big deal". And she said, "There is treatment for that".</div>
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I went in and had no fears because I knew this doctor was not only Catholic, but pro-life and would <b><i>never</i> </b>tell me to go on "the pill". That made me feel immediately at ease. So, I'm taking vitamins and once I get some bloodwork done, will start taking some hormones to balance out what I'm lacking in to help my body function normally. I'm so excited to get this figured out way before I need to worry about it within marriage. Trust me ladies, if you can learn this now, get a handle on it! Once the engagement/marriage happens, it will be a <b>lot</b> to learn on top of everything else!</div>
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Seeing this new doctor led me to see that it is time to change my eating habits. The main reason is that I need to lose weight. I've never been okay to admit that before, but I know it is solely because my body <i style="font-weight: bold;">needs</i> to be in better shape. I am confident now more than ever in my own skin as far as self esteem goes. Now it is time to treat my body for what it is: a temple of the Holy Spirit made in God's image and likeness to do His will. I can't do that if I'm constantly stuffing it with fast food/take out. In my search, through an old high school teacher, I have found this awesome website called <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/">Local Harvest</a> which will help you find local farms to purchase fresh produce, meats, etc. My favorite part is I found 2 farms in my state that sell <i style="font-weight: bold;">grass fed beef</i>. One that offers online ordering/shipping! I haven't had time yet to search for good produce places yet, but I'll keep on searching! What an exciting journey!</div>
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Since I've started taking my vitamins (Vit D3 and Magnesium), and only slightly changed things about sleep, I've noticed I've felt more refreshed than I have in a long time once I'm awake for the day. The best part about that is having the energy to work out. <b>Gasp!</b> Did Kristina just say <i>WORK OUT?</i> Yes, yes I did. I'm only 2 days into it and day one was a hot mess. I am on this train. I dug out my Turbo Jam DVDs by Chalene Johnson that I had gotten from <a href="http://www.beachbody.com/">Beach Body</a> 2 years ago and won't put them away!</div>
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You can find something just for you on that site, I promise! They also have a "live gym" where you can log/schedule workouts, invite work out buddies, find groups for people using Beach Body programs in your area. I've got a friend who is a beach body coach, and she's always offering free samples of Shakeology which is a yummy meal replacement shake. I'm going to try it out when their new Tropical Strawberry flavor comes out soon. Best part is, I believe they are gluten and soy <b>free!</b><i> (That's hard to find in meal replacement shakes, trust me!)</i></div>
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I've also considered going Gluten Free over the past 6 months, but never am in a place where I feel like I could tackle it. Just today, on facebook, a friend mentioned she was considering it too. One of her friends suggested Jerusalem Artichoke Pasta (<a href="http://www.deboles.com/products/organic-pasta.php">found here</a>) and another friend suggested a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Free-Shoestring-Recipes-Eating-Cheap/dp/073821423X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327087669&sr=8-1">Cook Book!</a> for inexpensive gluten free recipes! Can't wait to check these out!</div>
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~5~</div>
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If you are on the healthy train, and someone brings up homeopathic remedies, how can you even try to refuse? A store very near my house sells the remedies so I'm currently taking one for acne to see how it works. I'm day 2 of 3 of taking it and will definitely try to remember to post results! I also got one for lower back pain to try during PMS. The great part is I'm not adding any unnatural drugs into my system and even if the remedies don't work, it's not hurting my body!</div>
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~6~</div>
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I'm also trying to stay happy. It helps that I'm about to leave for the 2nd weekend in a row to see my niece and nephews! They always make me happy! A happy Auntie and is a healthy Auntie. </div>
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~7~</div>
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I leave you with a video of my favorite song:
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Have a great weekend everybody!</div>
<br />The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-79877372178310460392012-01-02T12:27:00.000-08:002012-01-02T12:31:39.281-08:00Happy New Year!Happy New Year everyone!<br />
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This new year, I've decided to continue on the journey I've been on since late October. I posted about how I went on a retreat and it changed pretty much everything in my life. Well, I gladly report that things have only gotten better.<br />
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There is such joy and freedom in knowing the only one who can love my unconditionally is God, my father. You may think, "wouldn't it be better to have more people love you?" and sure, I may be tempted to say yes. I am going to have to say "NO" to that. The fact of the matter is that only God is perfect and therefore only God can love me perfectly, completely, and unconditionally. To expect that from another human being is like expecting them to lift me up off the floor by staring at me. Impossible!<br />
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This experience of God's loving me for me has led me to really strive to make things better for my body. The ultimate part that I struggle with is a diet. No, not a "I really want to be super skinny and lose weight fast" sort of diet, but a healthy eating lifestyle. I eat more fast food than I am willing to admit. Lately, when it's not fast food, it's some other restaurant on "the hill" behind my house.<br />
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I'm looking forward to all that this year has to bring, especially getting healthier overall and trying to help my body function as it should. It won't always be easy (mostly because a couple new vitamins I started taking are <i style="font-weight: bold;">very </i>large), but I know it is worth it. God has called me to be on this earth for a purpose, and I must do what I have to in order to do the best I can to give back to Him.<br />
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Music is definitely helping. I was finally able to find this cd I wanted. Amanda Stott. If you are in the US, you can only buy the cd on Amazon or something, not from iTunes because it's only released in the Canada iTunes store. The album is called Chasing the Sky. I wanted it because I had heard her sing Paper Rain on Pandora radio. I'm overwhelmed at how each song describes a different aspect of my life. Here's a part of "My Real Life":<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I wait in the water as the stream rushes by</i></div>
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<i>I go deeper and deeper and I wish I could fly</i></div>
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<i>Far from this moment and away from my past</i></div>
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<i>How do I discover all I see through this glass?</i></div>
