Blessed Mother Planting Seeds

Wish I knew where to a get a painting of this. I really love this picture.

4th of July

I love my country. I love the principles of Divine Providence that this country was founded on. I now fear for my country and for the family that I have. I fear for the future. Even though I've only been a part of this country for 20 percent of its existence I'm shocked and amazed at the change. In our rush to progressiveness we've lost the underlying passion of independence. The entire concept of E pluribus unum escapes our society today.

The views of the Founding Fathers are now those of the discriminated, the backward-thinking, weirdo radicals. Since when did the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles, faith and freedom, become a land where those beliefs are discriminated against and not tolerated.

So, on this Fourth I'm thankful to those who fought and died for this country, those who are keeping its borders safe and pray that we will always have such a place as America to call home.

Maybe there will be a wakening here in our land, a renewal of the basics, self-sufficiency, a realization that just because an idea is old doesn't make it antiquated or useless. Maybe our people will realize that we need to be a united country, one, where one individual and one country can and should prosper.

Maybe then we'll realize that we are tearing our country, our American family, our home apart by the fighting within. Maybe we'll realize that while an icon of music (Michael Jackson) has died, the fact that Korea is out there launching missiles should be a little more pressing on our minds.

Manufacturing is disappearing and leaving our citizens struggling. Many of our countrymen have the idea that hard work and sacrifice is beneath them. Perhaps when the golden parachutes land maybe then, we'll WAKE UP!

Oh, the ramblings of a middle-aged woman.

Perfect

Good morning, Scarlet.

I'm sitting here with Harriet on my lap, a hot cup of coffee, Malachy listening to the birds chirping outside. I know he's wishing he could have one for breakfast. The sun is out, but not too hot. The trees are moving ever so slightly. God has made a beautiful Sunday. I'm going to His House to thank him for it soon. I wish you were here to share it with us. I love you, Nana.

Guilty?

Heard this or read it recently; can't remember where.

If someone accused you of being a Christian; would there be enough evidence to convict you?

24 Hours

Let me get this straight. God gives us 24 hours in a day. Actually we have a day, the Church came up with the calendar -- anyway.

We have 24 hours in a day to do what needs to be done. Why is it never finished? Why is more left on the list than gets marked off? Am I not planning well enough?

I don't think those are the right questions to be asking. Go back to the first sentence. God gives us 24 hours in a day. These are hours from God to do what? Since God is all-wise, then certainly 24 hours must be enough.

I think the right question should be - what does God want me to be doing in those 24 hours? What is his work for me today? The order - God - first and in all things; family & others second; me - last.

Well, that seems easy. Wake up, pray and go get the family started. STOP. God wants to be in all things. So, wake up, pray and bring God with me while I get the family started.

I know it's hard to remember to keep God always present when everything is going on. Surround yourself with things that remind you of Him, Our Lord, the Blessed Mother, saints, Heaven, whatever it takes. This is not idolatry (no offense to my Protestant friends). This is keeping your mind on things of where they should be.

Yeah. So, your house begins to look like a shrine - so what. If it keeps your mind on the things of Heaven, do what you must.

Now, yourself. When you have to chill; talk to Our Lord.

I'm going to make it a point that when I'm sewing or doing something "selfish" for myself; I'm going to listen to a good talk, listen to some Gregorian Chant; it soothes the soul. Whatever it takes I need to do this.

Got to run. God and I have a bathroom to clean.

Where Does the Time Go

June is here. Looking back since my last post I think of the things that have consumed my time; family, homeschooling, work, politics, gardening and the birds in said garden. God is with me. He's leading. I want to follow more closely but afraid of leaving others behind.

Legacy

I started this blog only for myself and Scarlet. We live so far apart from one another and the times, they are a-changin'. The Internet seems to be a way to leave a permanent record. So, this blog. I wanted her to know the legacy, her mother's legacy, where she came from and who has gone before her.

My mind and my heart are overflowing with thoughts, words, ideas that I'm about to bust. So, this blog is going to take on a new turn for me, for Scarlet.

So, dear Scarlet, I hope you will get to know Nana a little more deeply as you read this when you're older.

2009

Hard to believe we're halfway through the first month of January 2009. My thoughts are already turning to outside and what to plant in this year's vegetable patch. The seed catalogues have come and are as enjoyable to look at as any landscape masterpiece hanging in a gallery. The colors are so rich that I can almost smell and taste the bounty. For now, I'll have to continue my armchair gardening. Maybe one day, Scarlet, you can come help plant the garden with me.