First of all, I do just want to say just a couple of things in regard to the death of Anna Nicole Smith. You can say what you want about her (but think wisely before you start judging her too much), but no matter what you think about this woman, I think everyone has to admit that the whole situation is a crying shame—from the very start up to the circus we are in the middle of now. I feel so sad for this little baby who now has no mother. Let’s just find out who this little girl’s dad is already. If Maury were involved he could have gotten us DNA test results within a day or however long it takes on his shows!!
Also, I still have a lot of “blog lurkers,” many of whom are friends of mine who enjoy reading this blog but feel like they can’t say anything. I can’t say that I will ever understand why, but I suppose some people are just more comfortable observing. So be it! Keep enjoying!
LC (of LC and DJ fame from CT) celebrated a birthday yesterday and Terry (a friend from my church who is going to Italy on the same tour my parents and I are) celebrates a birthday today. I spoke to LC last night and they are in the new house and away from their crazy downstairs neighbor that was constantly reporting them to the police for walking in their own condo!
What else? I have my birthday next month and LC and DJ will be down here to spend the Saturday of that week with me and spend the night. They did the same thing last year and we had a really nice night—Matty T went out to dinner with the three of us. I am sure we’ll do something similar this year. Anyone who is around would be more than welcome to join us if interested! LC always does such a bang up job of taking me all around when I go up to visit them that I need to definitely thing of something decent to do with them during the day when they visit. I better start thinking now…
E and I were both big fans of the White Rapper Show on VH1, and the finale was on Monday. The guy we wanted to win, did, so we are satisfied. I also have a new appreciation and fondness for the host of the show, MC Serch (formerly of 3rd Base).
Kathy and I are taking a day off in mid-March for a day of culture. I think we will likely go to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which, I am ashamed to say that I have not seen in MANY years.
Hope you all are having a great week!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
One of my 2007 "improved living" goals
I saw my friend Michelle on Friday night and she shared with me her scrapbook from a trip to Italy in May, 2006. It made me so much more excited for my trip. Just looking at the pictures, hearing the stories, and seeing the colors and the sights made me wish the next 7 months would hurry up and fly by so that I could get there to see it all with my own eyes.
But then I realize that I need the next 7 months to get myself into fighting shape so I will be ready to really enjoy this trip to the fullest. I have set some modest weight loss goals and have finally gotten my lazy self back to some regular exercise. This is one reason why I am glad the trip is still off in the distance, so that I have time to actually make some realistic changes and see a good difference before we go.
Sadly, I have done this all before, so I know exactly what needs to be done, it’s simply a matter of making it happen. I say “sadly” because, yo-yoing my way through life is not something that’s good for anybody.
Here’s to consistent and healthful changes for the next 7 months and beyond so I can enjoy every moment in Italy to the fullest and enjoy good health to boot!
(Get it? “Boot?” Italy is shaped like a boot? Yes, I am corny and I love it!)
But then I realize that I need the next 7 months to get myself into fighting shape so I will be ready to really enjoy this trip to the fullest. I have set some modest weight loss goals and have finally gotten my lazy self back to some regular exercise. This is one reason why I am glad the trip is still off in the distance, so that I have time to actually make some realistic changes and see a good difference before we go.
Sadly, I have done this all before, so I know exactly what needs to be done, it’s simply a matter of making it happen. I say “sadly” because, yo-yoing my way through life is not something that’s good for anybody.
Here’s to consistent and healthful changes for the next 7 months and beyond so I can enjoy every moment in Italy to the fullest and enjoy good health to boot!
(Get it? “Boot?” Italy is shaped like a boot? Yes, I am corny and I love it!)
Friday, February 23, 2007
confirmation (with a small "c")
We so-called “religious types” like to talk about receiving “confirmation” in situations. That’s confirmation with a small “c” and not the sacrament Confirmation (with a large “C”).
I try to allow the Lord to lead me (as much as I am willing to allow Him) and a lot of times it’s only through confirmation that I can begin to know that I am heading down the right paths. The Lord will sometimes place someone in your life at the right time to tell you something that you need to hear.
I recently received confirmation from two different friends in the same week about my youth ministry certification. My friend Paul (who I went to visit in California in 2005, but who is now back in NJ) responded well when I told him that I have been a youth minister for the past half a year. He told me youth ministry “makes so much sense” for me.
My friend Diana, who relocated to Florida a couple of years ago, wrote me the following message when I shared the same news with her:
When you told me about your becoming a youth minister, I thought "that is a perfect fit." I can't think of anyone more appropriate than you. The kids will certainly be able to identify with you because you are young and hip, you have a nice career going, and you certainly can understand their issues very readily as well. Absolutely PERFECT! :) I'll say a special prayer in church tonight thanking God for recognizing your wonderful qualities and channelling them into our youth.
