Overflowing Barrel or Teacup of JOY for the Lord

 

photo zazzle.com

All this week, (It's only Tuesday, I know! But it's been since last week really), I have been talking to my kids about what we have been reading together from THE FAITH EXPLAINED by Leo J. Trese-- Why did God make us?  Why are we here?  Simple question, but lots of room for talk.  Well, I just wanted to explain our latest talk that has been from this week.  We have been talking about how we will experience our JOY in Heaven, and how it depends on how we love God here, on Earth, first.

Yes, if we are lukewarm, we already know from His Word that we cannot attain Heaven.  We cannot merely "think" that "God is cool; Go God!", but 1) not be even baptized 2) Do nothing to grow closer to Him, such as lead a prayer filled life, and think we can have Heaven.  Luke warmness is best described as having one foot in, but purposely keeping one foot out because we cannot live without the world, or the things of the world.  We will respond to the Lord and Heaven as we respond to Him here.  Think about it: Take your relationship with God NOW.  How do you feel about Him NOW? Are you totally on fire for Him? Or are you just kind-of eh about Him?  When we see Him later, after there is no turning back, we will tend to have the same response. 




photo itsadeliverything.com

Think about this for a minute:  How many of you out there LOVE classical, instrumental music?  Are you totally MOVED by it? Or are you kind of waiting for it to end because you aren't "in" to it? If you continue for years to try to appreciate it, perhaps you will find some kind of positive respect for it, and enjoy it more than you first did.  If you continue to change the station as soon as you hear it, with no real care for it, because "it's not for you",  then when you are before the grand Performance, it will not be too enjoyable for you.  This is a very good analogy for how we love God here and now and what will come afterwards. 
We will similarly respond to God when we meet him.  Those of us who truly chose Him throughout our life will have our joy to the full, as He promised. Those who give everything to serve Him will feel a barrelful of joy: they are the ones that classical musical brings tears to their eyes, and some will experience their joy, by a full teacup; they are generally moved by the music.  There is a difference, yes, but we will all have our "cup", no matter the size, full. 

My kids of course, want to have their "cup" be a barrel.  They want to experience God's Presence to the MAX.  I do too!  We must become so in LOVE with Him though.  This is where self-mortification comes into the equation.  Dying to self.  And giving every last item of ourselves and our lives to HIM.  If we hold anything back, perhaps we are choosing a smaller  "cup" for Jesus to fill later.  If we completely empty ourselves out to HIM, and give him a barrel to replace our lives with, we will be receiving that barrel in LOVE in return later.


I really feel like I haven't had a good as this post in a long time.  Thank You, Dear Holy Spirit.  And I pray that the Holy Spirit move these readers to give more of themselves in some way to You, and Your Will.  J.M.J.

Taste of Healthy and a Race Victory

There are so many things to enjoy right now. . . especially health.  LORD, I APPRECIATE THIS TIME OF HEALTH-- it's more than we have seen in months.  Sebastian's doing ok, we aren't "sick", no colds, etc., although Nathan still struggles with his disease.  Overall, we are trucking along.  I am feeling the urge to get into shape for my brothers upcoming wedding.  :-) I have a few goals in mind that I would like to reach by next month!

 

We are also resuming our regular meal plan, and healthier choice foods.  The summer is approaching fast, the weather is warm, the garden is blooming, and we cant get better than fresh air and play.  We are also trying to avoid any illnesses!  This feels good for a change!  :)

I have so much to share, but not enough time at the moment to go through it all.

Kids have races and track and field meets coming up this week, (SUPER EXCITED MOM HERE!) and we have also resumed our homeschooling lessons from the books.  Kids not so enthused, but hey.  No pain no gain!   Here are some of the pics from the latest race we did.  The kids are doing great; Nathan just wishes he was healthier and physically able to complete at the level he used to, so he isn't doing too many rigorous activities yet.  Keep praying though! They are so appreciated!
Here are our pics-- it was a 5k.  They all beat me.  Even Mary beat me!

Genevieve, age 13

Mary, age 7 (Places first in her age group for 7-8 yr old girls -- Yeah!)

Camille, age 10

Thad, age 12

 

Nathan, Peter and Momma (after race- they cheered me on at the finish!)

 



And the Victor of the Day is . . . Mary!

