Sunday, September 2, 2018
Simple Country Catholic: It's a GREAT Time to be Catholic!
Simple Country Catholic: It's a GREAT Time to be Catholic!: Say what? You Crazy, Girl! Yep, I said it and I'll say it again. IT'S A GREAT TIME TO BE CATHOLIC! My turn to chime in on the ...
It's a GREAT Time to be Catholic!
Say what?
You Crazy, Girl!
Yep, I said it and I'll say it again. IT'S A GREAT TIME TO BE CATHOLIC!
My turn to chime in on the recent scandals.
Oh, if Bishop Sheen were alive today! If you haven't read any of his books, are you in for a treat. The man was a prophet. I recently read an article where he talked about every 500 years the church renews itself. It was written in 1974. Guess what folks, it's about that time.
First 500 years-Heresies, persecutions
Second 500 years- Schisms
Third 500 years-Protestant Reformation
Now-"The Spirit of the World." I think it's a result of the sexual revolution.
You can read the article here: https://www.ncregister.com/blog/joseph-pronechen/fulton-sheen-answers-for-a-christendom-crisis
Too long the laity have relied on priests. Shame on us. We have a responsibility more than just to attend Mass on Sunday. We are the ones in the world. We are the ones who impact culture. We are the majority. I have been Catholic for 18 years now. Something I have learned and often say "I'm Catholic because I'm Catholic, not because of a Priest." No one can have your faith for you. If you leave a church because of a priest, your faith needs a little work. The priest didn't die on the cross.
Our parish is small, 45 or so families. Our laity MUST do the work if we want our parish to survive. We are a mission parish and do not have a residential priest. No one can hide behind the pew. Are you hiding behind the pew? Too long we have just taken from the Church on Sunday, what will we give back on Monday?
Fatima, i'll say it, is just eerie. What Our Lady told those children; Jacinta, Lucia, and Francisco back in 1917 has come to fruition. We think 'oh that was so long ago' but God doesn't know time. Our Blessed Mother, warns us, like a good mother would. We think communism is a thing of the past. We are still 'reaping it's benefits' today. Another article here: http://romancatholicheroes.blogspot.com/2009/03/bella-dodd.html
Bella Dodd, a former communist and revert to Catholicism, said she was responsible for recruiting more than a 1000 gay men into the priesthood. She planted a seed. The idea was to take down the Catholic Church. Priests are called to be celibate. The temptation would be too strong to be faithful to their celibacy. We see how successful this has become. Once again, Our Lady warned us the last battle will be on the family, but no worries, she comforts us and says all will be well. But there's still the battle to be fought, we are in the midst of it.
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
This is where I see it's a great time to be Catholic. We are going to see the water turned to scalding hot for our faith. We have taken it for granted, bathed in the lukewarm for too long. What's your faith temperature?
I'm a gardener but this year's garden got away from me. It's awful. I admit, I just gave up. God doesn't give up. We are experiencing an historical shift in our Church. God is weeding his garden. God is nicer than me, he doesn't pull the weed by the root, he only cuts it back giving it a chance to grow. Last year I learned how to forage in my yard. There's plenty of 'weeds' God gives us to eat in our yard, dandelions for example. We see it as a nuisance but God sees it as a purpose. The beauty of our faith is the garden is full of variety, sinners and saints together. The sinners, who recognize their sin, admit their faults, grow into plants that will either nourish or provide beauty to the world.
Those faithful and repentant that are left are going to rebuild a more beautiful garden.
It IS a great time to be Catholic. A time to renew your faith, water it, watch it grow. Pray, fast, read, learn, grow into the magnificent soul you were created to be to help build up His Church, His Kingdom on Earth.
How does your garden grow?
You Crazy, Girl!
Yep, I said it and I'll say it again. IT'S A GREAT TIME TO BE CATHOLIC!
My turn to chime in on the recent scandals.
Mama Bear
Thanks be to God the scandals are being revealed, people are coming out to tell of their abuse, and Bishops are being called out. The laity are mad. I am sickened by the creepy priests that preyed upon innocent children. I am sickened by the hierarchy that abused their power. I can't help if it were one of my sons that was violated, WOE to that man. I would attack him like a mama bear gauging his eyes out, shredding his skin, and roaring so loud he would no longer be able to hear. Don't mess with the innocent, shame on you.Papa Bears
Thanks to those faithful priests and bishops who are speaking up. Be LOUD. Be NOISY. Growl like you are a Papa Bear protecting it's family. Help us laity restore our faith in you, faith in the Church, the hierarchy Jesus established. These are historical times. The Catholic Church is called to be in this world, but not of this world. God has called us out, bringing forth the evil because we needed intervention. We were becoming too worldly, following the culture too closely, and accepting sin. My dear Papa Bears, help us travel back to the other world, the Kingdom of Jesus.Gone are the days...
I love this story my husband tells. Growing up his grandma lived a few doors down from St. Mary's. He was an altar server. One day he was walking along the street towards grandma's house. The dear Father was driving by. He rolled down his window and said "Wanna grab a burger? Go ask your grandma." So, they drove down the street and ate together. No evil intentions, just a wonderful man offering a meal. How many more vocations there would be if this could happen?! There's no way a priest could or should put himself in that situation these days. How sad.Venerable Fulton J. Sheen and Every 500 Years
Oh, if Bishop Sheen were alive today! If you haven't read any of his books, are you in for a treat. The man was a prophet. I recently read an article where he talked about every 500 years the church renews itself. It was written in 1974. Guess what folks, it's about that time.
First 500 years-Heresies, persecutions
Second 500 years- Schisms
Third 500 years-Protestant Reformation
Now-"The Spirit of the World." I think it's a result of the sexual revolution.
You can read the article here: https://www.ncregister.com/blog/joseph-pronechen/fulton-sheen-answers-for-a-christendom-crisis
I'm Catholic because I'm Catholic, not because of a Priest.
Too long the laity have relied on priests. Shame on us. We have a responsibility more than just to attend Mass on Sunday. We are the ones in the world. We are the ones who impact culture. We are the majority. I have been Catholic for 18 years now. Something I have learned and often say "I'm Catholic because I'm Catholic, not because of a Priest." No one can have your faith for you. If you leave a church because of a priest, your faith needs a little work. The priest didn't die on the cross.
