A Minute Captured

Links for 2012-06-01 [del.icio.us]

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 00:00:00 PDT

The Worst Reason to Homeschool | Simple Homeschool
The worst reason to do anything.
How Being Wrong Can Sometimes Be Right | Michael Hyatt

Links for 2012-05-27 [del.icio.us]

Mon, 28 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Why Sola Scriptura Cannot be True : The Integrated Catholic Life

Sabbath::How Great Thou Art

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Sun, 27 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

This video gets me every time.

In His Heart

Spread Thin

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Remember being in school and studying for tests? I'm talking about high school before block scheduling so you might have three or four tests in one day covering anything and everything: geometry, The Great Gatsby, the Constitution and Spanish II...all in one day.

{The Boy & his homemade raft}

That's how I feel right now, spread thin, learning about teenage daughters, toddler boys, middle girls who are preteens, an 8 and 6 year old brother and sister who play well together--until they fight, and Lord have mercy on us! And a newborn who needs me and only me, all the time.

I switch gears from cuddling an infant, to correcting back talk and answering "Why" questions without a recess or even a hall pass to slowly wander the halls pretending I'm on my way to the bathroom.

And it's all good. It really is. It's also alot of work, spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally. And it's not as easy to recognize a "Pass or Fail" because no one hands you back the pop quiz test you just took in "Keeping your patience while cradling a baby and trying to get dinner on the table before your husband comes through the door."

This post really has nowhere to go...it's not a complaint and yet, not a look at all the fun we had today post. It is what it is. And that has become my temporary motto, especially after trying on three summer dresses at Target today...my 9 week post partum is what it is and it is doing what it is supposed to be doing, but I wish it could do it in a cute summer dress.

This is a season I prayed for, like when you were in elementary and couldn't wait to get to high school and then once in high school, you couldn't wait to get out only to look back once you were out. Not that I would ever in a million years want to go back to high school; I'm tired, not delusional. Plus, I've lost my tolerance for drama.

So this is how this post ends...I am so thankful for the place God the Father has placed me. I just wish sometimes I knew what the next pop quiz would hold so I could be prepared and then a big red grease pencil mark across the top letting me know how I'm doing.

In His Heart

Links for 2012-05-22 [del.icio.us]

Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

When the World gets Loud & Divisive » A Holy Experience
And this is where I'm at right now.
Totus Tuus Family & Catholic Homeschool: Archbishop Chaput ~ God Will Demand An Accounting

Links for 2012-05-21 [del.icio.us]

Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

The Traditional Mass is Not a Spectator Sport | Crisis Magazine

Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:47:00 +0000

Around the farm
I'm starting this late Sunday night after a beautiful Sunday. Although we appreciated the very mild winter, we are going to pay for it by having a bad tick and snake season this summer. The Boy has already killed 3 snakes this year and I've found a tick on me. You know it's going to be bad if I, who rarely ventures past the porch, finds a tick.

I'm Listening to
I hear the night bugs outside the window singing their nightly songs, my blog music on very quietly so as not to wake anyone, and pretty soon the baby because it's been longer than a few minutes since he's nursed last and I laid him down, we're pretty much inseparable.

Moments of Gratitude
::listening to and watching my daughters at their piano recital
::a delicious new baby meal from a dear, dear friend from church {homemade chicken pot pie, salad with the best homemade dressing I've ever had, and cake}
::sitting in my rocking chair every night in the quiet keeping track of my gratitude for the day
::an awesome sermon from a visiting priest on the Trinity
::a Sunday afternoon nap with the baby
::kids playing bubbles in the yard
::the dog watching them
::warm baths and showers for weekend dirty kids
::meatloaf thawing for dinner tomorrow night

Reading
33 Days to Morning Glory

Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens

Success Is Not an Accident: Change Your Choices; Change Your Life

The Heart of Home Schooling: Teaching & Living What Really Matters

Real Moms...Real Jesus: Meet the Friend Who Understands

Pondering
homeschool, high school, friendships, discontent people, gossip, birthday parties, summer meals, change, forgiveness, parenting, marriage, family dynamics...my mind is all over the place right now huh?

Praying
I am praying many parenting prayers. I have a new baby and a teen-ager and two pre teens and toddles and in betweeners and an awesome husband; just praying for that motley crew would keep me on my knees for, um, ever.

Scripture Memorization
Two of my daughters have memorized the Magnificat in spite of me. I wrote it on a white board in our dinning room and just by sitting at the table eating and doing school, they have it memorized. My brain on the other hand still feels a little new baby foggy plus it appears to be scattered in may different directions right now.

