Facing My Fear: How to Get Rid of Head Lice Naturally (Warning: Disgusting Video)

Just as we bring all our trials to God, we should bring our triumphs as well. Sometimes, when I write, I discover all the things I was thinking about in the first place, but that went unvoiced. Sometimes when I pray, I discover all the things I was worrying about, but didn’t want to voice. What is true of troubles is true of successes and joys as well. We sometimes forget to mark them, to share them, to celebrate the things we do or that happen, that bring beauty, light and salt to our days.

This meme help us to recall the times when we’ve been the salt and light for others.
In the past week some of the small successes I can name include:

1) Cleaning out one of my kid’s rooms and I mean deep cleaning. (We moved the furniture and opened the closet).
2) Going to see a play with my husband on Date night over the weekend.
3) Staying up late one night to help one child prepare for exams.
4) Shopping with my oldest daughter for summer clothes. She never likes to shop so it was an unexpected and unbidden treat to have her along and for it to be such a fun experience.
5) Holding at having lost 10 pounds. Will get serious again about it.
6) We found one child’s cell phone that had been missing the better part of a month. Yeah! (It was in a bag that had been turned into an emergency diaper bag for use in the car at some point, and then never revisited until yesterday).
7) Started back up a good habit that had fallen by the wayside in recent weeks, of reading at bedtime to each that I could manage. Some days it is 6. Some days it is 5, some days it is 1.

Now, it is your turn. Can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to since last week! Leave your small successes list of “Ta-Dah!” moments in the com box. Let yourself discover exactly how much love and joy and labor you packed into the past seven days and congratulations!

Copyright 2012 Sherry Antonetti

Today’s Tech Talk launch giveaway courtesy of OceanHouse Media.

We have five copies of each of these wonderful interactive iPad and iPhone book apps to give away. (They are also available on Google Play, the Amazon App Store, Nook, and HP Web OS.)

• The Berenstain Bears God Loves You
• The Berenstain Bears Go to Sunday School
• The Berenstain Bears Hurry to Help
• The Berenstain Bears and a Job Well Done 

Enter your name in the comments of this post by Friday, June 1, midnight, PST.

Sarah asked me to join this column because she wanted some droid users to talk about their favorite apps.  It’s going to be interesting for all of us, because while I write science fiction, I am not a technophile.  In fact, for years, I resisted the whole cell phone thing.

I’m a stay-home mom with a landline—call me at home.  If my kids need me, they’re most likely at school, a friend’s house, the hospital—somewhere with PHONES.  My husband, Rob, has his cell phone for work and it’s always ringing or sending e-mail alerts for something he needs to do at home because the other guy is still at work and after all, they can reach Rob on his cell phone.

Plus, I hated having to flip through the menus to get to whatever I was looking for (remember those? It took 20 pressed of various arrow keys?).  So you can see I’m not enamored of the technological leash.

Then in 2010, we moved to California, and I had to drive the kids to school, and started going to Mass and …  After one too many times of calling me to ask me a question only to leave a message (because, you know, it can’t wait until he gets home), Rob decided to drag me into the 21st century.  He bought me my first cell phone, a G-1 Android.

And I really liked it.  I loved having icons to do what I needed, and found some apps that were useful, especially during the null times when I was sitting in the car waiting for a child to get out of school.

It took me a while—a long while—a VERY long while, according to my family—to get used to having it charged, but I’m there now.  Mostly.

However, I’m still a dinosaur; I still prefer my landline, and I am not into searching the marketplace for the latest app that’s hit the ether.

Of course, that may change in the coming year, as Rob goes to Baghdad for a deployment—the first in our marriage.  (Yes, we’ve been lucky, and I count my blessings and have incredible admiration for families that have done this multiple times.  They are the heroes!)

So I’ll be going at this from a different angle than the appoholics. I’ll talk about the apps that have been truly useful to me as a busy mom and writer—the practical as well as the spiritual.  They’ll also be the easiest to understand, because if they take me more than a couple of minutes to fathom, they get deleted.

So, if you’re a Droid Dino like me, you might find this column helpful.

Your turn:  Any dinosaurs out there?  Why’d you get your first cell phone?

Read more of our Tech Talk columns.

Copyright 2012 AUTHOR

In the case of the sexual assaults that blasted to the forefront of “scandalous Church topics” a few years ago, it was bad enough that the faithful were being abused, tormented, and victimized by priests and leaders of the Church. It was worse that those in authority, who should have rushed to their defense and took steps to reprimand and prosecute the attackers, chose, instead, to remain sinfully silent; thereby implicitly incriminating themselves in the process.

We now face yet another dramatic debacle within the walls of our holy Church. This time, the key “Players” if you will, make their homes and hold their positions/jobs/titles at the highest levels of the governing bodies of the holy institution called, “The Catholic Church”. This scandal is taking place inside the Vatican.

Online news media is rocking the internet with stories by the day. Twitter posts are tweeting and re-tweeting the latest, greatest headlines on supposed “whistle-blowers” and “money launderers”; going so far as to coin a colloquial headline for the topic: “Vati-leaks”.

Just as it should come as no surprise that where there are sinners, there is sin. It should also come as no surprise that Satan loathes the Catholic Church and all Her members; and will do whatever he can to cause discord and division therein.

Rest assured, by the words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that this is His Church; and, that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it! Will Satan (Can Satan?) bring down the Church?

No way! He can not. We have Our Lord’s word on it.

However, it is plain to see that the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church offers some huge and delectable prey for the enemy. He knows he can not bring about the entire disintegration and collapse of the Church. But, he is willing to work long and hard to cause whatever harm he can and take as many souls with him as is possible in the process.

The purpose of this article is to remind you, dear readers, to “keep the Faith” and stay “focused” during these troubled times. We, as brothers and sisters, in Christ, can take great comfort and place our trust in the beautiful Doctrines and Dogmas of our Faith.

We must join together, lifting our minds and hearts in prayer, for the sake of and the intentions of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, and those closest to him. We must be willing to sacrifice, to do penance, and to remain a joyful people; sharing God’s love and Truth with the world; even amidst scandal.

The pope had a few words of his own to say on the recent developments at the Vatican. I found great comfort in his poise and eloquence; and was encouraged by his message. Perhaps, you will be, too:
POPE BENEDICT SPEAKS

Let not the grave sins of the members of the Church cause you to lose sight of the Truth and beauty of the Church. The Holy Spirit is in charge and in control. God will not forsake His people.
Evil never wins. Christ’s victory was once, for all.