Our parish is small, 45 or so families. Our laity MUST do the work if we want our parish to survive. We are a mission parish and do not have a residential priest. No one can hide behind the pew. Are you hiding behind the pew? Too long we have just taken from the Church on Sunday, what will we give back on Monday?
Fatima Again
Fatima, i'll say it, is just eerie. What Our Lady told those children; Jacinta, Lucia, and Francisco back in 1917 has come to fruition. We think 'oh that was so long ago' but God doesn't know time. Our Blessed Mother, warns us, like a good mother would. We think communism is a thing of the past. We are still 'reaping it's benefits' today. Another article here: http://romancatholicheroes.blogspot.com/2009/03/bella-dodd.html
Bella Dodd, a former communist and revert to Catholicism, said she was responsible for recruiting more than a 1000 gay men into the priesthood. She planted a seed. The idea was to take down the Catholic Church. Priests are called to be celibate. The temptation would be too strong to be faithful to their celibacy. We see how successful this has become. Once again, Our Lady warned us the last battle will be on the family, but no worries, she comforts us and says all will be well. But there's still the battle to be fought, we are in the midst of it.
The time of being lukewarm is over.
C.S. Lewis' "Screwtape Letters" is not something to read before you go to bed. I had nightmares. I read this many years ago and what I remember most from that book is what Screwtape said to Wormwood is 'try to keep them lukewarm'. The devil revels in lukewarm water. Indifference. Are you lukewarm in your faith? It's time to turn up the heat. Revelation 3:15,16 warns:“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
This is where I see it's a great time to be Catholic. We are going to see the water turned to scalding hot for our faith. We have taken it for granted, bathed in the lukewarm for too long. What's your faith temperature?
Christian Unity
God speaks through all Christian churches. I think he speaks loudest through the Catholic Church simply because it is the biggest throughout the world. Maybe His voice can be heard throughout the world because of the organization Catholics can provide. I believe the Holy Spirit is calling all Christians to conversion. This scandal of sexual abuse in the Church is not simply limited to just Catholics. It's in other denominations, Hollywood, schools, families. Our society is so sexual. Is this a wake up call for all Christians? The time of tit for tat, your faith is wrong because of this Bible verse or that Bible verse has got to end. We need to unite, not necessarily on Sunday mornings, but truly unite if we are to build up the Kingdom of God. We are all in this together.
Mary, Mary Quite Contrary
I'm a gardener but this year's garden got away from me. It's awful. I admit, I just gave up. God doesn't give up. We are experiencing an historical shift in our Church. God is weeding his garden. God is nicer than me, he doesn't pull the weed by the root, he only cuts it back giving it a chance to grow. Last year I learned how to forage in my yard. There's plenty of 'weeds' God gives us to eat in our yard, dandelions for example. We see it as a nuisance but God sees it as a purpose. The beauty of our faith is the garden is full of variety, sinners and saints together. The sinners, who recognize their sin, admit their faults, grow into plants that will either nourish or provide beauty to the world.
 |
| My weedy garden. |
Those faithful and repentant that are left are going to rebuild a more beautiful garden.
It IS a great time to be Catholic. A time to renew your faith, water it, watch it grow. Pray, fast, read, learn, grow into the magnificent soul you were created to be to help build up His Church, His Kingdom on Earth.
 |
| Weeds that blossom into flowers. |
How does your garden grow?
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Simple Country Catholic: Simple Conversion
Simple Country Catholic: Simple Conversion: It's not really a simple conversion. I wish it was. My stubbornness and pride made it more complicated that it really needed to be. ...
Friday, July 13, 2018
Simple Country Catholic: Family
Simple Country Catholic: Family: Family, the simplest, yet most complicated unit, in history. Family is where we come from. We may be blessed with a wonderful family o...
Family
Family, the simplest, yet most
complicated unit, in history.
Family is where we come from. We may be
blessed with a wonderful family or come from very humble beginnings.
Holding Violet
 |
| Holding Violet |
Recently we had a family reunion. Our
'hillbilly' cousins stayed with us for about a week. We see them
every few years. What a heartwarming scene of cousins playing
together and experiencing true laughter from the belly. One day, my
little 4 year old cousin collapsed in my arms from sear exhaustion.
As I was holding her on the porch swing, an overwhelming sense of
gratitude and peace came over me. What came to mind is 'family are 'your
people' God places before you to share life together'. We share joys, sorrows, troubles, successes, failures and usually
lots of food.
Do you build up the family or tear it
down?
I recently was listening to a Catholic
radio station and a priest was asked about sex before marriage. He
said the most beautiful thing. Rather than talking about what is a
sin he looked at the reason why we have this 'rule'. He said “the seeds
of society are grown by the love of a woman and a man. This goes all
the way back to Adam and Eve.” Got me thinking, this is a great
and grave responsibility not
to be taken lightly. The reflection of a society starts with a
glimpse into the family life. Where a man and woman love, care,
nurture, support their children, the family is a solid, loving unit.
Where there is discourse and selfishness, the family is not a
cohesive unit. Off course, the best parenting can result in not-so-good kids,
we can thank free will for that, but for the point I'm making, family
reflects society.
No matter what, family is there.
Sometimes
it's annoying.
You
want your personal space. My oldest likes her room. Family love is
unconditional. No matter what choices you make, friends may come and go,
but family is constant and puts up with you. We may not support or like every decision
another family member makes, but we are one thing: there. A healthy
family will do whatever it takes to make sure you're are taken care
of and loved.
Seventeen
years could pass before you see a cousin but it's like you meet a new
person who has always been there. The family connection never dies.
Simple Family
There's
no such thing as a simple family. We are complicated and unique as snowflakes.
However, the task of each family member is simple, that is to have a
love that never wavers, faults and all. If we do this within our own
family, wouldn't that be a great society to live in?
Catholics
call the family the “Domestic Church”. Holiness begins here.
What is holiness? Rubbing tired feet, doing chores without
complaint, sharing meals, playing board games, going to church
together, attending sporting events, dance recitals, encouraging
hobbies, being lazy on the couch, talking about life, doing things
you don't want to do but doing them anyway, simple, ordinary things
done with love.
The Miracle of Fatima
In
1917, the Blessed Mother Mary appeared to three children in Portugal;
Jacinta, Lucia, and Francisco.