Beauty in the Ordinary
9 people sure do have alot of stuff. I wonder how much I can reasonably purge? If you just think about shoes alone and take into account I do not believe in shoes for infants, ever. My children do not get shoes until they start walking. So 8 people...let's say a pair of play shoes and a pair of church shoes...that equals 16 pairs of shoes...two shoes per pair equals 32 shoes not counting muck boots and additional shoes. Or let's talk about clothes. 9 people wearing one outfit a day equals 9 outfits a day times 7 equals 63 outfits a week. That is so far from reasonable. I have baby who gets changed as needed and kids who run and play and get filthy dirty and change as needed and a husband who works and gets filthy dirty and changes and then there's me and when the baby needs to be changed, most likely I do too...I could go on and on in this manner, but I think we all get the point.

Home Learning
We're thinking and planning. I ran my thoughts and plans by Chris tonight...we'll see.
I want to enroll my 8 year old son and 6 year old daughter in piano lessons, but it is too expensive. So for now, I think the older girls will try to teach them the basics until I can convince Chris to let me enroll them.

Breaking Bread
Monday: meatloaf
Thursday: frito chili pie and root beer floats {visiting priest will join us}
Friday: beans and chips with cheese

Now just to fill in those other days

Looking Ahead
We are finished with soccer and piano for a couple of months...YEA!! We have birthday parties the end of this week and alot of nothing before then...YEA!! I think Chris and I both feel like we've been running 90 to nothin' the past couple of months.

Join me! Share your Minutes, Daybook, On Line Journal, whatever you call this peek into your life, this record keeping of your days. I would love to visit.

In His Heart

Links for 2012-05-18 [del.icio.us]

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

MyConsecration.org - free consecration materials to make the St. Louis de Montfort Consecration to Jesus through Mary - True Devotion
Great free resource! This is the booklet our former pastor recommended my daughters read in preparation for their consecration.
Catholic Pinterest
I can't believe it has taken me so long to check out Catholic Pinterest. Thank you Allison for such a great resource.

Links for 2012-05-16 [del.icio.us]

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Six Words You Should Say Today | Hands Free Mama
Six little words to help take the pressure off our children. I can do this! So can you.

Links for 2012-05-15 [del.icio.us]

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Just Guide Gently — Mom Heart Online
A must remember.
Totus Tuus Family & Catholic Homeschool: Fr. Leonard Klein On What Marriage Is
Excellent sermon.
In the Heart of my Home: the face of attachment parenting
You must read this. You must save it and read it again. You must live it.
How to Miss a Childhood | Hands Free Mama
And then read this. And save it to read it again. And live this. Yes, live this!

Are You Mom Enough?

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:26:00 +0000

Those of us who live and breathe Godly mothering are not militant; we have no need to live an “in your face” lifestyle. We are too busy putting the needs of our child first.

Follow me over to Suscipio to read the rest of my post on the Time Magazine cover.

In His Heart

Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:10:00 +0000

Around the farm
It's a beautiful day. The kind of day that begs for an old quilt and new baby to meet under the fruitless mulberry in the front yard.

I'm Listening to
I'm listening to some of the children do their math on the front porch and a couple of kids walk around the yard looking for dog poop to scoop.

Moments of Gratitude
::the last soccer game of the season
::a surprisingly fun after season party
::the whole family going out to eat for Mother's Day
::a woman telling me I looked too young to have so many children {the wrinkle cream must be working!}
::homemade cards and gifts
::watching my daughter and sister make their Total Consecration
::left over cupcakes
::looking out the back door and seeing Chris and the boys floating around the gross looking pond
::getting my hair trimmed

Reading
33 Days to Morning Glory

The Heart of Home Schooling: Teaching & Living What Really Matters

A Biblical Home Education: Building Your Homeschool on the Foundation of God's Word

Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens

Pondering
I'm pondering what am I supposed to be doing, and how. I'm sure alot of this is just new baby, but I kind of feel off course and not really sure how to get back on, and not looking forward to any obstacles {attitudes}.

Praying
I'm trying to put words to the pondering of my heart. I know God already knows what I'm seeking, but I want to make it clear to myself. An artist knows what he sees, but he puts it on paper to see it. Kind of the same with my prayers.

Beauty in the Ordinary
My house is slowly slipping. We are past the urgency to keep it up after a new baby, you know?

Home Learning
I'm planning, pondering, praying and talking about home schooling. Now we just need to decide what we are going to do.

Breaking Bread
Um, still in a rut. I'm hoping emeals can rescue me.

Looking Ahead
We have two more piano lessons and recital. I am so looking forward to not having to be anywhere on any one's time schedule for a couple of months. Chris and I have a date tonight to talk "parenting." And then another date needs to be planned to talk "schooling."

Join me today in sharing a peek into your life? Share your Minutes, Daybook or whatever name you choose to call the daily look into your life. I would love to visit.

