ISIS, Lent, and Long winters

I just can't wrap my mind around what's happening in the Middle East--the mass-killings of Christians by the evil terrorists who call themselves ISIS.  I admit that I have lived a sheltered life, constantly surrounded by loving, Christian people.  I also admit that I don't follow current events very well because our family doesn't watch TV and I don't take the time to read the news.  So when I read on Ann Voskamp's blog about the 21 men killed for being "the People of the Cross," who had their heads chopped off for "carrying the cross illusion in their heads," I almost didn't believe her at first.  How could this be?  But the reality of it was staring me in the face...the picture of those brave about-to-be martyrs wearing bright orange coveralls.

How can such evil exist and what should we as "people of the cross" do to fight it??  Why are Christians in the Middle East being killed for carrying the cross in their heads, when I am able to be proud of my faith and literally wear a cross of ashes on my head to prove it?   Those modern-day martyrs inspire me not to take my faith for granted--to wear the cross not only on my head, but to cherish it in my heart so that I may have the courage to forfeit my life for my beliefs if terrorists come to accuse me of being one of "the people of the cross."

(A very old photo of Paul and me on Ash Wednesday--just to make you smile in the middle of such heavy thoughts) :}

On a slightly different note, I have to admit it that I'm actually looking forward to Lent this year.  Perhaps the fact that there are Christians in the Middle East being martyred for their faith makes me eager to live my faith better.  In comparison to martyrdom, praying, fasting, and almsgiving has never sounded so easy!  But to be honest, the other reason I am eager for Lent is because it has been a looonnnng winter for me emotionally and spiritually, and it seems like God continues to point my soul towards the truth that suffering has merit, that even long Winters will eventually melt into Spring.  I am praying for Jesus to walk with me through these next 40 days and reveal more of Himself to me.  I am praying for the grace to take the focus off of myself and focus instead on Jesus' suffering which proves His infinite love for us...which points our hearts towards hope.  That's what I need to sink into this wintery heart of mine this Lent...the warmth of God's love, and the healing that comes from hope.

I am praying that each of you has a fruitful Lent too!  When Lent gets long, just remember how much Christ suffered for us and that the Resurrection and Springtime are just around the corner!

Dominic's First Taste of Mercy

It astounds me that our carefree 3rd-born son, Dominic, is big enough for one of the biggest sacraments of his life:  First Reconciliation!  Each time one of my sons receives a sacrament for the first time it is so special, so new, and such a reminder that they are not really "mine," but the Lord's.  And what a joy it is for me to watch them grow closer to the Lord!

Dominic felt well-prepared for Reconciliation, but he was still a bit nervous.  I told him I still get nervous when I go to Reconciliation, but it is so worth it because of the abundance of grace God pours into our souls when we humbly confess our sins and ask Him for His mercy--the mercy He died to give anyone who asks for it!  This Sacrament must make Jesus so happy!  Dominic stood very patiently in the longest line for Reconciliation, because he specifically wanted to go to Fr. Marc Lenneman, a young, vibrant priest from our local Catholic college, who is totally on-fire for Christ.   I think it was worth the wait because Dominic bounced out of the confessional with complete joy on his face.  Afterwards, Dominic and I, along with his R.E. teacher and her daughter, went out for dessert to celebrate this grace-filled event.  Hopefully that sweet piece of pie will always remind him that confessing his sins is truly one of the sweetest things in life!

Just as I did with my older boys, I was able to capture on my camera the "before the sacrament jitters," and the "after the sacrament bliss."  So here's the play-by-play!

Nervously waiting in line...

Practicing the Act of Contrition one more time...

It's almost his turn to go...

All done...ALL SMILES!!!

Lighting a candle with Deacon Bob

as a reminder of how bright our souls are when they are clean from sin...

Dominic wanted to do his penance right away,

and for some reason he thought he should do it by the altar...how precious!

Dominic with his Religious Education teacher, Beth,

who is also one of my best friends.

Beth is doing a beautiful job leading these little heart closer to Christ!!!

Oh how I love this happy and holy little boy!

May he continue to grow in holiness all the days of his life!!!

Thank you, Jesus, for your passion and death

which gives us your mercy and salvation!!!

Oh, how You love us!

May we grow to love You more!

True love quote on the feast of St. Valentine

A friend of mine recently sent me this great quote from St. JPII, which I thought would be fitting on the feast of St. Valentine.

Do not forget that true love sets no conditions; 

it does not calculate or complain, 

but simply loves.  

~St. John Paul II 

These words are a great reminder for me because I tend to get confused at times about the real meaning of love.  I mistakenly think that love is about feelings and romance, and when those things wane in my marriage, I get a bit depressed--which does nothing to help the romantic feelings return, I have learned. :\  I need to remind myself that true love is a choice, not a feeling.  It's unconditional and involves a lot of service and sacrifice, and when I love like that, it's even better than romance!

Speaking of romance, my Valentine returns tonight after being gone for nearly two weeks!  I am looking forward to trying to love him "truly," with no conditions, no expectations, no calculating, and no complaining.  Pray for me!  :)

  Happy St. Valentine's Day!!!

Grandma to the Rescue!!!

My sweet mother came for a 8-day visit to lend a helping hand while my husband was gone on a work trip.  She helped me keep my sanity and constantly kept the kids happy.  It was quite a feat getting her here...  She had to deal with airplane cancellations, an extra night in a hotel, and more hours than she cares to count waiting in the Minneapolis airport.  Her return flight back home was a fiasco too, but I'll spare the details.  Through the grace of God, she was able to handle everything peacefully, and I'm quite certain she helped send graces to countless souls by offering up her suffering along the way.  So, not only did she rescue me, but she may have rescued others in need too!  A living saint she is, and I am so blessed to be her daughter! :)  Here are some highlights from her visit...

Grandma and Isaiah were best buddies,

building and playing together all day long!

Grandma always treats the little boys to snacks and rides at the carousel.

In the evenings, she loved to challenge the older boys to board games.

We took a trip to our local Fish and Wildlife museum too!

Our days were full, and so were our hearts!!!

Our Creative Kid

Forgive my lapse in blogging...  Life has just been busy raising these boys, but I have managed to pull out my camera occasionally to capture some classic moments.  Moments such as these ones of my creative 4-year-old who is constantly building with Legos or Knex or Magnetblocks.  It is so fun to watch him work, and I am amazed at how he is perfectly content to build all day long.  He talks non-stop while he builds and tells me the most creative stories of what he is making.  He sure makes this mother's heart spill over with love, and makes me eager to see what he will be when he grows up!  :)

I LOVE YOU TOO, NATHANAEL!!!