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<i>How will I know when I have finally broken through?</i></div>
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<i>There's a world out there and it's all brand-new</i></div>
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<i>This is my dream life,</i><i><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i>When will my real life begin,</i></div>
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<i>When will I find myself,</i><i><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i>When will this dreaming end?</i></div>
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<i>I've waited so long...</i><i><div style="display: inline !important;">
<i>This is my time</i></div>
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<i>When will my real life begin?</i></div>
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I pray you all have an amazing year filled with growth and blessings! Amen!The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-84926453560324088372011-11-27T20:22:00.001-08:002011-11-27T20:33:02.070-08:00Torn to ShredsI am so torn in this very moment. <br />
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The only thing that springs to mind is the song "If I had a million dollars"!<br />
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Out of nowhere, I got this irky feeling in my heart tonight. <em>I miss Haiti!</em> <br />
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There is a trip in January, but I have major projects going on at work. (I also want to go back to school for Photography, whether that means a traditional semester/college thing or a year long seminar type thing, I don't know yet)<br />
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All things are prohibited by one thing. My job. Which is not truly the blocker. The things that are paid for by the job really are. The biggest of that being my rent. I've actually always struggled with the desire to leave my "9-5" job. Maybe because when I left college at 19, I immediately started working a Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm job and haven't stopped since. I missed the years of monthly winter breaks, spring breaks, summer breaks from May to August. Now, I support myself completely. <br />
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I am not complaining, just pondering. There are things in life I know God is calling me to do. The two things that are specifically clear are to be a part of Mission Haiti and to dive into Photography. How can I do that while working full time?<br />
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I know I can be a <em>stationary mission</em> as far as Haiti goes, through prayer and monetary support, but how does one be a <em>stationary photographer</em>? <br />
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"If I had a million dollars..."The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-62953697324360877742011-11-20T18:28:00.001-08:002011-11-20T20:03:01.641-08:00Christ the King...Last night, I was able to attend <a href="http://www.catholicundergroundct.com/">Catholic Underground CT's November Event</a> last night. I had only been to one Catholic Underground before and it was years ago and in NY. <br />
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I had no idea that today was the Feast of Christ the King. There was a brief homily after the reading. We heard that in Latin, the words actually translate "Christ the King of". I could not stop smiling the entire time in the chapel after he made that statement. Christ is King of...<em>everything</em>. The person who was speaking (I apologize for not remembering his name) said, "of the created world and anything uncreated".<br />
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Christ will reign as King over any thing to come into creation until the end of created things. The vastness of our God is unimaginable. The small things I constantly stumble over pale in comparison to the greatness of His reign, but He is King of those small things too. He is King of the universe. He is the King of my heart.<br />
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Most importantly, I have to allow Christ to reign as King of my mind. The parts of my mind that are so prone to my human nature, and to sin. The weakness in me that leads me to give into the temptations that fill into my mind need to be <em><strong>reigned by His Kingship.</strong> </em>Then, and only then, can I triump in the victory that He won for me on the cross. <br />
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Thank you for your sacrifice, my shepard and my <strong><em>King!</em></strong><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/d61LamkXfwk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-88369036923368922232011-11-18T07:09:00.001-08:002011-11-18T07:33:35.187-08:007 Quick Takes-Friday!7 Quick Take Friday- Hosted by Jennifer at <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2011/11/7-quick-takes-friday-vol-152.html">Conversion Diary!</a> Be sure to check out her 7 Quick Takes!<br />
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I haven't done this in a while, but getting back to the blog scene. Here we go!<br />
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1~ The sun is out today and although I'm still feeling sick, I will try to go out locally with my camera! I haven't shot any pictures in over a week and feel like I'm going to lose my touch!<br />
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2~ I have cooked a ridiculous amount of food this week. I went grocery shopping and in my efforts to eat better and stop wasting money on cut-rate food at the restaurant at work, I bought tons of groceries. I got fall veggies, chicken/beef broth, turkey sausage, eggs, beans, ground turkey, healthy pasta. I spend a lot of money and have been cooking like a hound to avoid wasting a single thing. So far the only thing I lost was one red pepper.<br />
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3~ First, I made a big Turkey Chili. Froze about half in a large container (to take out if friends come over), the rest in small containers and left one in the fridge for dinner). That same day, I cleaned one bunch of escarole and made sauteed Escarole and Beans. Then I roasted a Spaghetti Squash. I made a small sauce to go over that to bring for lunch!<br />
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4~ On Monday, I made a small sauce to go over the spaghetti squash to bring for lunch!<br />
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5~ Wednesday, I washed all the dishes from cooking so far <strong><em>and</em></strong> blanched Cauliflower/Brussell Sprouts to freeze them. I think I might do this from now on with veggies that are only really fresh certain times of the year. <br />
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6~ Last night, I made Escarole and Bean soup with the other bunch of escarole, and made Sweet Potato soup also. I froze the Sweet Potato soup. I now have soup for the rest of the week to eat, and a stocked freezer full of homemade food! I also made hard boiled Eggs and a batch of Oatmeal Chocolate Chips!<br />
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7~ Thank you to the internet for recipes and how-to videos. This week would have been a major fail without the following helps: (Check them out for great cooking tips/ideas/guides)<br />
<a href="http://www.google.com/">Google</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/">You Tube</a><br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/">The Food Network</a><br />
