Sunshine

What a beautiful day today is going to be! The sun is already out and bright and shiny. I left our sitter with instructions that Ben should go outside as much as possible. He is currently hooked on a new Veggie Tales' movie that Phil bought him. It caused much morning heartache yesterday when we left for preschool as he didn't want to leave the movie behind. I have to say that I really enjoy Veggie Tales and this one is Sheerluck Holmes. Its is about how to be a good friend, which Ben could really use to learn.

This weekend is packed with activities, some sad and some very happy. I'll post more on Monday.

Peace to all who read this post.
Love ya! Joan

In Memory...

For Marge Kelly and all who knew and loved her. May she enjoy the party in Heaven...Until we meet again at the pearly gates Marge...

This poem was on the tables at this year's Women's Cursillo in the centerpieces made by Marge.

I hope this poem puts a smile on your face today.

MASTER GARDENER

Master Gardener, help me be
Content with where You’ve planted me;
You carefully place each seed you sow,
And choose the soil to make it grow,
A shady nook or sunlit plot,
A wooded glen or garden spot;
And when you send the storm and shower,
You give me strength and inner power;
All things come that You might be
Glorified, my God, in me;
And so I’ll lift my flowers high,
To cheer and bless each passerby;
And may they see within my face
The beauty of Your love and grace;
So help me, Lord, to ever beBlooming where You planted me.

—Wm. Claire Greiner

I'll always miss you Marge.

To all who read this blog...May the peace of Christ be with you always and in all ways.
Joan

After Glow...

Wow! What an amazing weekend I had! To spend a weekend with 50 women who's only purpose was to bring themselves to a deeper love of Christ was POWERFUL! While I am physically and emotionally exhausted, my heart is filled with HIS love.

I am blessed.

Thank you to all of you out there who said a prayer for us this weekend. Those prayers lifted us up.

While I had already made a Cursillo two years ago, to be there a second time as a member of the Team was amazing. I am humbled by what the Holy Spirit accomplished this weekend. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity. I am glowing from HIS love for all of us.

And to all who new Margie Kelly...may we always remember her humor, energy and spirit. She is now in His loving arms.

Peace to all who read this and always remember FROG...Fully Rely On God.
Joan

Waiting

For the past five months I, along with 16 other people, have been preparing for this upcoming weekend. We have been meeting faithfully each Monday, praying, bonding and growing in God's love together. This past Monday was our last meeting before the big event. I am waiting.

I am waiting for the rush of excitment. I am waiting for the stomach full of nerves. I am waiting for the welcomed embrazio of other Cursillistas. I am waiting for the knowledge that I, through Christ, reached at least one candidate. I am waiting with an open heart.

During this weekend, those who read this post, pray that the Holy Spirit will touch the hearts and minds of the candidates. Pray for the team of Cursillistas who have worked so hard these past months. Pray for all the Cursillistas. Lastly I ask that you say a special pray for my brother who on Monday is celebrating his 7th Anniversay of his ordination. Jim, I am so proud of you and your commitment to God.

Peace and God's blessing on all who read my post.
Joan

Tough Week

What a way to spend my birthday, in bed sick except for a doctor's visit. Yes, I spent the week sick. The blessing of it was acknowledging how wonderful my DH is. Even sick he made sure my little bought me a birthday gift and kept Ben busy so I could recuperate. The antibiotics are doing their job but as of today I still don't feel 100%.

Yesterday we went up to the campground to get the site cleaned up. Ben and DH are heading up their next weekend without me as I will be on Cursillo. I'm excited and a little anxious. On the way home from cleanup Ben fell asleep but I wanted ice cream. Luckily DH knows every ice cream spot so stopped and bought me my soft serve vanilla cone with rainbow sprinkles. YEAH.

Today we spend the morning with friends at my sister P's house. It was great to see Ben play with cousins and friends. Gave him a chance to work on his sharing ;)

I hope you all have a wonderful week this week. Not sure if I'll be posting as it is expected to be a busy week with work and packing for not only my weekend away, but also the boys.

