Happy New Year!

A brand-new year... to live; to believe; to give; to receive; to fall in love; to share a smile; to walk an inch; to run a mile; to dive into sunsets; to forgive; to forget; to love where you’re going; to embrace where you’ve been; to take a deep breath, close your eyes... and begin. May the new year be filled with love, adventure, and dreams come true.

 

 

A few years ago, I started a new tradition.  I've mentioned it here before, but feel like I should mention it again.

 

I've heard a few people in the past few days mention their New Year's resolution (although, I have to admit, it seems like I've heard less this year than in year's past!).  Did you make one this year?  If so, how long will you make it last?

 

I saw a funny cartoon the other day about a gym called "Resolutions". I thought I would share it with you and see what you think: 

 
Seems about right, doesn't it?

 

A couple of years ago, I gave up making resolutions.  I, too, always had mine fall by the wayside. 

 

What I've started doing in place of resolutions is focusing on a word each year.  I think about a part of my life I would like to improve and find one word that describes that and focus on that.  I find that if I put that word on a piece of paper and put it in various places I will see it throughout the day and year, it helps me tremendously.  I have it in my desk at work, my desk at home, my wallet, my nightstand, in my kitchen......

 

The word doesn't have to be anything extraordinary.  But it should be meaningful -- to you.  Health?  Wellness?  Weight?  Faith?  Mom?  Wife? are a few ideas -- but certainly not exhaustive.  In fact, the first paragraph may give you some inspiration to what word you could use this year.

 

I challenge you to do the same.  Find your "word" -- what will it be? that will improve your life, and maybe even the lives of those around you. 

 

Happy New Year!

 

Here it is!  It's yours to do with as you wish!!!  Don't wait for someone else, they won't live your life.  Make your dreams come true!

The long walk....

I was reading through my blog from the other day about my trip to Kentucky, and it struck me that I forgot to write about two of my favorite parts of our trip. 

The first would have to be the celebration of mass.  We didn't realize they had mass on Wednesday evenings, so it was a pleasant surprise to us when Marge mentioned that to us when we arrived.  Remember the other week when I spoke of how awesome it was to say the Our Father with 23,000 people?  Well, it was.  But I have to say that it was also pretty awesome on Wednesday to say the Our Father, and hold hands with all 12 of us in attendance at mass!  How wonderful that was!

The other part that I loved happened during the day, while we were helping people.  While we were shopping, our conversations would consist of "what would they like", "what size are they", etc.  When we got outside to take their things to the car, we would have time to chat.  Not everyone wanted to chat, of course, but many did.  Some just wanted to tell me how thankful they were.  Some wanted to tell me about their families -- who we just shopped for.  Some felt badly that they were there, and wanted to tell me their story. 

The one that struck me the most was the woman who didn't seem like she "belonged".  We laughed all the way through, because I would say -- "I've been thinking someone would love this" and she would reply with, "I was just looking at that!"  We had such similar tastes it was almost scary!

As we were walking to her car, she was explaining to me that she never thought she would be in that position.  She was a teacher, with a Master's Degree!  She said she had been looking for work, but was unable to find any.  I have found that the people in this area are very loyal to their family (kin) and won't leave them, in case you are wondering why she didn't move somewhere else to find a teaching job!  They stick together.  Through everything. 

I've added her and her family to my prayers -- that she find a job and find some peace.  How difficult that must be -- especially at this time of the year. 

I hope that you and your family find much peace this Christmas.  Merry Christmas!

Celebrating Christmas -- the Best Way I Know How

Starting when I was very young, my cousins and I would travel down to my aunt's house in Kentucky to visit her.  She was a missionary nun, working with people who live relatively close to me (5 hours away) but who live a very different lifestyle than I was raised in. 

I was not, by any means, raised in a household with a lot of money.  However, I was far from being poor, and really never had to do without anything (unless it was something my parents thought I didn't need!).  But, I was like most normal kids who dreamt of living in a world with endless money flowing, allowing for my every "need" to be met. 