I can’t tell you how blessed I felt when I read that. Not so I can get all puffed up about how young and hip and relatable I may be, but because I have been so wrapped up in trying to “do” youth ministry that I actually never took any time to “see” that I am perhaps really doing God’s will and that he is giving me a gift that I can share with the youth.
Lord, give me eyes to "see" what I am "doing" for Your kingdom.
Everyone, please pray for Jim’s brother who passed away last Saturday. Eternal rest, grant unto him.
I try to allow the Lord to lead me (as much as I am willing to allow Him) and a lot of times it’s only through confirmation that I can begin to know that I am heading down the right paths. The Lord will sometimes place someone in your life at the right time to tell you something that you need to hear.
I recently received confirmation from two different friends in the same week about my youth ministry certification. My friend Paul (who I went to visit in California in 2005, but who is now back in NJ) responded well when I told him that I have been a youth minister for the past half a year. He told me youth ministry “makes so much sense” for me.
My friend Diana, who relocated to Florida a couple of years ago, wrote me the following message when I shared the same news with her:
When you told me about your becoming a youth minister, I thought "that is a perfect fit." I can't think of anyone more appropriate than you. The kids will certainly be able to identify with you because you are young and hip, you have a nice career going, and you certainly can understand their issues very readily as well. Absolutely PERFECT! :) I'll say a special prayer in church tonight thanking God for recognizing your wonderful qualities and channelling them into our youth.
I can’t tell you how blessed I felt when I read that. Not so I can get all puffed up about how young and hip and relatable I may be, but because I have been so wrapped up in trying to “do” youth ministry that I actually never took any time to “see” that I am perhaps really doing God’s will and that he is giving me a gift that I can share with the youth.
Lord, give me eyes to "see" what I am "doing" for Your kingdom.
Everyone, please pray for Jim’s brother who passed away last Saturday. Eternal rest, grant unto him.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
My youth ministry experience...
I have been enjoying being a youth minister more than I thought I would.
You see, I am not a woman who deals well with bad attitudes—and I don’t care if you are 5 or you’re 65, if you’ve got a bad attitude, are nasty, like to roll your eyes, don’t take what I’m saying seriously or think you above it all, etc, then I have little time for you and will let you know just that.
So obviously, knowing that almost every teenager behaves that way at some point or another, I was a little concerned that I wasn’t going to enjoy working with this age group. I figured I would be surrounded by a bunch of teens whose parents force them to come to our gatherings and that they wouldn’t listen and wouldn’t care. These teens have proven me wrong…They are bright, they are open, and they aren’t afraid to be honest with me when I ask them to be. They aren’t afraid to talk about their relationships with Jesus (they also aren’t afraid to talk about the fact that they don’t have relationships with Jesus in some cases).
Most of all, I am touched by their trust. These teenagers listen to me talk about God and my experiences and they open themselves up to me telling me about what (and who!) bothers them, what makes them feel happy, what makes them feel accepted. These teens feel safe when they are with me and the two other adult facilitators.
And I feel honored that God has entrusted them to me for a few hours a month—to have fun with them, and joke with them, and teach them—and most of, continuously remind them just how much God loves them. I am blessed.
You see, I am not a woman who deals well with bad attitudes—and I don’t care if you are 5 or you’re 65, if you’ve got a bad attitude, are nasty, like to roll your eyes, don’t take what I’m saying seriously or think you above it all, etc, then I have little time for you and will let you know just that.
So obviously, knowing that almost every teenager behaves that way at some point or another, I was a little concerned that I wasn’t going to enjoy working with this age group. I figured I would be surrounded by a bunch of teens whose parents force them to come to our gatherings and that they wouldn’t listen and wouldn’t care. These teens have proven me wrong…They are bright, they are open, and they aren’t afraid to be honest with me when I ask them to be. They aren’t afraid to talk about their relationships with Jesus (they also aren’t afraid to talk about the fact that they don’t have relationships with Jesus in some cases).
Most of all, I am touched by their trust. These teenagers listen to me talk about God and my experiences and they open themselves up to me telling me about what (and who!) bothers them, what makes them feel happy, what makes them feel accepted. These teens feel safe when they are with me and the two other adult facilitators.
And I feel honored that God has entrusted them to me for a few hours a month—to have fun with them, and joke with them, and teach them—and most of, continuously remind them just how much God loves them. I am blessed.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Back in the "habit"
I received good news yesterday!
