Today I am thankful for correction. So often people get offended or upset when someone corrects them. We don't like being wrong and often being corrected strikes our humility chord and we would rather not have that note played. I recently posted something on Facebook that contained an error due to my misunderstanding. A friend contacted me to let me know of the error. I am thankful for her correction because I do not want to mislead people. In my life, especially my faith, I have grown because people have challenged me and at times corrected me. I am thankful for all the people who in charity care enough to help me grow through fraternal correction.Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Day 5- Correction
Today I am thankful for correction. So often people get offended or upset when someone corrects them. We don't like being wrong and often being corrected strikes our humility chord and we would rather not have that note played. I recently posted something on Facebook that contained an error due to my misunderstanding. A friend contacted me to let me know of the error. I am thankful for her correction because I do not want to mislead people. In my life, especially my faith, I have grown because people have challenged me and at times corrected me. I am thankful for all the people who in charity care enough to help me grow through fraternal correction.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Day 4- Breast Feeding
Today I am thankful that I am able to breastfeed my daughter. I have some friends who were so disappointed when they either were not able to breastfeed at all or only do it short term and I was nervous hoping I wouldn't have trouble. Praise God breastfeeding came easy to Mary and I. I cherish the time we spend sitting in the glider with her nursing. She often just gazes up at me and sometimes unlatches just to give me a sweet smile. I love that nursing instantly calms her when anything is wrong and I love that she so easily goes to sleep nursing away. And to top it all off, I love how healthy it is for Mary. Today I am thankful for breastfeeding and look forward to many more months of that beautiful act of bonding with our girl!
Here is some great info on the benefits of breastfeeding
http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/feeding-eating/breastfeeding/why-breast-is-best/breastfeeding-benefits-top-bottom
Here is some great info on the benefits of breastfeeding
http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/feeding-eating/breastfeeding/why-breast-is-best/breastfeeding-benefits-top-bottom
Day 3- So Cal weather
Today I am thankful for So Cal weather! It's November and Mary and I
were able to get outside for a walk around the Irvine farmer's market. I loved talking to her as we strolled around the outdoor market. Afternoons like these are so special and are the memories I will really cherish when many years from now I look back on her time as a baby.
were able to get outside for a walk around the Irvine farmer's market. I loved talking to her as we strolled around the outdoor market. Afternoons like these are so special and are the memories I will really cherish when many years from now I look back on her time as a baby.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Day 2- Love Languages
Today I'm thankful for love languages. Have you ever heard of The
Five Love
Languages by Gary Chapman? It is such an interesting book and concept.
He basically says that everyone has a love language and in order to
best love another person you should show that love via their specific
language. My love language is physical touch. Makes sense why
yesterday's day of thankfulness was co sleeping :) I feel loved when my
husband holds my hand, rubs my back, and puts his arm around me. I
feel loved when my daughter puts her head on my shoulder or reaches
out to touch my arm while she sleeps. My husband has the same love
language as me and I am thankful for that because it makes it easier
for us to effectively express love to each other as we speak each others love language naturally. When I am upset or feeling my love tank isn't full I know exactly what will fill it up
because I know my love language. And because I know Eric's love
language I know to rub his back or snuggle up to him when I want to fill what Chapman calls his "love tank". So I am thankful for the love languages because they make feeling loved and loving others so much easier!
Languages by Gary Chapman? It is such an interesting book and concept.
He basically says that everyone has a love language and in order to
best love another person you should show that love via their specific
language. My love language is physical touch. Makes sense why
yesterday's day of thankfulness was co sleeping :) I feel loved when my
husband holds my hand, rubs my back, and puts his arm around me. I
feel loved when my daughter puts her head on my shoulder or reaches
out to touch my arm while she sleeps. My husband has the same love
language as me and I am thankful for that because it makes it easier
for us to effectively express love to each other as we speak each others love language naturally. When I am upset or feeling my love tank isn't full I know exactly what will fill it up
because I know my love language. And because I know Eric's love
language I know to rub his back or snuggle up to him when I want to fill what Chapman calls his "love tank". So I am thankful for the love languages because they make feeling loved and loving others so much easier!
More info on the Love Languages can be read here
30 Days of Thanksgiving...Day 1: Co-Sleeping
During this month with Thanksgiving I am going to reflect each day on something I am thankful for. I think this is a great yearly exercise to remind ourselves just how blessed we are.
