This beautiful summer morning, I took my ever-mischievious dog for a walk. You know the kind of dog: unless walked 1 hour per day, the pooch begins to manifest doggie depression, wreaking havoc all the live long day.

While walking along, I decided to take the opportunity to say my rosary. As I prayed, my Hail Mary’s matched the rhythm of my step. The Blessed Mother asked me this question:

“What if everyone knew you were a catholic?”

Huh? Are you talking to me?

My feverish imagination began working overtime on the concept. I pictured denomination labelling on every curb, alongside the house address. We would see “catholic,” “methodist,” and probably lots of “undecided.” There would be those who are proudly atheist or agnostic curbside as well. Maybe we would find the lost who would definitively declare they haven’t any idea which way to go on the subject. People could post beautiful yard signs with gorgeous art-work proclaiming the Good News. (Hey, why not? Political campaigns do it, so why not us on our own property?)

Would our own declaration of faith cause us to experience hate or ridicule, or would it prompt fruitful discussion among neighbors?

The movies and TV have long portrayed Christians as Bible-thumping fundamentalists who lack love for our neighbor, as black-and-white thinkers who have had our humanity surgically removed as we pronounce judgment upon poor unsuspecting sinners in our midst. We are portrayed as weak fools who trust in a fabled God who will rain down his anger on the world at any moment. Jesus is lost in the propaganda-filled equation. Of course, naysayers cannot possibly understand Christians without Him. Our relationship with Jesus provides a lens by which we view the world in a different way. Without the lens (the teachings of the Church), we either become blind, or we fill our eyes with the things of the world which threaten to blacken our very souls.

But what if our neighbors actually knew us by our faith? Could they actually persist in hating us after our “announcement” when they already know us as good neighbors? Or would it make their half-formulated picture about us more clear and complete?

While the media may work day and night to shame us, to try and make us reluctant to profess our faith, we need to stand up. Why should we be embarrassed by a dimly portrayed version of ourselves as seen in the movies? If we speak out in love for our fellow man, we need not be afraid. There may be reprisals if the words we use are not chosen with the utmost of care. You may need to reveal yourself and your catholic perspective slowly over time to your friends outside of the faith. It may take time for people to adjust to the new (Old) you, but take comfort in this: God has known your name since the foundation of the world. You are important to Him and have a very special part to play in your best role ever: YOUR LIFE!

Your life IS the billboard that people “read” all about you every day. Try as we might, as much as we are made to feel reluctant to reveal ourselves, you cannot hide the magnificent light inside, courtesy of your baptism. Even in times of doubt, people can still tell what God made (YOU) is of the finest quality, since He created you in His image. You can’t get better than that!

So to those who may be more reluctant to tell people at the water cooler at work that you are catholic, don’t be. Your faith, even when expressed silently in your actions and kindness, is most likely the anchor people rely on within friendships, in your neighborhood, even at work. God certainly isn’t one bit reluctant to claim you as His own, so don’t let Him down. No yard sign or spray paint on the curb need hide God’s child, and I for one am very proud to be the daighter of a King.

God Bless,

Nancy

Hi There -

Well, life has been quite hectic the past few weeks. Here we are almost halfway through July, and of course, Vacation Bible School has arrived ! My kids always await it with great anticipation.This morning we found ourselves staring at a man while driving by on our way to VBS. What we saw seemed quite alarming.

My daughter said, “Look, Mama, that man is burning down his yard.” It turns out that an elderly man was using a propane tank and a blow torch to burn the dried out weeds in his yard. I had never seen this, and noticed how the flames were very close to the adjacent shrubbery. My imagination roared to life from its sleepy state, and produced an emergency situation. Possibly even a neighborhood fire situation. Considering that it is the dead of summer, I wasn’t taking any chances that the elderly gentleman had possibly slipped a cog. Wasn’t he brandishing that blowtorch a bit close to his shoes?

In my great desire to be a good citizen, I dialed 911 on my cell phone and reported the developing issue to the operator. She seemed nonplused, telling me that landscapers often use this technique to get rid of weeds so they can quickly plant grass. I sheepishly hung up, but didn’t feel guilty for taking away time from a real emergency. Moments later, my heart slowed its beat, and we resumed our commute to VBS.