In His Heart

Moments of Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:11:00 +0000

I’ve heard it before and experienced it again…”Sometimes a ‘no’ is really only a ‘not yet’”

And in those moments of ‘no’ it feels like the end doesn’t it? But if we only knew. If we only knew that something better might just be waiting around the corner, even if that corner is years away.

I'm at Suscipio today for Moments of Grace.

In His Heart

Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:03:00 +0000

Around the farm
It looks like we may have a dog on the farm. For years off and on, one of us has wanted a dog and Chris has always said no, until today. A stray appeared today, probably dumped, most likely beaten, definitely starved. She is covered in ticks, bone thin and skittish. The kids fell in love instantly and made plans outlining the best way to plead their case before Daddy got home. Today we welcomed Frances the dog to the farm. Tomorrow she will go to the vet and get the works! {Updated: the vet says she looks good, a little skinny, but good. She is most likely Lab/Boxer or Lab/Pit and tomorrow she gets spayed. I cannot tell you how many ticks we have pulled off this sweet little dog!}

I'm Listening to
I'm listening to the baby coo to older sisters and the kids watch an old Roy Rogers movie. {Updated: crickets}

Moments of Gratitude
::the children making a plan to keep a scrawny stray
::the baby getting chubby
::a favorite drink in a new flavor
::night sounds drifting through my bedroom window
::cool morning air
::the end of spring soccer season this week
::the kids saying I don't need wrinkle cream lotion

Reading
33 Days to Morning Glory

Success Is Not an Accident: Change Your Choices; Change Your Life

She's Got Issues: Seriously Good News for Stressed-Out, Secretly Scared Control Freaks Like Us

Pondering
I'm pondering teens and babies, toddlers and pre-teens. God has given me a mixed bag of ages and I want to do the best for us all. Quite a challenge I think. {As evidenced by the fact that I started this post two days ago.}

I've also been thinking about the seasons of friendships, another challenge I believe.

Praying
I'm seriously trying listen to God and Chris and my children as I prepare for our next school year. I'm seeking the intercession of Our Lady of Confidence. Years ago, before we started homeschooling, I was inspired to place our homeschool under her patronage with the thought that lack of confidence was an easy button for the enemy to push in any homeschooling mother or father. I'm also praying for a sweet friend from our parish who is in serious medical condition.

Home Learning
The Boy finished his math book and catapulted it into the trash! We are in various stages of being finished; he had the first victory.

Breaking Bread
Can anyone say rut?

Looking Ahead
We pick Frances up today from the vet. She's getting all her shots plus spayed. The 3 older girls have State Competition for piano on Friday. This is the last week of soccer!!!

Join me, a couple of days late, to share a peek into your life.

In His Heart

Time to Mow. Time to Pray

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:05:00 +0000

Good Saint Francis, lover of animals; I am too. Please do not let me run over a bird, bunny, frog, squirrel or turtle. But if you want me to run over a snake and chop it into little pieces, I'm ok with that. Amen.

I say that prayer each and every time I mow and it has never failed me. The prayer came out of a tragic accident in which I ran over and sheared the top off of a turtle about twelve years ago. That single accident almost stole my precious quiet time; time that over the years has allowed me to listen to God, spill my humble prayers and offer my simple thanksgiving.

My husband and I moved to the country when our first child was three months old. We lived on two and half acres with a few scrubby trees. Each week, after working all week long in the hot sun, my husband would mow and weed-eat our little spot on the prairie. One day, I think he had had enough and jokingly told me to go mow. Wanting to help him out and maybe even secretly wanting to get out of a few diaper changes, I agreed. My new quiet time with God emerged from that first mowing session.

Up until the birth of our first child, my quiet time, my alone time, my thinking time, happened in a long hot bath. With the arrival of our chubby baby girl, all that changed. That sweet, precious little girl could sense the moment my toes slipped into the sudsy oasis on the other side of her wall. She would wake from a deep sleep, or lose interest in bright rubbery toys and even forsake the daddy she looked so much like to wail for momma. {Maybe wail is too strong a word, but she was our first and whimper could easily be interpreted as wail to first time parents}.

On that glorious day of meeting my new found ride of freedom, I made my first couple of passes under my husband's watchful eye. When he felt I was familiar enough with the mower to start making the rounds, I slowly began mowing the two and half acres we called home. I settled into my mowing groove pretty quickly: avoid the ditch, swerve around the electric pole, stay within our property line, and don't hit the septic valve. I also began to settle into an interior quiet and calmness, "A perfect time for prayer," I thought.

I began by praying for my husband. The strong, loving, St Joseph figure, God had blessed me with. We had had our share of newly married struggles but had come out even stronger and more in love. I thanked God for the awesome gift of Chris in my life. My prayers then included our strawberry blond first born, the daughter with the deep blue eyes. Without ever having read the Scripture about children being a gift from the Lord, I knew she was. I also prayed for more, strong, healthy, beautiful little souls to bless our family.