We can forge ahead, with heads held high for Jesus; praying for all involved ~ both the victims of these scandals and those causing them. We can “keep the Faith” and stay “focused”, carrying out our vocations and missions with thankful and joyful hearts.

It is a blessing to be Catholic.

Copyright 2012 Judy Dudich

Mexico in the 1920’s was a genteel society where ladies and gentlemen dressed in their Sunday best, casually strolled to Mass through the town plaza. The parish priest was a pre-eminent figure in the community, and no one imagined that President Plutarco Calles would send their gracious world into a tailspin with his sudden enactment of Mexican anti-clerical laws in 1926. Mexican churches closed their doors in protest on August 1, 1926 and the people saw their Catholic schools and churches confiscated, their priests exiled and even murdered before their horrified gaze. Their first reaction was to organize boycotts through the National League for Religious Liberty, but the Calles retaliation grew bloodier and soon many Mexican Catholics felt that their only recourse was to take up arms. The Cristero Movement was born, from landowning peasants whose religious faith was strong, and who fought to reclaim their rights to freedom of religion. Their battle cry was “Que viva Cristo Rey!” (Long live Christ the King!) As they carried banners with Christ’s image into battle and attended Holy Mass in their camps, they knew they were fighting to maintain religious freedom in their homeland.

In the movie For Greater Glory (in theaters June 1st), Andy Garcia plays General Enrique Gorostieta Velarde a renowned retired general whose civilian life as head of a soap factory leaves him anxious to return to battle even though his atheism has his wife Tulita (Eva Longoria) cynical as to his role in a conflict over religious freedom. General Gorostieta says he’s fighting so his daughters can receive Confirmation, but soon the inspiring valor of 14 year old José Luis Sánchez del Rio (Mauricio Kuri) who begs to join the Cristeros spurs the general to greater personal investment in the cause for religious freedom.

Video Link

A once-hidden epoch in Mexican history is brought unflinchingly to life by riveting performances by such venerable actors as Oscar-winner Peter O’Toole as Fr Christopher an aged foreign priest who incredulous to learn that he is no longer welcome in the nation whose people he served all his life, and newcomer Mauricio Kuri as his young protégé in the defense of the Faith. The power of religious conviction to drive self-sacrifice is the inspiring theme in this extraordinary film, portrayed with equal power by both militant priests Fr Vega (Santiago Cabrera) and pacifist activists Blessed Anacleto Gonzalez Flores (Eduardo Verastegui).

Director Dean Wright does not dwell on the violence of the conflict, but focuses on the state of the characters’ souls as they valiantly embrace sacrifices required to combat by the cruel suppression of the Federales. Stirring portrayals of good and evil set amid colorful Mexican landscapes suffused with Catholic iconography create an unforgettable cinematic experience comparable to “The Mission”. Andy Garcia gives the performance of his career, filling the screen with his character’s powerful transformation from mercenary to hero, but Mauricio Kuri’s screen debut is the showstopper. Blessed José Luis Sánchez del Rio is first seen as a insolent adolescent who Fr Christopher mentors as an altar boy but his lessons on moral courage are driven home when the boy witnesses the elderly priests’ martyrdom. Jose insists on bringing his friend along to join the Cristeros, and humbly accepts his position as a non-combatant, until destiny thrusts him into the spotlight.

Do not miss this remarkable salute to the little known heroes of the Cristeros rebellion, an opportunity not only to educate your family about past religious persecution and the heroes who fought for religious liberty in Mexico, but a spellbinding experience to inspire your own reaction to similar threats in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. It is providential that “For Greater Glory” is coming out as the USCCB’s Fortnight for Freedom initiative is about to begin.

I give “For Greater Glory” my highest recommendation. Suitable for ages 13 and up, like “The Passion of the Christ”, the film is rated R for violent and disturbing content. (Sexual content is minimal; there is one bedroom scene with a discussion between husband and wife, and a brief scene of women in 1920’s style undergarments) Greatest respect for the highest expressions of human dignity; sacrifice, love and faith is exalted in this film.

Visit the For Greater Glory website

Copyright 2012 Leticia Velasquez

Video Link

Los Angeles — A growing number of Catholics are finding inspiration and reflection this Lenten season through an unlikely source: the Internet and social media.

The producers of “40,” a post-apocalyptic Web-based drama that debuted on Ash Wednesday, report they have seen a steady growth in viewers across its Web, YouTube, Vimeo and Facebook platforms.

“’40’ has literally gone from zero to almost 20,000 viewers each week during Lent and the audience is growing,” said Fr. Eddie Siebert, S.J., President of Loyola Productions, who along with the Midwest Jesuits and Loyola Press have produced the groundbreaking program. “People are getting used to the idea that certain technologies, often thought of as a work tool or purely a social outlet, are convenient and useful channels for enhancing their faith as well.”

“40” offers viewers a unique Lenten experience through weekly episodes aired on 40theseries.com, YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook. Each of the 14 episodes acts as a Lenten allegory, accompanied by meditative reflections centered on the scriptural references. Updates are communicated through Facebook and Twitter.

Religious education programs across the country have adopted “40” as part of the their Lenten curriculum. St. Cornelius Catholic School in Chicago has integrated “40” into its 7th grade confirmation curriculum. Students watch “40” in class and then discuss each program’s message and reflection.

“At first students didn’t know what to expect,” said Mary Barth, the school’s religious education coordinator. “Now, they talk about the program and look forward to the next episode.”

Barth noted most students use technology at home and in school. Using Web and social media based religious education programs like “40” helps to show students how to integrate what they learn in Confirmation class into every day life.

“Books and lectures are fine, but a Web- and social media-based program like “40” delivers content and a message to students through communication channels they use every day and can relate to.”

High school juniors taking Victor Cancino, S.J.’s inter-religious dialogue class at Verbum Dei High School in south central Los Angeles are using “40” to learn more about Catholicism’s rituals.

“Students are intrigued by “40” because its an allegory, a metaphor for life and faith,” Mr. Cancino said. “They relate better to the information by watching the programs in class.”

Cancino said after watching “40” each week, students write about the week’s episode in their journals as a way to deepen their faith, understand their lives and learn more about the Catholic Church.

“40’s” producers expect to continue to grow the audience for the unique series. “Combining a cutting-edge medium with mixed media is exciting,” said Siebert, “40’s” executive producer. “”40” successfully demonstrates the best use of the Internet and social media to enhance our faith during Lent and throughout the year.”