When I reflect upon this scene, what strikes me is how quickly we as humans tend to think of every little thing that goes wrong in our lives as a great EMERGENCY. We freak out, call our friends, and make a great deal out of situations that happen simply because…well, that’s life. Life here on earth can be really difficult at times, right?

Am I the only drama queen here? Give me a shout if you have a bit of a reactive personality like me. :>)

When I picture Jesus with a blowtorch, burning away the sin and the places in our hearts that are essentially unusable to God, I feel a bit better. We freak out at junctures like these, mostly to resist change or personal growth. We take lots of time to calm down and get used to our new situations. Maybe that means life without the Dad we always had around, or the comfortable job we came to depend on for a nice, easy day. Maybe it’s a concerning change in a child’s behavior, or new issues with our own health. Any way you slice it, dice it, or make julienne fries, this life is a challenge. Jesus is right there with us, ridding us of the ”soul weeds” that get in our way. He does that so we can access the grace we will need for our next challenge. It’s painful. It’s messy. It sometimes takes a blowtorch, but trust God, ’cause honey,  it’s NOT an emergency.

God Bless,

Nancy :>)

The other day my kids and I were visiting friends, and having a kid-fest of sorts. The four girls were playing upstairs, while the Mommys chatted. Everything was going along smoothly, when we heard a very loud BUMP, followed by a giggle.

I recognized my baby’s laugh (yep, even with twins I can tell most of the time who is whom from another room). I thought, “I hope nobody got hurt,” but shrugged it off on account of the giggle that followed. I dismissed my Mother sense telling me that most kids wouldn’t laugh if they fell as hard as that, but since nothing seemed amiss, I continued to enjoy the conversation.

A few minutes later, three of the girls tromped down the stairs and told me that my little one was locked in the bathroom, trying not to cry. Uh-oh, here we go, I thought, and dutifully scaled the flight of steps.

When I knocked on the door, and asked, “Are you in there?” my daughter was acting like she was totally fine.I asked her if I could come in the bathroom (since my spidey-sense was full-on tingling, telling me something was wrong). My daughter replied cheerfully, “Sure,” but as soon as I opened the door and she saw me, she totally fell apart. I’m not sure how I ended up sitting down, but it felt like there were invisible suction cups attaching the little monkey to me. She sobbed and sobbed, taking in sharp breaths. It seemed as if she could hardly breathe. We moms contemplated a 911 call.

She and her pals had apparently set up a little obstacle course for themselves, which included an overturned plastic stool. My baby apparently got her feet caught and tumbled, landing forcefully with the stool on her neck. The wind was knocked out of her, and she gasped and coughed. Then the panic attack came (a scary result of having no air), which lasted for about 30 minutes. Her fears were later quelled by a grape popsicle and a doggie movie, but the fragile look on her face remained for the rest of the day.

Aren’t we all as fragile as small children sometimes? Life knocks the wind out of us, blowing us flat, where we fold into ourselves, retreating to the safety of familiar comforts. We don’t venture out until we are convinced all is safe, and the danger is past.

But the reality is that the world is not an entirely safe place. It is becoming more and more hostile to Christians, especially catholics. When we stand up for the truth we are not playing an innocent children’s game, as we are continually called to be counted as members of Christ’s family. It may be so much easier, comfortable even, to retreat and not tell others what they need to hear, but the reality is that it IS our job to admonish the sinner for the sake of their immortal souls. We do it in love, and have to think long and hard about how to approach others without seeming like we judge from on high while others wallow in sin far below our feet.

Jesus is forever our refuge, and we must seek His gentle embrace in order to heal our wounds and face another day, to go forth and be Christ to others.While it might be really hard to do this sometimes, it is so amazing to know that Jesus will never leave us, as long as we obey His word. He is forever the Good Shepherd, leading us to drink in His wisdom and give to others in the spirit.