Perhaps that was part of our (my cousins and I) parent's plan -- to help us understand our "poorness".  We never ever thought of it that way -- we thought of it as a vacation, and sometimes wondered if it was a "recruiting" trip (our aunt is a nun!), but never really considered the part about teaching us a life lesson.

During those times, Sister Marge would introduce us to a variety of people that lived in her little town of Booneville, Kentucky.  People our age (at the time early tweens), people older, and people much much older.  We would spend a week with her and work in her store (in the early years) sorting shoes, or hanging up clothes, or whatever else she needed done.  In the later years, I don't really remember ever having special jobs other than having fun with her!

During the week, she would take us with her on her "home visits".  When she moved to Booneville, there was no Catholic church in the county -- but they knew there were Catholics.  Her job was to find them and get them back into a church.  This in and of itself was a challenge, because many people in town didn't have a mode of transportation!  What that entailed was that Saturday afternoon, we would load up in her van and start the "bus route" to pick people up -- the real way to see where she lived.  We would drive up and down mountains, around curves, into hollers, all in an effort to get people to church.  We would be on paved roads, dirt roads, gravel roads -- whatever it took to get people to church.  I learned a lot in those days.  I learned about persistence, but also what it meant to do the Lord's work -- to be His hands and feet.  (I also learned that mass in Booneville didn't start until everyone was there!)

I also learned that the people of Owsley county are some of the nicest and friendliest people on earth.  Even though they are very different from me in where we live, the living conditions we have -- they are wonderful people and very thankful for the life that has been given to them. 

During my college years, (and maybe high school -- I don't remember for sure!) -- my mom and I would spend time at Christmas going down to visit Marge.  She would have a daylong event where people could come in, "shop" for presents for their children and families, and return home.  I think at one point we even wrapped the gifts for people!  There was no exchange of money.  The items that were available were donated (and were new things), and the people would arrive and be given a point value that they were able to spend on each child in the family.  It was super fun to help each parent find the perfect present for their child, especially knowing that many of these families would have no Christmas without this opportunity.

Somewhere along the line -- with marriage and having children -- I ran out of time at Christmas to take the time to go and help her.  I never forgot about it, though -- and would think of everyone each year when I knew the shopping opportunity was going to happen. 

A couple of years ago, I started thinking it was getting to be time for me to start going back.  Earlier this year, I made the decision that this was the year to go back.  Oddly enough, earlier this week I had to fight back feelings and thoughts that I didn't have time to do this to force myself to go! 

My brother, Joe, had mentioned to me that he went last year and fully intended to go back this year.  I said that we could ride together if he had room, and mentioned that I wanted to bring one or two of my kids with me.  We looked at everyone's schedules and quickly realized that Sarah would be the only one of our kids that would be able to travel with me. 

We left Wednesday at noon and began our journey down.  Pretty uneventful trip down (thank goodness!), and we were greeted by the smiling faces of Sister Marge, and her sister friend, co-worker, whatever you want to call her -- Sister Angie.  Both beautiful women, inside and out.

When we walked into Marge's house, I was immediately taken back several years.  There sat a woman, Mary, who had been there every time I had been there for Christmas years before.  When I asked, she said she's been helping Marge for 35 years, and hasn't missed a one!  I was amazed!  Her youngest son is 37 and cooks for a retirement home.  He is quite the chef!  He made us sweet rolls for breakfast and the most amazing garlic bread for lunch.  I was in heaven!

In the evening when we arrived, Sister Marge had a little project for us.  It involved delivering some presents to some local people which required the assistance of the man in the red suit.  Marge thought we would have fun helping out.  Joe brought along his son, Ben, who hasn't quite figured out all of the "mysteries of the season", so I volunteered to stay back with him while they took on the task of assisting Santa to deliver these presents. 

It was quickly discovered that my daughter, Sarah, was going to have to play the role of Santa, since the suit fit!  :)  I'm pretty sure this is nothing that she originally signed up for when she agreed to come down with me, and I appreciate her doing so with a smile more than she will ever know!  When they returned, I asked them how it went -- expecting to hear the story of the family and the fun of delivering the gifts.  I was shocked into hysterical laughter when shown this photo: 

That would be Sarah, with her cousin, Maria, sitting on her lap!  Oh, my gosh, it still sends me giggling when I see it.  I found myself still cracking up as I was trying to go to sleep.  Apparently, one of the little girls that they were visiting yelled out -- "That isn't Santa, that's a girl!  She's wearing girl socks!"  Oh, my......