Check out 40theseries.com for the videos and additional information.

We recently heard a priest give an amazing homily regarding education in our country. He laid out the path that we all travel. You go to school for twelve years. Then many head off to college or a trade school to earn a degree or certificate so they can get a job. Then we work for 40 +/- years to be able to retire, at which time we get old and die. Is that the goal of our lives? Is that what we want our children to believe is the most important thing in life? Are we teaching them this is all they are created for? In our country, many parents seem to be more concerned with their children’s preparation for a future occupation than for anything else. But does the second part of the vow made on our wedding day say anything about making sure our kids are raised to earn a living? Inadvertently, that might apply, but there are a couple of other areas of concern that should come first. Let’s look at what the Church asks of parents in the raising of their children.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2222 states, “Showing themselves obedient to the will of the Father in heaven, they [parents] educate their children to fulfill God’s law.” Why? Why do any of us work to fulfill God’s law? We do so because we are created for heaven. Following God’s law keeps us on the path to heaven. The salvation of our children is the first and most important priority we should have for their lives. Father John Hardon says it this way, “In a word, children are to be taught that their short stay here in time is only a preparation for the world that will never end. They are to be trained for heaven.” That number one priority is the litmus test for just about every decision we make for our children. Is this or that activity going to lead them closer to heaven or detour their journey? Is this music, movie, book, sport, goal, school, etc. going to help them along their journey to heaven or hinder it? Many of these decisions can be much easier when gauged in relation to our child’s salvation. We have to ask ourselves if this is best for my child or is it for my own convenience or glory? Ouch! That may seem sharp, but the competition to have the best ________ (you fill in the blank; athlete, dancer, student, piano player) can lead parents to make unhealthy decisions for the salvation of their children. Keeping the salvation of our children as the first priority as their parents can help guide us in the many decisions we make for their lives.

While we are living on this earth we are given a mission. It is what we were created to do while journeying toward heaven. That mission is called our vocation. This is a word that has different meanings. It can mean an occupation or job. But it has a bigger purpose when viewed through the eyes or our faith. Again quoting the Catechism, “The dignity of the human person is rooted in his creation in the image and likeness of God; it is fulfilled in his vocation to divine beatitude,” (1700). In other words, we become the person we were created to be within the vocation God calls us to live. The Sacrament of Holy Orders and the Sacrament of Matrimony are both the sacraments to the service of salvation. In Holy Orders, the service is to the people of the Church. In Marriage, the service is to the family. Even within a vocation we can see the first purpose is salvation. Are we directing our children to first discern their vocation before their occupation or profession? How is this done? Familiaris Consortio (11) explains perfectly, “Love is therefore the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being.” We are all called to love. We were created by love, for love, to love. Our children have to understand what love really is. It is the giving of ourselves for the good of another. It is always about someone else. Where does your child tend to give of himself/herself more? Ask them why they do the kind acts that they do. Is it to please God alone or through pleasing another? Either answer is good because it is giving of self for another. These can be clues to help your child discern the vocation God is calling them to live. The key word is “discern.” Beginning in the junior high years, we should be praying with our children, asking God to show them what His plan for their life is. So often we decide what the plan should be without ever asking God. We can teach our children early in life that God’s plan is always going to be the best and most rewarding plan. We just have to ask for Him to reveal it to us. As parents, it is our second priority to help our children discern their vocation and not just fall into it.

Finally we come to the priority of occupation or profession. We as parents should help our children find their strengths and talents that God has given them so that they can serve Him daily in an occupation, remembering their duty to love. In the Valedictorian address at the Benedictine College graduation, the nursing student of the first graduating class of the nursing department gave a beautiful message stating that among the biology, anatomy and nursing practices learned, the most wonderful lesson her class learned was to serve each and every patient with love. The hands of each of the graduating nurses were blessed by the Archbishop of that diocese so that they would continue to always serve their patients with love. That was proper educational training because it encompasses first our calling along the path to salvation and our call to love. We have to help our children learn trust in God. If they serve him, first by following his laws that they learned throughout their childhood from us, and then truly find the vocation He asks of them; religious life or marriage, then He will reward and take care of their earthly needs in an occupation or profession. Of course, we as parents have to believe that first!

Copyright 2012 Diane Schwind

I had received it as a Christmas present from my husband a few years ago when my oldest was still a toddler. Desperate to find out what my, my husband, and my children’s temperaments were so I could fix—something—about the way I interacted with them, my husband I took the lengthy temperament quiz in the back of the book during the three-hour car ride between our parents’ houses that Christmas day. Doggedly answering, marking, and calculating, we had finally solved the puzzle: I was a melancholic and my husband a choleric. Our oldest darling girl: a choleric, just like her dad. Finally, some answers.

As I worked through the book, understanding first the four temperaments and how they come into play in marriage, the spiritual life, and in parenting, the fog of confusion of relating with people completely unlike me in my household began to lift. As I came to a greater understanding and appreciation of the four temperaments, the gifts natural to them and the accompanying struggles, I had a greater empathy for those around me. I slowly came to understand the constant inborn need for my husband and daughter to always be doing something and also see as a legitimate need my desire for quiet time and reflection. I understood better friends who first saw the world in terms of relationships instead of principles. I came to a greater appreciation of my own natural gifts, and became more rightly abhorrent of vices that ran in contradiction to what should come naturally to me (for instance, melancholics are naturally tidy, orderly people, and I am notoriously messy).
I found myself very often using the tips found in Chapter 8 entitled, “How to Motivate Yourself and Others”. I often had great success using the suggestions listed for motivating the different temperament types. When I remembered to motivate with principles and goals my first child and with relationships the second, more often than not the work got done. Occasionally, I found that chapter’s advice on motivating individuals to be completely disastrous, until I realized that I had mistakenly switched tactics in my head, using them on the wrong temperaments. When I remembered and corrected myself, I had the same beautiful results again.

In the following weeks, I hope to more closely examine the different temperaments, highlighting key advice from the Bennetts on how to relate, motivate, and best love those with each type of temperament.

To the Bennetts: I am so grateful for your wisdom. Thank you for this most beautiful book that has done wonders for my family.

“Every temperament is in itself good, and with each one man can do good and work out his salvation.” (Father Conrad Hock, pg.27)

Copyright 2012 Meg Matenaer

Today’s Tech Talk launch giveaway courtesy of Little i Apps.

details

Enter your name in the comments of this post by Thursday, May 31, midnight, PST.