<a href="http://www.allotment.org.uk/articles/blanching.PDF">Article (PDF Form) on Blanching</a><br />
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<br />The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-26226639468281630602011-11-16T19:59:00.001-08:002011-11-16T20:34:37.460-08:00God Speaks when We Listen!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I knew. I knew God needed to talk directly to my heart. <i>(Not in the crazy, "God told me to <insert action="" and="" extreme="" ungodly=""> do it" sort of way either)</insert></i> I am not sure I would have ever given in to the prompting had I not gone to confession on my birthday. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After an amazing confession (the kind where you just<i> know</i> it's Jesus present in the Sacrament because such a truth is spoken, it washes away any doubt), I knew. I knew He wanted to speak straight to my heart. I knew I needed Him to to tell me something <i>huge</i>. Was I ready to hear it? I wasn't sure. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The priest told me that if I didn't know the <b>source</b> of my struggle, then I <b><i>didn't know myself</i></b>. Quite the shocker, right? How could I not know myself? I'm 27 years old, I have a job, my own place...I know who I am...I know...right? Then I realized that none of these things define me. I realized how right this priest was. I needed to find myself buried under this struggle that has been plaguing my life. I struggled to face the facts. </span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then it dawned on me. </span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had spent years telling teenagers that God speaks<i> in the silence</i>. I am sure I can speak for many when I say, that just isn't something I find anywhere in my day to day life. I found a place to make a retreat...in Trenton, NJ (about 3 hours away). I was glad though because on that route, I know 2 Christian radio stations so I could leave my<i> iPod distraction</i> at home! I was about 40 minutes away from the place when I heard the following lines of a song called <a href="http://www.jjheller.com/">"Love Me" by JJ Heller</a> (video at the bottom of post!)</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">"...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Then he heard a voice somewhere deep inside a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">nd it said..."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">I have watched you suffer all of your life a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">nd now that you'll listen I'll, I'll tell you that I...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">I will love you for you n</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">ot for what you have done...I wil</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">l love you for you, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">I will give you the love, t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">he love that you never knew..."</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I began to cry. Then I thought, "Wait, no...not here in the car...I can't have this major revelation in the <i style="font-weight: bold;">car!</i> It needs to be in a chapel, quiet...or <i style="font-weight: bold;">something more holy!</i>" Of course that is not true. As soon as we are willing to listen, God is ready to speak. Those words broke through to the core of my heart. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I now I knew the source, I was ready to see it, sit with it, and begin to invite God's healing love into the wounds. I left that weekend of silence knowing more than ever that my God loves me for me! He created me so of course He loves me. It has been amazing! I hope the song can help you too...</span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/PgGUKWiw7Wk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-1952422693674907632011-11-08T17:19:00.000-08:002011-11-08T17:19:45.901-08:00Photo Clarity - Meditation on Scripture<br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the Gospel of Matthew, is one of my favorite stories (parables). The Parable of the Sower. In it, Jesus explains what happens when people hear about the Kingdom of Heaven. Depending on where their hearts are depends on what they hear and take away from it. You can check out the full parable over at </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13&version=NASB"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bible Gateway, feel free to check out just about any edition of the Bible there!</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are familiar with it, when you see the image, it will most likely make sense to you, but if not, I will highlight the parable piece and it's explanation, then share a short meditation. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQ8kpiMaOIF87p5JIOpZIPy2c2FoLKYDTxusbeE9xfKMxfuAW-J58S3S5hg_4Qg5isIZ7k-x3wiv_WzCR-sB6EtM1tpcVwDZ5Tz1M6rjvwqxapQmrhYLswpRyhGRPsnKFap9IJmJ6QIA/s1600/179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQ8kpiMaOIF87p5JIOpZIPy2c2FoLKYDTxusbeE9xfKMxfuAW-J58S3S5hg_4Qg5isIZ7k-x3wiv_WzCR-sB6EtM1tpcVwDZ5Tz1M6rjvwqxapQmrhYLswpRyhGRPsnKFap9IJmJ6QIA/s400/179.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"...Behold, the sower went out to sow; ...Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them out..." -Matthew 13:3,7 </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="woj">"When anyone hears the word of the kingdom...</span><span class="woj">the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful..." -Matthew 13: 19,22</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">While I am certain that one tree was growing around the broken one and the broken one was probably broken by a storm, not due to the "choking" of the winding one, I thought this displayed this concept so beautifully in nature. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">How many times do we feel "choked" by the constant stress of this life? Are we able to do anything fruitful during these times? I bet mostly not. St. Theresa of Avila asserts in her book, Interior Castles, that a soul in mortal sin can not bare fruit, even in doing good acts. When we let the "deceitfulness of wealth" get in the way of our lives, we often get caught up in our pride, our wants, and focus only on ourselves. A life focused on selfish desires and needs leads very little room for fruit. How can we lay our lives down for others, lend a helping hand, be involved with our families, if we can't get beyond our own needs and wants? I would love to meet someone who can manage to be selfish and selfless at the same time. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial;">Interestingly enough, when we hear God's word, the invitation to give our lives as a means of love for others, it is no surprise that it makes no sense to us. Society surely does not support this calling. Yet Jesus tells us, that seed that falls on good ground, those who hear the word of God and cultivate it in their <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hearts, <strong><span style="color: black;">"this is the man who hears the word and understands it...indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some </span><span style="color: black;">a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty." (Matthew 13:23)</span></strong></span></span>The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-29247555437710055792011-11-07T19:49:00.000-08:002011-11-07T19:49:32.895-08:00Photo Illusion-Meditation on the CrossThis past weekend, I took myself on retreat. Long story short, they had beautiful grounds. I took tons of pictures, you can check out some of them <a href="http://scenesfrommylife24.blogspot.com/">here!</a> The strange thing is there were certain images I saw in the nature surrounding me that was not just simply beautiful. There was something more than just beauty. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtbZ5FyW4EPXmZIRy-P7FDSwycHlpVlZ0NcRZxs0MV_wlea0MK3lF8krmYeTncdPYCt8O43ieGXdGTOYBz6E1qfGyt1Z6KsJHRCcQllFemtKLZo58cml2R6Xc799AY-hG9_TtDwJfvDY/s1600/174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtbZ5FyW4EPXmZIRy-P7FDSwycHlpVlZ0NcRZxs0MV_wlea0MK3lF8krmYeTncdPYCt8O43ieGXdGTOYBz6E1qfGyt1Z6KsJHRCcQllFemtKLZo58cml2R6Xc799AY-hG9_TtDwJfvDY/s320/174.JPG" width="228" /></a></div>