Today I am thankful for co sleeping. I love sleeping with my
little girl in
our bed. Some people don't understand co sleeping and question it
or think it's weird. I hear comments like "you're spoiling her", "she
will never sleep in her own bed because you're creating bad habits" or "how
do you ever get 'mommy and daddy time' <wink wink> if you know what I
mean." But when I think of co sleeping I see nights with plenty of
sleep for both baby and I. I see a baby becoming beautifully attached
to her mommy. I see me not having to worry if she is ok in another
room, I can just look over and see her fast asleep. I am thankful for
co sleeping because I love that my daughter at just 3 months old
reaches out to have her hand on me while she sleeps because the mere
touch of mommy brings her comfort. I love co sleeping and I'm so
thankful we chose to do it with our little Mary!
BTW: co sleeping does not spoil children, she won't be sleeping with
us her whole life, and co sleeping parents find plenty of time for
"mommy and daddy time"
our bed. Some people don't understand co sleeping and question it
or think it's weird. I hear comments like "you're spoiling her", "she
will never sleep in her own bed because you're creating bad habits" or "how
do you ever get 'mommy and daddy time' <wink wink> if you know what I
mean." But when I think of co sleeping I see nights with plenty of
sleep for both baby and I. I see a baby becoming beautifully attached
to her mommy. I see me not having to worry if she is ok in another
room, I can just look over and see her fast asleep. I am thankful for
co sleeping because I love that my daughter at just 3 months old
reaches out to have her hand on me while she sleeps because the mere
touch of mommy brings her comfort. I love co sleeping and I'm so
thankful we chose to do it with our little Mary!
BTW: co sleeping does not spoil children, she won't be sleeping with
us her whole life, and co sleeping parents find plenty of time for
"mommy and daddy time"
If you are interested in more info about co-sleeping check out this link
I get to sleep next to this beautiful burrito every night:)
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
The Godliness of Motherhood
This morning I read a beautiful reflection on motherhood. The author said "God could be everywhere and he proved it by making mothers." This hit my heart so strongly and reminded me that to our precious daughter I am a reflection of the love of God. Meditating on this idea further I began to think about where she is at right now in her development. The last few days she has wanted mommy and mommy alone. She will go to daddy for a few minutes but very quickly begins to make little sad sounds that are immediately calmed once she is in my arms. I suspect she is teething but whatever it may be, she is mommy's girl right now. I love so much that my mere presence can make her feel so comforted. Upon getting two shots recently she was instantly calmed by me nursing her. The same thing when she has a sore bottom from diaper rash and a sore face from bonking herself with her Elmo rattle, as soon as she was in my arms nursing she was calm and soothed. How incredible that is and such an amazing feeling for me as her mommy. This combined with the article I read this morning got me to thinking. What if we were that dependent on and comforted by Our Heavenly Father? What if just merely being in His presence (which we are at every moment) made us feel that no matter what was going on, everything would be okay. What is His loving arms brought us comfort when we experience pain and what if we constantly wanted to be with him accepting no substitute? How beautiful our life would be if we had the same dependance on God that our daughter now has on me! How much joy we would experience if God was all that we needed. My prayer today is that we all throw ourselves into the arms of God with absolute trust and way a baby does in the arms of her mother.
Here is the article I read this morning. It is worth a read especially if you are a mother. Motherhood is certainly the best gift God has every given me! I am overwhelmed with joy every single day that I look into the eyes of this precious soul entrusted to my care.
According
to a Jewish proverb, “God could not be everywhere, so He made mothers.”
This is a fine, enduring sentiment. I do think, however, that by
reversing the statement we come closer to the truth: “God could be
everywhere and proved it by creating mothers.” - See more at:
http://www.integratedcatholiclife.org/2013/10/dr-donald-demarco-the-godliness-of-motherhood/#sthash.6PDRXMr6.dpuf
According
to a Jewish proverb, “God could not be everywhere, so He made mothers.”
This is a fine, enduring sentiment. I do think, however, that by
reversing the statement we come closer to the truth: “God could be
everywhere and proved it by creating mothers.” - See more at:
http://www.integratedcatholiclife.org/2013/10/dr-donald-demarco-the-godliness-of-motherhood/#sthash.6PDRXMr6.dpuf
According
to a Jewish proverb, “God could not be everywhere, so He made mothers.”
This is a fine, enduring sentiment. I do think, however, that by
reversing the statement we come closer to the truth: “God could be
everywhere and proved it by creating mothers.” - See more at:
http://www.integratedcatholiclife.org/2013/10/dr-donald-demarco-the-godliness-of-motherhood/#sthash.6PDRXMr6.dpuf
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Mass- what a gift it is
I read the below reflection on Facebook this morning and I couldn't say it better myself so I am sharing the text directly! Happy Sunday! Don't forget that today is the first day of a nine day novena to Saint Therese.