May God richly bless you,

Nancy :>)

Hello -

Have you ever gotten a very strong feeling to do something that doesn’t necessarily make sense for your current situation? If you have prayed following your strong urge, you were wise, and if you heard God telling you to do something specific, follow His directions. It may save your life, or the lives of others in more ways than one!

For example, one morning I was bumming around town on my day off, jonesing for a cup of coffee. I ran through the drive-thru, and heard my “instructions.”

“Now that you have your coffee, could you please call your sister right away?!”

So, I did. I parked the car in front of a little mall, and dialed away. What did I find? My sister was in tears, after experiencing a really terrible morning. Somehow, I managed to cheer her up a little. She was laughing by the end of our conversation, so good on me for following His advice.

I’m convinced that God loves my little cheapie cell phone, ’cause He asks me to call all sorts of people on it, “just to check in.” Invariably, when I call, I find that the person is really needing an ear, or that they have had a super-trying day. Sometimes God leans in, and whispers, “Now would would be a really good time to witness to this person.” Then I do my stuff, but have no idea if the person on the receiving end is really listening.

It has happened quite a few times that friends who were formerly non-churchgoing have become Christians (in every sect), or they return home to the Church, after a very long dry period. So, Yay on God for doing that, and for whispering loudly enough for a distracted, busy person like myself to hear. It seems that I need an ear trumpet sometimes to hear the Mighty Voice of God !

Maybe today you will hear God whisper to you, telling you to call someone, or go knock on a door, or stop by their cubicle at work. Obey those strong feelings if you get them to do good for others. God’s grace is so generous that we often forget that our silent example, plus a few well-intended efforts are a great witness to others, and the Holy Spirit does the rest.

God is so good !

Blessings,

Nancy :>)

Hello -

Yesterday was the Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist, so it is fitting to reflect a bit on his great life.

John consistently used his words actions, and his life to warn and prepare the people of the time for the coming of Jesus as Savior. He was seen as a loon, as he wore hair shirts, and ate locusts and honey in the desert. If seen today, he would undoubtedly be regarded as certifiable, since mainstream society has displaced Jesus from the common vernacular, and moved Him to the margins for the “weak” to worship. He even (literally) lost his head at the request of nobility, who saw John as a threat to their way of life. John’s head on a platter was the ultimate prize for those who knew nothing other than debauchery and merry-making.

The words of Saint John the Baptist echo throughout history, exhorting us to prepare the way for the Lord. His words are still relevant today, as we wait on the return of Jesus in the coming age.

May we truly be ready for Jesus to come again !

God Bless,

Nancy

Hi There -

Today I was struck, as I loaded my “new” clothing (courtesy of a local resale shop) into the dryer, along with some “fake” dry-cleaning products to freshen them. I had been amazed at the sheer number of beautiful garments I had been able to purchase (with designer labels to boot) for an absurdly low amount of money.

With the economy being what it has been for years now, I have to say that I am slowly changing my ways from a frenetic consumer of goods to a more thoughtful, sensible shopper. While I can’t say that I have stopped buying any new clothing or shoes, I have cut back and considered what I already have before buying.

…But why should I, when both my husband and I have good employment situations, and we have the means to “look the part?” Well, for one, there are many, many, people living paycheck to paycheck, or drowning in credit card debt, debt they were forced to take on when the recession hit. Many are continuing to buy without considering what might happen if the unthinkable occurs. These people could be co-workers, neighbors, or friends. Some may be too embarrassed to tell you they really need help.

The unfathomable did happen to us, about five years ago, when my husband’s company closed, and he was forced into business as an independent business owner. I can still remember the frantic phone call I received ten minutes before I was due to work with a client. Could I work full time next year? (Gulp).

I did not manage to find full-time work, but increased from working 2 days a week to four. My kids weren’t even in kindergarten yet, and I felt so bereft at having to leave them. On the plus side, we made our bills, and my hubby’s business flourished. A minus for me was having to navigate the incredible amount of Mommy guilt, but that’s getting better. A huge adjustment loomed in our future, that of budgeting and spending far, far less than before. I think my panic at that thought was fed by the fact that stores were virtually empty, and all of a sudden it was as if no consumer good was worth much of anything. The bottom literally dropped out of every aspect of our economy, and it seemed like such a scary time. Since things have gotten a little better, it seems less frightening, but people seemed to have adjusted to the new economy.

