#bestnine

I woke up this morning, the last day of 2015. I opened my window blinds, and had this view... the sunrise. The last "Good morning" of the year.

The beauty of the sun, the warmth it brings, the peace it brings. The smile it brings to my face. I will always love the sun. I think of it as a smile from Jesus so many times. But then I started thinking back to all 2015 has been.  All the past year has given me, taught me, shared with me. The strength, gratitude, joy of 2015, and the joy and gratitude that 2016 has to bring. As on Instagram, there is the #bestnine. The top photos that one posted in 2015. What would your top nine memories be? It's funny... as I wrote in my journal this morning, the times and people that have touched me the most, made the biggest impact on my life this past year... some of them made my #bestnine photo, some of them didn't. This year has been hard, has been good, has been great... all because of the people and experiences God has brought into my life. All the changes, all the joys, all the sorrows. They are all a part of me. All a part of this past year. I could write about my best memories, but some of those memories/thoughts I just want to hold in my heart. All I know is God taught me a lot this past year. And that Jesus is with us always. Friends are one of the best gifts God has given us. But family, Family is so important. I learned that for sure. It's not about the material things.... what we have, what letters we can put behind our names, the amount of money we have, the number of "likes" we get for our social media update, the places we've been, or the way one can make everything look perfect by a picture. What matters most, and what one desires the most, is peace, happiness, hope, kindness, courage, faith, honesty, love within family, within friends.

When my bible study girlfriends meet each week, we go around the room, and each talk about our "Happy's, Crappy's, and Grace Moment" of our week. It's makes one honest, vulnerable, and open with more compassion for each other. It's one of my favorite things. It also helps me realize, we are all the same, we all struggle, we all have joyful moments, and we all need God in our lives. So maybe try to reflect on the "happy, crappy, and grace moments" of 2015 instead of the #bestnine. It just might help you see God's hands working in your life a little bit more. And I pray that you have a wonderful, special, and joyful New Year, and for God's Blessings to be upon you, your friends, and your family!

I wanted to share this with you, parts of a reflection I read this morning in Magnificat. I thought it perfect as we end another year.

"I thought picture-perfect events alone would define a lifetime of joy.
At times I question fairness and attempt to understand why.
I dwell on the impossiblity of the journey I now walk and the weight of this earthly world. The cross I carry becomes far too heavy and my knees buckle.
In my darkness I call to him. A simple whisper of his name and the weight is lifted.  He wipes the dirt from my eyes.
I am reminded my strength lies not in understanding and my joy is not of this world. My joy is found in basking in the glory of today.  My earthly purpose is not about creating moments to stash away and linger over when I am old. My God has a plan and a purpose-- a plan for the creation of heaven on earth. My joy lies in fulfilling his purpose."

Decided to share my two favorite moments of 2015! And just maybe my #bestnine could also be my "Blessings" :)  Happy New Year!!

And then I come back to add more to this post... as I am going through my day, and see other's post their #bestnine photos from Instagram. I start thinking, the photos that are chosen are because they have the most "likes" from others. That is how the Instagram site makes the photo... what others think of us. No wonder we look so much for other's approval. What if, we, instead chose our best nine photos ourself? The ones that mean the most to us, that made the most difference in our life, the ones that have people or things that helped us throughout this past year. That's what the #bestnine should be! So we can look back and say, we have so much to be grateful for! :)

Rediscover Mercy... part 4

Merry Christmas! Hope your time with family and friends is filled with joy, peace, and love.
Here are the last week's reflections leading up to today, the birth of Jesus! Enjoy the special day.