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This picture is one of them. Honestly, if you think you see a mess, you are right. But look deeper. Think deeper. There was a song we used to sing when I was in the children's choir way back when. I couldn't find it online but when I saw this tree, one line popped into my head, "three empty crosses, stood on a hill...". </div>
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If you have studied crucifixion at all, from what I remember, the vertical post was already at the place of crucifixion and the condemned person had to carry the horizontal piece on their shoulders, not like most images we see of Christ carrying the entire cross. Then what was left was the posts. I imagine they were re-used and not left to become overgrown...but I couldn't help ponder this. Is this image similar to what became of the area where Christ was crucified between the other two men? Simple wooden posts, overgrown, forgotten. The great meaning not only the middle post had, for the obvious reasons that it held our God, suffering for our sins, but also the one man who died assured of Heaven due to his faith in Christ at the end. The third post reminding us of the cost of pride and sin. Years later, overgrown, did people pass by that place and wonder what once had been? Not realizing what sacred ground they walked across? Ground that once was soaked with the blood of Jesus? The very blood I wait in line to receive at Mass?</div>
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This led to the thought of how many times we pass by Jesus on the crucifixes in our own Churches, in our homes, in schools (Religious ones of course), and forget the blood shed for our sins. We do not have to travel to the hill of Calvary to walk that sacred ground where our Lord's blood was shed. We see that Sacrifice every time we go to Mass. How often do we not even notice it then? How often do we let our distractions win out instead of giving into the truest desires of our hearts to be drawn closer to Him? How many opportunities are we given to be thankful for our salvation? How many times do we walk by?</div>
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Let us take a moment, in whatever we do in a day, and thank Him for the cross!</div>The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-83660258231032206382011-04-29T07:37:00.000-07:002011-04-29T07:37:39.987-07:007 Quick Takes Friday!!!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Thanks to Jeniffer over at </span><a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Conversion Diary</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> for hosting 7 Quick Takes for Friday!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Here is what's up:</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">~1~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Photos Required:</strong> I now believe that in life on the internet, photos ought to be required. For instance, when you choose to date online or go apartment hunting online. I wouldn't buy a skirt or dress or jeans online without seeing a picture, so why would I choose to meet someone or consider living in a place without even getting a glimpse of the person or place? Isn't a date or home much more important than jeans? skirts? dresses? I think so! So beware, if you are trying to rent an apartment to me or get a date with me, please, draw me in with a photo. This is mostly because I saw a listing for an apartment in my desired town and it exclaimed, "A MUST SEE..." but had <strong>no pictures!</strong> I guess it isn't as 'must see' since I can't see it right now. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">~2~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Royal Wedding:</strong> I wish there would be less hype over this. It is a wedding of two prominent figures, yes, but at the end of the day, a wedding is a wedding. You may be thinking, "But Kristina, you love all things wedding/marriage". You are right, however, I'd rather have the spotlight on couples who are entering into <strong>Holy Marriages</strong> rather than <strong>Royal </strong>or <strong>Grand Weddings. </strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">~3~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Apartment Hunting: </strong>I've decided to raise my rent budget to try to find more of what I am actually looking for. I went to see a place last night that was closer to the top of my previous budget, included no utilities and was smaller than my first apartment, plus the laundry room is on the other side of the complex. If I want a nice place, I can raise my stakes a bit, as long as it includes the utilities, and actually love the place I live. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">~4~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Clothes: </strong>I got the clothes I ordered from my favorite store <a href="http://www.athleta.com/">Athleta</a>!! I am returning the dresses because they don't fit <em>right. </em>They do fit, but look funny...which is sad becuase they were so comfortable on and modest! The skirts are wonderful though! I really recommend everyone go to the site, and splurge on at least one of their "Whatever Skorts" becuase they are just the most comfortable, modest, yet still stylish and attractive thing I will ever wear. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">~5~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Happy Hour:</strong> One of my supervisors just asked me if I got the email a month ago that we're doing a work Happy Hour tonight after work. I said no, but tell me when and where. I am so happy! I needed a pick me up this week and having some laughs and a drink with my co-workers is just perfect! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">~6~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Casino: </strong>Apparently having a weekend free is the perfect plan. A friend just text me and invited me out to the casino. Again, another night of fun, I could not be more excited. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">~7~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Prayers:</strong> Please pray for my family. My great-aunt passed away on Good Friday. As beautiful of a day that was to go, my family has just had a rough couple of years. 2 of my grandmother's brothers and now her sister have passed, my grandfather found he had to have a tumor removed from his lung after completing a battle of prostate cancer, and now has a 'spot' on his bladder. Last year, my sister had some troubles after giving birth to the twins and many other things happened for us. It seems like we all just keep getting hit again and again. We are trying to be strong but it is taxing on the spirit and mind. Pray we can handle God's will in our lives, no matter what that may be! Thank you! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hope you are all enjoying your Easter season. God Bless!</div>The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-71874290420564311102011-04-18T08:12:00.000-07:002011-04-18T08:12:48.699-07:00Stylish ModestyIf you haven't caught my current drift, I'm on a bit of a modesty kick. <br />