Some times I would pray the rosary. Father James Jackson, F.S.S.P., our parish priest at the time had been teaching me about meditative prayer using the rosary as an example. He first used the example of the second Joyful Mystery, The Visitation. He told me to picture myself as an observer in the mystery. He told me to imagine Blessed Mother Mary walking through the streets of a small biblical town. I might hear a dog barking and smell fresh baked bread. There may be children running happily through the streets and an old donkey tied to a small tree. I pictured a young woman knocking on a heavy wooden door and being greeted with joy by an elderly cousin; the child within her aged womb leaping for joy. Father Jackson's gentle instruction allowed me to provide my own images as I prayed through each of the mysteries of the rosary.

Other times I would sing in my head newly learned hymns to Mary as I mowed around and around. The mindless repetition of mowing in the round proved to be fertile ground for praise, prayer and meditation. I found out I actually had more time to myself while riding the mower than if I just sat in a warm bath. For one, I was on a loud machine; I could not hear my husband telling me the baby was getting fussy or needed to be changed. Second, I was doing a job he had come to dread. He was more than happy to let me mow. Our grass was kept at a consistently perfect height and I soon found myself dreaming of becoming a professional hay baler or a mower for the county, cutting miles and miles of green grass.

As I continue to grow in my faith and learn more about the saints, I pray one day to achieve my goal of becoming a saint in heaven. {I can imagine, me, the patron saint of lawn mowers! My prayer to St. Francis might one day be repeated by grass cutters the world over.}

Just like that, a simple "Yes" to my husband's joking request, allowed me to find some quiet time for myself and the Lord. Our family has increased to six children and our acreage has increased as well. More time to mow, more time to pray.

?Do you have an unconventional place or time to pray?

In His Heart

Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:35:00 +0000

Around the farm
It rained early this morning. Just a good 'ol rumbly thunderstorm and nothing scary causing me to jump out of bed to check the weather. That's a downside to Spring storms in Tornado Alley, they can turn wicked quickly.

I'm Listening to
I'm listening to the sweet sounds of the baby nursing. A couple of other children are up and watching some cartoons before breakfast.

Moments of Gratitude
::Chris home safe & sound from a work trip
::a beautiful nursing cover
::beginning a new book with Suscipio's Book Club
::taking a walk with Chris last night with the baby in a stroller
::Chris telling me I looked pretty when we picked him up from the airport
::the kids getting to see his plane pull in
::practicing different ways to curl our hair {rag rollers work great in some of the girls hair}

Reading
33 Days to Morning Glory

Success Is Not an Accident: Change Your Choices; Change Your Life

The Family Fragrance: Filling Your Home with the Sweet Aroma of Love

Write Your Heart Out

The Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

Pondering
There are some changes that need happen around here, some bad habits weeded and virtues watered. Those changes need to begin with me, but I'm tired & busy {I whine}. See, changes need to begin with me.

Praying
For our priest. He has the overwhelming and thankless task of finding our parish a new home. Can you imagine house hunting with your parish on your back, each with their own ideas and opinions? And then once you do buy something, renovating it?

Scripture Memorization
We are taking back up our memorizing of the Magnificat.

Beauty in the Ordinary
We did a thorough house clean to welcome Chris home, I'm hoping to maintain. I have some empty frames sitting around. I'm thinking of making a couple of these earring holders.

Home Learning
We are getting close to the end in some books...there is a light at the end! I've started thinking about what we're going to do for next year {which is way more fun than finishing this year.}

Breaking Bread
Just the usual this week for dinner: tacos, spaghetti, grandma's macaroni & cheese, beans w/chips & cheese, breakfast casserole.

Looking Ahead
So far, a pretty slow, typical week, soccer practices and not much else.

Why don't you join me in sharing your Minutes or Daybook or whatever name you give your online journal. It's a peek into each others lives, kind of like driving down the road at night and catching glimpses into peoples homes. I'm not the only one who looks am I? Link up so I can stop by for a visit.

In His Heart

Psalm 109

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 15:50:00 +0000

Praying the Psalms

There are some days when it is hard - for foolish, sinful, selfish me - to not take it personally.

For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues. 3 They beset me with words of hate, and attack me without cause. 4 In return for my love they accuse me, even while I make prayer for them. 5 So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
†Psalm 109:2-5

Some days it begins with breakfast.
"We always have oatmeal."
That would be a lie.

And continues through the day.
"You never...You always..."
They accuse me even while I offer silent prayer for them.

...complaints, whining, arguing...
the fallen man's evil reward for good intentions

Let them curse, but you will bless...With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord; I will praise him in the midst of the throng. For he stands at the right hand of the needy, to save them from those who would condemn them to death.
†Psalm 109: 30,31

This is the day You have made for me. There is good in the trial. There is grace in the struggle. And the only way to grow, to be purified, is to practice what I lack: patience, humility, unselfishness. And who better to teach me than those whom You have given me.

