Feast of Saint Claire of Assisi




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St. Claire knew it.  It's all part of our Christian calling, right?  Through the Sacrament of baptism, we die and rise with Christ.  But we must die to ourselves through self-mortification throughout life.  We can certainly choose WHO or WHAT we want to become, or become like.  If we wish to be like Christ, and perfected in the way He is, it requires that dying to self.  Holy cow, is it hard, though.  Certainly.  Do we want to give up sometimes? Yes.  But we must keep going.  He knows our efforts, for sure.  I love the fact that she fought off an army of men with just the Holy Eucharist. That's amazing.  She knew Jesus was the only way. I am thinking of Fr.'s homily yesterday at Mass: He was talking about how Elijah was growing weary and wanted to give up after the fact he knew that Jezebel wanted him dead, and he killed the 400 men in a "standoff" over the false god Baal. Peter also grew anxious in the storm while he was walking on water with Jesus, and began to sink.  So many of life's storms can distract us away from keeping focused on God, and we think we can do it alone without him.  But we can't.  Or at least, we cannot go as far as we could if we kept close to Him.  And, of course, I believe it directly reflects how our joy will be filled in eternity.  (*You can read my last post on my take on overflowing cups.)

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My late uncle passed away on this day 21 years ago.  His death was hard on the family at the time, but we all heal a little easier with Our Lord beside us.   I remember my dad today, as today marks his 5th month since parting us.  He can comfort us in those times when we turn to Him.  When I think of my dad's passing, I recall the same thoughts, and for sure, it was the reason we could have Hope.  Uniting that with the cross, truly.  And then we realize what a beautiful thing it truly is to die with Christ.  It's a deeper idea than one would typically think could be.

I think most people tend to be afraid of  "Dying with Christ". . .  but, it can be.  It means giving up a whole lot of US.  There are many Christians in the world, today, suffering for their faith.  Our brothers and sisters in faith in Israel are persecuted.  We must remember how "deep" that bond should go.  We must be wearing our faith OUT LOUD so that others can SEE and HEAR "WHO" we REPRESENT.  Only then, can we find true peace, and change the world over and over through Him. 

I would like to give an update on my life happenings, but will do so in another post.  There is a good reason I have been away from blogging this past summer.  Illness, recovery, wedding, vacation, and fun among other things.  It's that season.  I will post pictures and joys of life in another coming post, and the MARY GARDEN---is gorgeous! 

God bless you all.  Be Loud. 
In Christ!

J.M.J.

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.