Maybe we all needed a wake-up call from God to change our money-minded ways, eh?

We lost sixty percent of our retirement savings, and worried constantly about losing our house. Yet through it all, I stubbornly refused to change the amount of money we donated to our church and worldwide missions. God had blessed us so abundantly, since my husband’s business was an instant success, so that was a real sign to me to keep the faith, stay the course.

Now I do a few things differently. I shop at a grocery store considered to be much less expensive than other stores in town, and bag my own groceries. I shop resale for myself (Discovery Shops, run by the American Cancer Society are awesome), and the kids, supplemented by some new or newer clothing. Since I cook mainly from scratch, that helps keep food costs down, along with meal planning and couponing. I drive an old car. There are less than ten pairs of shoes in my closet. The list goes on and on, but it all adds up.

With the money we save, we are able to continue giving to the church. I challenge myself each year to give more than the last, and receiving the quarterly statement from the church really helps to motivate me. It’s really hard to do sometimes, with the economy being so uncertain, and I do have a ways to go, improve. But when I think about how bad things could have gotten, or could be in the future, I wonder about God’s plan, briefly enough to know that my cup does truly runneth over.

God Bless,

Nancy :>)

Recently the US government, under the auspices of the fight for Obama-care, made a comment that really upset me. I’m a conservative catholic fighting for Christian identity in the most unchurched time in the history of our country. While I may have the “Heart of a Lion,” I mostly keep my yap closed, say, if I hear someone take the Lord’s name in vain, or I hear someone insulting the church. These small digs are among the many assaults we face as catholics in an increasing atheistic society. Today, though, I’m as mad as a wet hen, and I can’t take it anymore!!!

The government claims that we, as catholics, in our fight for religious freedom, in our quest NOT to be held morally responsible for the death of millions of innocent children, are ‘extremists.’ We as pro-lifers had already been identified by the Dept. of Homeland Security as ‘terrorists,’ so why not put God-fearing individuals in the same category as persons who have killed thousands and endangered our country for over ten years?

Hey, I don’t know about you, but I would prefer NOT to stand before the throne of God with blood on my hands. Little things like that, or the threat of spending eternity separated from the REAL Almighty really stops my heart.

If the government can succeed in convincing the people through their media-puppets that we are the opposite of what we purport the church to be (meaning a loving, peaceful, God-centered community), we can portrayed as almost anything. With the removal of God from all vestiges of government, let the mockery begin. We catholics, along with other Christians, Mormons, and other citizens who oppose infanticide, are Enemy Numer Uno.

News Flash: Did you know that you and I want to stand in the way of people’s freedom? Of their civil rights? Their human rights?

Oh, wait a minute, I just have to catch my breath here, enough to say that the ULTIMATE civil right is not the right to carry on a homosexual relationship, or to ‘choose’ to murder your unborn child, IT’S THE RIGHT TO BE BORN IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!

Isn’t it interesting that of all U.S. presidents, not one has identified themselves as anything other than Christian? When photo-ops present themselves, what Prez hasn’t taken advantage of the chance to look good to the Christian populace by posing with their dressed-up family with a man of the cloth? All masks aside, I believe that all past presidents have taken their office very seriously, in that they have wanted to stand up for the people and effect positive change in our country.

But when does ‘change’ start to mean “chains?”

Since the USCCB and other groups have made it crystal clear to the ‘almighty’ government that we want no part in the mandated preventing or taking of human life, the government’s arsenal of choice has stepped out of the shadows, where it has spent many years lurking until the just the right time and stepped into the light of day. Well, that time is now, and the war is on us. The face of our governmental propaganda-generator need not hide anymore if they feel the masses can be, or have already been hoodwinked by the media machine into believing a woman’s ‘choice’ is just that: an isolated choice that impacts no one but the ‘host body.

Pregnant Woman considering abortion facing the mirror: “It’s MY body.”