You can read more here: https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/why-fatima-matters-in-the-battle-for-life-and-family
These
children had visions of the Blessed Mother Mary and she told them many things.
Our Lady predicted the shooting of Pope John Paul II and the 2nd
World War. She was very concerned with Russia and communism.
Sister Lucia grew up to be a nun. Sister Lucia said Our Lady told her:
"the
final battle between the Lord and the reign of Satan will be about
marriage and the family. Don’t be afraid, she added, because
anyone who operates for the sanctity of marriage and the family will
always be contended and opposed in every way, because this is the
decisive issue. And then she concluded: however, Our Lady has
already crushed its head."
Our
Lady of Fatima is calling for repentance and prayer.
Not to
be all doomsday, but isn't that happening now? Now, some of you may
not believe in Marian apparitions, but this one is remarkable. The
grave responsibility of a man and woman planting seeds is being
replaced by the pleasure principle. Today there is a 50% chance you
will get divorced. The marriage commitment is passe. Many get
married with knowing there is an opt out if you are bored or not
happy. That leads me to a question. Why are people so unhappy? Not
to be all judgy, judgy but from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely
pray that our society will once again see the value good marriages
make for the betterment of humanity.
So
what if you are in a bad marriage? Work on it until you are
exhausted. Find peace in knowing you have tried all you can. Yes,
even good marriages are exhausting. Yes, some marriages need
dissolved. Don't let your marriage end because you were lazy. Marriage is hard work. If
you want our society to become better, pray for marriages.
So
what if you have a bad family? You can't control where you come from
but you can control your thoughts, words, and actions. Recognize
there is no such thing as a normal family, we all have our
dysfunctions. Be thankful for the gift of life and learn to forgive.
It will bring you peace.
No
worries, our Mother is comforting. She also told the children of
Fatima that we will have a time of peace on Earth. Maybe this time
is after we win the battle of the family?
Family
all begins with the love a woman and a man. Seeds are planted,
Violets and Daisies grow. God's plan is beautiful. He gave us the
family, companions so we don't have to be alone on our Earthly
pilgrimage.
Do you
help society by building your family up or tearing it down?
Thank you for indulging me in reading my random thoughts. God love you!
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Simple Country Catholic: Protein Bowl Recipe
Simple Country Catholic: Protein Bowl Recipe: I recently went took my kids to a fast food chain restaurant that serves tacos. I only ordered chips and queso because I didn't feel li...
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Protein Bowl Recipe
I recently went took my kids to a fast food chain restaurant that serves tacos. I only ordered chips and queso because I didn't feel like having a belly ache. I took the kiddos because we had COUPONS! Eating at fast food gives rarely any healthy options. As we were eating, I glanced up at the menu and saw that there was a somewhat healthy option. I was stoked! I think finally, some chains are getting it, not everyone wants to eat cheap crap.
So, I went home and googled what was in this protein bowl. It inspired me to make up my own concoction and to my surprise, it's super yummy with the added bonus of super healthy! Oh yeah, and SUPER easy to make. Hubby requests this dish often.
Cooked rice (I like Jasmine but any will do)
Lettuce (I like a blend of different kinds)
Black Beans (rinsed)
Pico de Galo
Smashed Avocado or guacamole
Salt
Lettuce
Meat of your choice-chopped, shredded chicken, pork, beef, deer, fish....
Pico de Galo
Smashed Avocado or guacomole
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Salt
Put it all in a big bowl and mix it up!
Cooking tip: cook up a bunch of rice at the beginning of the week and have it on hand. Rice is easy to cook, but I somehow dread making it. It's silly, I know.
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Do you have any easy, peasy, healthy recipes to share?
Comment below.
So, I went home and googled what was in this protein bowl. It inspired me to make up my own concoction and to my surprise, it's super yummy with the added bonus of super healthy! Oh yeah, and SUPER easy to make. Hubby requests this dish often.
Protein Bowl (Vegan version)
Measurements depends on how hungry you are.Cooked rice (I like Jasmine but any will do)
Lettuce (I like a blend of different kinds)
Black Beans (rinsed)
Pico de Galo
Smashed Avocado or guacamole
Salt
Protein Bowl (Un-vegan version)
Cooked riceLettuce
Meat of your choice-chopped, shredded chicken, pork, beef, deer, fish....
Pico de Galo
Smashed Avocado or guacomole
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Salt
Put it all in a big bowl and mix it up!
 |
| Vegan Protein Bowl |
Cooking tip: cook up a bunch of rice at the beginning of the week and have it on hand. Rice is easy to cook, but I somehow dread making it. It's silly, I know.
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Do you have any easy, peasy, healthy recipes to share?
Comment below.
Friday, April 27, 2018
Simple Country Catholic: Beans and Mush Recipe
Simple Country Catholic: Beans and Mush Recipe: Sounds yummy, right?! I love me some beans and cornbread! No one else in this family shares this love. I came up with an easy version....
Beans and Mush Recipe
Sounds yummy, right?!
I love me some beans and cornbread!
No one else in this family shares this love.
I came up with an easy version. Cornbread is time consuming so I substituted mush, or corn grits or the fancy word, polenta..whatever you want to call it...it's yummy.
1 can great northern beans NOT drained
1/2 cup prepared mush
2 T. chopped onion
Ketchup to taste (2 T)
Salt if needed
2 T. sugar (optional) I like it sweet. Maybe use maple syrup or honey? Haven't tried that yet.
Heat beans in pan. Then mix all the ingredients together.
A go to breakfast for me is warm grits and maple syrup. I feel so southern when I eat it!
Will you dare to try this?
Comment below.
I love me some beans and cornbread!
No one else in this family shares this love.
I came up with an easy version. Cornbread is time consuming so I substituted mush, or corn grits or the fancy word, polenta..whatever you want to call it...it's yummy.
Beans and Mush Recipe
1 can great northern beans NOT drained
1/2 cup prepared mush
2 T. chopped onion
Ketchup to taste (2 T)
Salt if needed
2 T. sugar (optional) I like it sweet. Maybe use maple syrup or honey? Haven't tried that yet.
Heat beans in pan. Then mix all the ingredients together.
 |
| This is grits, mush, polenta, corn meal. I ate the beans and mush too fast to take a pic! |
A go to breakfast for me is warm grits and maple syrup. I feel so southern when I eat it!
