Don't get too smug
Amy Welborn has an interesting take on why it's important to remain focused on Christ, and not fall into a false idolatry of whatever parish, youth group, etc. that you find yourself in.
December 30, 2005
Still Hopeful, Still Worried
Please keep those prayers coming for my mom, Barbara. Thus far, the doctors are stumped as to the cause of her illness. We're praying that they identify the problem(s) soon and devise an effective course of treatment.
December 29, 2005
Life is Precious
Many things this week, not the least of which is the seriousness of my mother-in-law's illness, have reminded me of the precious gift of life. I realize how easily we take our loved ones for granted, not seeing the great treasure that God has placed before us. Gold and silver in our midst, and we fail to see it shine! This week I have hugged my husband and children a little tighter and reminded them and myself how much I love them. They need to hear it even when they know it. They are my greatest treasure, and a part of me would die without them. Even our baby who died at 6 weeks gestation is a part of the treasure that Don and I have, and we are grateful to God for this baby who was never born. Silent Night, Holy Night, God bless us all and teach us to see the treasure that surrounds us.
Update on My Mom
Thanks to everyone who's been saying a prayer for my Mom's recovery. She is still in the hospital and still quite ill, but today her condition seemed to go from "grave" to merely "serious." I think she's on a slow road to recovery, so please keep those prayers coming!
My brother Dave, my Dad, and I took some time away from the hospital for a dinner out together. We were joined by our good and longtime family friend, Dennis.
Forward Deployed for Freedom
I just discovered the blog by Fr. Michael Duesterhaus, Catholic Chaplain and Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserves, via the CatholicMil.org website. Fr. Duesterhaus is the sole Catholic Chaplain serving in Al-Anbar Province in Iraq. His updates make for fascinating and inspiring reading.
December 28, 2005
Continued Prayers Needed
Unfortunately, despite antibiotics aimed at the specific bacteria infecting Don's Mom, Barbara, she has taken a turn for the worse today. Her fever, which had finally gone below 100 degrees yesterday was 103.8 early this morning. Her pneumonia seems to be worsening or at least not improving, and doctors have discovered she has a kidney infection. I believe she has been on 4 or 5 different intravenous antibiotics now, which seem to have helped the bladder and blood infections, but not cured her. She is very weak and is getting despondent. She is being treated by two infectious disease specialists, so we are hopeful with further medical treatment and your prayers she might recover soon.
Please pray with us for a full and swift recovery, and well as peace for Don's father (also named Don) as he deals with this difficult situation.
Thank you,
Lisa
December 27, 2005
The Peace of Christmas
I love this part of Christmas. Christmas Day bubbles with excitement and family, presents and good food. It's a gem in our year. We recall Jesus' birth by reading from Luke 2, but the day itself isn't really made for quiet reflection. In the days after Christmas, I have time to slow down and think about Christ's entry into the world, when the Word became Flesh. During Advent (the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day), I prepared my heart (and my home) for the Christmas Season, and now, in accordance with Catholic teaching, I have a whole Christmas season to reflect on the Incarnation, when God became Man. Some folks turn off the Christmas lights the day after Christmas Day and yank them down as soon as they're able to do so. For them, apparently, once the presents are open, there's nothing left to Christmas. But as Catholics, our family celebrates the season of Chrismas till the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, January 13th in the old calendar, moveable in the new, but somehow related to Epiphany. (The 12 days of Christmas from that famous carol are actually the 12 days after Christmas day leading up to Epiphany, the Feast of the Three Kings.) Our lights are up and lit, and carols resound through the house. During this less-frenetic part of Christmas, we have time to reflect on the enormity of what God did for us when He sent His Son to be one of us. Emmanuel -- God is with us! The feast days of Christmas remind us of the enormous sacrifice that is coming at Easter, and above all, they remind us of His love.
In the Shadow of Christmas
Please pray for my Mom. She's been fighting an infection and a high fever for several days. After spending a difficult Christmas Eve and Christmas Day trying to avoid being admitted to the hospital, she finally decided to go in on Monday. The doctors have identified the bacteria that's causing her blood infection, and we're hoping to see some real progress today (Tuesday). With luck and your prayers, she'll be able to come home tomorrow or Thursday.
December 26, 2005
Traditional Mass in the News
December 25, 2005
Midnight Mass
This year, for Midnight Mass, we attended our Parish's Solemn High Mass (Priest, Deacon, sub-Deacon & Choir) celebrated by Fr. Michael Wiener at St. Margaret Mary Church. Lisa's Mom, Gloria, joined us.
Gloria in Excelsis Deo
Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth: Peace to Men of Good Will.
Merry Christmas!
December 24, 2005
Santa Claus comes tonight!
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, and according to our son, Alex (2), he's coming to Our Town, so he can't be coming to yours! I'm trying to correct this misconception. Sarah (5), on the other hand, has just realized this year that there are "Santa's helpers" who masquerade as the Real Santa.
And above it all, we talk about the Birth of Jesus in the stable at Bethlehem. This week the kids colored and cut out a Nativity scene, and have been joyfully playiing with it. (Okay, Alex has been having Joseph and the cow fight occassionally, but he's only two!)
Welcome to the Future!
Okie dokie. Here's my first shot at creating a weblog entry.