In July of 2002, I gathered with over 400,000 of my closest friends to celebrate World Youth Day in Toronto, Canada.  At one point our small group had somehow managed to secure a spot along the path where then Pope John Paul II would drive past on his way to the stage.  I get chills just thinking about the excitement and anticipation we all felt as we waited.  And then there he was! As he went past he looked directly at me and there was a love and depth in his eyes that touched my soul in a way I had never before felt.  The only way I could describe it was that it felt as if I was looked at by Christ Himself.  And it was truly awesome!

Did this great man really look at me?  Of all the people in the crowd…did he really wave at me?  I found that everyone I talked to that night felt the same.  That he had looked right at them.  And maybe that’s part of the mystery.  Maybe that was a little gift given to us by our Heavenly Father…a small chance to feel just a taste of the intense Love of Christ through the eyes of His Pope.

I will forever have a soft place in my heart for Blessed Pope John Paul II, so when I saw this e-Voations App for Android I just had to try it. (It’s also available for iPhone.)

Features include:

• An introduction by Archbishop Charles Chaput
• A Brief History/Biography & Links to several videos of him speaking
• A novena with the ability to send alert notifications at a time you specify
• Prayers both to and by Blessed John Paul II
• Several beautiful photographs of Blessed John Paul II over the years

I found this app to be easy to use, simple to navigate, and as a busy and forgetful gal I LOVE the notification alerts I’m able to set.

I look forward to using this app again in the future especially as we near the Second Feast Day of Blessed John Paul II this fall on October 22!

Read more of our Tech Talk columns.

Copyright 2012 Kristin Detloff

June 3, 2012 – The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Click on the links below to download each item

• Sunday’s Gospel
• USCCB Gospel Video Reflection
• Coloring Page
• Lesson Plan
• Mass Worksheets – 7-10, 11-14
• Word Search – Puzzle, Solution
• Crossword – Puzzle, Puzzle
• Extra Activities for Holy Trinity:
  • Holy Trinity Lesson Plan
  • Holy Trinity Game – Holy Trinity Ring Toss
  • Holy Trinity Crossword
  • Holy Trinity Word Jumble
  • Holy Trinity Word Search
  • The Holy Trinity file folder game
    • Directions – Print out Directions, cut it out, and glue on front of file folder.
    • Game Board – Print out Game Board, trim, and glue on the inside of the file folder. Make sure the directions are on the front of the file folder. Laminate or cover file folder with clear contact paper to make it last. (2 Game Boards to choose from – Game Board 1, Game Board 2).
    • Question Cards – Print Question Cards out on card stock. Cut out Question Cards. Laminate or cover with clear contact paper to make them last. Use only the cards that reflect your student’s abilities.
    • Shamrock Tokens – (Use these tokens or make your own). Print out several pages of Shamrock Tokens on card stock. Cut out Shamrock Tokens. Laminate or cover with clear contact paper to make them last.
    • Spinner – Make spinner according to the directions. Keep inside file folder.

June 10, 2012 – The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)

Click on the links below to download each item

• Sunday’s Gospel
• Coloring Page
• Lesson Plan
• Mass Worksheets – 7-10, 11-14
• Word Search – Puzzle, Solution
• Crossword – Puzzle, Solution
• Extra Activities:

Yesterday Cari was scheduled to be induced to give birth to her overdue sixth baby. Today, my friend Jess is at the hospital because her water broke last night. She will be giving birth to her second baby soon (hopefully!). Of course, I can’t think of anything else than my two friends in labor and two beautiful new babes being brought into the world for all to see. It’s truly miraculous.

Their lives are going to be forever changed, their hearts will expand to love one more person so unconditionally that it knows no bounds. Their current children will receive the gift of a sibling. Someone to love, someone to play with, someone to share and fight and tell secrets to and tattle-tale on. Someone to sympathize when Mom and Dad are being completely unreasonable, and grow up to appreciate their parent’s wisdom and help take care of them in their old age. A partner in crime and a friend for life.

I remember bringing home the first baby. How much I loved him (still do!) and took complete care of him. Even waking in the night was special bonding time for us. He changed my life completely. He made me a mother, made my husband a father, and gave us a focus in life. We were responsible for getting this little boy to Heaven one day, and we were his whole world. We were his source of entertainment and his every wish was our command. He was a lot of work since we had only been used to taking care of ourselves, and now we had to think about him first.

Then baby two came along, and I realized that all my worrying about how I could never love another baby as much as the first was wasted energy. Somehow the heart just grows to love them the same. The second baby was quite frankly, double the work. The two were so little and dependent on us that we had our hands full. I remember the first time I had to tell John-Paul to wait when he wanted lunch because I had to feed the baby first. I almost cried just saying it to him. But you know what? He was fine. He learned that he had to take turns and Mom would tend to both their needs.

By the time the third baby came along, we were outnumbered. I think going from two to three kids was the hardest transition for us. Looking back, I realized it’s because of three things: 1) the third baby had colic and screamed and vomited all day long, 2) the older boys were only 3 and 2 years old and still required a lot of hands-on attention, and 3) I was on the edge of post-partum depression, and life just seemed unbearable at times. We had no money, no help, and it seemed like we were stuck in a never ending cycle of debt and worry. And of course, I got pregnant again when the third baby was only 5 months old. It was just too much to handle at times. Only by God’s grace and the generosity of certain family/friends did we make it through.

When we took home baby number four, it was like there was no change at all in the house. We were finally used to having multiple children, and the older ones began playing together and entertaining themselves. Having another baby was no big deal at all. She grew up so fast because she wasn’t the center of our world (no matter how much she wished she was!). We had so much going on that it just flew by. Our financial and mental states improved as I worked part-time to ease the debt burden and after getting through the first year of her life, things got so much easier.

Adding the fifth baby to our family barely changed a thing! He was just one more lovie to add to the crew, and the older ones all help take care of him so much. They think he is the bomb-diggity. They can soothe him if he’s fussy, help feed him, carry him down from his crib, interpret his every coo. His presence in our lives has been so positive and easy that it makes the thought of having more a pleasant one.