In His Heart

Moments of Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Things don’t have to be extraordinary to be beautiful. Even the ordinary can be beautiful.
― Wicker Park

I'm sharing my Moments of Grace at Suscipio today...Join me!

In His Heart

The Whispers of God

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:05:00 +0000

I find a rock, again, that has swum through bubbling detergent and jeans only to find refuge in the deep rubber seal in my washing machine. And as I open the laundry room door to toss the cast away back out into the gravel drive, I hear God whisper...

...come outside my child...I am here...enjoy the beauty that surrounds you...

As I go through the house, finding plastic army men behind doors, under beds, couches and chairs, in the bathtub and even tucked in the kitchen cabinets {no doubt some expedition interrupted by the call for dinner}. I hear God whisper...

...you are a child...you are My child, have you taken time to play today?

Play can take many forms: reading a book just for me, not the latest homeschooling method, or the newest organizing book that I'm sure will turn my life and my home around. Play can be grabbing my camera and walking around the yard snapping pictures of the roses in full bloom, or the children swinging higher and higher until their laughter causes my own.

Again back to the laundry where one load produces a $5 bill and another three soggy $1 bills, and maybe it was God or maybe just me, but I think I heard...

...job well done, here's your tip

He really is everywhere, isn't that what we teach our children from the Baltimore Catechism, God is everywhere and sees everything. So why do I wait for "prayer time" to "see" Him? He has been following me around all day.

The Benedictine motto is "Oro et Laboro" Pray and Work. It is not Pray or Work; the two are not mutually exclusive. They were meant to form a happy union in the lives of God's beloved children. I don't have to stop work to pray and I don't have to stop prayer to work.

And what if my "play time" even included my prayer time. What if I took notice of everything...and said thanks? Thanks is just as much a prayer as "please."

What if I used that mountain of laundry the way a cliff diver uses the jagged edges of the mountain to fall into the deep? Only my deep would be God and His infinite love...

In His Heart

Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:10:00 +0000

Around the Farm
full...The full leaves on the trees surrounding the house are like lush green canopies providing pockets of shade. The ponds and creek are full of brown muddied water and the hammock out back is always full with a child swaying in the south breeze, reading a book.

I'm Listening to
Scripture Lullabies and children spooning hot chocolate

Moments of Gratitude
::a welcome home party for our neighbor who made it through five years of the Marines and one deployment to Afghanistan
::our friend who came for shearing & is staying the week with us
::beautiful weather
::an old worn out baby sling that has carried all my children and my nephew and niece who are now 18 and 17
::a couple of new books
::honest conversations
::reassurance that I'm am in fact doing things right
::grace, upon grace

Reading
Success Is Not an Accident: Change Your Choices; Change Your Lifefrom the author of one of my favorite books, The 4:8 Principle: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Life

Family Fragrance: Practical intentional ways to fill your home with the aroma of love

Write Your Heart Out

My Ideal - Jesus Son Of Mary

Pondering
I'm pondering the power of our thoughts. This is something I've struggled with my entire life. The last couple of years it has gotten better and I'm pondering how to influence my children so they will not endure the same struggles I and so many others face. If you stop and listen, really listen to what people are saying or closely watch how they act, there are alot of unhappy people...and it all begins with our thoughts.

Praying
What a privilege to pray for those we love...the list is always long and full isn't it?

Beauty in the Ordinary
The rose bushes by our Mary statue are having an excellent season! We also planted some little flowers in front. Since we've gotten new windows, I can see this statue from my bedroom window. I'm planning on keeping this area beautiful year round.

Home Learning
We are keeping up with our schedule pretty well all things considered. It is a joy to see ideas click and concepts take root. It is a struggle to do what needs to be done everyday consistently...and there is grace found in all.

Breaking Bread
Our friend brought some lamb to cook for us. I've never had lamb so hopefully this will be a treat.

{taken with my sisters phone at shearing}

Looking Ahead
The usual except for six dental cleanings this week. I like the usual, I really do.

You know what? If you want to join me in sharing your own Minutes, or Daybook or whatever name you call it, link up with me today.

Use my categories but definitely add your own. Are you trying to meet an exercise goal, add Exercise. Do you work outside the home? Add a tag for Work, memorizing Scripture? Add Scripture Memorization...the options are endless. Make this your very own recipe for your creativity.

This may be just the nudge you need to start blogging again; to be creative, because being creative does not necessarily involve fabric or yarn, glitter or glue. Being creative simply means to create and tapping out a slice of your life in words definitely counts.

Come on... you know you want to at least give it a try. I would love to stop by and visit.

