Peace, dailiness and simplicity…
It is SUCH a WONDERFUL book, which I highly recommend to all mothers! I was so excited to see that Dawn just started an online book study on this book! I decided to join in. I am really looking forward to reading everyones thoughts on this book. It is so good, I want to order my own copy so that I can refer back to it often!
The first chapter is titled “Dailiness.” After reading this chapter, it made me think about how, so often, rather than embracing the “dailiness” like I should, I feel like I need to escape from it all, and just “get a break!” Don’t get me wrong, I do need those breaks…but maybe that really isn’t all I need. Maybe I really do need to slow down, and try to appreciate all the small moments of each day.. Treasuring all the precious moments I have with my family, and remind myself that I won’t have all these little ones forever, and that I need to enjoy every moment of it while I can.
There were a couple paragraphs from this chapter that really made me stop and think.
The moments I hold most dear are those that arise unbidden in the course of any day-small, evanescent, scarcely worth noticing except for the fact that I am being offered, just for a second, a glimpse into another’s soul. If my experience as a mother has taught me anything, it is to be awake for such moments, to keep life simple enough to allow them to occur, and to appreciate their fleeting beauty: a lip smacking good-night “guppy kiss”; a spoonful of maple syrup on snow, served to me in bed with great fanfare on a stormy winter morning; a conversation with a tiny speckled salamander discovered, blinking calmly, under a rock… These are the moments that, woven together, constitute the unique fabric of our family life. Herein lies the deep color, the lights and shadows of our days together. (p 7)My life is filled with these “moments.” In fact, peace and happiness is all around me, I just need to start looking for it and be more accepting of it. The unexpected kisses and hugs from my kids, the smiles, giggles and snuggles from the baby, even the wild flowers on the way down to the mailbox… So much of the time I am in too much of a hurry to be “awake for such moments.” Or I catch myself saying “in just a minute,” when the kids want to share something with me. Why am I always so distracted, or in such a hurry!?!?
Like all mothers, I harbor dreams for my children, and sometimes I fall under the spell of my own aspirations for them. We want our children to do well! But when I stop and think about what I truly want for them, I know that it is not material wealth or academic brilliance or athletic prowess. My deeper hope is that each of my sons will be able to see the sacred in the ordinary; that they, too, will grow up knowing how to “love the dailiness.” So, for their sakes as well as my own, I remind myself to slow down and enjoy the day’s doings. The daily rhythms of life, the humble household rituals, the nourishment I provide – these are my offerings to my children, given with love and gratefully received. (p.13)This coming week I am really going to make an effort to slow down a little bit, and try my best to “love the dailiness” and enjoy the “daily rhythms of life” and our own “humble household rituals.”
Here are a few things that I want to ponder and work on this week:
- What daily activities do I really enjoy doing?
- What daily activities do I dislike, and how can I grow to like them?
- Is there anything that I’ve been wanting to add to our daily routine?
- “Enjoy the day’s doings!”
Neither intelligence nor talents. He cherishes simplicity.”
and embrace my daily life with love and joy!
I know…
…you are all probably sick of me posting Quiz results. I just can’t help wasting time doing them, when I see them on other blogs. It’s just too fun!! Plus, I have had very little blogging time lately, and these are so quick and easy to post. Sorry!
So, now I am going to bore entertain you with another… Just in case any of you have ever wondered “what spice I am!” 🙂
You Are Oregano |
 You have are charming, funny, witty, and smart. You love to party – and people love to party with you. You are always friendly and warm. You are able to help people get along. |
OK, I am rolling on the floor laughing!!! Interesting stuff, don’t you agree!?!? Didn’t you all know how much I love to PARTY! 😉
Anyhow, oregano is a good spice, I guess… And Oregano Oil is awesome for getting over coughs–even if it tastes AWFUL. However, don’t EVER take Oregano Oil while pregnant… It WILL make you contract and think that you are in labor. Yes, I know this from experience.
So… What Spice are you?
HT: Basil, Cayenne Pepper and Ginger
Birth Verse
My Bible Birth Verse is Romans 1:16
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes
”
The gospel is the good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ; a message of hope that changes lives, and a message that is for all people. Certainly, I am not ashamed of this message! If we embrace and live by the teachings of Christ, we will have nothing to be ashamed of. However, failing to proclaim it, defend it, or live up to it, is a shame. In a society that is daily growing more and more ignorant and close minded to the Truth, we all need to boldly declare, ‘I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel,’ and do whatever we can to fight for Christ!
So, what is your birth verse? 🙂
HT: Trina
Sweet Sixteen
What a great age! Turning sixteen is such a magical birthday, second only to twenty one. How I looked forward to reaching sixteen and being able to drive – a milestone year for sure. It is a year that brings much to look forward to.
It seems like just yesterday you were turning “seven on the seventh” and getting ready to be flower girls for our wedding! They were (and still are) SOOO cute and sweet!
Here’s a couple songs for you girls today!!! See you at the rink! 🙂
The First Saint of Ireland
“Of all green Ireland’s saints, Ciaran of Saighir was first. Born on Cape Clear Island at the very beginning of the sixth century, his first years were spent in prayer and worship to a God whose name he did not know. Called to Rome, he traveled the long and dangerous journey to what was then the center of Christian studies. Sometime around 538, he was ordained a bishop and sent back to Ireland, encouraged by Saint Patrick, who promised to follow him. At Saighir, Ciaran lived as a hermit, but soon he gathered to himself not only a following of animals, but also many monks and nuns.”