Although every family is unique and has their own story to tell, from what I’ve gathered from moms of large families (and from my own experience) is that it DOES get easier. When people tell me how they struggle with their two children, and just don’t know how we handle five…I tell them that it IS hard having two, and having five is easier. They might look at me like I’m crazy, but I’ve been in their shoes with the one, two, or three children, and it’s a lot of work. I think after three kids, the parents get more laid back, the children get older (and go to school), and there are more people around to love and help with the baby. So to all of you moms out there who are struggling in the trenches – there is hope! It does get easier, and just hang in there and trust in the Lord, for He provides.

Copyright 2012 Colleen Martin

Despite all that, I have never actually learned to speak a second language. Though I have sallied forth into language-learning a number of times, I have quit just as often, always afraid of making a fool of myself and often discouraged by slow progress.

I could make the excuse that I am past my language-learning prime. We know young children absorb language in a way adults cannot. “Babies and children are geniuses until they turn seven, and then there’s a systematic decline,” says Dr. Patricia Kuhl of the University of Washington’s Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences. “After puberty, we fall off the map. No scientists dispute this curve, but laboratories all over the world are trying to figure out why it works this way.”

But recently something changed for me. Though I am technically “off the map,” I am finally starting to speak French. Slow, broken French. This aspiring bilingual is ecstatic. I can do the dishes, fold the laundry, and rescue the cat from the terrors of an active, animal-loving toddler en français.

Oddly enough, it was postpartum haziness that inspired my renewed interest in language study. I had Baby Blues and Mommy Brain and I realized that mental exercise was what I craved the most. I had my French for Reading Knowledge textbook from college, and I thought, “Why not?” French interested me, though I had forgotten most of it. I began sitting down every day during Benedict’s morning nap, prayed for purity of intention, and worked the exercises. The laundry would wait.

To my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed relearning French. I delighted in it. Unintentionally, almost accidentally, I tapped into a wellspring of wonder about words: the written word, the spoken word, etymologies, definitions, grammar – all of it was fascinating to me. In just a few months I had completed the exercises in the book.

My textbook, helpful as it was, focused solely on reading French. But my interest extended beyond translating poetry and prose. With my husband’s support, I began meeting with a tutor, a senior at the local university, to practice other aspects of the language: listening, speaking, and writing.

In my tutor I have found an unexpected friend. She joins us for lunch, chatting with my husband and playing with my son. She bought children’s books for us on a recent trip to France. She laughs at my jokes, even when they are not funny. She made the language immediately practical by focusing on topics relating to my life: religion, family, homemaking, and caring for Ben.

Most importantly, her encouragement and lightheartedness have helped me overcome my embarrassment, anxiety, and perfectionism toward speaking French. Now I laugh, rather than fret, over mistakes. I laugh just like my son laughs at his own newly discovered words.

Now, I’m no scientist, but learning to laugh has given me a clue toward articulating an important key difference between children and adult language learners. I’m finding that the more I imitate children, the better I learn.

For my seventeen-month-old son, learning language is sheer fun. Ben loves the reaction he gets from adults when he uses his words. He enjoys the silly songs we sing and word games we play with him, such as this recent favorite:

Me: “What animal says, ‘meow’?”
Ben: “Cat!”
Me: “What animal says, ‘woof-woof’?”
Ben: “Mama!”
Me: “No, puppy. A puppy says, ‘woof-woof.’”
Ben: “Cat! Hee-hee!”

For Ben, speech holds no risks. He does not worry about the accuracy of his accent, whether or not anyone is judging him, or, as in the above case, whether or not he answers questions correctly. He is free from anxiety and so free to learn.

Furthermore, my son enjoys repetition. He reads the same books, works the same puzzles, and touches the same leaf, stick, or blade of grass, again and again. We adults find repetition tedious, and the drills used in language learning we find dull drudgery. But for him, repetition is discovery and practice. And for adult language learners, consistent practice is necessary for retention.

From learning French, I have also learned to empathize when Ben is frustrated by not having the words necessary to communicate. His frustration reveals a deeper desire to be understood, and because of that desire his will is engaged in learning. That same desire motivates students of language.

These attitudes – delight in language itself, fearlessness in trying something new, the desire to practice, and the willingness to grow – are naturally present in Benedict but had been stunted in me. My perpetual need to be right, to never make a mistake, and to always be well thought of hindered my ability to be fearless in taking the risks necessary to speak a new language. Learning French has provided me with an opportunity to confront these fears, and my growth in knowledge – and as a person – has been proportional to the amount I let these fears go.

Best of all, my son benefits. I practice French with Ben frequently, and now he understands simple French sentences and commands. Before, I had mistakenly believed I needed to be perfectly fluent before speaking a second language to him. Now I see that we are learners together.

Rhonda Ortiz is a wife, mother, and aspiring novelist.  She blogs at A Naptime Novelist.

Copyright 2012 Rhonda Ortiz

In an age when workplaces, office hours and business ethics are being redefined, Kevin Lowry’s new book Faith at Work is an essential resource for anyone engaged in work, whether the reader is a seasoned professional or a brand new recruit. With an emphasis on both spiritual exercises and professional pointers to help you succeed at both your career and at life, Faith at Work provides a hallmark for personal excellence. Inspirational, well-written, and full of insight, Kevin Lowry’s Faith at Work provides the motivation, the means, and the message needed for anyone looking to make a true difference in our world.

Today, I’m pleased to share my recent interview conversation with Kevin Lowry and to give this book a major recommendation. Some of our moms may think a book with the words “Work” and “Paycheck” in the title is more suited to career-oriented types, but the truth is that this is the type of book we moms (and dads, kids, singles and grandparents) need to be reading and sharing with one another. Enjoy my discussion with Kevin Lowry, and check out Faith at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck for yourself or a loved one today.

Q: Please briefly introduce yourself and your family to our readers.

Sure thing! I’m originally from Toronto, Canada and came to the U.S. to attend a small Catholic college called Franciscan University in Steubenville. To make a long story short, I initially got kicked out of the school but returned a couple years later and met a beautiful American girl, now my wife, Kathi. Through our experience at Franciscan, especially a course dealing with Humanae Vitae, we ended up becoming Catholic and now have eight wonderful children.

From a professional standpoint, I began my career in a CPA firm and worked my way up to Senior Vice President of a large company with responsibility for its operations in Ohio. However, as the son of a former Presbyterian minister who later became Catholic, I had been involved with The Coming Home Network International for many years as its treasurer. A couple years ago a path opened to come on board as their C.O.O. so that’s what I’m doing now.