In His Heart

Psalm 108

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:02:00 +0000

With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.
†Psalm 108:13

It became almost a motto during Lent..."God's got this." And some days, "God's got this" translated into the other frequent phrase, "It will be what it's gonna be."

I didn't necessarily fight any foes, well, unless you count self...so yes, yes I did do battle. But each time I placed it all in God's hands, I was able to walk off that all too familiar battle field.

Many times this past Lent, the sister of my soul, she and I talked about a joyful Lent, a hopeful Lent and this type of Lent can only come straight from God the Father because on our own, well, I would imagine yet another Lent, yet another battle, where I am swinging wildly at what I cannot see.

God's got this. It is he who will tread down our foes.

In His Heart

The Gift of Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:20:00 +0000

Late nights sitting in the old leather rocking chair in my dimly lit room, I have wrestled with ideas of what I wanted to do with A Minute Captured. Sitting in the little red rocker in the living room, piecing together bits of conversation between the constant interruptions of a full life filled with seven children, I have talked and pondered with Chris what direction I was supposed to go. I have bothered and worried myself, and ultimately, wasted my time as I've tried to decide what to do with this place. A Minute Captured is not "just" a blog, it is pieces of me strung together in images and words.

I have been blogging here since December of 2007 and have more than 800 posts under my belt. And suddenly, the thought, the fear of others reading was making me reconsider even having this blog.

And then a couple of nights of ago, during one of those late night nursings when the house is silent save the quiet gulps of a growing boy, I was again pondering what I was going to do when it all became so very clear to me...

my fear of others was allowing someone else to be in control of me
and guess what, God has not given me a spirit of fear. {2 Timothy 1:7}

Remember when I said I either needed to make this blog private or boldly own it? Well, I am boldly owning this blog. This blog is me and no one will make me cower or live in fear of who or what I am.

You see, if I were to stop blogging, I would most likely, eventually, stop taking pictures. And if I stopped taking pictures, I would stop seeing. And then what's the point? I have lived that life, the life of the blind

the life of a woman who just does, without noticing
the life of a mother who just is, without beholding
the life of a child of the Most High God without contemplating the goodness before me

been there, done that, don't want to go back.

My Creator has given me the gift of using my words to illustrate my thoughts. He has also blessed me with the gift of capturing the ordinary moments with my camera. That's not being prideful of who or what I am, that's being proud of Who God is and what He has been able to do through me. Big difference.

We've all been blessed with gifts to use for the glory of God. My gift is not that everyone will like my words, pictures or even me. So why fear? God did not call me to make all people like me. God only asks I use what I have been given for Him; to know Him more fully, to love Him more deeply, to serve Him more completely. And if blogging can help me accomplish those ends, again, who am I to fear and who would I fear?

Yesterday Chris told me, on a different subject, "Fear doesn't give you control." But what I heard was, "Your fears are only controlling you." I do not want to be led by fear. I want to be led by the Spirit of God! Faith and fear cannot and do not live in harmony. When I am fearful, I am not living by faith. I am not living in faith. I am not living.

All that to say...I pray you enjoy your time here. And if you do, please let me know, I've enabled comments. {This is part of getting over the fear of others}.

In His Heart

Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:18:00 +0000

Around the Farm
Everything is nice and green. Yesterday we hit 90 degrees, I think today will be the same. This means kids are outside more than inside. If it weren't so breezy, the baby and I just might take a nap outside.

I'm Listening to
Scripture Lullabies, a child clean up the kitchen and tales of pirate captures from the younger kids playing outside.

Moments of Gratitude
::the baby continuing to gain weight, we're not back to birth weight yet, but getting there
::our first Mass since his birth will be Easter
::Chris getting some overtime
::dinner is already started
::first day at a new job for a dear family friend
::a rocking chair in my bedroom for late night nursing
::hearing the girls practice the piano for their state competition

Reading
Home-Making

The 4:8 Principle: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Life

Pondering
I've been thinking alot about blogging lately. {Thankfully I've had long stretches of rocking chair time } I enjoy blogging but I needed to decided why and for who. I'm also always a little concerned about putting myself too much out there but have come to the realization that I either need to blog with passion and conviction and own it or stop {or at least just go private}. I've also realized one of my fears that has kept me from passionately blogging is fear of contradicting myself, of appearing a hypocrite {at least in my own eyes}. But the Lord reminded of St Paul's words,

I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. †Romans 7:15

Just because I lose my temper with my husband or children, does not mean I cannot blog with passion and even authority, about being a Godly wife and mother.

Praying
There are so many thoughts and ideas floating around me right now, I need to be quiet so I can discern what from what.

Beauty in the Ordinary
When my sister stayed with us, she had my laundry caught up, everyday. That has been one of my goals, to keep it up, everyday. So far so good. This has made Chris very happy because the first room he sees when he comes home is the laundry room. It amazes me though, that with all the laundry caught up, kids still cannot find ______ {fill in the blank}.