Today, March 5th, is the Feast of St. Ciaran. Thanks to Cay’s lovely suggestion, we read the story:
We all really enjoyed learning more about this little known Saint!
The boys were especially impressed by all the animals that befriended St. Ciaran. Rascal, who loves to draw, set to work on the following:
Well, I hope you all had a lovely day!! It was just BEAUTIFUL here!!!
WOW!
ordered salad), I had delicious Tuscon pizza and cake, and Sunday there was even MORE cake! So, let’s see if I can do better this next week–I really need to add in a bit of exercise! To see what everyone else lost this past week, visit Regina (who is down 3.6 pounds…WAY TO GO REGINA!!!).quite fun! I am loving our decluttered Master Bedroom!! It is quite peaceful now… I will try and post some pictures soon. SO, how are you all doing?
Easter Hope Challenge
This past year, I have gotten to know a dear woman from our parish, Laura Hadley. Laura is a very devout Catholic, wonderful mother, and one of the most generous women I know. In fact, last July, she opened her home up and helped throw a surprise baby shower for me! I couldn’t believe it, especially since I barely knew her at the time!!
A few months ago, Laura, and her husband Bryan, received very difficult news. Fox news reports:
Bryan and Laura Hadley were told their 10-year-old son Peyton suffers from Niemann-Pick Type C, a disease that is believed to affect just 200 people, it is reported. The condition interferes with Peyton’s ability to metabolize, causing harmful amounts to accumulate in his spleen, liver and brain, and leading to neurological deterioration.
The result of the disease, referred to as “childhood Alzheimer’s”, is an enlarged spleen and liver, poor muscle control, impaired movements, slurred speech and dementia, according to the report.
It is a fatal condition for which there is no cure and no treatment options.
The Hadley’s fear their daughter, Kayla, 7, also has it and are awaiting DNA test results. Their youngest son, Jonah, 5, was born before Peyton was diagnosed. He is being tested and currently has no symptoms, it is reported.
The Hadley’s are facing the real likelihood that 2 of their children have it (one has been diagnosed) and the possibility that the third does as well (they are still awaiting test results). In addition, the medication that they are in need of is about $9000/month for ONE child.
Their website says:
Unfortunately, Zavesca is a new drug, and the cost for one 100 mg pill is $100. Our child(ren) will be taking up to three 100 mg. pills each day, which is over $9000 per month for one child. Currently, our insurance has agreed to cover half of the cost for a one year period, after which time, they will review the progress of the drug, and either approve or deny further coverage.
As with anyone facing such a huge financial burden, they could use our help.
I have been trying to come up with a way to help, in addition to LOTS OF PRAYER, and I was inspired by Suzanne’s Christmas Challenge. So, here is a Lenten Challenge for you all, as we prepare for Easter, and remember what is truly important!
It is simple and fun… Here is what you do:
1. I have added a Paypal “Donate” button to my sidebar. All I’m asking you to do is make a donation IN ANY AMOUNT that you can spare. You can donate one dollar, two dollars, five, ten, twenty or more. You decide. The dollar amount is entirely up to you.
2. Then, come back and leave your name in the comment box of this post for a chance to win your choice of one of three great prizes–the prize is my donation to the Easter Hope Challenge.
Want to increase you chances of winning?? While every donation receives an entry, for each $25 increment donated another egg goes in the basket for you. For example, a donation of $1-$49 receives one entry, $50-$74 equals 2 entry’s, etc. It’s all up to you!! You can decide how much you want to donate, and if you win–you choose your prize!!
The contest will be open for 2 weeks, and as the days go by, I will write the names that appear in the comment box on little pieces of paper and place them inside plastic Easter eggs. On Wednesday, March 19th, Chiquita will choose an egg from the basket, and reveal the winner. There will be ONE winner and that winner will choose ONE of the three great prize options above.
If you would like to participate but don’t want to use paypal, leave me a comment with your email, and I will be in touch.
All funds donated will be given to the Hadley’s in the form of a check to be deposited to the Hadley Hope Fund at Liberty Bank.
So, what are you waiting for? Play now, have fun, and spread a little
A Love of {audio} Books
The kids have been absolutely loving listening to the Chronicles of Narnia! I am so glad that I purchased this unabridged set of audio books last Christmas. The narrators are just wonderful and they have really been capturing my kids attention, as well as my own!
The other day I was informed that they all have new names, and from now on, Captain is Peter, Rascal is Edmund, Twinkle Toes is Susan, Chiquita is Lucy, and Snuggles is, well, Aslan!
(giggle…giggle…giggle…Followed by Twinkle Toes saying, “But I want to be LUCY!”)
They all got soooo excited, when I pulled out the actual books for them to look through while listening to Prince Caspian today.
I love reading to the kids myself, and still do everyday, but lately I am finding audio books to be a huge, HUGE help!
Many Happy Returns of the Day…
and wish her a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Catholic Children’s Magazine
I just found out through Christine that there is a new Catholic Children’s Magazine in the developmental stage titled St. Mary’s Messenger.
“In order to publish this magazine, the editors need to show their prospective publisher that there is a market for it. If you have been looking for a Catholic children’s magazine, please visit www.stmarysmessenger.com and fill in their form, stating that you would like to read the magazine. Filling in the form does not mean that you are obligated to subscribe when the magazine is printed. A PDF sample of the magazine is available on the website.”
I just downloaded the sample PDF myself, and it looks wonderful. Finally, a CATHOLIC Highlights style magazine for our kids! Exciting stuff!! Go check it out for yourself, and don’t forget to let them know if you are interested!
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