Will you dare to try this?
Comment below.
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Redemptive Suffering
This is a reflection of today's scriptural reading.
Corinthians 12:9 "...My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
St. Paul had some kind of affliction, we are not sure what it was, but it was a thorn for him. God allowed him this suffering but gave him the grace to endure. Suffering either makes us run to God or away from Him.
It's not fun.
But there's hope, it can be used for good. Suffering is a superpower everyone has if they discover its value.
Unite our sufferings with Christ's sufferings on the Cross and you will see suffering in a whole new light.
What are our sufferings? Sickness, not making ends meant, seeing loved ones make bad decisions, drama you don't want to be a part of, physical ailments, car problems, addictions, raising children, carrying the burden of others. Simply put, living life on Earth.
What is redemptive suffering? It is 'offering it up'. We Catholics have a coined phrase "offer it up for the poor souls". Which really means 'quit complaining, suck it up, there's people in purgatory that need your prayers'. "Offer it up" has been used by millions of Catholic moms over the years to shut their kids up because they scrapped their knee on a rock. Or maybe when a daughter has a collarbone that looks funny and you really don't want to take them to the emergency room....just sayin'...
Don't waste your suffering. Use it to help others. We are all called to serve and be like saints, holy people of God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "...God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too." Read the first chapter in 2 Corinthians. It's a good one on value of suffering.
One of my favorite role models, St. Therese, the little flower. My 2nd daughter has her namesake. She lost her mother at a young age and had tuberculosis. No one knew she was sick for a long time. She quietly suffered. She died at a young age. She was ever cheerful and knew the value of redemptive suffering.
https://www.littleflower.org/therese/reflections/st-therese-on-suffering/
How do you use your suffering?
Do you wallow in self pity? Does everyone around you know your problems? Do you complain and moan?
Take Narcotics Anonymous for example, WOW what a way to share your sufferings with others. The sole purpose of the group is to share in each others sufferings. The sufferings they endure helps another. Their example reaches and teaches others in a more profound way because they have 'been there, done that'.
Share your experiences so that others my reap the benefits of your sufferings.
Jesus did this. He used his sufferings for our benefit. He was beaten, whipped, carried the cross, had thorns plunged in his head, was nailed, cut with a sword, DIED and came alive again all to teach us a better way. His sufferings give us hope that this life is only temporary. The 3rd heaven awaits! (2 Corinthians 12:2, it's just really our belief of regular heaven).
Then there's Miss Knee. Miss Knee doesn't understand the concept of redemptive suffering. I tell her to offer it up on our runs but SHE DOESN'T LISTEN! My game plan already is to offer it up. I have someone in mind I want to offer this up for. I'm hoping thru my sufferings that my prayer will be answered.
Suffering in this world is inevitable. No one can escape it but there's hope. We have another world waiting for us that promises no suffering. Your attitude on suffering can change your entire outlook on life. Embrace the suffering, unite it with Christ, offer it up as a prayer for someone else who is suffering.
Corinthians 12:9 "...My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
St. Paul had some kind of affliction, we are not sure what it was, but it was a thorn for him. God allowed him this suffering but gave him the grace to endure. Suffering either makes us run to God or away from Him.
What's your superpower? SUFFERING!
We all suffer.It's not fun.
But there's hope, it can be used for good. Suffering is a superpower everyone has if they discover its value.
Unite our sufferings with Christ's sufferings on the Cross and you will see suffering in a whole new light.
What are our sufferings? Sickness, not making ends meant, seeing loved ones make bad decisions, drama you don't want to be a part of, physical ailments, car problems, addictions, raising children, carrying the burden of others. Simply put, living life on Earth.
 |
| This is what my redemptive suffering looks like, not pretty! |
So. Much. Suffering.
There is so much suffering. The world's problems can be overwhelming. I have chosen to live a more simple life or in other words 'buried my head in the country sand'. I can't do the news. I look online to a few stories that are of interest and get overwhelmed with sadness. Then there's social media. I'm about to quit it, but it has become almost a tool of necessity for communication that it would be like living without a telephone. I'm saddened on how everyone has to give their opinion and you have to choose one side or another. It gives me stress and anxiety. But then someone out of the blue contacts you, you haven't talked to them in 25 years so it makes it all worth staying plugged in. There's seeing your friend's kids pictures and keeping in touch with family. I'll offer up the drama to keep connected with my favorite people.Don't waste your suffering. Use it to help others. We are all called to serve and be like saints, holy people of God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "...God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too." Read the first chapter in 2 Corinthians. It's a good one on value of suffering.
St. Therese of Liseux
One of my favorite role models, St. Therese, the little flower. My 2nd daughter has her namesake. She lost her mother at a young age and had tuberculosis. No one knew she was sick for a long time. She quietly suffered. She died at a young age. She was ever cheerful and knew the value of redemptive suffering.https://www.littleflower.org/therese/reflections/st-therese-on-suffering/
How do you use your suffering?
Do you wallow in self pity? Does everyone around you know your problems? Do you complain and moan?
Take Narcotics Anonymous for example, WOW what a way to share your sufferings with others. The sole purpose of the group is to share in each others sufferings. The sufferings they endure helps another. Their example reaches and teaches others in a more profound way because they have 'been there, done that'.
Share your experiences so that others my reap the benefits of your sufferings.
Jesus Suffered
Jesus did this. He used his sufferings for our benefit. He was beaten, whipped, carried the cross, had thorns plunged in his head, was nailed, cut with a sword, DIED and came alive again all to teach us a better way. His sufferings give us hope that this life is only temporary. The 3rd heaven awaits! (2 Corinthians 12:2, it's just really our belief of regular heaven).Miss Knee
Sufferings are sometimes innocent or by our own making. For example, I thought it would be a good idea in January to sign up for a half marathon. It's this Saturday (it's April). I'm missing my teenage daughter's track meet and have to get back in time for another daughter's school play. Didn't know all of this in January.Then there's Miss Knee. Miss Knee doesn't understand the concept of redemptive suffering. I tell her to offer it up on our runs but SHE DOESN'T LISTEN! My game plan already is to offer it up. I have someone in mind I want to offer this up for. I'm hoping thru my sufferings that my prayer will be answered.
 |
| Miss Knee, she is not nice. |
Suffering in this world is inevitable. No one can escape it but there's hope. We have another world waiting for us that promises no suffering. Your attitude on suffering can change your entire outlook on life. Embrace the suffering, unite it with Christ, offer it up as a prayer for someone else who is suffering.
