Poetry Pause: Armistice 1918-2018

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

We Shall Keep the Faith

by Moina Michael, November 1918

Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,
Sleep sweet - to rise anew!
We caught the torch you threw
And holding high, we keep the Faith
With All who died.

We cherish, too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led;
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies,
But lends a lustre to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the dead
In Flanders Fields.

And now the Torch and Poppy Red
We wear in honor of our dead.
Fear not that ye have died for naught;
We'll teach the lesson that ye wrought
In Flanders Fields.

Quick Takes #256: Is Journalling for Me?

Disclaimer: Despite all the links, this is not a sponsored post and the links are not affiliated. Just what I've tried and liked or not.

1. For all that I'm (according to this study) squarely a member of Generation X and spend much of my time typing on my keyboard as well as on my phone/tablet there is something very special to me about putting pen to paper. Especially when those papers are together in a bound book with the idea writing on this topic over time.  Below are some of the ways journaling has and has not worked for me.
2. Prayer ~ Yes! Starting in college I have on and off kept a prayer journal and while not currently I am planning on starting again after Lent when I've finished the devotional I'm using. I find it a useful way to concretely lift up those people and things I want to bring before God and for recording blessings. A useful idea that I found in the Take Up & Read devotional I'm using this Lent is acknowledging past hurts and leaving them at the foot of the cross.  I may also continue this practice of asking Jesus help in letting go of past hurts.
3. Book ~ Yes! Inspired and encouraged by MMD, and with a TBR (to be read) list growing beyond easy recall I started book journaling a few years ago with this journal and then later started free handing one using this kit.  I really like having a book to keep track of what of I've read, categories in reading challenges I'm doing, and books or authors I want to read.  I also use Goodreads as a tracker and useful way of 'bookmarking' books I hear about online.  
4. Bullet ~ No! Or rather not yet...I love seeing others and am intrigued by the idea but my first attempt was a bust.  The book I ordered was too big for me to use easily; and I think until I have better sense of how I want to lay things out lined paper will work better than dot grids.  I also need to figure out if I prefer spiral books or if it is just what I know and feel more comfortable with.
5. Gratitude ~Yes! Inspired by Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts a couple years ago also tried to record 1000 blessing in a year.  I succeeded and enjoyed the experience so have decided to try again this year and have a journal where every few days I record blessings and moments of grace not to be missed amidst the chaos.  This certainly could be part of a prayer journal and may get folded into mine at some future point.
6. Pens and Markers: I have found along the way that I really like the Staedtier triplus fineliner, and these black pens and these markers.  Separate shout-out but on the topic of pens; this year Elisabeth is only suppose to write in ink for schoolwork other than math and we have these to be a great erasable pen. They write very smoothly and erase cleanly!
7. What about you? What are some of your favorite types of journaling? Pens and other accessories?

Please now head over to Kelly's for more 7QT's!

Quick Takes #212

1. 1. Does it ever feel like life knows when you have plans and throws a curve ball. This week the kids had gymnastics camp and we had a playdate scheduled and of course a virus hit. Luckily everyone seems fine now but hoping for smoother days ahead.
   2. Given the above I was so grateful that Haley reposted this wonderful checklist!
   3. We are enjoying the first of this summer's harvest! Basil and mint from our garden and lettuce and cucumbers from the school's for which it was our week to tend.
   4. Elisabeth has been resisting making the jump to chapter books but early this summer she rediscovered the Magic Treehouse books and is loving them!! As a big reader myself it means so much to me to watch her fall in love with books and reading.
   5. One more week of camp and overall I think they have enjoyed it. Swimming lessons have also gone really well and I'm hoping will pay dividends on our trips coming up.
   6. Prayers for the people of Nice!
   7. As of last night we are hunting Pokemon! Updates as warranted #what I do for my kids!
   
   Please head over to Kelly's for more 7QTs
   

Quick Takes #190 September's Start

1. So September is off to a good ~ and so is Lisbeth's school year. She reported good days both days this week and seems excited about the coming year.  I'm glad for the staggered start if you will and the chance to ease by into a routine.
2. Liam's classroom visit went well and I hope began to ease some of his worries about starting a new school.   His first full day is next Tuesday.
3. It seems a bit odd to be thinking about shifting towards fall outfits as it has been in the 90's much of the week but this and this post have me thinking and planning ahead.
4. And now an update on the Toddler in the House: I'm now convinced that I will spend much of the time that the older two are in school cleaning up after her. Just a phase I know but I'm so ready for the Frustrated Artist ~ Draw on every surface Phase to be over. Good thing she is cute!!
5. The recent deaths of refugees has me heart-sick and unsure what to do beyond prayer. One of the jobs for this weekend is to explore giving options but if you have a favorite option ~ shout it out! Thanks!
6. Today I'm starting 33 days to Morning Glory as part of the Stella Maris book club hosted by Micaela and would really appreciate prayers that I am able to complete the retreat with purpose and intent.
7. Have a wonderful weekend and please head over to Christy's hosting this week.

