Hour of Mercy

Today. Good Friday. A day of death, but we call it good. Good? Why? It's good because we embrace the love and mercy God and Jesus have for us, by Jesus dying on the cross something greater becomes. The gates of heaven are opened. Jesus in His goodness.  Let the love of Jesus fill our hearts. The 3:00 hour. The hour of Mercy when Jesus took His last breath and died on the cross.

The Paschal Triduum-- Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, are my favorite in the Catholic church. Starting when I was a little girl, going to church on Holy Saturday night, each of us being able to hold candles in the dark church that symbolized the Light of Christ. To standing by special friends whom came into the Catholic Church through the RCIA program, becoming Baptized, receiving First Communion, and becoming Confirmed all in the same night. It was more special than words can describe. And to now, Holy Thursday with the washing of the feet, the symbolization of allowing Jesus to wash our feet, to allow Him to help us in our everyday life. To let Him serve us, and then to go and wash other's feet, those others around us. And I love the transferring of the Blessed Sacrament, with the incense, music, honor. It's so beautiful.

But one of the most powerful parts to me, is the Seven Last Words reflection... in the Hour of Mercy, before Jesus died on the cross, He says seven phrases that have so much meaning. A special friend of mine, and my favorite priest, Fr Don Shane, always had the most powerful talk on the Seven Last Words. I have written notes in the past, and want to share a little with you from it.

1) Forgive them ---- after all the terrible pain and suffering, psychological torture, of being crucified that Jesus went through-- this, this is the first thing He says, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)  I can't even understand that. The greatness of His love for us, is something we won't understand until we are in heaven with Him. But because of His mercy, we should Never doubt the amount of Love He has for us.

2) Today you will be with me in Paradise ---- the thief, the other one crucified asks Jesus to remember Him-- that's all. Who knows if he was ever baptized, ever stepped into a church.  All we know is that he performed some terrible crime. But he had the smallest amount of compassion, he didn't want Jesus to die alone. He asked Jesus for that little bit of love. That's all, Didymus, the good thief, stole heaven -- he let Jesus love him. He received this mercy and grace while hanging beside Jesus in suffering. Maybe it's the same for us, receiving Jesus' mercy in any trials we have.  "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43)

3)  Woman, behold your son. Behold your Mother ---- Jesus giving Mary, His Mother, to all of us to be our Mother. What a gift. She gave birth to her firstborn. We are the rest of her children. She is the only one at the foot of the cross, with John the apostle next to her. When she said yes at the Annunciation, she was also saying yes to the cross. By being our Mother, and us receiving her love, she brings us closer to Jesus. She was the one with Him at his death. "When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your Mother." (John 19:25-26)

4)  My God, My God, why have you forsaken me ---- this is for anyone who has ever felt depressed, alone, suicidal; who ever felt that they had no one. At this point on the cross, Jesus didn't have anyone want Him-- the people on earth, God in heaven. He felt despair, desolation; He didn't hear God answer back. How many times do we pray, and not hear/feel an answer when we want, in our timing? Jesus understands this pain, this sorrow, this loneliness. He understands our broken heart. "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani? which means, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mathew 27:46)

5) I thirst ---- not for water. He thirsts for our Love! For our souls. Of our letting Him love us. And not with vinegar (on our terms). On giving Him our heart no matter what, no matter what life we are dealt-- giving Him our love. He wants to love us so bad, we just have to let Him in. "I thirst." (John 19:28)

6) It is finished ---- Jesus did everything, gave everything. He had nothing else left to give-- to us, to His Father.  The love and obedience he demonstrated throughout his entire life, was finalized on the cross. "When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, "It is finished." And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit." (John 19:30)

7) Father, into Your hands I commend My Spirit ---- Jesus died. (as a verb) He stomped on Satan. He opened the gates of heaven. He died and brought new life-- like a mustard seed, it has to die, break open, crack to grow and bring a new beautiful tree. "Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, into Your hands I commend my Spirit;" and when he had said this he breathed his last." (Luke 23:46)