Here is a link to my favorite novena to her! Please consider joining me in prayer...and keep an eye out for roses ;-)
Reflection on the Mass:
The Mass is the MOST important and sacred act of worship in the Catholic Church.
The Mass incorporates the Bible (Sacred Scripture), prayer, sacrifice, hymns, symbols, gestures, sacred food for the soul, and directions on how to live a Catholic life — all in one ceremony. Through time and space, we connect with the original Last Supper.
The Church teaches that the Mass is the re-presentation of the sacrifice of Calvary. This is misunderstood by many non-Catholics who claim that the Mass is a re-crucifixion of Christ. It is not.
Jesus Christ celebrated the first Mass with His disciples at the Last Supper, the night before He died. He commanded His disciples, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). The celebration of the Mass then became the main form of worship in the early Church, as a reenactment of the Last Supper, as Christ had commanded.
Each and every Mass since commemorates Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross through the Holy Eucharist. Because the Mass “re-presents” (makes present) the sacrifice on Calvary, Catholics all around the world join together to be made present in Christ’s timeless sacrifice for our sins. There is something fascinating about continuing to celebrate the same Mass—instituted by Christ and practiced by the early Church.
If you are Catholic, you are obliged to go to Mass every Sunday – not just on Sundays when you wake up early enough, it’s convenient, or when you feel like it. You love and feed your family whether you feel like or not right? You need to feed yourself and your family spiritually whether you feel like going or not too. (Legitimate reasons to miss Mass would be along the lines of illness, needing to care for the ill, and lack of an available Mass within a reasonable distance.)
A lot of Catholics don’t attend Mass as they should, perhaps because we do not realize it is a requirement and a mortal sin to miss it, or possibly because we take for granted what is really happening at the Mass, and it is not a priority in our lives. But if you really understood and knew what was happening, you wouldn't just go on Sundays, you would want to go every day.
Attending Mass is not just an obligation, it’s a privilege. God knows we need it, and it is His gift to us. Mass should be the highlight of our week. We should look forward to it and want to go. And when we don’t, it’s a reminder that we need to work harder to more fully understand the reality of what happens at Mass.
Think about the hours you spend on Sundays watching sports, sleeping in, or going to the gym to get physically fit. What if you went to the gym just one hour per week? How physically fit would you be with just one hour? God asks for only one hour per week at Mass. (Please give him many more hours of this throughout the week in prayer, reading the Bible and other Catholic books, or at daily Mass.) Mass will help bring us closer to Him, bring grace in our souls and is a great start for your week in getting spiritually fit.
It's human and natural to forget, get lazy, take it for granted, or become numb to it, but we have to continually work to overcome that trap. The devil is real and loves it when you stay home. At Mass we are being offered the greatest gift God has to offer –the source and summit of our Faith, Jesus Christ Himself. Go whether you feel like going or not. Love God always, even when you don't feel like loving Him. Love is much more than feelings. Love is a sacrifice and putting others before yourself.
When we receive the Eucharist, we truly, physically receive the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ, of God Himself – at every Mass. If you're looking for a personal relationships with Jesus Christ, you can't get any more personal than when you receive Him in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith.
Staying home thinking missing Mass doesn't matter, or that watching it on tv, or being a good person is enough - is wrong. If you are a Catholic, you are supposed to go to Mass every week, and on Holy Days of Obligation. If you don't understand the Mass, or are bored, and are looking for better "entertainment" - then pray for understanding. We go to Mass to worship God. We get down on our knees at Mass to humble ourselves before our King. It's not about "us" remember. We don't go to Mass to be entertained, or demand that the priest's homily be exciting, or if it isn't we aren't going back. We go to Mass to worship God, hear His word in the Liturgy of the Word, and receive Christ's body, blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist. We go to worship, not be entertained.
At Mass today try to really listen to the readings. Better yet, read them before Mass, and then really listen to the readings. We can all get distracted, but if we really try to be really present, listen and participate, the Mass will be even that more beautiful.
An inspiring homily and beautiful music absolutely add to the beauty of the Mass, but even without these things, remember - Christ is there in the Eucharist. Christ is truly present. That alone should make you want to never skip Mass, be there on time, not leave early without a good reason, and thank God for this wonderful gift.
Read, study, seek more understanding, and most of all, pray that you will come to a better appreciation and love for this most beautiful gift that Jesus Christ Himself (not man) gave to you over 2000 years ago.