Q: Tell us about Faith at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck – what prompted you to write the book and what will readers find between the pages?

My Presbyterian minister dad also has a Ph.D. in business from M.I.T., so we used to have dinner table conversations about faith and work throughout my childhood. Little did we know that the Catholic Church was already way out front on the integration of the two (for example, Vatican II document Gaudiem et Spes and the work of St. Josemaria Escriva)

What readers will find between the pages probably isn’t what they expect. This book is meant to encourage people. I tell lots of stories about my own experiences and those of others that illustrate basic truths. Many readers have raved about the book precisely because it wasn’t what they expected!

Q: Some of our mom readers may be thinking to themselves, “A book about work… I’m a stay at home mom. Is this for me?” How would you answer that question?

In line with the discussion above, stay at home moms (and moms of all sorts) were actually a target audience for a very practical reason. My wife Kathi is a stay at home mom, and I wanted the book to be something she would enjoy and find relevant. One of the greatest joys I have experienced since the book came out is the terrific feedback from not only moms, but people from every walk of life imaginable. I attribute this 100% to the Holy Spirit, but everyone seems to find the stories relatable – including the ones about the many mistakes I’ve made!

Q: As a parent, what are some of the most important vocational lessons you’ve strived to share with your children and what have they taught you about the value and dignity of work?

What a great question – you’ve actually touched on one of my motivations for writing the book. I wanted my kids to have a legacy that illustrates a way of thinking. Essentially, I want them to strive to allow the faith to permeate every aspect of their lives, including work. I truly believe there is a mutually complementary relationship here: by being better Catholics, we become better workers, and by being better workers, we become better Catholics.

The other thing I want them to recognize is that any legitimate (one friend says any “non-criminal”) work can be sanctified, offered to God for His glory and made into a form of prayer. This is fundamental to living out our vocations in life to the fullest. So it’s not just about money, it’s about our calling as individuals.

Q: What encouragement can you offer busy parents who feel like they are completely overwhelmed with their daily schedules of work, family life, extracurriculars and trying to nurture a faith life?

Wow, yes – great question. I can relate, I’ve been there! One of the things that had the greatest impact on me during my career was the birth of our seventh child, David. He has profound medical challenges, and we weren’t sure he would survive birth, or what his prognosis would be long-term. Through this experience, Kathi and I prayed like never before and thanks be to God – David is now 9 years old and an incredibly cool kid. He still has some challenges, but is doing really well.

Given that backdrop, I encourage parents to imagine a serious illness within their family and to ask themselves what they would give up from the busy schedule – and what they would add. My presumption is that we always have time to do God’s will, so if we’re being run off our feet, we have things on the schedule that shouldn’t be there. But ordering our daily schedules with a morning offering (offering up our day to the Lord) and prayer, along with other practices to nurture our relationship with God, is always important.

Q: For someone who wants to be more active in living out their faith in the workplace, what are a few simple ways to get started?

Great question again! First, start with a little prayer asking for God’s grace and guidance. Also, recognize that being more active living out the faith does not mean going to work and proselytizing co-workers! There are countless ways to live the faith that help us spiritually and practically. Start small – if you’re buried in work, pray over your workload and ask for God’s help in prioritizing. Pray for that irritating co-worker. Show kindness to someone even if you don’t feel like it. The possibilities are limitless!

Q: What type of feedback are you receiving from readers?

I’m astonished, actually – everyone who reads the book raves about it. I know people who have bought it for all their co-workers, moms who have bought it for all their young adult or adult children, organizations who have bought it for group study, it’s really amazing.

Q: Are there any additional thoughts or comments you’d like to share with our readers?

Yes, if you’ve taken the time to read this, please take the time to look into this important subject. Of course, I would love for you to get a copy of Faith at Work, but there are other books worth reading as well such as The Catholic Briefcase by Randy Hain and The Pope and the CEO by Andreas Widmer. I am blessed to count both of these gentlemen as friends, and I’m a fan of their work!

I also want to thank you, Lisa, for your wonderful endorsement of the book and your encouragement. As a new author, this was like manna from heaven! May the Lord bless your faithful work!

• Order Faith at Work and support CatholicMom.com with your purchase
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Copyright 2012 Lisa M. Hendey

We at CatholicMom.com are thrilled to be supporting our good friend and fellow blogger and Catholic new media enthusiast Brandon Vogt in his quest to bring 2000 Catholic eBook libraries to seminarians in Africa. Please read the information below and join me in making a pledge to be a part of this amazing initiative. If each of our readers would simply give a small gift, we’d have plenty of resources to meet the goal of the Africa eBook Project. Here is an introduction to the project from author Brandon Vogt:

Africa eBook Project Background

A few months ago I began an online friendship with a priest in Cameroon named Fr. Linus Patem. Fr. Linus is doing postgraduate work at the Catholic University of Central Africa. One day while scanning the articles at New Advent, he stumbled across my blog.

He read some of my posts, reached out through email, and we quickly hit it off. We talked about books, theology, and seminary formation. But while discussing the writings of C.S. Lewis, a mutual favorite, Fr. Linus admitted that he had only read one Lewis book. That’s not because he doesn’t like Lewis—he does—but because there are no other titles available.

In Cameroon, quality religious books are scarce. This is especially true in the seminaries. As Fr. Linus says:

“One of the key problems the Church in Cameroon is facing, as in many parts of Africa, is that Christians do not read,. And if they do, it’s very thin. Most know very little about the Catholic faith and the situation is worst among the young people.”

So Fr. Linus and I began to wonder how we could get good books into the hands of Cameroon Catholics—particularly the seminarians. We considered building a library of used paperback books. We thought about buying new books through Amazon. We even considered delivering ebooks packed on USB drives.

However, each of those options was prohibitively expensive. We eventually decided that the best strategy—the quickest, easiest, and cheapest—was to use pack ebooks onto CD’s, through which we could deliver hundreds of Catholic titles very efficiently.

Working with the Libreria Editrice Vatican, New Advent, Aquinas and More Bookstore, and Our Sunday Visitor, I was able to secure a ton of digital content, including:

• The complete writings of the Church fathers
• St. Thomas’ entire Summa Theologia
• The full Catholic Encyclopedia
• Classic titles by G.K. Chesterton, St. Therese of Lisieux, and Bl. John Henry Cardinal Newman
• Modern books on preaching, new media, and the priesthood, including several written by Pope Benedict himself

Right now, we’re planning to provide one CD to each of the 2,000 seminarians in Cameroon. This will give each future-priest a wealth of Tradition wherever they go, regardless of the computer they’re using or whether it has internet access.