 

 

7^* I have competed well; I have finished the race;^f I have kept the faith. 8^* From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day,^g and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance. --- 2 Timothy, Chapter 4

 

 

Run Hard, Don't Quit! God counts on us! We chose whether we will be part of His Victory! So,. perhaps this post today is a good reminder for us to keep the Faith! I will be honest, when I was running, (and Mary mentioned this,  too) I kept thinking to myself. . . "Where is the finish?!" It was Mary's very first 5K, so she was thinking the same thing.  But, seriously, though, don't we usually feel the same way on a daily basis when we are out in the field of mothering? I often find myself just exhausted, and anticipate my husband to come through the door and save me.  Haha!  I think, "where is the "finish line" for the day? When is bedtime coming?  I will have to take my own advice.  It's tiring, for sure, but we will be rewarded on that day; and hopefully our husbands and kids will be, too.

 

Jesus, keep your Mother with us, and may she show us the way to a holy motherhood!  God bless you!

Have Faith, and Remain Strong!

Ain't that the TRUTH!?  *smile*

Thank God for His Mercy and Grace! 

I like to think if this quote after a rough day of mothering.  We have bad days, yes.  We also have days full of JOY. We are His Saints in the making, as long as we remain faithful!

 

God Bless!

J.M.J.

Mary's Funeral Song Choice

The other day, Mary tells me that she wants this specific song to be her funeral song.  I have NO idea other than her thinking of her Grandpa -- (Oompha!)-- of why she would come up with this idea.  It has been a  daily request for the past few days. . .seriously.  But It is sooooo cute and funny!

 

So, there it is: Mary would like this song for her funeral song. . . someday.  Hah!

 

I think its funny, because if you are thinking of the fact that in death we are "letting it go" (the earthly life), and such, it kinda' would fit.  I just don't like that this song seems so . . .oh, what's the word? "Inward"?  I have NOT seen this movie, but it seems rebellious in nature to me, just the song, I guess.  I haven't seen the movie to really appreciate the song, so I am judging this based on just this video.   

 

 

 

Today of course, she heard another song that she thought she liked, and asked if I would play that one for her funeral, too.  It cracks me up because she has no concept of the fact that I will MORE THAN LIKELY NOT be here for her funeral.  Oh, out of the mouths of babes. . .

 

I have another post to put up, but I need to wait until a little later.  Updates on the kids' race this weekend!  We have a victor!  Check back in soon! 

 

 And remember, PLEASE leave a comment!  It makes blogging so much more fun! :-)

 

 

True Emotions Yeild True Understanding Pave Path to True Love

Tonight I was able to share company with a friend I haven't visited with in quite some time.  Mostly, it was due to illnesses circulating, and since I have to keep my family healthy at all possible, in order to keep Sebastian healthy, it has been what feels forever.  I was so glad to get out and have company with a friend.  It was so nice.

Towards the end of the evening's visit, she was giving me a rundown of her father's condition and current situation.  From illness to cancer, remission, new cancer, and illness and pneumonia, diabetes, and other things, I was beginning to feel quite overwhelmed with it all.  Before, it wouldn't have hit me the way it did tonight.  I experienced something within me--a compassion-- I would not have been able to feel at the level I did had it not been for my dad's suffering and death.  Tears filled my eyes, and my heart raced with emotion.  It was strange to me.  It seems that the suffering of the those in the world, those closest to us, who we cannot help in any way other than to pray our hearts out for, is so overwhelming. We truly have a submission to God's Will that we cannot abandon, especially when we have seen Him work through others in the same situations.  I felt a sincere care and concern come over me.
I realize that once we experience an emotion that we haven't experienced before, God has called us already to a closer step into His Heart.  It becomes the Passion of Our Lord manifest in our lives, and the sorrow of His Mother for all the World, to reconcile with Her Son.  It leads us closer to the ability to love others the way God loves, perhaps.

 

Once we can feel for a perfect stranger, and I do not mean just feeling pity for an unfortunate person or situation with the attitude of "Oh, that is too bad", we are truly loving one another.  Our heart breaks in unity with Jesus and Holy Trinity for the ones suffering. We begin to know that true sympathy for one another which becomes love. I pray the Holy Spirit help me to understand and learn the deeper meaning of my experience, so that I can love others the way I should.  Its amazing; surreal.  I wish I could take this simple situation and explain better the bigger picture. 

I think that so many of us -- our culture, really has trained us-- to be more self-centered, and do and work for what is for ourselves, and it's rare that we can truly give of ourselves for others, and that means true sympathy, understanding, and love, which comes from deep within.  Yes, there are good people out there too, of course who fulfill the call to true love to others.  I cannot forget to mention that they are absolutely out there, and what a blessing it will be for anyone who comes into their path! But, it seems sporadic among us, sometimes.  I am very grateful  to know several people and families in particular that God has blessed us with in my area that have manifested God's true sympathy and love for my family, and others around us.  I am also thankful God has taken me deep into His Sacred Heart to fully appreciate this glimpse of who I should be from now on.  The experience is priceless.