Quick Takes #116

1. In addition to participating in the 31 day series sponsored by the gypsy mom, I've also been reading and enjoying the series hosted at Nesting Place and Bits and Pieces.
2. Have of last night survived Daddy's last business trip, and in good form if I say so myself.  Lisbeth really enjoys FaceTime on the iPhone ~ Liam interested if a bit confused.
3. It has been recommended to us that we consider placing Eustacian tubes in Liam's ears, he has never had an infection but frequent fluid might be contributing to his speech delay ~ so that is what is happening next Tuesday.  Prayers welcome, it is overall a low risk surgery but a tough reality is that you can't know how someone will react to anesthesia until they are given it for the first time.
4. A recent sign the my little girl is growing and thriving in Pre-K is that she can write her name, all nine letters of it.  
5. A new era begins today with us trading in the Prius, and getting a minivan! A good choice as we will soon have another car seat (and occupant) traveling with us, but still bittersweet as over the past 8 years I have really enjoyed my car. I promise more information about the new car as she becomes part of our lives, but taking a moment to say good-bye to Batty.
6. A first batch of autumn shaped cookies have already come out of our kitchen with another batch planned for this week.  I think my baking assistant is going to really enjoy this new activity during her brother's naptime.
7. Presenting at Pre-Cana this weekend, please pray for us and the engaged couples attending.

Please visit Conversion Diary to enjoy the rest of this week's Quick Takes!

Doing Something...

    During Lent I was looking for a direction for my almsgiving ~ and thanks to  Leila of the Little Catholic Bubble and The Orphan Report was introduced to the wonderful organization/site of Reece's Rainbow and their mission to make children with Down's Syndrome and/or other special needs who are awaiting for adoption known to families throughout the world and help defray the cost.

    Since Lent has ended I have still made the additional donation but had also been thinking what else I could do and exploring the site I discovered what else: I could become a Prayer Warrior!

    So let me please introduce you to the two little ones I have commited to praying for, and featuring their profiles on my blog and Facebook page.

Jessa 15H

 Girl, born Feb 2010
1ay6v-15
Eyes: Grey
Hair: blond
Character is calm, smiling

New photo of Jessa!   Sweet little Jessa has rickets, and a mild umbilical hernia (not uncommon for children with Down syndrome).  She also has some heart issues, ventricular septum defect, and an atrial septum defect.  She is listed as having a development delay as well, due to her Down syndrome.

Single moms welcome, great region to adopt from! 

$1514.96 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Yana 2H

Girl, born May 2011

Yana is gorgeous and HEALTHY aside from her Down syndrome — she is amazing the doctor and caregivers at her orphanage with her good health!

We were very lucky to get her listed at such a young age — another RR family was at her orphanage and able to take pictures of her.   Because of her age, she will not be cleared for adoption until Feb 2012, so it’s the perfect time for a family to begin the adoption process and prepare to bring her home.

More pictures and medical history available.

$579.50 is available towards the cost of my adoption!

Donations are tax deductible.

So please pray that these little girls find a family to take them home and if you can donate to their adoption fund to defray some the cost of the adoption ~ bless you.

Lenten thoughts

        Overall it was a good Lent, with its usually share of success and failures.  I did not manage to make a Morning Offering every morning and so a discipline I'm still working towards but I did manage to abstain from fiction for the whole time except for one afternoon sick with a GI bug when I opted to curl-up with a favorite book.  This did help me to make the time to finish not only the devotional I chose for Lent but a book on prayer and to start another.  Simplify the Soul was wonderful; I really enjoyed the prayers included and the practices recommended.

        Almsgiving wise I completed (largely) successfully a 40 day/40 bag challenge ( post coming) and discovered through Leila's posts Reece's Rainbow and was able to meet my giving goal.

     Where I was not as successful was incorporating Lenten practices for the kids, the two books I got both proved to be beyond them, ah well, on to next year.

Happy Easter!!

Peace in Prayer: A Review

Part of the Classic Wisdom series published by Pauline Press Peace in Prayer features the writings of Teresa of Avila.

Taken from her letters and writings, this books offers twenty-two small reflections on prayer in the daily life.  Really enjoyed this book, the chance to read her writings from different perspectives, personal reflections, letters to friends, advice to her sister Carmelites.  A wonderful collection of thoughtful, practical advice of how to persevere in prayer,  in word and in action.  The format also allows the reader to open the book to any reflection at anytime like a seeker going to elder in the tradition of the Desert Fathers & Mothers and asking 'for a word'.  Will definitely be returning to this book and am planning to seek out others from the Classic Wisdom series.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Peace in prayer: Wisdom from Teresa of Avila. They are also a great source for a baptism gifts or first communion gifts.

Blessed Lent!

Giving up, giving back and giving in;

Now let the journey begin ~ Blessed Lent!

Summer Prayer Buddy Reveal

I had the pleasure of praying for M of A Maiden's Tale during the Summer session of Prayer Buddies.  It was a honor to prayer for her and her family.

