Priceless

The Gift of Marriage

  Today's Gospel is about marriage: "What God has bound, let no man rent asunder."  It struck me so forcefully this morning that God has bound my husband and me together.  Yes, we have brought all of ourselves to each other.  We have been smart, caring, generous, and at times, self-less for the other person.  But what would we have today, almost twenty years into our marriage, without God having formed the bond of our marriage?  If Ron and I had stood on a beach, said a few words, and kissed in front of a handful of witnesses, making our marriage out of our own strength and resources, what would we have today?  I am sure that the difference is great.  I am positive that it is God who is responsible for the blessing that our marriage is.
   I know marriages fail.  I know some people have given it everything they had, and the marriage still falls apart.  To me, the real lesson here is about God's grace.  I cannot do anything good on my own.  All the good in my life, my actions, my words, my accomplishments, my successes--whatever is good--comes from God.  I am weak and nothing on my own.  God deigns to meet me in my lowliness, my emptiness and error, and I am forever changed by His presence.
    How I love my husband!

Mothers Day

   To all of you who are mothers, Happy Mothers Day!  Whether you are a biological mother, spiritual mother, adoptive mother, grandmother, or any kind of mother, may your role to those in your care be blessed, sanctified and  strengthened!  To my mom and all our moms, thank you for all you do for us!
    Today I was fortunate enough to get to sleep in till 8:15am, be served coffee, pancakes and eggs, and receive lovely handmade cards from my little kids.  I was honored to receive curt but honest statements like"Happy Mothers' Day, Mom," from my older kids.
    My husband hugged me and said, "Thank you for all you do.  It is a lot.  I know that because sometimes you leave."
    That said it all! May your day be blessed!

    Here are some recent pics of my AWESOME Mom!

Annie's Birthday Party!

    Annie had a nun-themed birthday party!  Her friends came to our house dressed in black, and we provided them with wimples and veils (white and black t-shirts--NO SEWING!).  After lunch, cake and ice cream, we visited a nearby convent.
    The nuns were incredibly gracious: the held a "chapter meeting," instructed the children in prayer, then had them do chores.  After cookies and tea, they had "choir practice," followed by a decade and a Marian procession and May Crowning.  It was amazing!  The Nashville Dominicans are such a blessing!

Night Prayer

Night prayer is may favorite time of the day.  Annie leads the charge with the Liturgy of the Hours.  I love that my kids are all at home, under our roof!  These are such sweet times.  Too soon they will be distant memories!