A friend of mine entered a Carmelite convent in California in late August/early September of 2004 as a novice. She had lived in NJ up to that point, but attended graduate school at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio and met some nuns from this particular Carmelite order during her time in Ohio. Over a period of years she discerned that she was being called to the religious life. She had visited the sisters in California and then came home to discern some more. She then left the east coast to go live near the sisters in their convent and pray with them daily, but still work a "regular" job. Then, after almost a year there, she asked to be accepted as a novice and begin her journey toward becoming a nun.
What a sacrifice to make, but what great reward!
When she was a lay woman, my friend's name was Christa--but about a year and a half ago she took her religious name--Sr. Sophia.
Sr. Sophia's family let us know that she has very recently been approved for her first profession! These set of vows--Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience--are pronounced annually for a period of six years. During that time, she'll continue her ongoing formation in her Carmelite consecration and spiritual formation. She'll gradually assume responsibility in the service of her community apostolates thus integrating the Carmelite charism of uniting prayer and service.
She will be clothed in the habit of Carmel on March 19, the Feast Day of St. Joseph.
Both Sr. Sophia and her family are asking for continued prayers. I'm asking you to pray for her too!
A friend of mine entered a Carmelite convent in California in late August/early September of 2004 as a novice. She had lived in NJ up to that point, but attended graduate school at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio and met some nuns from this particular Carmelite order during her time in Ohio. Over a period of years she discerned that she was being called to the religious life. She had visited the sisters in California and then came home to discern some more. She then left the east coast to go live near the sisters in their convent and pray with them daily, but still work a "regular" job. Then, after almost a year there, she asked to be accepted as a novice and begin her journey toward becoming a nun.
What a sacrifice to make, but what great reward!
When she was a lay woman, my friend's name was Christa--but about a year and a half ago she took her religious name--Sr. Sophia.
Sr. Sophia's family let us know that she has very recently been approved for her first profession! These set of vows--Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience--are pronounced annually for a period of six years. During that time, she'll continue her ongoing formation in her Carmelite consecration and spiritual formation. She'll gradually assume responsibility in the service of her community apostolates thus integrating the Carmelite charism of uniting prayer and service.
She will be clothed in the habit of Carmel on March 19, the Feast Day of St. Joseph.
Both Sr. Sophia and her family are asking for continued prayers. I'm asking you to pray for her too!
Friday, February 02, 2007
Random odds and ends, part 6
I am now a certified youth minister (certified by my diocese), which means I have an answer to give if a parent ever asks me what makes me "qualified" to teach their teens anything about God or the Catholic faith or spend time with their teens. I now have what the diocese calls a basic skill certification and am also getting certified in True Love Waits (which is a Catholic chastity program for teens, I'll be certified to teach that program too). But the nice thing is that from here I can go on to get a more intense youth ministry certification as well, if I choose to. I may take some more classes over time--it's a great thing to have in my pocket (ie, if I ever want to change careers some day and find a parish that pays to have full time youth minister). My parish is paying for the classes, so it's a gift I should take full advantage of.
E turned 30 yesterday. He always takes off on his birthday. My mom wondered if he was taking off so he could try to see his shadow. I got a kick out that, but it would have been funnier if his birthday was today. He thinks it's absurd that (most years) I actually come to work on my birthday. I know a lot of people that feel the way he does. If it makes them happy, I say take the day off and enjoy! My mom turns 60 on Sunday ("I'm exactly twice E's age!" mom pointed out).
Staying with the theme of YOP (Year of Positivity), I have been trying to pinpoint a hopeful story each day, a story of people doing good or something that reminds us of what we are capable of. It's been making the work day brighter for me this past week, so I plan on sharing some of those with you too as time goes by, so stay tuned!
Happy Groundhog's Day everyone :) most especially to Trish in Ohio--this has always been her favorite holiday. Thanks for the Groundhog's day card T!
E turned 30 yesterday. He always takes off on his birthday. My mom wondered if he was taking off so he could try to see his shadow. I got a kick out that, but it would have been funnier if his birthday was today. He thinks it's absurd that (most years) I actually come to work on my birthday. I know a lot of people that feel the way he does. If it makes them happy, I say take the day off and enjoy! My mom turns 60 on Sunday ("I'm exactly twice E's age!" mom pointed out).
Staying with the theme of YOP (Year of Positivity), I have been trying to pinpoint a hopeful story each day, a story of people doing good or something that reminds us of what we are capable of. It's been making the work day brighter for me this past week, so I plan on sharing some of those with you too as time goes by, so stay tuned!
Happy Groundhog's Day everyone :) most especially to Trish in Ohio--this has always been her favorite holiday. Thanks for the Groundhog's day card T!
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