I prayed for M.'s intention during my morning and evening offerings.  I also prayed before the Blessed Sacrament that she would know Christ's love and peace deep within her heart.

I was not able to view her blog (it's private), and at first it was a little disconcerting but I came to see the opportunity ~ to focus on the hidden crosses in peoples lives.  That in a sense anyone I meet could be struggling with health or financial worries; the grumpy person in the grocery store, the unsmiling clerk at the bank.  I hope M. felt some blessing or grace from my prayers ~ I know my heart was changed.

My thanks to Marie of Joy Beyond the Cross and Mrs Henderson of Still Standing for arranging this wonderful opportunity!

Solemnity of the Assumption Of Mary

Immaculate Virgin,

Mother of Jesus and our Mother,

we believe in your triumphant assumption into heaven where the angels and saints acclaim you as Queen.

We join them in praising you

and bless the Lord who raised you above all creatures.

With them we offer you our devotion and love.

We are confident that you watch over our daily efforts and needs,

and we take comfort from the faith in the coming resurrection.

We look to you, our life,

our sweetness, and our hope.

After this earthly life,

show us Jesus,

the blest fruit of your womb,

O kind, O loving,

O sweet virgin Mary.

photo credit: Flickr, lolowar

Small Successes ~ August 11th

1. I have for some time wanted to more organized and routine about praying, admired and been impressed by those who on a regular basis pray the Divine Office. I have asked for tips from my husband and others on how to start, read posts about it, and priced books and apps...
And then decided that is the deep end and I need to ease in ~ and so thanks to the Divine Office Prayer app ~ am this week praying a morning and evening prayer.

2. Having gotten tips from Parenting with Grace (thoughts and reflections about someday) have been consistently saying grace with Lisbeth before meals and bedtime for about a month now.

3. Over half-way through the devotional I'm to review

Thankful This Thursday for:
healthy kids
cool breezes, and a/c when its too hot
the chance to pick peaches with friends
peach cobbler
a cook-out with friends
a husband to A-frame with

a Lord who loves and guides me



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Joyful Sunday!!

As a child I loved to try and count how often I would hear my name or a variation of it during mass, I always lost count somewhere along the way usually during the homily.

Now as an adult I have an even greater appreciation. It feels so right and fitting during this season of reflection and prayerful anticipation to focus on the happier aspects of this time of year. When preparing for a big test; it takes hard work and study ~ but ideally it includes taking a break from the intense focus and having some fun ~ more importantly remembering why I'm studying so hard.

Focusing on improving the place within our homes and hearts where we invite Christ to live is a good and worthy goal, but for today let us lighten the purple with some Christmas white and rejoice in the idea of the gift long ago given and that he desires with be with us wherever we are on the journey if we but invite him.

Pregnant Pause: 39 weeks, tales from the sofa

Quick update: All seems to be well and providing that the NST is reactive (aka reassuring) tomorrow I believe we will be cleared to see if labor starts on its own during the week ~ if not see what a little help brings next week.

I am fine and managing to ride the emotional roller coaster of wondering and worrying about the future well (I think). My favorite toddler offers several opportunities a day to smile and laugh, and the squirms and kicks from within give me hope that all is well if not perfect in his/her watery home. I also appreciate all the good thoughts and prayers from friends and family. After Mass yesterday a priest I like and have worked with for several years blessed C. and me.

So my hope is that the testing all looks fine tomorrow and then my plan is to relax and best I can enjoy this last week of parenting one child on the outside and holding within me another.

Praying for Stellan: July

This photo is from MckMama's Twitter account.

Praying Stellan is able to rest and recovery, SVT breaks

Lenten thoughts

    I'm pleased to have a plan in place for lent, 40 day journey with Madeleine L'Engle as a devotional, and a recommitment to live with intention.  I'm so aware of how limited my free time is, so spending it on good books, interesting movies or TV shows rather than simply turning on the TV to see what is on.  Putting good food into my body means thinking ahead and bringing good food into the house.

Giving up, giving back and giving in: So much of what is on my mind and in my heart is giving up control and trusting completely in the good of loving my family without limits and without complaint.

So let the journey begin!

finding balance

This weekend Elisabeth demonstrated her newly found skill of balancing.  She can now stand independently for several seconds, and my mom even convinced her to try and walk to her daddy.  Two very hesitant steps, which led to great excitement on our behalf and great determination to reach out for support on hers ( we could not convince her to try again ).   But standing she liked and would happily attempt.

I'm also discovering how to find balance.  Seeking to find the time for prayer and devotion, a struggle since her birth,  has been so richly reward this week I'm almost embarrassed it was ever an issue.  I happened upon 3 minute retreats (icon on the sidebar) and friend pointed out 'sacred spaces.ie' as another option on the web.

I still hope to make the time to read a chapter in a devotional, or write in my prayer journal more often, but am also grateful beyond words for the chance to parent this wonderful child and am open to the changes needed to balance the many blessing in my life