Oh, Sacred Heart of Jesus, bring me deeper into your Heart, that mine may become more like Yours.

God has been taking me through a journey of, yes, a lifetime in the past 6 1/2 months.  As well as my family as a whole.  I must lean on Him, totally, to get through the changes he places at our doorstep, and those at the doorstep of my heart, which are meant just for me.  It is just so much.  I feel like God is asking me to exit my "old" life and ways of living and what I used to know, and walk with Him into a new version of a life that I somehow became qualified by His Grace for.   It's so humbling.  He indeed handed me a precious baby in a sweet basket (and a child who suffers from a chronic illness), asking me to love as I have never loved before, embrace His calling as I have never before understood how to do, and give my will to Him without resisting and without knowing what's ahead, and completely trusting in His Will instead.  For the last 13 years of my life, I knew exactly what to do; my life was "easy" to say the least.  Things came too easy and could be taken for granted.  Now, I am in an oblivion, with a blindfold, only knowing where to step next if I can keep holding on to The Lord's hand to guide me.  It's an unknown path.  A new path.  A new everything. And all I can do is surrender everything I thought I knew into His hands for safekeeping.  And trust He knows what to do with my heart, and my heart's treasures.  My emotions run like a stream from my heart tonight . . .  in hopes that God blesses them for His Glory, that I might learn a lesson that gives Him joy and glorification.  For all things that are good are for His glory.   I am merely an instrument of His.  A conversion of any size is still a conversion and a victory for Him in Heaven. 

*Please pray for the person's family anonymously mentioned here, as prayers are needed.  Thank you.*

J.M.J.





photo coolgraphic.org


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The Mary Garden Part 2

Coming along . . . It has truly taken some hard work and labor of love for Our Lady! We have broken ground, and are working on filling in with some topsoil and beautiful flowers!

photo glor-raysofsunshine.blogspot.com

We have some plants in!  (Here are a few pictures of the work in progress.) We still have much to do.  We were so gracious to receive a pair of apple and pear trees, and a blueberry bush from a friend!  It's awesome to add to the lovely landscaping, it had been a true gift and we cannot wait to plant them!  I am so super excited to get this all completed!  Once our garden is finished and full and growing, and we get our new yard finished, it will be so pleasing to see!  I am hoping to create a very welcoming pathway to our house.  :-)   Take a look at this image of Our Lady, for a moment.  She looks to Heaven.  Just as we as moms should be looking to Heaven in all that we do. She is such a purifying example of what obedience and joy in our vocations should look like.  She gave her "yes", her "fiat" to God from the very beginning.  I love how she is portrayed with such a glow about her.  She radiates the reflection of her Son's glory, as His Holy Mother.  We are so excited to finish this garden for her honor.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us mothers, now and forever. Amen!

*Elizabeth Hope and Peter when we went on a nature hike last week*

(Elizabeth is growing up so fast!  Just look at that maturing face! Aw!)

*Peter has a flower for you!*

*Brotherly love, aww!*

*Beautiful rose bush

for our new garden*

 

*Our Blessed Mother statue in the center of the garden*

I have been reading The Apostolate of Holy Motherhood, and it is truly inspiring!  I will be sharing some of what I have read in future posts. 


Check out this website for some beautiful prayers from Fatima:  http://static.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/assets/Fatima_Prayers.pdf

My favorite right now that I say often is this one:

 

My God, I believe, I adore, I trust, and I love thee! I beg pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not trust, and do not love thee.  Amen.


And . . .

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins; save us from the fires of hell;

lead all souls into Heaven, especially those who are in most need of thy mercy

J.M.J.



Sebastian's Update and Other Stuff

Last week Sebastian had a routine kidney ultrasound, and we were hoping for some good news: improvement. He also had a routine check on a specimen to determine the status of his colon, due to the infection he had several weeks ago. Today, I recieved a call from his doctor. I was anxious of course, as I ended up playing phone tag throughout the day before I could get the exact news. His kidney diagnosis: remains the same as before. Oh, it was like my stomach ached, at the news. No improvement that we could see, at least. We will still conitue to pray that his hydronephrosis will not cause any more infections of his urniary tract. His colon status also remains the same, positive for the bad bacteria, that we had hoped to get rid of. So I am contiuning a probiotic in his bottle daily, to help. He isn't complaining and he conitues to play happily, so we aren't going to worry, and we will routinely check him again in two weeks. In the meantime, we wait to hear from the big hospital in our "area" (Sebastian's pediatric GI group) So, please pray away for us, as and when you pray.