Wishing you all a beautiful Sunday!
Here is a link to my favorite novena to her! Please consider joining me in prayer...and keep an eye out for roses ;-)
Reflection on the Mass: The Mass is the MOST important and sacred act of worship in the Catholic Church.
The Mass incorporates the Bible (Sacred Scripture), prayer, sacrifice, hymns, symbols, gestures, sacred food for the soul, and directions on how to live a Catholic life — all in one ceremony. Through time and space, we connect with the original Last Supper.
The Church teaches that the Mass is the re-presentation of the sacrifice of Calvary. This is misunderstood by many non-Catholics who claim that the Mass is a re-crucifixion of Christ. It is not.
Jesus Christ celebrated the first Mass with His disciples at the Last Supper, the night before He died. He commanded His disciples, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). The celebration of the Mass then became the main form of worship in the early Church, as a reenactment of the Last Supper, as Christ had commanded.
Each and every Mass since commemorates Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross through the Holy Eucharist. Because the Mass “re-presents” (makes present) the sacrifice on Calvary, Catholics all around the world join together to be made present in Christ’s timeless sacrifice for our sins. There is something fascinating about continuing to celebrate the same Mass—instituted by Christ and practiced by the early Church.
If you are Catholic, you are obliged to go to Mass every Sunday – not just on Sundays when you wake up early enough, it’s convenient, or when you feel like it. You love and feed your family whether you feel like or not right? You need to feed yourself and your family spiritually whether you feel like going or not too. (Legitimate reasons to miss Mass would be along the lines of illness, needing to care for the ill, and lack of an available Mass within a reasonable distance.)
A lot of Catholics don’t attend Mass as they should, perhaps because we do not realize it is a requirement and a mortal sin to miss it, or possibly because we take for granted what is really happening at the Mass, and it is not a priority in our lives. But if you really understood and knew what was happening, you wouldn't just go on Sundays, you would want to go every day.
Attending Mass is not just an obligation, it’s a privilege. God knows we need it, and it is His gift to us. Mass should be the highlight of our week. We should look forward to it and want to go. And when we don’t, it’s a reminder that we need to work harder to more fully understand the reality of what happens at Mass.
Think about the hours you spend on Sundays watching sports, sleeping in, or going to the gym to get physically fit. What if you went to the gym just one hour per week? How physically fit would you be with just one hour? God asks for only one hour per week at Mass. (Please give him many more hours of this throughout the week in prayer, reading the Bible and other Catholic books, or at daily Mass.) Mass will help bring us closer to Him, bring grace in our souls and is a great start for your week in getting spiritually fit.
It's human and natural to forget, get lazy, take it for granted, or become numb to it, but we have to continually work to overcome that trap. The devil is real and loves it when you stay home. At Mass we are being offered the greatest gift God has to offer –the source and summit of our Faith, Jesus Christ Himself. Go whether you feel like going or not. Love God always, even when you don't feel like loving Him. Love is much more than feelings. Love is a sacrifice and putting others before yourself.
When we receive the Eucharist, we truly, physically receive the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ, of God Himself – at every Mass. If you're looking for a personal relationships with Jesus Christ, you can't get any more personal than when you receive Him in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith.
Staying home thinking missing Mass doesn't matter, or that watching it on tv, or being a good person is enough - is wrong. If you are a Catholic, you are supposed to go to Mass every week, and on Holy Days of Obligation. If you don't understand the Mass, or are bored, and are looking for better "entertainment" - then pray for understanding. We go to Mass to worship God. We get down on our knees at Mass to humble ourselves before our King. It's not about "us" remember. We don't go to Mass to be entertained, or demand that the priest's homily be exciting, or if it isn't we aren't going back. We go to Mass to worship God, hear His word in the Liturgy of the Word, and receive Christ's body, blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist. We go to worship, not be entertained.
At Mass today try to really listen to the readings. Better yet, read them before Mass, and then really listen to the readings. We can all get distracted, but if we really try to be really present, listen and participate, the Mass will be even that more beautiful.
An inspiring homily and beautiful music absolutely add to the beauty of the Mass, but even without these things, remember - Christ is there in the Eucharist. Christ is truly present. That alone should make you want to never skip Mass, be there on time, not leave early without a good reason, and thank God for this wonderful gift.
Read, study, seek more understanding, and most of all, pray that you will come to a better appreciation and love for this most beautiful gift that Jesus Christ Himself (not man) gave to you over 2000 years ago.
Wishing you all a beautiful Sunday!
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