God: “Yeah, but I made it and it doesn’t really belong to you. You’re just passing through, get me?”

Woman: “I have a CHOICE, you know! The government said so!”

God: “You betcha. I hear the weather down south is extremely warm. Are you sure you want to mess with me?”

Woman: “But I thought you were just a legend!”

God: “Does THIS feel like a ‘legend’ to you?” (Baby kicks in utero, HARD).

Woman: “Oh my goodness, I’m going to have a BABY!”

God: “Wait a minute, let me adjust my vocabulary. Does that mean it’s not a…a piece of tissue? Are you kidding me?”

Woman: “Look here, brother, I’m gonna become a Mama. There’s something in there (points to belly) and it’s ALIVE. Maybe it’s even a BOY”

God: “Duuuuude. That’s RAD, and get this straight, I am not your brother, I’m the Alpha and the Omega. Smart people do NOT mess with me or I have to perform an intervention.”

Woman: “You’re telling me!”

First, there were women’s rights, entitling a woman to a dearth of career choices outside of the home. Then came the notion of equal pay for equal work. Those ideas, which seemed innocuous (and beneficial) at the time, gave greater credence to the concept of “choice.” They have linked women’s ‘health’ to ‘human rights,’ along with the picture of life-loving Christians as war-mongering jail wardens, ready to handcuff a lady to the stove, barefoot and pregnant, unable to do anything.

Do people really believe this stuff?!

Hmm…Since the sexual revolution, people have become much more comfortable with hedonism, the “if it feels good, do it” philosophy. It’s a no-holds barred kind of thinking. You know, if it works for me, it has to work for you too, because who are you to stop me? You have your truth, and I have mine. Don’t try to convince me that my truth is hollow or irrational. It’s based on freedom. So, the good ol’ US of A has taken the early precepts of our God-abiding nation, twisted them, and thrown them in our faces. So far, so good.

At this very moment, I am unable to pray aloud at work, my kids can’t pray at school, and in some states, can be taken out of school without my consent to be administered the HPV vaccine, which has caused documented health issues, some of them very severe. (Stay with me here, but the vaccine has been linked to some really scary effects). My babies could be removed during calculus to have an abortion and returned to the school with out my parental knowledge or consent. The kids are alright, though. As long as they are fooled into thinking that their self-worth comes from an expression of early sexuality, where an easy supply of contraceptives and yes, abortions can be had, the kids are alright. Let there be no confusion about this, ALL of this activity can be traced to cold, hard cash, and crushing political power.

And me? I’m still madder than a wet hen and my yap is WIDE OPEN!!!!

God Bless,

Nancy

Hello -

Last night was our orchestra concert. By some strange musical magic, our group was transported to fairyland, via Brahms, Saint Saens, and Respighi. I felt so lucky to play some beautiful flute solos and felt like a fairy princess. At the end of the concert, I realized that only three months prior, I was writhing in pain from two herniated discs in my lower back. I could barely sit, walk, or stand. The pain was excruciating, and I wondered if I would ever recover enough to work my day job as a school SLP, let alone play flute diva in an orchestra. Was I doomed to fail? I could not even breathe deeply to play my flute without pain, or hold my stomach muscles to let air out gradually for long musical phrases. This was truly a scary time for a serious flutist like me.

So – I prayed, and prayed, took my daily wallks, and stretched a lot. I asked God what He wanted me to do in my life. I told Him I would praise Him in through my music, and that I wanted to touch people’s lives spiritually through my flute. I told God that if He healed me, I would “speak” to the people through my flute, if it was His holy will.

Rehabilitation will never end for me, but I thank God that He saved me from disability. My husband and children would have lost a vital part of me, not to mention the personal devastation such an injury can have.I went from having to lie down several times a day and taking massive amounts of anti-inflammatory medications, to not needing to take any medication.

And so it was – there in the footlights, I played for God like I never had before. He has blessed me so richly, with a wonderful husband, two beautiful daughters, and given me a way to tell everybody how much God loves them. The music was beautiful, giving each person a “hug” in the audience. The spirit of God rested upon our little orchestra so that we might give praise to our Creator !