Peace to all who read this this week.
Joan

Remembering how blessed I am

Last night was once again a beautiful experience with the Women's Cursillo Team. Each time we meet we move closer to God and one another. As we shared last night our various struggles, I was struck by how blessed I truly am. I am healthy, my family and friends are healthy and safe. I am not dealing with a house foreclosure nor with a husband without a job. I am not dealing with how to put food on the table or how to keep a teen on the right track.

I truly am blessed to have wonderful friends and family! Last night we prayed for anyone who is struggling right now that you may have the strength you need today and everyday.

I must say I am a little amazed at the number of candidates for the weekend...we are up to 35. I'm sure it will be a wonderful spirit filled weekend, but WOW...35 women! YAHOO!

My Mum surprised me with a Kay's Bakery cake last night. As we broke for snack out came the cake. I was very surprised and touched that Mum would make sure I was able to celebrate with this group of very special women.

I am filled with the Holy Spirit and the knowledge that I am where I am meant to be for right now.

May peace be with you today and everyday!
Joan

Time flies when you're having fun!

What a wonderful Mother's Day! As my neighbor and I sat on her patio drinking our tea we noticed how much our two little boys had grown since last Mother's Day. They played for over four hours without a significant fight or argument! They both had their motorized cars which they drove around our yards for hours. They only stopped to talk to the new neighbors to show them this or that. My DN (dear neighbor) and I laughed and felt a little guilty that our boys were bothering them as they tried to clean their new backyard. We were just so glad to have a few moments of peace and quiet.

My DH (dear husband) made sure Ben bought me a mother's day card and gift. Thank you love!

We had my sister's Jack-n-Jill on Friday Night. It was so much fun to spend time with my sisters. I take them for granted sometimes and I shouldn't. I'm going to work on that! They are all so different and special in their own way. I'm blessed to have all of them. It was scary to hear the music from my generation...I think my younger sister considers some of it oldies...Oh no! But, "We are Family" and "YMCA" will NEVER go out of style, nor will "Eileen" or "Love Shack"! Some of these were old when I was a child.

Not sure how much I will be able to post this week. Only two weeks until Cursillo so keep me and everyone in your prayers.

Peace to all who read this.
Joan

Taking the Time

So often each of us are running through our lives without thought to what we may be missing out on. Whether it is the opportunity to read to a child, see the sun set or just be with God. Yesterday without prior planning I had the blessing to spend time with my sister-of-my-heart Beth. I am always in awe when I am around her. Her strength, love, compassion and generousity astound me. I suppose after more than 20 years of friendship it shouldn't but it still does. I tried to sum this up in words for her because as Mother's Day approaches this weekend I wanted her to know how much I admire her and how Todd and Beth are rearing their two beautiful girls.



So Beth, this one's for you...May you have a Blessed Mother's Day knowing that all of your hard work, dedication, love and compassion show through the kindness and love of your two children. May God always hold you and those you hold dear in the palm of his hand.

I ask each of you this weekend to take the time and witness God's love for each of us in the little things. Take the time to tell someone how much you love them. Hug a child. Smile at a stranger.

Peace to all who read this blog, today and always....Joan, Blessed Mom to One

The Beginning

Each day I search through my favorite blogs and think "Should I start one today?" or "Do I even have anything important to say?" While what I might post may not be important to everyone it may touch just one person by letting them know they are not alone.

My journey begins today. I will start by sharing how wonderfully challenging it is to raise my little boy to be respectful and faithfilled. This weekend I had the pleasure of bringing him to church fully dressed as Darth Vadar. While some may have been upset I'd let him stay in his costume, I thought how wonderful that he sang the responses, said the prayers, kneeled reverently at the tabernacle and bowed in front of the altar. He's only four and at least he's at church participating. So for all of you out there struggling with bringing your child to church...remember that at least you made it there and are doing what you can to bring your child to Christ.

May you have peace in your life today and everday.