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I believe that at the moment, my heart is in dire need to catch up with my head. I am sure you are all aware of how sometimes, it is so easy to know in our minds how we are to act, speak, and ultimately live as Christian women. We can spout out why we do what we do, how things should be done, and we can preach all day long about "should" and "should <em>not</em>", but sometimes our hearts are left far behind where are heads have gotten to. <br />
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I can teach and break down many of the Church's teachings on human dignity, sexuality, chastity, and modesty. Yet I struggle to believe it in my heart. With anything, when my heart struggles to catch up to be passionate as my mind is, I must fall back onto the age old testament, "fake it till you make it". <br />
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So I am diving head first into reading and searching all things regarding human dignity in order to jump start my heart to be where my mind is. I know what is right and what is wrong but for some reason, my heart is not in a place where it is passionately working to accomplish all things "right". I share this because I feel alone in it, and I feel if I share it, I will find that I'm not alone. Even if no one shares back with me, I just think a lot of people will read this and nod their heads and say "oh yes, that is me too!"<br />
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I wanted to share with you yet another great find on the web. A website that doesn't just claim "modesty" and then offer a "sexy" bikini. The term sexy and modesty don't fit well together to me. If our dignity is truly honored, then being sexy becomes obsolete because we not trying to attract anyone on the premis of sex. <br />
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I don't LOVE everything on this website, but I do like that they have quite a bit of skirts that are casual but some that are dressy looking as well for us working professional ladies! <a href="http://www.funkyfrum.com/">Funky Frum</a> is the website, and if I return stuff that I bought from <a href="http://www.athleta.com/">Athleta</a> the other day, then I will definitely be trying some skirts from this website! Check it out and let me know what you think!!The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-32144603363996431982011-04-15T08:12:00.000-07:002011-04-15T08:12:56.566-07:007 Quick Takes Friday!!!I actually remembered this morning to come to the blog world and write up my 7 quick takes of the week! <br />
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Thanks to Jennifer @<a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/">ConversionDiary</a> for hosting!! <br />
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<div align="center">~1~</div><div align="center">Follow up to the bathing suit post (<a href="http://krfo24.blogspot.com/2011/04/its-that-time-of-year.html">check that out here!</a>), I thought it was rude of me to not at least share some good resources for modest clothing, and even some more than not modest swimwear in case you decide you still want the beach/pool experience! I just ordered some clothes from <a href="http://www.athleta.com/">Athleta</a> and I can't wait for them to come. It is somehow sporty and feminine. They have skirts and dresses, and my all time favorite: the skort. The skorts they make have shorts built in that are almost mesh material. I have worn my skort to Haiti and hiking/biking before and couldn't believe how comfortable I was in so many ways.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"> They have wide leg yoga pants, not just tight ones, and even modest tanks and other tops. </div><div align="center">They are a bit pricey, but I reccomend buying one thing at a time if you really enjoy what you see...it's good quality and supporting this line, shows that there are women out there that demand this type of clothing! </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">As far as swimwear, definitely Lands End (they even sell some of their stuff at Sears stores!). I also stumbled upon: <a href="http://www.reyswimwear.com/index2.php">Rey Swimwear</a>! Vintage and modest swimwear, and their unbeatable tagline, <em>"Who says it has to be itsy bitsy"</em> is the perfect mantra for the modest woman's battle for covering up!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">~2~</div><div align="center">Apparently I am back in full swing at my old parish, St. James. I left there almost 2 years ago and have been quite the Church nomad ever since. I left because it stopped feeling like home. It feels like home again. I have no idea why. I think it may have something to do with the pastor. Of course, one reason why I left was also because of him as well. But when I started coming back, whenever he looked at me, I feel as though we both might cry. Tears of joy of course over my return. I haven't been away from Church, but it just felt like he truly missed me in my absence. To feel that from a pastor of a large parish was quite overwhelming and humbling. Another person who had been away and come back to the same parish, said she had the same experience. Oh, how he loves us! I feel so blessed. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">~3~</div><div align="center">Apparently, this also means I'm slowly getting back into youth ministry. Praise the Lord! I went with them to a talk by <a href="http://www.reyswimwear.com/index2.php">Jason Evert</a> last week and I thought it was great. His calm and relaxed way of encouraging teens to live a pure life is amazing. He never condemns and he doesn't lay on the whole "you can't, you can't, you can't" mantra onto them. Just gently encourages that they should try to remain pure. I bought the book he and his wife wrote for young women called "How to Find Your Soulmate: Wihtout Losing Your Soul". I think it will be my saving grace. It just speaks to my heart. No over the top doctrine (that I already know), but practical advice on how to live while waiting for my husband. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">~4~</div><div align="center">Another great find, introduced to me by my brother-in-law, is: Trits. I can't believe I haven't blogged about this yet. But Quick Takes, perfect timing! <a href="http://www.facebook.com/EatTrits">Trits Ice Cream Dessert</a> is originally made in Costa Rica and is a big deal among the surfer population. What is it? It's an ice cream sandwich and I believe my sister describes it best: the cookie almost taste like the crust of a cheesecake but hard enough to be the sandwich, and then it is filled with vanilla ice cream, but it's just sweet and delicious. A guy my B-i-L knows is bringing them to the US and they were debating investing, so I got to try one. Absolutely delicious! I hope they take off in the US because I'd love to eat them all summer long! <br />
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~5~<br />
Nephew story: My 2 1/2 year old nephew is just hysterical these days. I can't even narrow down one incident, but I will try...this morning, my sister sent us this story via emial with a picture for proof. He was having yogurt for breakfast. They just bought this shelves with the removable boxes (that serve as drawers)for storage from IKEA. My sisters hears the following words from him, "Mama Mia see Jimmy eat yogurt in BIG box"...to go in to find him sitting in the "drawer" on the floor eating his yogurt. (Mama Mia is what he calls Mia now since my sister taught him the Mama Mia song). His version of the song goes like this: <strong>"Mamma Mia, go again, bye bye, itch ya"</strong> Where the "g" is, replace with "d" and you will get what he sounds like. (Real words he's imitating: Mamma Mia, here we go again, my, my, how could I resist ya)<br />