State testing is finished! Time to submit them in, and wait for results! The kids hopefully have done well.

We have taken a trip to the library to beat the heat for the day. Elizabeth made me laugh a little when she found this cute little "Farm Animals" board book, (the same one Mary had to check out a million time as a preschooler) and the look on her face was of pure excitement, and true joy. So, I conceded to check it out for her. Round two, I just foresee this book getting checked out again a million more times, haha! You just know how precious and adorable little farm animals are!

I have some food for thought for you. . . On Sunday, in our church's bulletin, Father had made a statement that we can look to animals at times to see how we as humans should behave and treat each other. It was an interesting thought, but it makes sense. It reminds me of the Wolf of Gubbio and how Saint Francis thought to treat and guide the Wolf as to make the townspeople less fearful of him, and actually change their thoughts and ideas about him. (The Wolf). What a concept. This brings me back to the old saying, "Treat others the way you wish to be treated." I have been having a difficult time in trying to reimplement this idea even within the walls of my home considering all the trials and stresses lately, and how much more irritable we have all become. Poor Nathan, especially for him, it is hard since he just wants his old life back, he cant help but to think less about others and more of himself. I pray God help him to see outward of himself during these times. What a way to learn an important lesson, heh? We all need to remember that exact thing. It's so hard to see others when something is happening to or within us. But we all need to try. We all focus inward during times of struggle and trail. Think about Jesus in His precious trials of His Passion and The Cross. Empty out to Him, unite with Him your struggles, instead of pouring them inward to ourselves. Take up your cross in joy! Pray for the Grace!

J.M.J.

photo  artislife.blogspot.com

                                                       paintings of kids with animals :)

The Mary Garden Part 1

Late last night, we got started on our "Mary Garden" that we wanted to plant for almost 2 or 3 years now.  We took a nice ol' trip to the Home Depot, and spent enough on flowers and such, but we had a list.  Did you know that there are actual flowers named for the Blessed Virgin Mother?  Some obvious ones are the rose, and the lilies, of course, but there are others: corn flower, dianthus, marigold, morning glory, spearmint, sage, thyme, zinnia, and many others.  So we attempted to get all the kinds of flowers that we would need.  Whoa- what a shopping trip!  It was quite fun, though, and might I add that a perfectionist shouldn't go to the Home Depot because she may get all these fancy ideas in her head like say, projects.  And if you give a perfectionist a project, well, you know.  (I should write a book similar to Laura Numeroff's If you Give a Mouse a Cookie. . . . haha. "If you put a Perfectionist in a Home Improvement Store")  Anyhow, It was hard occasionally to "stay on task" with the garden being there!

 



photo from facebook

So, thanks to my husband who is a "car guy", he was able to unstuck a friend's truck that he so graciously got stuck on a boulder near our driveway in an attempt to back in with a load of topsoil.  This gives me a laugh. . . because he REALLY needed my help! 

 

Yeah, it sort-of looked liked that!   LOL!

 

Back to the garden. . .

We live literally on a pile of rocks. . . haha--- I just realized our house was "built on the rock", *laugh a little*

 

It is treacherous trying to dig a garden! Especially with all those rocks in the ground.  We need much more topsoil before we can do anymore, and a huge piece of equipment.  I told my husband it'd be wise to rent something soon, if we are to finish this and have this landscaping project look as nice as it has cost so far!  Right?  So, we (the kids and I) are trying to be patient, as we just want to get in and plant, plant, plant! 

 

We do have a vegetable and herb garden to plant too.  But one at a time!

 

Our garden is going to be such a beautiful sight and it's going to smell nice too, once it's completed!  It is to honor Our Lady, of course.  I had to remind my kids that would come out and work and toil with me, that that hard work it takes to prepare the garden so that it can become something beautiful, is the same thing we must do with our lives in order to get to Heaven, and it's true that he is preparing for us a place in Heaven that is B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L! I can only imagine being surrounded by the most beauty anyone could ever want! There's nothing in the world like passing such a botanical arrangement of fragrances!

photo theguardian.com

 

(See  Tea & cake with the Saints for the book we got the idea from.)

Our Lady deserves to be honored!  We are hoping that she will see to it that our garden blesses her as our Mother!

 

Blessings!

J.M.J.