So, to all that were so very gracious and prayed for me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It was truly a miracle that I recovered, and while I still have some pain, I think that truly, by the grace of God, I continue to get better.

Thanks again,

Nancy :>)

Hello -

How many times must we forgive our brother ? Seven times ? Seventy times? No, seventy times seven, as the answer to this question goes. Who hasn’t struggled with this truth? Forgiveness is especially difficult when we fill we have been wronged, or if we have been hurt repeatedly by a person.

Recently, God gave me a test: I received a promotion of sorts within our small community orchestra to principal flute. Victory was bittersweet, in this case, as it cost me a friend. I apparently was never supposed to advocate for myself or play solos, something that seemed to incite this person. We have sadly sat next to each other all year long without talking. I tried many, many times to get her to open up and chat about the problem, to no avail. Every time I would try, she would literally turn away from me, and hasn’t made eye contact ever since. It is as if I am not there. So, we have just sat in silence. Up until now I thought we could at least become more comfortable in our realization that we would probably never be friends again, but this was not to be the case.

At our last few rehearsals, I started overhearing my former friend bad-mouthing my flute playing to other orchestra members (definitely not the first time), mostly when she thought I was within earshot. My playing is terrible, I’m out of tune, and she had to follow my bad pitch, she complained. While she griped to another principal player about my poor musicianship, others smiled politely, knowing where this was coming from. I of course, was seething. Why did she have to be so ruthless and mean ?

Jesus exhorts us to love one another, to turn the other cheek, but what does this really translate to in everyday life? Does it mean we have to endure attacks that are meant to paralyze and rip us of our self-worth? Of course not!

Since the rehearsal was so uncomfortable, I tossed and turned, trying to sleep. In the morning, I prayed that God would help me understand why this was happening, and help me figure out what to do about it. I spent time in prayer, listening, but my angry thoughts kept intruding on the peace I so desperately was trying to achieve. Finally, I gave up and started going about my morning routine.

Suddenly, I was startled by a question that seemed to come out of nowhere. I was asked, “Why do you suppose that the people who carry the sharpest knives are hurt so easily?” Gulping, I realized that I was being hurt because the person hurting me had been wounded in the past, and that I should pray for her.

I won’t lie and say that this has been easy. In all honesty, it would be easier for me to be locked in a deep freeze than to pray for somebody that has demonstrated such obvious malice toward me. I considered the possibility that my taking on a leadership position felt like something less for her. Maybe she doesn’t have much to help her feel….important. I managed to squeeze out a tiny little prayer, asking God to help my former friend to not be so angry toward me, to help her realize that I never wanted her to be hurt, that it wasn’t my fault the conductor and orchestra members chose me as the principal flute. Maybe one day she will find a reason not to perform her weekly attempts of bloodletting at my expense. It’s truly sad that she feels she must do this in order to gain….some sort of dignity? While it is not a comfortable situation, it is far from hurting me. I can look at this person and know she is hurting, ultimately needing forgiveness. Maybe she will choose to forgive me some day soon. Until then, I will continue to forgive her, seventy times seven.

God Bless,

Nancy

Hello -

Today we celebrate the feast of the Holy Trinity. I wanted to share some thoughts on what could possibly be the shortest prayer, ever. It is so simple that even a one-year old child could do it, if taught. This prayer is a symbol of our catholic faith, and it is a powerful one. Try making the sign of the cross before entering your workplace, before engaging with others you know may be opposed to the catholic faith. Ask God to help you be like Jesus to all you meet today, and to bless others as He has blessed your life.

Making the sign of the cross invokes our belief in God our Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It is a proclamation of what we believe as catholics. If we do this reverently, and with love, we also are showing others how much we love God, and how we believe in Him in the fullest possible expression, the Holy Trinity.

We as catholics are so very fortunate to have the very rich set of beliefs we share, and an equally rich cultural heritage in our faith. When we make the sign of the cross we tell people we are not ashamed of who we are. We are catholic, we are proud, sharing in the shortest and very powerful prayer, in the sign of the cross.

God Bless,

Nancy