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~6~<br />
Bike Ride: Last night, it was absolutely gorgeous outside. I was in the midst of doing laundry and cooking/cleaning my apartment which was badly needed, when I had the strongest desire to go for a bike ride. I ended up not going because I needed to finish the laundry, but I really was just excited over the fact that I wanted to do something active! Hopefully I will get to go for a bike ride soon!<br />
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~7~<br />
I need to get to confession before Holy Week really kicks into gear. Know of a Church that has offerings for the procrastinators? Let me know! I'm such a last minute person, but I do really want to be able to go through the Triduum in a state of grace, it's so much better that way!!!</div>The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-68400016429499955882011-04-14T12:01:00.000-07:002011-04-14T12:01:13.387-07:00My Bank Saves MY Money!I am beyond excited!!! This is an entire post about why I'm learning to <strong><em>love</em></strong> <a href="http://www.bankofamerica.com/">Bank of America</a>!<br />
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I was really upset at one point because I realized that my savings account at my bank barely earned interest at all last year. Amount $.05 maybe...<br />
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...but then I realized that being in the "Keep the Change" program, which saves all the "change" from my debit card purchases by rounding up my purchases to the nearest dollar and transering that money into my savings account, has really paid off! <br />
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I've saved a good deal of money through it and the bank matches it, 5%, up to a certain amount. So I made $56 from that annual payment. <br />
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Today, I was reminded of the "Add it Up" program. This is where you earn 3,4, or 5% (and even a possible 7% bonus) cash back on certain online purchases made with your debit card. All you do is enter the coupon code they give you for the stores they offer it for. <br />
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I decided to order some new slipcovers for when I move. I had an option of 3 coupon codes, and figured the most savings would come from the free shipping code. The shipping was approximately $27 and don't forget, I earn 4% cash back on this one, and that was almost $9. So I technically saved $36 on something I really wanted/needed. Once you make $5 in cash-back, they transfer it into your checking account. They also occasionally have "in store" coupons you can print out. <br />
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Why I love it: ways to save and get some money back in your pocket without doing too much work to find the deals!The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-71347062347435788832011-04-11T08:48:00.000-07:002011-04-11T08:48:58.418-07:00It's That Time of Year!Oh, the joy of Springtime! <br />
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Trees and flowers in bloom, the joy of Easter, sunshine, cool breezes. <br />
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Almost everything about spring is loveable. <em><strong>Almost.</strong></em><br />
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Being that it is the season prior to Summer <em>(read: bathing suit season) </em>it means that it is the usual time that one preps for Summer <em>(read: buys bathing suits)!</em><br />
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I normally just run to my safety net of Land's End because even though each top and bottom is about $55 on average. At least I would know that I was getting good quality material and enough bathing suit to cover me...as far as bathing suits are concerned.<br />
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<em>As far as bathing suits are concerned</em> is the part that is bothering me a bit more each year as I get older. I realize that we, as a culture, accept being covered less in the name of "Summer". I now wonder why. During the same summer, I will never be caught going to the mall or dinner (or anywhere for that matter) wearing a mini skirt or a halter top. But for the past 2 years, that is exactly what my bathing suit consisted of. I would wear a t-shirt over my top until at the beach or a pool for modesty, but as soon as I laid in the sun or went in the water, my suit was apparently modest...<em>enough</em>.<br />
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<em>Enough...</em>is the part that is making it difficult for me to consider bathing suits this year. I've never been a big "on the fence" type about anything. So why is it okay for me to consider a bathing suit that is more revealing than any clothes I'd choose to dress in? Modest is Modest. Just because a suit consists of more than a few triangles and strings, does not make it modest. Only on occasion will I leave the house in a sleeveless tank top, and never in anything higher than a few inches above my knee. Not only for modesty sake, but for comfort sake as well. <br />
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<strong>Modest is Modest. </strong>Some have tossed out the idea "do I swim in public at all?". Some have given in and bought the full coverage modest bathing suits. The issue may reside in the fact that defining modesty is really hard to do. I've always understood it to mean that someone is not trying to do anything to draw attention to themselves. This is an entire attitude. My goal has been to be modest. I fail because I am by nature <em>loud</em> and sometimes even <em>needy </em>for attention. In addition to not drawing attention to oneself, I believe that modesty is important because in <em>choosing</em> to live it out, we make a responsible choice to also to protect others. I think this is at the core of social responsibility. Respecting our own dignity and honoring it so that others have no chance to degrade it. <br />
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I believe I have come to the decision that I am to stay dry this Summer season and in my regular non-revealing clothes<strong>(*)</strong>. I may purchase a bathing suit similar to one I've had in the past just in case I go back to Haiti (I would need it to go in the river to wash up). It will be a challenge since I love to swim, but a worthy sacrifice to offer up in the name of modesty. <br />
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I'd love to hear your comments/thoughts. <br />
<strong>(*)</strong>: Disclaimer: This is what I have come to for my own self. I am not saying this is the only answer or only way to do it. Just sharing with awhat I've discerned for me at this point on my journey. I do not think any wrong against those who disagree or judge you who still continue to buy a bathing suit/swim! Have a blast! (Hopefully you will do it as modestly as <em>you</em> discern fit)The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-84283226331745527492011-03-27T11:27:00.000-07:002011-03-27T11:27:22.972-07:00Where, oh where, has my Blog been?Hello Blog World,<br />
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Apparently I have lost track of my blog once again. I had posted previously about a possible opportunity to go back to Haiti this month. <br />
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Sadly, instead of going back to Haiti, I stayed home to have my tonsils removed. <br />