To produce the CD’s I’ve been working with Lighthouse Catholic Media, who will be able to design, create, and ship them to Africa for about $4,000—roughly $2 per CD. Now, I could probably raise the money by working with a large charity, however I’ve chosen a different route.

I want this project to be an experiment in crowd-sourced solidarity. So this June I’ll be launching a digital campaign to solicit micro-donations from other online Catholics, drawing them into this movement.

The tagline is simple: for just $2, you can strengthen a future priest and give him access to the entire Catholic Tradition.

Fr. Linus plans to email pictures of the seminarians receiving their CDs, which means the donors will see the seminarian who was helped by their gift. Through this, our movement won’t be just one more faceless act of charity. It will be a true act of solidarity and an innovative work of mercy.

In terms of raising the money, I don’t think we’ll have a problem. With my blog and social media platform, and those of several blogging friends, we should raise the funds pretty quickly.

If everything works out, this might be the tip of an even bigger iceberg. Several people, including friends at the Pontifical Missions Society, have suggested we expand the movement to all the seminaries in Africa—and even the greater world. So we’ll see where God takes this.

If you have any questions about the project I’d love to talk, either through email or over the phone. Thanks again for all your help and support!

Grace and peace!

Your brother,
Brandon Vogt
bvogt1@gmail.com
www.ThinVeil.net

Endorsements

Bishop Christopher Coyne
Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis

“Brandon Vogt is at the cutting edge of using the Internet and social media as a tool for evangelization. His blog, The Thin Veil, is one that I subscribe to as a useful place to find good information on how to use these new tools in order to spread the Good News.”

Father Robert Barron, STD
Francis Cardinal George Professor of Faith and Culture at University of St. Mary of the Lake, creator of the “Catholicism” series, founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries

“Brandon Vogt has emerged as an important voice in the New Evangelization.  He brings his energy, enthusiasm, and prodigious intellectual gifts to the Catholic conversation and demonstrates how social media can be used effectively to advance the mission of the Gospel and extend to the culture the invitation to know Christ in his Church.”

Greg Erlandson
President of Our Sunday Visitor, President of Catholic Press Association

“Brandon Vogt is among the best of a new generation. A convert to the faith, he is the author-editor of the best book around on the Church and new media. As an author, blogger, teacher and apologist, he brings to the faith a zeal tempered by charity, a faithfulness to the Magisterium and an intuitive grasp of the New Evangelization. I give Brandon my full support.”

Jennifer Fulwiler
Writer and blogger at ConversionDiary.com and The National Catholic Register

“Brandon Vogt is knowledgeable, passionate, faithful, and, at 25 years old, is himself a member of the generation that most frequently turns to the Internet for spiritual guidance. I believe that God is going to do big things through his work.”

Video Link

Today’s Tech Talk launch giveaway courtesy of St. Clement ePress.

Win a copy of Stations for the Unborn (currently available for iOS only).

Enter your name in the comments of this post by Wednesday, May 30, midnight, PST.

When I wrote my enthusiastic review of Novena to Mary recently, the app writer wrote to me and told me about another app he had developed, Stations for the Unborn.

I was hooked, and I told him I’d be interested in reviewing it.

This app is developed from the written version of “The Way of the Cross for the Unborn” dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe,” which received an imprimatur from Bishop John L Morkovsky in 1983.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is close to my heart (and all around my home), and the issue of abortion also tugs at me.

So often, we’re told to pray for an end to abortion, and I can’t help but wonder, at times, what good my measly little prayer does.

An app like this, then, is the perfect companion. Walking with Jesus through his Passion and Crucifixion is harrowing, and knowing that doing so can help unborn children gives it a purpose and a tenderness I haven’t often found in this devotion.

The app is easy to use and has beautiful graphics and images for each station.

I think, in fact, that I may find myself learning the Stations and growing in my love of this devotion thanks to this app. I also look forward to sharing it with my children–my seven-year-old will be able to read most, if not all, of it, and I can see it being a great family prayer opportunity.

Read more of our Tech Talk columns.

Copyright 2012 Sarah Reinhard

So the Beav, clearly inquiring for all of America, asks, “Do you mean that all of the bad stuff in the world is in people’s minds, then?” Ward answered, “A lot of it is.”

Oh, wouldn’t it be wonderful to believe that all the bad stuff was just in our heads?

While it may seem that Ward totally missed the boat here–because there is definitely penetrating evil in the world today–he may not have been completely wrong. I am thinking of that passage from Mark 7:18 where the disciples of Jesus started questioning him about what he had been saying to the Pharisees and the crowds that had gathered around him.

“Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.”

Now Jesus had been speaking about all of the burdens the Pharisees had been placing on people (such as ritual purifcation, handwashing, etc.), but in verses 21-23 he also went on to say: “From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”

So, back to Ward. Is the ugliness in our heads? Where does the first thought of evil come from anyway?

Consider this. A thought enters your head and you meditate on it. You let your imagination run with it. Now if it is a good thought, wonderful. But what if you are dreaming up a mean retort, or imagining that your twisted sense of justice be delivered to one who has treated you unfairly? While at that point the ugliness is still in our head, we must be careful, for we may easily be tempted to act upon it. I suppose our ruminations would fit in the category of “evil thoughts” on St. Mark’s list, although the sense of them being evil may be a little strong.

You see, our bad thoughts can lead us into danger if we entertain them too long, or enjoy them too much. Thinking a thought that pops into our head is not sinful, but dwelling on thoughts that are not healthy can be, or they can lead us into sin. That is why, if we find them prevailing over us, it is best to find a remedy for ridding ourselves of them.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes varying degrees of sin (venial/mortal). Jesus provides the remedy for sin in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. But, even after we have admitted our sin and been forgiven for it, there is still work to be done. The damage our sin has caused is very real and needs to be repaired as best we can. As we move through these days of Lent, it becomes especially important that we set our hearts on Jesus. Once freed of the immediate sins we commit, we should begin to examine how to amend our lives so that we have the best possible chance of avoiding those sins in the future.

If what we have within is in danger of defiling the outside, then we better make very sure our “within” is as clean as possible. We will want to be aware of any tendency to dwell on that which we may be tempted to act upon. It is there, in our actions fed by our inclination to sin, that the “ugliness in our heads” becomes the “bad stuff in the world.”