Day 23-- Visit the Sick
Day 24-- Bear Wrongs Patiently
Day 25-- Bringing Mercy Home

Rediscover Mercy... part 3

As we go into the final days before Christmas, I hope you are feeling the joy, peace, love, and excitement of finishing the tasks of buying presents, sending letters, making food, having time with family, but mostly for Jesus to come. For Jesus to be present in all we are doing... seeing Him work in our daily tasks, serving Him as we help each other, sharing His love with all those we meet, praising Him for His goodness and hope He brings.
Today at Mass, the homily was about a journey. The journey of Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem. What was that like for Mary and Joseph? 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem, which took them a week, as Mary was 9 months pregnant and had to go slow. What was going through her mind? Did she know all that her son would bring to this world? There had to be so much unknown, so much uncertainty, but yet she had so much trust in God. Abandoning her plans, and letting God's purpose and plan work through her life. Who helped them along the way? Maybe there was a little girl that walked with Mary to give her company and help the journey not seem so long. Maybe there was a man that gathered all the wood for the fire, so Joseph could stay and care for Mary. Maybe there was an elderly woman that gave them water to drink and food to eat along the way. And then there was the innkeeper who gave them a stable and manger for Jesus to be born in. All little random acts of kindness that helped the Holy Family along their journey. We each are on a journey, and each of our journeys are different. I hope we all want our end journey to be with Jesus in heaven. But maybe along the way, we can help each other by doing random acts of kindness to those we know, and to strangers around us. Sharing the water of grace with each other. As they challenged us in church this morning, I want to challenge you too, try to do a random act of kindness to a stranger this week as we make the final preparations for Christmas, for Jesus' birthday!

Day 16-- I Thirst
Day 17-- Counsel the Doubtful
Day 18-- Classroom of Silence
Day 19-- Made for Heaven
Day 20-- The Greatest Lesson
Day 21-- How Do I Know
Day 22-- God wants your Heart

And my favorite passage from this week's reflections is this.... Let God love you, and that love will radiate to each person you meet!

A "Happy" High

I was texting my sister today, and she responded with saying she was still on a "happy" high. And I thought, what a great way to say it! That is what I am feeling today too. It has just been a great few days, lots of time with family and friends, and just some really fun and great memories together. Just memories that make you smile from the inside out!  And be so grateful to God for all He's done and given and provided! Here's why I feel like I'm on a "happy" high too! :)

Saturday---
My friend, Liz, started a tradition a few years ago of taking a day, and doing a Christmas cookie baking marathon.  And that's exactly what we did, with some other friends. Nearly 14 hours were spent making almost 15 different kinds of cookies! We were exhausted, don't get me wrong. Grateful we had wine when we had to frost and decorate 48 little present sugar cookies. (that cookie cutter is never invited again.... only trees and snowmen!) ;) And grateful for movies like "Christmas Vacation" and "Elf" to provide Christmas spirit as we cleaned up all the sprinkles and dishes. "Santa! Oh my god! Santa's coming! I know him! I know him!" :) And I would have to say it was a first, as it was raining, thundering, and lightening in the middle of December. Our outdoor cooling system had to come to an end when the rain started coming, or we would have had some soggy cookies!

Most of the crew.

This describes it best... :)

Saving our cookies from the rain!

So many to choose from!!!!!

As Frosty would say, "Happy Birthday!!"

Sunday---

My little friends, Peter and Elliot. (I talk about them alot).... for their Christmas gift, I gave them tickets to see the "Wizard of Oz" broadway show at the Orpheum with me. You see a couple years ago, I first introduced them to the Wizard of Oz movie at Movies on the Green at Midtown Crossing. And ever since then, they just love it! Peter in particular... he talks about it every time I see him!  So I wrote them a letter a few weeks ago, and told them what we were going to do.  And they both have been so excited! (along with me... let's be real here!)  So I picked them up at home, and they were just so excited!! I actually don't think I've ever seen Peter so excited before!! I thought his little face was going to burst with excitement!! They were kinda new to this live play thing instead of a movie, so their biggest question was, "How is the wicked witch going to melt!?!?" They were so concerned about it!  They both said so many cute and funny things, I wish I could remember them all. But here are a few that stuck in my head....