Breaking Bread
So far we have been very impressed with emeals. On a completely non frugal, non healthy side note...I need a Twix candy bar! The last couple of times Chris has been at the store, he's forgotten. On the same unhealthy and non frugal note, but some good news; I have lost my taste for Sonic. Chris, the baby and I had a date at Sonic the other night. I could not finish my burger, the tots were "memh" and the thought of a cherry limeade does nothing for me. What did this baby do to me?

Looking Ahead
A little more each week right? I'm looking forward to Easter Sunday Mass. Chris and I might start some light walking this week {w/baby in the sling}. And more of the same, low key new baby life.

Moments of Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:43:00 +0000

All I did was make a call...and she arrived that very same night. My girls wanted to go Easter dress and shoe shopping. Although this was really more of a want than need, their aunt understood a teen girls mind...and there she was. I am wise enough to know a new baby and Easter shopping with four daughters does not mix well.

I'm at Suscipio today, sharing my Moments of Grace.

In His Heart

Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:15:00 +0000

Around the farm
It has rained the past 4 days. I have a new baby that needs sunshine for his jaundice. I have children that need to run and play outside without coming back in sopping wet and muddy (Although I did allow some puddle jumping the other day, it was beyond fun to see them running through almost knee high puddles. It was beyond messy to clean them up.)

I'm Listening to
Children do their chores, children play, washing machine and dishwasher. So far we are off to a good start for our first day by ourselves.

Moments of Gratitude
We have never had so much help after a new baby. My sister stayed for 5 days and a friend for 7 days. I absolutely needed all the rest I was able to take advantage of. The house stayed running smoothly and Chris and the children properly cared for.

Reading
My Prayer-Book (Happiness in Goodness)

The 4:8 Principle: The Secret to a Joy-Filled Life

Pondering
I'm a little sleep deprived right now, but God knows the deepest pondering of my heart.

Praying
Prayers of gratitude...
::Leo was baptized last Sunday
::my dear brother in Christ got a job
::my God son got accepted into the grad program (I think that's what I mean to say)
::Chris is able to get some overtime
::the sun may appear today
::children who are excited to have a new baby brother
::soccer has been canceled this weekend due to the heavy rains
::older daughters who make sure I always have ice water by my nursing chair

Beauty in the Ordinary
The house is running and that is good enough for me.

Breaking Bread
My sister gifted us with emeals for a baby gift. Chris is going to try it out tonight at the grocery store and the girls will be cooking from it this week. Hopefully this will help save us money at the grocery store.

Looking Ahead
More of the same low key, new baby life.

In His Heart

When You Call Your Husband a Name...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:43:00 +0000

I remember the first time I ever heard her call her husband a name, a name I had never, ever, heard a woman call her husband. I was taken back. “Was she serious?” “Did she say that to shock me?” I was 25 years old. I had not just fallen off the turnip truck or joined the Catholic Church. I had heard many a woman, many a Catholic woman, call their husbands many a name. But never this...

Stop by Suscipio to read the rest of the story.

In His Heart

Baby Moon

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 22:17:00 +0000

10lbs 15oz
21 1/2 inches long
pure bliss

In His Heart {with an abundance of gratitude}

Psalm 107

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 13:24:00 +0000

Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities endured affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress; he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs of joy...Then they were glad because they had quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.
†Psalm 107:17-22, 30

Oh I was so sick God. So very sick. And it's not that I loathed the remedy, it just never occurred to me, the saving Bread of Life, the only food that could cure me. I never thought about it until that day...that day that I remember vividly. On that day I said, "This is not working for me. That did not work for me. I have tried everything but the Church. I will cling to the Church because I think it is my last hope."

And I did. I started going to daily Mass, and what felt like daily confession. In order to make room for the good, I had to expunge the bad; a painful process and were it not for the strength I gained through frequent, intimate times with You Lord...I would have never made it through.

But I did. And now all these years later, I sometimes forget to praise You from bringing me back from the precipice where I once so boldly stood. All that I am is because of You and all that I have is Yours.

And the quiet, Oh Lord the beautiful, wonderful quiet You made a part of me. You made me my own safe place. I could stop running and trying to hide. You made me my own haven because You, marvelous, wonderful You, live in me.

In His Heart

Moments of Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:36:00 +0000

reading lesson

I'm at Suscipio today sharing my Moments of Grace from the week.

In His Heart

Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:26:00 +0000

Around the farm
The sun is up...I'm up...some of the children are up...I think we're off to a good start, don't you?