What can you offer up today?
Comment below.
Comment below.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Simple Country Catholic: Simple Snow
Simple Country Catholic: Simple Snow: The older I get, the more I love snow. I know. It's weird. We have had plenty of snow this winter. Over the kids' spring break, it...
Simple Snow
The older I get, the more I love snow. I know. It's weird.
We have had plenty of snow this winter. Over the kids' spring break, it was like God just dumped the snow right on our house. Some areas measured 6 inches, others 12. Many facebook complainers.
I embraced it.
We are a family that doesn't have the luxury of vacations unless it's visiting family members. Maybe an occasional camping trip or short get weekend getaway within a few hours drive. So, no Florida warm weather for us. This snow provided a good 4 days of outside playtime. This snow was
AHH-MAZING! My 8 year old said "March snow is WAYYY better than December snow." Yep, it sure is. We were building snowmen and ginormous snow forts. The snow stuck like glue. It was awesome.
The last day when the snow melted, the boys went out in the morning and played and by the end of the day were wearing shorts. That's Midwest weather for you.
One HUGE benefit of snow is that it covers all the trash. I went running the other day and to pass the time I counted 72 beer bottles/cans on a 2 mile stretch. Drinking and driving is not only dangerous but SOOO 1980's. Besides, who doesn't recycle anymore?
Snow is referenced in the Bible a few times. A snowy morning and melting by the end of the day reminds me manna in the dessert. How quickly it ends if we don't devour it when it's there. My favorite snow Bible quote is:
Snow is a simple beauty. We can complain, or embrace it. Nothing makes you feel more youthful than a good snowball fight or making angels in the snow.
Life is all perspective. What do you see? Last week when I was running, I went in crazy, beast mode and decided to tackle a hill, rather a small Indiana mountain. I looked down the valley and should have seen a beautiful ravine with a small creek but all I saw was mounds of trash thrown over the side of the road that had trickled down over the years. There's no way anyone could get down there to pick up all that garbage. It gave me the thought, what do you see? the beauty in everything or the ugliness? I would like to admit I just saw beauty but I didn't. My thought was I wish it would snow to cover up all the ugliness. What do we cover up all our ugliness with? Do we have a contrite heart or is it red as scarlet? Do we see others as scarlet or as white as snow? God forgives us but do we forgive those who hurt us or just cover them up with snow.
The snow will melt and what will you have? A clean heart or a dirty ravine?
Comment below.
We have had plenty of snow this winter. Over the kids' spring break, it was like God just dumped the snow right on our house. Some areas measured 6 inches, others 12. Many facebook complainers.
I embraced it.
 |
| Steelers Snowmen |
AHH-MAZING! My 8 year old said "March snow is WAYYY better than December snow." Yep, it sure is. We were building snowmen and ginormous snow forts. The snow stuck like glue. It was awesome.
 |
| Someone declared a snowball fight! |
The last day when the snow melted, the boys went out in the morning and played and by the end of the day were wearing shorts. That's Midwest weather for you.
One HUGE benefit of snow is that it covers all the trash. I went running the other day and to pass the time I counted 72 beer bottles/cans on a 2 mile stretch. Drinking and driving is not only dangerous but SOOO 1980's. Besides, who doesn't recycle anymore?
Snow is referenced in the Bible a few times. A snowy morning and melting by the end of the day reminds me manna in the dessert. How quickly it ends if we don't devour it when it's there. My favorite snow Bible quote is:
Psalm 51:7
"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."
Every time I hear this verse, I think of a certain Priest that would sing this during Lent. Psalm 51 is traditionally called the "Miserere" or the "Repentent's Prayer." God does not call perfect people to lead his church, but imperfect people who are repentant. We don't repent just one time, but over and over and over. David, he was a dude that kept messing up, but had a contrite heart. I should frequent the sacrament of confession more than I do, I know I should take advantage of the free therapy session of forgiveness!
Create in me a new heart, AKA conversion. Conversion isn't just a one time affair, we are constantly being converted. In order to continue conversion, one must seek God more in prayer, scripture, books and embrace the beauty entrusted to us, even cold snow.
And there's this one:
Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
I am hearing a call again for constant conversion, penance and humility.
Boy, can you tell I just came off Lent?
This one is a good one for women to strive for, it is the description of the ideal woman.
Proverbs 31:20-21
"She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet."
For all her household is clothed with scarlet."
I'll try to be more like her.
Life is all perspective. What do you see? Last week when I was running, I went in crazy, beast mode and decided to tackle a hill, rather a small Indiana mountain. I looked down the valley and should have seen a beautiful ravine with a small creek but all I saw was mounds of trash thrown over the side of the road that had trickled down over the years. There's no way anyone could get down there to pick up all that garbage. It gave me the thought, what do you see? the beauty in everything or the ugliness? I would like to admit I just saw beauty but I didn't. My thought was I wish it would snow to cover up all the ugliness. What do we cover up all our ugliness with? Do we have a contrite heart or is it red as scarlet? Do we see others as scarlet or as white as snow? God forgives us but do we forgive those who hurt us or just cover them up with snow.
The snow will melt and what will you have? A clean heart or a dirty ravine?
Comment below.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Good Fats Recipe
The benefits of coconut oil are controversial but hey, it's a simple ingredient that is not processed. Coconut oil has many uses; good to rub all over your skin, shines the hair (I know it's good but makes mine just greasy) and one does need to eat some fat, better to get it from a coconut than bacon grease. Avocados are a great source of Omega 3 fats and are just yummy.
I'm trying to consume more coconut oil for various health reasons. I put a couple tablespoons in my smoothies and the new rage is in coffee. It does taste good, but I'll stick to black. My favorite is popping popcorn on the stove in coconut oil...the possibilities are endless.
Avocado Coconut Oil Guacamole...
AKA The Good Fats Recipe
Serves 1
Three simple ingredients:
1 avocado, smashed
2 T. coconut oil
Salt to taste
Combine and mixa mixa mixa, presto you've got it.
I used cauliflower to dip it in. It was awesome.
If only bacon grease were a healthy fat.