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Tonsils have been gone for just about 3 weeks now and I'm finally back to my old self. Just tonsilless! Praise the Lord! It was by far the worst pain I've experienced in my entire life and has me looking forward to childbirth more and more by the minute. While you may be thinking, "wait, childbirth hurts too!", I must tell you, at least childbirth comes with an extremely amazing, beautiful new life that you get to take home with you. Getting your tonsils out just hurts and they send you home in a couple of hours with nothing but a follow up appointment and drugs. <br />
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I could not take the strong pain meds they gave me so I was battling pain with Extra Strength Tylenol. Hence why I couldn't really get a straight thought out of my head and blog during the experience. <br />
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I spend 6 good days with my sister and the kids in which I realized that my oldest nephew (the 2 year old) is my best buddy and caretaker. He always offers me some of what he is eating and told me to put a sweater on when I woke up with just a tank top one morning. He is definitely the love of my life at this point. <br />
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I have also started my very last class before I graduate in May! Only 6 more weeks!!! More updates to follow as I've had plenty of deep thoughts to explore while out of work! Glad to be back on the blogs!The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-36478235281944872372011-02-25T08:30:00.000-08:002011-02-25T08:30:16.960-08:007 Quick Takes - FRIDAY!Boy oh boy, have I missed the BLOG! I'm not even sure why I have been away!<br />
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So I'm making my come back with the always fun: 7 QUICK TAKES FRIDAY hosted over at <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/">Conversion Diary by Jen! Thanks!</a><br />
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1. As of Monday, my car will be completely paid off!!! Thank you, <a href="http://www.turbotax.com/">Turbo Tax</a> for your quick 8 day refunds for both my Federal and State Taxes!! I finally feel like I can get back on track with the Dave Ramsey plan of getting out of debt! <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/new/baby-steps/">Check out his Baby Steps here!!</a><br />
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2. Hopefully, I will be getting my tonsils out next week or the week after!!! I have this extreme hate for my tonsils becuase they get irritated quite often becuase they are generally larger than the average Joe! I went to see this awesome ENT doctor who basically said, "they don't need to come out but I will do it if it is what you really want". So since I have a ton of sick time saved up, I'm going to have them taken out and hopefully take 2 weeks off just to have a good recovery cushion. <br />
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3. Something about socks. I can't remember but I told my friend I would...make #3 about socks, I can't remember exactly what about them though...so I guess I will post that I'm hoping this becomes reality: A friend might teach me how to KNIT SOCKS! I kept forgetting to ask this person for tips on knitting (<a href="http://krfo24.blogspot.com/2010/12/7-quick-takes-friday.html">(in case you missed my stint about that)</a>...but she said that she'd teach me how to knit socks first since they are the hardest, and once you can do that, the rest is easy! <br />
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4. I do not like my Art class as much as I thought I would. I completely missed last week's assignment. I plan to make it up, but I have no desire to. I have to download a video recording tool so I can record what is going on on my screen...what I have to make happen in this other program is draw a line that a little man rides a bike on when you hit play...My line is NOT very creative so I gave up...yikes! <br />
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5. I can't wait for spring!!! <br />
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6. I'm going to see my neice and nephews tomorrow!<br />
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7. I received the notice of renewal for my lease in the mail. I am at a loss of what to do about that. I can renew and stay another year. I can not renew and find a new place. I do NOT have any desire to go through the moving process...but I also do not know if I can handle another year of long commutes to everywhere. I do think that financially, it's still the best bet to stay. I know where I want to live, I can not get cheaper rent. So I would have to settle for something not as great. Plus for my cheap rent now, I can probably just make the sacrifice of long commutes one more year, and work the "get out of debt fast" plan by not moving and living slightly beyond my means!The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-76951220031665336322011-02-09T21:07:00.000-08:002011-02-09T21:07:06.519-08:00EmotionsOver the past two days, I have felt almost every emotion possible. Between craziness at work, confusion in my personal life, and joy with my family, I have barely had time to think. <br />
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I find myself so tired of work that even though I've only worked 2 out of the 3 days in this work week, that I actually wish the storm was still coming tomorrow so I'd have an excuse to not drive in. <br />
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Lord, have mercy on me! <br />
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I am learning right now a huge lesson in humility. I just want to get through this phase at work without losing my virtues. <br />
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It has been tough to focus on what is truly important because unfortunately there are many small, petty distractions. I also realize how important it is to pray for the people you work with. If I do not offer up these people surrounding me for the majority of my day before God, then how could I ever expect peace?<br />
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I have to die to myself, not just for my loved ones, not just for those I like. For everyone! Christ died for all of us, and He's asked me to follow in his footsteps. <br />
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Dear Jesus, I ask that you cover all of my co-workers in peace, whatever struggles they face. Help me to be your hands in their lives. Help me to me patient and caring with each one of them as to be understanding of their struggles. May they also be patient with me in my own shortcomings! Amen!The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-18566080428339661832011-01-23T06:33:00.000-08:002011-01-23T06:33:43.361-08:00Blessings From God!Never before last night have I seen the hand of God work in a random situation so perfectly.<br />
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I ended up pretty far from home, in a room full of holy women friends of mine, talking and waiting for Derek to pick me up. (Yes, Derek is the guy!) We had agreed to meet up for a drink but then my plans changed but he still wanted to meet me.<br />
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He came into the house and impressed everyone pretty quickly. We went to the Brew Pub up the road from my friend's. There was nowhere to sit at the bar so I asked if he wanted to come back to the house. He said no, we should just give this a try. So he went off to order drinks and I grabbed a great table. A couple of people came up and asked if they could just sit with us since there were no other seats and Derek said sure.<br />