We were walking into the Orpheum, and it's cold, windy, rainy. We have two umbrellas. Elliot has his own, and Peter and I are sharing one. And remember, I am about 4 feet taller than Peter. And so we will say, the rain drops are getting him a little wet, and on his new glasses. But.. we are walking, talking, and Peter says with a smile, "Today is the PERFECT day to go see the Wizard of Oz!!"  "You're right Peter, it is the perfect day!" I say. They, children, always have everything in perspective!

We had to wait about 15 minutes in our seats before the show started, Peter sat on my lap, as he couldn't see well sitting in his own seat. (To be honest, and selfish, I was glad for this... I love holding him on my lap.) He yelled out loud "Start the play! Start the play!" He just couldn't wait! He was restless and giddy, moving all around on my lap. :)

When the show started, he was nervous for the tornado to come. How were  they going to do that? It made him a little scared, as he would jump to the loud booms and flashing lights, and covering his ears. And Elliot didn't flinch... he wasn't going to be scared! ;)

Then throughout the show, all the songs, he was singing and clapping! It was so fun! Elliot too was having fun with the songs, and the funny things the actors said. Their favorite, in which they were still laughing about when we got home. At the end, when Dorothy is telling the lion, tinman, and scarecrow goodbye, she says to the scarecrow, "I'm going to miss you the most!" and the lion says, "HIM?!?!" Oh my, they giggled and giggled!

We got a little snack at intermission time, and took some selfies. But when it was all over, they still didn't quite understand how the witch melted...  they thought it was magic with the computer screen. So I said I would tell them when we got outside. And I explained it a few different ways, and they couldn't WAIT to tell their dad at home how the wicked witch melted! :)

We stopped for treats on the way home, cupcake for Peter, ice cream for Elliot! It was the best!  But the funny thing, we were walking with our umbrellas, and the wind took mine, and pulled it inside out. Laughing out loud we all did!! Just like on Mary Poppins (which is a story all in itself).

All the funny things, all the laughs and smiles are so special... but my favorite of all, is when out of nowhere Peter says, "I Love You." It melts my heart!  And he said something else too, "You are so good to us." Oh wow! You are so good to me! Your entire family!! How grateful and blessed I am to have these boys, this incredible family in my life. Children as so honest, so genuine, so real. If only they knew how much joy they bring to others!  

Our "SO EXCITED" faces... "Start the play!"

Look at these studs! All dressed up! :)

Monday---

When my sisters, Angela and Sarah, were in college... I used to pick them up after work and take them for ice cream from time to time (Or Taco Johns) :) And I wanted to do that for Jill, another sister that is in college in Lincoln right now.  So we three girls left for Lincoln when I got off work. When we got to her dorms, we took a snapchat of us with a sign that would tell her we were there.  She literally called us in about 20 seconds after we sent it... sooo excited!! (this would only work for those who use snapchat frequently... thankful Jill uses it as a main way of communication) Screaming and asking if we really were in Lincoln!!  She met us at the door, jumping up in down, hugs, etc!! It totally not only made her night, but it made ours as well, to see her so excited!! :)  We kidnapped her, and took her for ice cream at Dairy Queen, and then to see an incredible Christmas light display she knew about! It was the greatest! Giving her a little break from studying for finals! And getting a little sister time in too! :)

"the snapchat"

Here is a little bit of the awesome lights! I wish I could share when "Let it Go" came on.... it's priceless, our amazing voices! But I can't get it to load.

  

and tonight (Tuesday)---

I met some new friends within the last few months, because of my mom. :) And they do a bible study on Tuesday nights. It has been so great to get to know them, share our faith, and learning to be more vulnerable, meaning sharing deep thoughts, trusting each other, helping each other. I am just so grateful for them! A gift from God!

Rediscover Mercy.... part 2

Here are the links for this week's Advent reflections. So many great things to think about, and apply to one's life. And as we only have 12 days left til Christmas, take today to Rejoice! "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near." ~Phil 4:4-5  Find the joy that is all around us, not only in the laughter and smiles around us, but the joy that comes from knowing God is close to us always!