Let me know if you make this and if you thought it was yummy!
What good fats do you eat?
I'm trying to consume more coconut oil for various health reasons. I put a couple tablespoons in my smoothies and the new rage is in coffee. It does taste good, but I'll stick to black. My favorite is popping popcorn on the stove in coconut oil...the possibilities are endless.
Avocado Coconut Oil Guacamole...
AKA The Good Fats Recipe
Serves 1
Three simple ingredients:
1 avocado, smashed
2 T. coconut oil
Salt to taste
Combine and mixa mixa mixa, presto you've got it.
I used cauliflower to dip it in. It was awesome.
If only bacon grease were a healthy fat.
Let me know if you make this and if you thought it was yummy!
What good fats do you eat?
Monday, March 12, 2018
Spring Forward or Fall Behind
Daylight saving times makes no sense.
What's the purpose?
I must warn you, I'm a little grouchy as a I write this, albeit most people of Indiana are too this Monday morning. Especially those hard to wake up little children.
How can a simple thing like turning the clock ahead one hour cause so much trouble? Two times a year we must fall back one hour in November and spring forward one hour in March.
From a mom's point of view, the morning was lighter 3 days ago when my kids were walking down to the bus, now it's pitch black. A few years ago, I had my mom make BLACK Pittsburgh Steelers curtains for the boys because 8:30 bedtime was as bright as the noon of the day. The sun doesn't go down until after 10:00 in the summer. Our circadian rhythms are all screwed up.
When I was a kid...
Summertime was a blast. We had NO daylight savings time. I think it was 2007 when the entire state of Indiana went to this. We played in the dark til we were tired of itching from the mosquitoes.
Ahhh the simple joys of..
Flashlight tag
Catching lightening bugs
Gazing at the stars
Sounds of frogs, crickets, owls, and other night creatures
Our kids can still do those things of course, but it's almost midnight before we get to bed and in this house I have early morning risers (which isn't a bad thing) but we have to deal with grouchy.
It's snowing outside, summer nights will be here before we know it. I love all seasons, but summer really is for fun and relaxing. This will be the last summer before my oldest goes to college. She's like me in the since we like simple things. She's my nature girl. She is old enough to stay up and gaze the stars with me, the problem is, I'm old enough to want to go to bed by 9!
Legislators may have invented Daylight Savings Time, but the Father, Almighty created day and night. Why we mess with his creation is beyond me, free will I guess.
"Yours is the day, yours also the night; you have established the luminaries and the sun. You have fixed all the bounds of the earth you have made summer and winter."
Psalm 74: 16-17
I choose to let God control my time. I sometimes interfere and that's usually when things go wrong. Right now, we live in time, but there is no time in eternity. Big picture, Daylight Savings Time is only temporary so I will...
Get over myself
I'm a hot mess today. I woke up with about 30 extra wrinkles under each eye. Since giving up coffee for lent, I realized, bad idea, didn't factor in the time change. It's a real sacrifice today.
It's time for me to wake up, get over myself, and do something.
So I'll chose to spring forward from the couch or I will fall behind in my chores.
Who really is in charge of your time?
What's the purpose?
I must warn you, I'm a little grouchy as a I write this, albeit most people of Indiana are too this Monday morning. Especially those hard to wake up little children.
How can a simple thing like turning the clock ahead one hour cause so much trouble? Two times a year we must fall back one hour in November and spring forward one hour in March.
From a mom's point of view, the morning was lighter 3 days ago when my kids were walking down to the bus, now it's pitch black. A few years ago, I had my mom make BLACK Pittsburgh Steelers curtains for the boys because 8:30 bedtime was as bright as the noon of the day. The sun doesn't go down until after 10:00 in the summer. Our circadian rhythms are all screwed up.
 |
| Star gazing in summer. |
When I was a kid...
Summertime was a blast. We had NO daylight savings time. I think it was 2007 when the entire state of Indiana went to this. We played in the dark til we were tired of itching from the mosquitoes.
Ahhh the simple joys of..
Flashlight tag
Catching lightening bugs
Gazing at the stars
Sounds of frogs, crickets, owls, and other night creatures
Our kids can still do those things of course, but it's almost midnight before we get to bed and in this house I have early morning risers (which isn't a bad thing) but we have to deal with grouchy.
 |
| Catching lightening bugs. |
It's snowing outside, summer nights will be here before we know it. I love all seasons, but summer really is for fun and relaxing. This will be the last summer before my oldest goes to college. She's like me in the since we like simple things. She's my nature girl. She is old enough to stay up and gaze the stars with me, the problem is, I'm old enough to want to go to bed by 9!
Legislators may have invented Daylight Savings Time, but the Father, Almighty created day and night. Why we mess with his creation is beyond me, free will I guess.
"Yours is the day, yours also the night; you have established the luminaries and the sun. You have fixed all the bounds of the earth you have made summer and winter."
Psalm 74: 16-17
I choose to let God control my time. I sometimes interfere and that's usually when things go wrong. Right now, we live in time, but there is no time in eternity. Big picture, Daylight Savings Time is only temporary so I will...
Get over myself
I'm a hot mess today. I woke up with about 30 extra wrinkles under each eye. Since giving up coffee for lent, I realized, bad idea, didn't factor in the time change. It's a real sacrifice today.
It's time for me to wake up, get over myself, and do something.
So I'll chose to spring forward from the couch or I will fall behind in my chores.
Who really is in charge of your time?
Friday, March 9, 2018
Oil and Vinegar Slaw Recipe
Simple ingredients can make the most delicious eats!
Hubby and I are 'all in' these days with healthy eating. We are making a really, concentrated effort to to eat as little processed food as possible. I often like to get different recipes and create my own. Here's the latest creation. It's easy peasy if you have a salad shooter. My kids LOVE to help shred any vegetable with that awesome invention.
Oil and Vinegar Slaw Recipe
1 head of cabbage-shredded
2 shredded beets
2 shredded carrots
1 or 2 radishes, shredded
1 t. celery seed
1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 c. apple cider vinegar
1 T. honey
Sunflower seeds
salt and pepper to taste
Mix celery seed, oil, vinegar, honey and salt and pepper. Pour over veggies and mix. Top with sunflower seeds.
Let me know if you make this and if you liked it!