Also today, at Good Friday service, I had the great gift of being able to give the Body of Christ, the Eucharist, to those at church. The day when Mass isn't celebrated. The day when Jesus died. The day when Jesus is not seen in the church by the lone, red flicker of a candle. I was blessed to be one of the Eucharist ministers. Placing Jesus in each hand, looking each person in the eye, saying "the Body of Christ." Every time I get to help, I am so grateful to Jesus that He lets me give Him to others. It's so humbling. Each hand... some so young, some so old, each having their own story. Their own trial. Their own suffering. But each wanting the mercy and love Jesus offers. Each wanting Jesus to be with them. A special friend reminded me of this part in the bible once, and ever since then I always pray "stay with me."  "And they approached the village where they were going, and He acted as if He were going farther. But they urged Him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is getting towards evening, and the day is now nearly over." So He went in and stayed with them. When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them..."  (Luke 24:28-30) This special friend, also told me today, that death is sometimes needed. Even though we wish differently, especially when death comes upon someone too early, it may be needed. Sometimes death is needed to bring out something good. To make room for something else. Like to lead people to Jesus. Jesus' death was awful, but His death was needed to bring life to all of us, eternal life.


Have a Wonderful, Blessed, and Holy Easter! :)

This and That

Just wanted to share a few pictures from over the past month. A little bit of this and that in which I was able to enjoy in between the craziness of work and life.

High School State basketball time!! One of my favorite things to do, and my youngest sister's high school girls made it, and got 2nd place! It was so much fun to cheer them on with the student section! :)

Sometimes nothing is better than seeing an old friend, a friend that taught me everything I know about nursing, and so much about life!!  And who I can honestly say is a second Dad to me! Such a blessing he and his family are to me!! Love having a beer with this guy!!

Got to babysit this little cutie one afternoon! When we were on a walk, a realization came to me.... I used to babysit this guy's mamma when she was probably 8-10 years old, and now I'm babysitting her son. Wow! Age check for me! Haha! :o

When your best friend from high school is still one of your best friends, I'd say God knew what He was doing when our lives crossed so long ago watching our younger brothers play t-ball! :)

Not bad for a self timer selfie! :)

One of my favorite things to do is taking a walk with this friend around Lake Zorinsky!!

A beautiful friend both inside and out!! So of course we have to celebrate her day of birth!! :)

Celebrating birthday!!

We went to the Escape Room in Aksarben! Highly recommend!! And yes.. my group "escaped" in 31 mins!! :)

The best!! Who doesn't love an evening of getting dressed up, going out to eat at Mula's.. having the best company with the yummiest margaritas!?! And enjoying a Disney Broadway show at the Orpheum!?! I'd say that makes for a perfect, magical night! 

Love this gal... so grateful our paths crossed!! Plus she feel in LOVE with Mula's too!! :)

Sisters!

Love the inside of this place! So gorgeous!

I got to dog sit for this little buddy again!! :)

Catching some warm sun rays!

Work friends are always great to end a long day with!! #nursesunite

Ahhh... the best... spring!! My tulips are blooming!! It's the simple things that bring the most joy! Bring the most hope! 

This sunset, was a hug from Jesus, after struggling with some things, I went to church one evening recently to pray, and came out and saw this...  The beauty of Jesus is around us always! We just have to look for His love in everyday things.  He wants to share His goodness with us, and fill us with joy and  peace.

Courage

When you hear the word Courage... what comes to mind? A definition from the Webster dictionary? A specific person? A specific time in your life, or someone else's? A song? Courage -- to me -- is when one has to do something, say something, they are scared to do, that is going to be hard for them or for another person. I think of it as when one has to step past hard times, push oneself to move on through tough times, to continue getting up each morning when things seem hopeless, or no end in sight. To be stronger than one ever thought one could be. To do the right thing, even if no one else is. To live with passion and compassion. To keep fighting for one's desires, for one's hopes and dreams no matter what! So many people, family and friends and strangers, come to mind when I think of being courageous... I would love to name them all, but their names will stay in my heart for right now. :) They are so strong, so positive, so much a role model! Such amazing individuals I look up to each and everyday.  I came across this recently about courage....