Day 11-- What are you Living for?
Day 12-- Share your Story
Day 13-- Forgive Offenses
Day 14-- Why go to Confession
Day 15-- Third Sunday/Gaudete

A Starfish

This morning I went to a breakfast that honored those who volunteered.  There was two great stories shared, neither of which I heard before, so I thought to share them with you also. Plus, then I will remember them. :)

The first went something like this...
     If there was a 2 year old in the middle of a big highway, nearly 99% of the drivers would probably stop to help that child get out of the way, guide them out of danger, help them. As that child gets older, say 8 years old now, there would still be drivers stopping to help, but it would be less. If the the child is now a teenager, say 16 years old, there would be hardly anyone that would stop. Most would drive around him or her, and stay out of the way, thinking they should know better already. The speaker continued to say, that children need guidance and help along all ages, not just the very young. Stopping to give some guidance and love really can make a difference, even if it just a little bit at a time. So thank you all who take that time to Stop!


The second story, you may have heard before, is called A Starfish Story by Loren Eiseley.

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing.  He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. 

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer.  He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up. 

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all.  The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean. 

He came closer still and called out, "Good morning!  May I ask what it is that you are doing?" 

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean." 

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man. 

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die." 

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realzie that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!" 

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean.  As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."

Remember, every little thing makes a difference. So go out, be that difference in someone, share the water of grace with others in your little part of this big world.

Approval

 This morning, as I was driving into work for meetings, I was in awe of the beautiful sunrise. Maybe you saw it too. It was the one morning, I wished the stop lights were red, or there was somewhere I could pull off to take a good picture. :) The colors of pink and blue were just so definite and beautiful. Many others agreed, as there were multiple Instagram posts of this sunrise. But what I wanted to share more, was that as I was driving in--- I was thinking about my day yesterday, of the decisions I had to make, of the stressful situations... and if I was right or wrong in the things I decided. You see I recently took a lead nurse position, so have had more responsibilities added to my job. I am really enjoying it, but I want to do the best job I can, and so many times think about the daily decisions I make, for the patients and nursing staff. I want to help everyone have the best days they can have too. So anyways, as I was thinking, I came to realize I was slightly upset/frustrated because I was looking for approval of others, looking to them, and their actions, comments, expressions to help me determine if I made the right or wrong decision. But then there was this amazing sunrise.. and it kept getting more beautiful as I was driving. The colors more vibrant. And I couldn't help but feel this amazing peace and joy from it, as I knew it was from God. On my drive, I realized I only have to worry about pleasing Him, all I do each day should be to glorify Him... not others. And to stop worrying. I made the best decisions I could in my situation I had, and the time I had. A little reality check this morning, to stop worrying what others think, know I did my best, and to trust Him more. And to receive a beautiful, warm hug from Jesus and Mary this morning in the form of a sunrise!

Here are some pictures I tried to take (they aren't very good/clear)... yes, I know... I shouldn't be taking pictures... but sometimes... I just can't help it! :)

Rediscover Mercy... part 1

It's amazing how fast time goes by. We are in the second week of advent already. December is flying by. Christmas will be here before we know it. Everyone is preparing--- decorating their house, baking Christmas goodies, writing and sending Christmas cards, buying presents, participating in traditions together with family or friends. So much waiting, expecting, hoping, anticipating.

Advent.... Christmas.... all the things we do for it all... but what do we do to prepare our Hearts to meet Jesus? I've been getting these great reflections on my email everyday. They are short, but really make me think about what I'm doing to grow closer to Jesus. To let Him love me more. I want to share with you the reflections so far.  They are from Dynamic Catholic, and their theme for the "Best Advent Ever"  is "Rediscover Mercy", since Pope Francis has called this year, the Year of Mercy, and today starts the Jubilee.  We receive mercy from Jesus, all his love. But have we shared that mercy from Jesus with those around us? These reflections have given my new ideas of how we are able to share the mercy Jesus so freely gives us with others.  Best Advent Ever focuses on the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, which focus on the physical and spiritual needs of others.