Also, I added an email sign up if you would like to see when I post.
What kind of easy, peasy, non-processed foods do you like?
Hubby and I are 'all in' these days with healthy eating. We are making a really, concentrated effort to to eat as little processed food as possible. I often like to get different recipes and create my own. Here's the latest creation. It's easy peasy if you have a salad shooter. My kids LOVE to help shred any vegetable with that awesome invention.
 |
| Oil and vinegar slaw |
Oil and Vinegar Slaw Recipe
1 head of cabbage-shredded
2 shredded beets
2 shredded carrots
1 or 2 radishes, shredded
1 t. celery seed
1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 c. apple cider vinegar
1 T. honey
Sunflower seeds
salt and pepper to taste
Mix celery seed, oil, vinegar, honey and salt and pepper. Pour over veggies and mix. Top with sunflower seeds.
Let me know if you make this and if you liked it!
Also, I added an email sign up if you would like to see when I post.
What kind of easy, peasy, non-processed foods do you like?
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Simple Country Catholic: Simple Health
Simple Country Catholic: Simple Health: My degree is in Community Health Education. I often say this makes me nothing more than a 'certifiable health nut." I do enjoy re...
Monday, March 5, 2018
Simple Country Catholic: Simple Country Catholic
Simple Country Catholic: Simple Country Catholic: So, I've changed the name of the blog because the other name was too long. Plus, I believe the name change reflects more of what I like...
Simple Country Catholic
So, I've changed the name of the blog because the other name was too long. Plus, I believe the name change reflects more of what I like to write about; simple living in a rural, country home in Indiana and my faith. I also want to write more about health. My degree is in community health education and that makes me nothing more than a 'certifiable health nut'. I've included a health page for simple ways I have learned to be healthy that I would like to share. My leisure reading usually involves a book on nutrition or a health issue like cancer, heart disease, natural remedy etc. Yep, I'm a health geek.
I was going to have it as "Simple Rural Catholic" but I'm not a farmer and when many hear the word 'rural' they think farming. I just live in the country, although I live next to a farm. So it's like I do farm, not really, that's incredibly hard work. I secretly believe I would have made one heck of a farmer's wife but God gave me this very handsome electrician instead! God's choice is ALWAYS better.
Living next to the farm is like being on the farm without having to clean up any feces! We call it the petting zoo. There's goats, chickens, turkeys, geese, cows, two beautiful mules and a really handsome bull named Clouse. It's a joy to see and hear all the animals every day.
For a brief time in college and a few years after I lived in the city. I couldn't stand it. I have this recurring nightmare about living in a beautiful home but I go outside and I have close neighbors! I grew up in the country and the country is where I belong. I'm not saying nothing bad about city slickers or townies, I just prefer the peace and quiet (besides the occasional bleating goat) of the country.
The Woods
Behind my house my dad owns LOTS of acres. We occasionally go tromping around in the woods but not as much as I would like. I was SUPER excited when four of my kids announced they didn't want to play ball this summer. My plan is to spend lots of hours outside with them in the woods like I did as a kid. The best time of year to go in the woods is in winter and spring. NO bugs and NO poison ivy! In the summer, we will just have to stick to the creek and the path.
Little House on the Prairie books are one of my favorite series. My hubby bought me Little house DVD box series set a few years ago. Talk about living simple. Charles made a living to support his family whether it be farming, putting up telephone poles or cutting wood at the mill. Caroline made delicious meals out of whatever foods were available. Laura fished, Mary read, and Albert helped on the farm. They sure don't make shows like they used to.
Our country home has 5 acres, lots of berries, a garden and was built on a tiny hill. I like to refer to it as 'the house on the little hill'. Our land could be called berry acres because we stopped mowing all 5 acres a few years ago. We have berries and bunnies galore (and ragweed).
10 Simple Country Catholic Everyday Life Ideas (even if you are a townie or not Catholic):
1. Pray every day at sunrise. Thank God for his beauty in creation and all the blessings you have.
2. Whatever the weather, walk your dog, or your kids, or your spouse everyday around your yard, woods, or neighborhood. Learn to embrace the seasons, rain, snow, hot, cold, sun, wind.
3. Listen to the sounds God created in nature. Birds' voices are a myriad of composition.
4. Exercise outside.
5. Grow a garden.
6. Go barefoot like St. Francis of Assisi.
7. Learn what you can forage; mushrooms, weeds, seeds, flowers.
8. Tap a maple tree in late winter and drink the sap.
9. Kick your kids outside to play.
10. At the end of the day, pray with your family.
Joy
Joy does not mean happy. It's the radiance of happy, the happiest of happy. That's what this country girl feels about her Simple Country Catholic life.
Where do you find your joy in a simple life?
I was going to have it as "Simple Rural Catholic" but I'm not a farmer and when many hear the word 'rural' they think farming. I just live in the country, although I live next to a farm. So it's like I do farm, not really, that's incredibly hard work. I secretly believe I would have made one heck of a farmer's wife but God gave me this very handsome electrician instead! God's choice is ALWAYS better.
Living next to the farm is like being on the farm without having to clean up any feces! We call it the petting zoo. There's goats, chickens, turkeys, geese, cows, two beautiful mules and a really handsome bull named Clouse. It's a joy to see and hear all the animals every day.
For a brief time in college and a few years after I lived in the city. I couldn't stand it. I have this recurring nightmare about living in a beautiful home but I go outside and I have close neighbors! I grew up in the country and the country is where I belong. I'm not saying nothing bad about city slickers or townies, I just prefer the peace and quiet (besides the occasional bleating goat) of the country.
 |
| If school is cancelled because of ice, we ice skate! |
Behind my house my dad owns LOTS of acres. We occasionally go tromping around in the woods but not as much as I would like. I was SUPER excited when four of my kids announced they didn't want to play ball this summer. My plan is to spend lots of hours outside with them in the woods like I did as a kid. The best time of year to go in the woods is in winter and spring. NO bugs and NO poison ivy! In the summer, we will just have to stick to the creek and the path.