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The guy then opens his mouth and says something I could never have imagined: "Are you here for the Hope for Haiti event?"<br />
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Me: "No, we just randomly met up and came here...what is this about?"<br />
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He then shared that he's been going to Haiti for 8 years and I shared that I had just been. It was beautiful. The whole night was a fundraiser for this organization and Mission to Haiti...they just built an orphanage for saving kids from child slavery! This man introduced me to the woman who leads the organization. They showed a video...it was just wonderful.<br />
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They were Christian too so it was just beautiful because we were able to discuss Haiti and Jesus which are pretty inseparable topics anyhow!<br />
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Dear Jesus, I ask that you bless all missions to Haiti that seek to improve the quality of life and respect the dignity of the Haitian people! Bless the man and woman we met last night. Bless Derek for his openness and patience while I sat talking to this random man about Haiti all night instead of to him! Thank you for working your plan in my life! Amen!The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-18589325749529793912011-01-21T09:07:00.000-08:002011-01-21T09:09:49.777-08:007 Quick Takes- Friday!Hey everyone! Been a few weeks since I've done a quick takes and I'm really excited! <br />
<a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2011/01/7-quick-takes-friday-vol-113.html">Thanks to Jen for hosting this at her blog! Check it out here!</a><br />
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<div align="center">{1}</div><div align="center">Last week, I ordered a book through Yale's Direct Borrow program through the library. It's called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-Book-C-G-Jung/dp/0393065677/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295628341&sr=8-1">The Red Book</a> which is a compilation of most of the writings and personal evalutations of the famous psychologist <a href="http://www.cgjungpage.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=743&Itemid=54">Carl Jung</a>! I heard about this book (published in 2009) in the fall and wanted to get my hands on it just to see what it was like. It is HUGE. I don't mean massively thick...but if I stood it up on the table, it's about 18 inches tall! The first have are scanned images of his actual writings in German and the paintings/drawings of his. The second half is the translation to English. I feel like I've taken a dive into history. It is amazing. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">{2}</div><div align="center">I am home from work today so I opened it up and started reading..."But the spirit of the depths said: "No one can or should halt sacrifice. Sacrifice is not destruction, sacrifice is the foundation stone of what is to come...Have you not had monasteries? Have not countless thousands gone into the desert? You should carry the monastery in yourself. The desert is within you...if you were fettered to the world of this time with iron, the call of the des rt would break all chains..."</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">{3}</div><div align="center">And a page later..."Give humanity dignity, and trust that life will find the better way"</div><div align="center">If that isn't a good March for Life sign, I don't know what is! </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">{4}</div><div align="center">In other news, the predicted snowfall for Hartford County in my state for the entire season was 24"...and as of last night (before it started to snow) the total snowfall was 52". Now that we've filled quite more than our predicted amount, I would appreciate not one more speck of snow until next winter. If my car warns me of "low traction" one more time, I might just not leave my house until Spring! </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">{5}</div><div align="center">In good news: Only taking one online class right now has allowed me to get my social life back! Monday I had a date, Tuesday and last night I got to walk over to my friends to see her/her husband and their baby, and Wednesday I went to another friend's house. It feels so good to be social with people other than classmates and professors. Plus it's a lot less stressful!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">{6}</div><div align="center">I have gotten back into journaling...you know, actually writing with a pen in a little notebook about spiritual matters or other things? Yea, that! And I forgot how much I had loved it! It really is like therapy for me. There are just some things that are so private that you can't talk out with anyone...so a helpful tool for me is to write to God about it. If you haven't ever done it, I encourage it! It leaves you open to be completely honest with yourself and God. It also helps you work through some things in your head! </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">{7}</div><div align="center">My friend and I had a glass of wine last night. Just like journaling, wine with friends is extremely therapuetic. If you don't do this at all, you should. We are going to try to make it a monthly event for us! We laughed like we haven't laughed together in a long time and both of us needed it so badly. </div>The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1019499481044240685.post-2991264491727273722011-01-18T06:25:00.000-08:002011-01-18T06:25:04.174-08:00CatechismThis week I decided to invite the person I met over for dinner. <br />
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I had some major cleaning to do because I still had my Christmas decorations up, and hadn't really been home long enough for a good clean in quite a while. In place of my Manger, I decided to keep that my little sacred space. I have my crucifix hanging there on the wall, so it fits. I put out my St. John Bosco and Mary Help of Christians statues, my Bible, and my Catechism. On the bottom shelf of that table, I put another Bible and my journal. The goal was that I will spend more time reading both since they are right there in my face. <br />
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Well, said person came for dinner...and after dinner and a game of Monopoly, I came out of the bathroom to find him reading my Catechism. You may be thinking, "so what? It was just out there."<br />
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I was mostly shocked because it can be an intimidating book for most Catholics, and he is Baptist. I'm glad he felt it inviting to take a look. I took note of what page he was looking at (not sure if he truly was reading it) but was glad to see it was this part of the prologue:<br />
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"The whole concern of doctrine and its teaching must be directed to the love that never ends. Whether something is proposed for belief, for hope or for action, the love of our Lord must always be made accessible, so that anyone can see that all the works of perfect Christian virtue spring from love and have no other objective than to arrive at love" (CCC 25, quoting <em>Roman Catechism</em>, Preface, 10; cf. <i>1 Cor</i> 13:8)<br />
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After he left, we were texting and I began to journal for the first time since April. I am very grateful that this new...friendship...is seeming to direct my heart more and more towards God.The Stationary Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623529865679677719noreply@blogger.com1