"Everything in life requires courage. Whether it is playing football or coaching football; crossing the room to ask a woman on a date or rekindling a love that has grown cold; whether it's your first day at college or your first day back at college after twenty years; starting a business, battling a potentially fatal disease, getting married, struggling to overcome an addiction, or coming humbly before your God in prayer: Life requires Courage."

I just think it defines courage perfectly. No matter what we are doing in our life, it all requires courage. Life is courage. As I was starting this past week on Sunday... I was nervous, I was scared. I knew it was going to be a hard week for me, for certain reasons that I don't really want to talk about. But what I do want to tell you, is about how God knows best. How I came to see, for again another time, that Jesus never leaves us, and shows Himself to us through others everyday. When each morning and many times throughout the day, I pray for courage, for strength, for hope, for healing to get me through this day, this week, this moment.  When hard moments take me by surprise, and I want to say to Jesus, "What are you trying to do to me? Come on, help me out here!"  But then He does... through other people, through things I read that seem to speak to my heart.  Of course He is going to help me, all I have to do is ask. He wants to be with me through every moment of my day. So when I get a 'real' letter in the mail from a best friend, just saying "I'm thinking of you."  Or when I get a text out of the blue, from a dear friend who is like a grandma to me, just saying "How are you? I'm praying for you and love you."  Or when I get to dog sit at short notice for friends to have a buddy to share my evenings/nights with for a few days. Or when a new friend tells me that they are so glad they met me.  Or when my little daffodils finally bloom to say spring is here. And all that happens during the week I was dreading. I can guarantee you that all those acts of kindness, all those water of graces, were from Jesus. Saying have faith, trust, hope; have courage.... I love you so much.

This YouTube video is about 6 mins, and so worth watching. I hope it brings you the courage to keep going too! Don't give up! Follow your heart! Find what you Love!

Motivation Video

Long Awaited Video

I've been waiting to post this for a long time!!! But I couldn't until my sister, Angela, posted it first, of course!! It's from her and Patrick's wedding!!  The long waited for and anticipated wedding video!! It turned out just so amazing! And watching it, makes me want to go back to that day all over again... or even the entire week! It was just the best! Even with 95 degree temps, and my brace.... it was just perfect!!  As you can tell from the video... Angela couldn't stop smiling! Yes, they've been married for almost 7 months.. but Congratulations Angela and Patrick!! :)

Click on the link which will take you to her page, and there you can watch the video! :) Enjoy!

Patrick & Angela 7-11-15

These Beautiful Mountains

Colorado.... a beautiful state!  Beautiful mountains all around! Road trips always mean lots of fun! Heading west on I-80, waiting for those mountains to appear... it's so exciting!! Trying to beat the sunset, so we could see those mountains we were so excited for, before it was too dark.  Then there they were... not big yet, but just in the horizon, it was so great!! We were getting close!! :)

Every since I went skiing for the first time a year ago, I knew I wanted to go back! I just had to. The mountains are just so perfect! And skiing down those mountains, no matter how slow or fast one can go, is an amazing feeling! And being so high up, looking all around, amazed by what God created! It just calls your name to come back! :)  So I got a group of us to head out west, a couple of my sisters, brother-in-law, and some friends! There was eight of us total! It was perfect!  We left on Thursday, and got to our Airbnb condo by 9:00pm. Because it was so late, we of course didn't get to see the scenery, or know where exactly we were going. All we knew is that we were going up and up, winding roads, ears popping. But as we got closer, into Silverthorne, where we stayed... the glow of the street lights and house windows, just brought me joy and giddiness (just ask my passengers)!! I could tell it was going to be all we dreamed of! Once we got there, unpacked, we kept looking through the patio window blinds... hoping we could see the mountains... even though we knew we wouldn't be able to... but maybe, just maybe! :)  So we all went to bed, and set our alarms super early, so we could see the sunrise and these beautiful mountains we were all so excited about!!