Little House on the Prairie books are one of my favorite series. My hubby bought me Little house DVD box series set a few years ago. Talk about living simple. Charles made a living to support his family whether it be farming, putting up telephone poles or cutting wood at the mill. Caroline made delicious meals out of whatever foods were available. Laura fished, Mary read, and Albert helped on the farm. They sure don't make shows like they used to.
 |
| Our 5 acres, ragweed and all! |
Our country home has 5 acres, lots of berries, a garden and was built on a tiny hill. I like to refer to it as 'the house on the little hill'. Our land could be called berry acres because we stopped mowing all 5 acres a few years ago. We have berries and bunnies galore (and ragweed).
 |
| Berry acres |
10 Simple Country Catholic Everyday Life Ideas (even if you are a townie or not Catholic):
1. Pray every day at sunrise. Thank God for his beauty in creation and all the blessings you have.
2. Whatever the weather, walk your dog, or your kids, or your spouse everyday around your yard, woods, or neighborhood. Learn to embrace the seasons, rain, snow, hot, cold, sun, wind.
3. Listen to the sounds God created in nature. Birds' voices are a myriad of composition.
4. Exercise outside.
5. Grow a garden.
6. Go barefoot like St. Francis of Assisi.
7. Learn what you can forage; mushrooms, weeds, seeds, flowers.
8. Tap a maple tree in late winter and drink the sap.
9. Kick your kids outside to play.
10. At the end of the day, pray with your family.
Joy
Joy does not mean happy. It's the radiance of happy, the happiest of happy. That's what this country girl feels about her Simple Country Catholic life.
Where do you find your joy in a simple life?
Friday, March 2, 2018
Lent, Worries, and Bosco, the Convicted Chicken Killer
I'm doing it. I'm blogging after a long hiatus.
Our family has had some rough patches the last few months; health problems, death, other dramas so I've been thinking a lot about love. How life is about loving and serving others. When you are there for others and 'serve' them you truly do get more in return. Things as simple as just showing up shows people you care. Showing up for a funeral, showing up at the hospital, showing up at the door with a 'hey, how's it going'.
I really love what St. Augustine said "our hearts are restless until we rest in thee". I sometimes can't believe how blessed I am. Lately I have been having tireless anxiety, but at the end of the day I am still filled with a joy knowing I can rest in our Father's hands. I give him my worries. Pray that his will be done in all circumstances.
First Born College-Bound-YIKES!
Another worry...my oldest is going to college next fall.
I really believe the tide will be turning soon. In my Pollyanna optimistic way, people will tire of all the busyness they have in their lives and return to a more simple way to live. My oldest daughter has chosen her college. We have been talking to about majors. I'm beginning to wonder if the days of the traditional college are starting to dwindle. Why do we send our children off, have them find a career that sends them far from us? They find someone, marry and we visit a few times a year to hardly see our grandchildren. Families are spread throughout the nation. St. John Paul II said "so goes the family, so goes the nation, so goes the world." Our small parish (45 or so families) would be thriving had the children of my generation (80's) stuck around to raise their family. I realize some situations you need to fly away and never return to your childhood, but extended families are the cornerstone of society. So, I've been encouraging my daughter to consider a career that will land her a job around here. I will push the trades and common sense careers with the rest of my children, all the while encouraging one of the most important factors in life (besides God) is family.
Don't let his cuteness fool you, Bosco is still a chicken killer.
Another tragedy that has happened in our family is my dog has been convicted as a chicken killer. Two of my neighbor's chickens succumbed to his torture. He is sentenced to a life of having to be tied up. This has forced me to walk him which has turned out to be a blessing. I LOVE winter. I'm sorta hoping for one more snow. Snow is so beautiful. Makes everything clean (hides all the trash along the roads too). So walking him forces me outside which is good for me.
So, family, love, doggies, music, are some simple things that can fill our lives.
What can you give up to make your life more simple?
Lent
We Catholics are in the season of lent. Guess what I gave up? Besides coffee, which is truly a sacrifice. I am a consumer of a pot a day so this has been harder than giving up sugar in the past! What else did I gave up? TV and talk radio. No idea what is going on in the world and loving it. The two channels I often listen to are EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) and the Catholic Channel. Yep, gave them up. Seems ironic seeing that one would think you would WANT to listen to those channels during lent. Nope, I have been basking in the other 200 channels on Sirius Radio! So far my favorites are the 40's junction, Bluegrass and Spa. The reason why? They are calming, peaceful and make me happy. Simple music. I get out of my head and just breathe.Our family has had some rough patches the last few months; health problems, death, other dramas so I've been thinking a lot about love. How life is about loving and serving others. When you are there for others and 'serve' them you truly do get more in return. Things as simple as just showing up shows people you care. Showing up for a funeral, showing up at the hospital, showing up at the door with a 'hey, how's it going'.
I really love what St. Augustine said "our hearts are restless until we rest in thee". I sometimes can't believe how blessed I am. Lately I have been having tireless anxiety, but at the end of the day I am still filled with a joy knowing I can rest in our Father's hands. I give him my worries. Pray that his will be done in all circumstances.
First Born College-Bound-YIKES!
Another worry...my oldest is going to college next fall.
I really believe the tide will be turning soon. In my Pollyanna optimistic way, people will tire of all the busyness they have in their lives and return to a more simple way to live. My oldest daughter has chosen her college. We have been talking to about majors. I'm beginning to wonder if the days of the traditional college are starting to dwindle. Why do we send our children off, have them find a career that sends them far from us? They find someone, marry and we visit a few times a year to hardly see our grandchildren. Families are spread throughout the nation. St. John Paul II said "so goes the family, so goes the nation, so goes the world." Our small parish (45 or so families) would be thriving had the children of my generation (80's) stuck around to raise their family. I realize some situations you need to fly away and never return to your childhood, but extended families are the cornerstone of society. So, I've been encouraging my daughter to consider a career that will land her a job around here. I will push the trades and common sense careers with the rest of my children, all the while encouraging one of the most important factors in life (besides God) is family.
Don't let his cuteness fool you, Bosco is still a chicken killer.
Another tragedy that has happened in our family is my dog has been convicted as a chicken killer. Two of my neighbor's chickens succumbed to his torture. He is sentenced to a life of having to be tied up. This has forced me to walk him which has turned out to be a blessing. I LOVE winter. I'm sorta hoping for one more snow. Snow is so beautiful. Makes everything clean (hides all the trash along the roads too). So walking him forces me outside which is good for me.
So, family, love, doggies, music, are some simple things that can fill our lives.
What can you give up to make your life more simple?
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