I'm Listening to
I am listening to some old time hymns, or spirituals, whatever you want to call them. Did you know that about me? That I love old time hymns? I also love old negro spirituals. Funny huh? During one of my labors, I took a cd in to listen to and it had an old negro spiritual on it. Apparently sometime right around transition, after a dose of Demerol, I sang along like I was an old negro woman. Apparently, all this according to Chris, nurses would walk by and look in to see this laboring pregnant woman singing an old negro spiritual. I asked Chris why...WHY, would he let this go on?! He said he figured I had enough going on at that moment, who was he to interrupt me.

Moments of Gratitude
::an afternoon playing cards with my sister and her husband
::little cousins running around
::another week of pregnancy
::getting my hospital bag packed
::kids playing legos fist thing in the morning
::the Boy hauling fire wood
::staying up to watch The Last of the Mohicans
with Chris

Reading
Not much

Pondering
too much

Praying
::lots of pregnancy, labor and delivery prayers
::confidence & jobs for the unemployed

Beauty in the Ordinary
uh huh...did I tell you at my last ob appt when he measured my uterus, I was measuring 47 weeks? Yeah, almost a year pregnant. We are in maintenance/survival mode right now.

Breaking Bread
uh huh...if a truck full of frozen convenience food pulled into my driveway right now and started filling my freezer, I would probably kiss the driver and never read the ingredients.

Looking Ahead
I have an ultra sound appt this week because the ob thinks the baby may be a little large...really? I wonder what tipped him off:

{a}the fact that I typically have large babies

or

{b}the fact that I am measuring almost a year pregnant

In His Heart

Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:46:00 +0000

Around the farm
I just enjoyed watching an amazing early spring sunrise, pinks and yellows, blues and lavender. The kettle is heating water for hot chocolate and children are slowly stirring. A couple of them are battling a cold, respiratory thing. They better get over it quick, we have a baby coming!

I'm Listening to
The water kettle is just on the verge of singing, and two new CD's I just got in the mail. I ordered these to listen to while in labor.

Moments of Gratitude
::Chris took the 3 younger kids to the hunting land yesterday to clear brush
::I laid in bed most of the day
::older girls who make brownies
::after cleaning up the kitchen
::throwing chicken in the crockpot & letting it cook all day
::a very high compliment for our family from a very well respected priest
::my spiritual father; he makes me laugh and cry and shows me the way
::the lovely women at Suscipio, there is so much goodness and beauty in each of our ordinary lives

Reading
He and I

Reflections on the Passion

Pondering
Can't really say I'm pondering much of anything of any depth. Just trying to do what I can do right now.

Praying
pregnancy prayers, prayers for a friend's job search, prayers for our parish to find a permanent building we can call our own, our priest who I'm sure is hearing it from all sides as he discerns the purchase of our own building

Beauty in the Ordinary
I'm giving it my best attempt to clear out 40 bags in 40 days. It's a personal Lenten challenge you'll find all over the internet. I'm obviously on much shorter time schedule. So far I've cleaned out the office, the three kids rooms, part of the laundry room, master bathroom, Chris' closet and computer desk. We have 5 bags to donate to Catholic Charities, which I drop off when I go into town for my dr's appt, 3 bags of trash, 1 milk crate of books to sell and 2 bags to put in buckets in the garage that will fit the younger kids next year. So technically I'm at 10 bags so far.

Breaking Bread
I took this idea from a friend: for Lent we have oatmeal for breakfast Monday thru Friday (Chris ~~likes~~ loves biscuits and gravy on Saturday morning). For lunch we have peanut and jelly (if Chris can do it 52 weeks a year, so can we). And dinner...I just pray for something easy that my older girls will step in and help cook.

Looking Ahead
Weekly doctors appointment, 4 kids playing soccer x 2 practices a week, first games this weekend, packing my hospital bag, sitting on the porch swing, more 40 bags in 40 days, naps...lots of naps.

(No pictures? I really need to take some pictures! Although hard to do when taking a nap.)

In His Heart

Psalm 106

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 14:05:00 +0000

Then they believed his words; they sang his praise. But they soon forgot his works; they did not wait for his counsel...They forgot God, their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt, wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome deeds by the Red Sea. Therefore he said he would destroy them— had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him, to turn away his wrath from destroying them.
†Psalm 106: 12-13,21-23

I believe...I praise...I forget...I do not wait...rinse and repeat...rinse and repeat. And who is my Moses? Who is that stands in for me to turn away your wrath in these times I repeat the ridiculous cycle yet expect a different outcome?

Is it the soul I became one with? I see level headed reasoning, but maybe it is a faith deeper than I know? Deeper than I'm possible of?

Is it the friends who have become family? Are they the ones who spare me from my very own self? The ones who say and do what only sister souls will? The ones who will set the timer, without needing to know why?

Is it my spiritual father who tells me to put the big stick down I use to beat myself up with and eat a piece of chocolate instead? Is he standing before me to save me from condemnation to show me, You love me?

And right there are even more reasons to praise...

In His Heart