Oh... and a big milestone happened on our drive to Colorado... my car had a big birthday!! It turned 100,000 miles! We made kinda a big deal out of it!  We were so proud of her! Listen to the video! And yes, you can call us crazy if you want! :)

So Friday morning... 0600 wake up call... so worth it!! :)  Here is what was our window/patio south side view!!  Breathtaking! Good morning to us!!
{WARNING:: I take a lot of pictures} :-)

Ruby's cheerleaders!! :)

The sun was glowing off the side of the mountain!

Thank God for the selfie stick! :) (and the person that brought it)

So then we rented our skis, and helmets of course.... need those for sure! And off we went, to Copper Mountain!  So excited! Never being there before, it took us some time to figure out where to park, where to go, where to meet later... you know just all those logistics. But once we got our skis on and pointed in the right direction, up the lift.... we were set! I would have to say, I was nervous, as didn't know if I would remember how to ski, if I should take lessons again. But once I had a little reminder session of pizza pie vs french fries, I think I was ready! :) Down the bunny slopes, easy greens we went! The beauty of the sun, mountains, snow, air all around. I just couldn't get enough! It was all I remembered and more!

Here we go... all ready!

The first ride up!

This view.. these mountains, the sun rays! Love!!

Smile! :)

She did it!

It's gonna be a "thumbs up" kind of weekend!

Sisters

Friends are the best!

We kept wondering if I really was this much taller than Kristina! :)

Me and my gang!! (minus two)

This view.... (insert heart emoji here)

We may have just both wiped out! ;)

I did it!!

All I can say, is after this run, we were both glad we had helmets... some flips, losing skis, and trees may have been included in this run down the mountain. :)  (this was the only time I was nervous about my neck, and her tailbone)

Enjoying some drinks at the MooseJaw in downtown Frisco!

First day... we all survived, all bones still intact, no sun burns, and still all friends! :) It was so great! We, or at least our legs needed rest, but we were so excited to do it all again tomorrow!! Starting with the sunrise again! Mountains never get old!

Our condo view

Yay for snow, sun, skis, and friends!! :)

When on the lift.. pictures are a must!

I loved the little kids skiing with the instructor-- like a momma duck and her ducklings! Priceless! :)

So glad this girl came and gave skiing a try!! :)

This was our warm up!

So proud of this lady too!! 

So great to vaca with some of my family!! ;)

This was the best feeling... flying down the mountain, knowing if I slowed down, I would fall, so I had to just go, and go fast I did, weaving back and forth, wind in my face... nothing can describe it... even if after a few minutes, the end result was in the trees... it was all worth it!! :)

"There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship." ~St. Thomas Aquinas

On top of the world! It felt... near the top of Copper Bowl!

Sisters!!

I felt like this was fake! the mountains painted into the background, of the haze and clouds.. it was breathtaking!

On top of the world!!

I just had to add this... we were so tired, our legs were exhausted... we needed to get to the bottom, but these darn flat spots kept appearing randomly... so this was a little, "I am beyond exhaustion" period...  at the moment, we maybe wanted to cry, but now we can look and laugh and smile and say... WE DID IT ALL!!

I didn't want to leave!!

Love these gals!!

Sometimes I just wanted to sit, and take it all in... do we have to go back??

Sadness... back to the rental we must go. 

And so it was over... these beautiful mountains we had to say goodbye to. No, we never made it down the blacks... but I am totally okay with that. No need to kill myself on my second time skiing. Maybe someday I will get there, but right now, I had the absolute bestest time skiing with my best friend, down the slopes (maybe greens, maybe blues), laughing, loving life!! 

But we couldn't leave without one last morning to wake up to this.....

As these beautiful mountains got smaller and smaller in my side view mirror.... yes, a sadness came upon me.. but yet a pure joy and gratitude.... for wonderful get-a-way trips! For beautiful weather! For health and healing so I could ski again! For amazing friends! For blessing of family! For beautiful mountains! For laughter! For memories! For this life we get to live!! Even though it may seem at many times to be so messy, so imperfect, so unfair... it is a true GIFT we are given, a true blessing from the one who loves us most!! A thanksgiving for the life we are blessed with to live, to be able to share the water of grace with others! Thank you Jesus!!