This is truly the work of not only Lent, but also of the entire year. This is a time of cleansing that helps us turn away from sin. This is conversion. We are not converted when we acknowledge and confess our sins and continue on our way, the same as before. Conversion is transformation. Our lives will look different when they are transformed by Christ.

While poor Ward Cleaver is often mocked for his holier-than-thou attitude, and The Beav is often made fun of for his naivete, maybe they shouldn’t be dismissed so quickly by those of us who still need to work on ridding ourselves of the ugliness in our heads.

Copyright 2012 Janet Cassidy

This is not about gaming the future,
but de-gaming it.

It is about waking everyman and everywoman,
to reintroducing will and courage to walk alone,
or with others of like mind,
into a future, where the herd instinct
created by mind-less following
of the interwoven paths of secular humanism
and technology are warped and woofed
into a seamless net that entraps them forever.

And forever will seem even longer than eternal for them.

This is about throwing off the bonds of false freedom,
loosing the bonds of the prisoners,
unbinding those in chains forged by the inactivity
of their own mental processes of observation, analysis,
and independent action on behalf of the good.

This is about re-introducing the proper use
of discrimination
– discrimination between good and evil
– exaggerated individualism and personal autonomy
– having no limits, vs. recognizing the freedom that comes
only with making moral choices.

This is about waking humanity,
both within the church and without
from its waking somnambulism
engendered by external direction
by public media
by secular thought patterns
by a generalized conspiracy of consensus
that God is either irrelevant or undefined or makes no demands of us.

This is about a new wind of the Spirit blowing on all lands
a new incarnation that demands our cooperation,
our prayer, our offering the fullness of ourselves
to the New Evangelization.

This is about Jesus Christ, Lord of the nations
the kingdom of compassion for the poor, the exaltation of the lowly,
the freedom that brings joy to all, removing the stain of guilt
introduced by the original rebellion and reintroduced
by those who have sought to throw off the reign of God
in our lives and societies.

It’s about healing the sick, healing the nations, serving the needs
of the lowliest and least, while not neglecting either our own
or all of us represented by the forgotten concept of seeking
the common good

This is a mission worthy of our best; worthy of calling forth our better selves
to the service of God and all men and women and children
- even of our fellow creatures and of creation itself

And it has been entrusted to us in “interesting times”

No one else can do it, but we can all do it

Every effort counts
– in direct mission work
– in helping the immigrant and the stranger, the unborn and the elderly
– in taming technology to serve rather than enslave
– in making laws and governing in a way that respects human dignity and freedom
of conscience
– in how we perform the highest and the lowest tasks to the glory of the One,
the only One who gives our lives meaning.

No work of art; no act of kindness; no glass of water offered in his name; no work of
excellence, no matter how small, from emptying of bedpans to construction of
cathedrals is wasted or done in vain.

The privilege of this service of the Name has been given us
and we must not shirk or turn aside or fail,
whether our part be large or small.

Jesus our Lord is light of the world and redeemer of the nations
or he is a vaporous fraud.

If he is the first and not the second,
he is deserving of nothing less
than our best.

This is the new awakening
this is the first morning of a new era
this is the dawning of the day
this is the flowering
of the Kingdom of God on earth

Come join the collaboration that will overcome
the Kingdom of this world,
not with bullets and bombs,
but with kindness, and truth, and love

This is your call, come on; throw in your lot with the good guys;
proclaim the Good News of the Resurrection

Jesus has overcome the kingdoms of this world
and the powers of darkness.
We must proclaim and live, what has already been accomplished
but not yet come to fruition.

Now is the time
Now is the moment
Now has love come
to rule the hearts and minds
of all who will follow him.

Jeff Hensley is the editor of the North Texas Catholic in the Diocese of Fort Worth, editor of and a contributor to Word to Life, a Scripture commentary on the Sunday readings distributed by Catholic News Service, and has been married to his wife, Susan, for 43 years. They have a daughter Amy, who is 26.

Copyright 2012 Jeff Hensley

Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms #3: Video Link

I got up from my chair and suggested we head to the backyard to swing. I pushed them in their swings for who knows how long. We sang songs at the top of our lungs. We laughed. We made up silly stories and laughed some more.

We kicked the soccer ball back and forth. We picked wildflowers. We wandered around our yard and the field behind us.

We headed back to the deck for some more fun at the water table.

I sat back down in my chair and took in the world. I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face. My kids were having the time of their lives. I was, too. This was the most serene I’d felt in a long time. There wasn’t a care in my world, no trouble on my mind. I admired the beauty around me and the sweetness of my children. Pure joy radiated from me.

I ran inside to grab some towels and saw that I had a message on my phone. As I listened to the message, my heart sank. I was supposed to have been at an appointment at 2:30 that day. It was nearly 4:00. Somehow, I’d lost track of an entire day.

How unlike me, I thought. Sure, I can be absent minded and do some silly things, but missing appointments is not one of them.

My husband realized there was something wrong, but he was on the phone. I mouthed to him that I’d missed my appointment and he gave me a nod of understanding, but went on with his phone call.

I called the office and explained what happened. They told me they understood and that they’d waive the “no show” fee. We rescheduled my appointment for this week.

The appointment wasn’t for anything serious. It wasn’t a big deal and it all worked out. Still, I felt terribly guilty. I was angry with myself for being so irresponsible. Normally, I have “to do” lists and spend my days wrought with worry about what I have to do and when I have to do it.

I went back outside to watch my kids, but I just couldn’t shake the disappointment in myself. When my husband finished his phone call, he came outside and sat down next to me. He chuckled a little and tapped his hand over mine.

“That’s not like you,” he reminded me.

I shook my head and said, “I know.” I put my head down in my lap and started to cry.

“Did you get it worked out?” He asked. I shook my head yes. “Are you enjoying this time with the kids?” I shook my head yes. “Then, don’t worry about it. There’s nothing to cry about. Keep on enjoying those kids over there.”

So I did. I forgot my worries. I let go of the guilt and disappointment. I headed straight for the water table and splashed along with my kids.

I know it’s not the most responsible thing in the world, but sometimes life happens when we miss appointments. It happens when we clear our schedules and our minds. It happens when we make time for what’s most important. For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t worried about anything. I was truly soaking up my beautiful, wonderful life.

I pray that you might snatch up some of those fleeting moments yourself! Is there something on your calendar today that can wait?

Copyright 2012 Leanne Willen