Below are links for the first 10 days of Advent. I encourage you to take five minutes and read/listen to them. They are so good.... I just want to share them with everyone!! Feel free to share them with others too! :)

Day 1-What is Advent

Day 2- Ransom the Captive

Day 3- Admonish the Sinner

Day 4- Doing the Impossible

Day 5- Feed the Hungry

Day 6- Comfort the Afflicted

Day 7- What Does Mercy Mean?

Day 8- Sharing Mercy

Day 9- Clothe the Naked

Day 10- Pray without Ceasing

I will continue to share these with you during Advent. I hope you enjoy them, and treasure them, and grow from them, closer to Jesus too!


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And since today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of our Blessed Mother Mary. I wanted to share these two reflections with you. They are just worded so well, that I thought it best just to have you read them, instead of me trying to summarize them. My favorite part, though is "The very best things are not taken, they are given as gifts."

Fr. Barron reflection

And I found a new blog, actually more of a daily devotions post on the daily readings from Mass. It's short, easy to understand, and really makes me think about it afterwards. Today's was great reflection about our Blessed Mary, about her heart being so full of grace. Why else would she be greeted by, "Hail, Full of Grace! The Lord is with you." -Luke 1:27 And how else would she be able to say with full trust, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." -Luke 1:37

Fill Yourself with Grace

Mary teaches us how to pray through her example. The bible says many times, "But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart." -Luke 2:19.  In the silence of our hearts, we can be thankful for all Jesus has done for us and through us. And by the humility Mary showed, we can learn from her to turn everything over to Jesus in which we do not yet understand and entrust it to Him.

His Protection

Light Shine

We all know the story of Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan. Helen, having the hardship of being blind and deaf. And Anne, having the challenge of teaching her to communicate. I can't even imagine what each of them went through. Helen had to be so afraid, frustrated; a huge world of unknown. Anne, trying over and over and over again, to try and help Helen understand that everything and everyone has a name. Then the miracle happened, when Anne was signing letters into Helen's hands while running water over them. She repeated this over and over. And then all of a sudden... it connected. The light came on, Helen understood, and wanted Anne to spell everything for her. What a beautiful sight that must have been. The light turned on, the light broke her darkness.

Fr. Cliff Stevens, told us this story at Mass, and he related it to Jesus being our light. Jesus is the light in our darkness. And we are here to help spread the light of Jesus to all those around us. I think that is especially done this season of Advent/Christmas. So much giving all around. It's such a special act to see and take part in.  Whether one is able to do something big, as donating a large amount of money or items to a family or a charity, to having one's work adopt a family for Christmas, to inviting someone into your house to live for awhile, to giving a stranger a ride in your car in the snow and cold, to something so little as putting one's change in the red Salvation Army buckets, or even just holding the door open for a stranger or sharing a smile. You see, there are so many ways to share the light Jesus gives.
Something I recently read from an Advent reflection, talked about trying to "ransom the captive" in our lives. Many people in our life could be held "captive"... in simple ways that we may not think is big, such as loneliness or sadness, to big things as not having enough food, no transportation, no home to go to. What can we do to help ransom the captive in our lives...  Take a moment to visit them? Make them a meal? Send a card to show them you are thinking of them? Help them get to their appointment they need?

But the one thing that really stuck out to me, in talking about light and darkness... was Fr mentioned that we all have our own darkness in our lives, that may be hurting the relationship we have with Jesus and others. Advent is a time to help prepare our hearts, our minds to encounter Jesus at Christmas. It's a time to understand more the mercy Jesus has for us. As Fr Stevens said, "Maybe it's time to let a little bit of light shine into what might be your darkness."