 

In the morning, we were greeted by a few wonderful sights:

 

The view outside of the church

Oh, my gosh, the cinnamon sweet rolls!

 Sister Marge making breakfast

Years ago (we think 25) my mom made sweatshirts for us to wear as we had our shopping day.  I spotted my sweatshirt as I was packing and stuck it with my things, hoping Sarah would wear it (it doesn't seem to fit me like it used to :).  She said yes!  I thought we would surprise Marge, but she surprised us by wearing hers, too!  What a fun thing!  It was also a super special way to feel my mom's presence with us, as she would have been there if she could have!

I tried to take a few photos that would show the vast amount of things that people from all over donated.  You will see loaded tables, but also look under the tables at the huge amount of things "hidden away".  They sort things (all done before we got there) so that new things are put out all day, so each family gets a great variety from which to choose.

The stuffed animal table -- its a little blurry, but certainly shows the choices!

 After they leave this area, they are taken to an area to get some food items -- enough to make a yummy Christmas feast -- and then some!  I forgot to take a picture of this part -- sorry!

My nephew, Ben, and his new friend, Nick.  They are the same age, and could have been brothers.  They worked and played together.

 

 

Remember early on when I said that Sister Marge always introduced us to new people?  Well, this is Ginger, a woman I met many, many years ago, and we were reunited this week.  She has such a great spirit.  Below, she is modeling a skirt, in case someone wanted it.  Such a fun person. It was fun to reconnect with her!

Ben and his friend, Nick, building a fort from boxes when the workload lightened up.

Sarah made a new friend.  They were busy playing when I caught this picture.

 

We were so blessed to be able to help 72 families shop for Christmas!  We offered up toys and clothes, stuffed animals and toiletries.  In return, we received smiles and hugs, Christmas wishes and much thankfulness.  We also received the best gift of all -- a lesson in what Christmas is all about.  It's not about what's under the tree -- it's about what's in the manger.  It's all about sharing His love.

 

I'm so thankful that my aunt has devoted her life to Christ, and in turn helped me see His love.  It will be a long time before I skip celebrating Christmas with her again!

 



Magnet I found on a car today -- "Keep Christ in Christmas"

 

 

 

Luke's confusing Gospel!

As I sat in church this morning listening to the Gospel, I was a little confused.  I hadn't read the readings before mass as I often do, so I was surprised when I heard things like "Hating your parents" in the Gospel!  What?!?!?!?  That can't be right!



Here is the Gospel, in case you have forgotten:

LK 14:25-33

Great crowds were traveling with Jesus,
and he turned and addressed them,
“If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother,
wife and children, brothers and sisters,
and even his own life,
he cannot be my disciple.
Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me
cannot be my disciple.
Which of you wishing to construct a tower
does not first sit down and calculate the cost
to see if there is enough for its completion?
Otherwise, after laying the foundation
and finding himself unable to finish the work
the onlookers should laugh at him and say,
‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’
Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down
and decide whether with ten thousand troops
he can successfully oppose another king
advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops?
But if not, while he is still far away,
he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms.
In the same way,
anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions
cannot be my disciple.”

He's talking about the cost of discipleship -- and, although he's comparing it to the cost (financially) of building things, I think if we dig deeper, what he's getting at is how much does it cost us to follow Jesus?  He's challenging us with his words!

Father Tom touched on this in his homily this morning -- talking about how easy it is for us to say we love our friends and family, but how difficult it can be to love (or even just include) that person that isn't one of us.

I wonder if my jaw dropped when he started talking about this.  I try really hard in my life to be the person who includes all.  After all, I've been that person that's been left out, or talked about, and frankly, I didn't enjoy it very much.

Recently, I have been focusing my efforts on gaining acceptance for someone that I feel has been ostracized from not just one group, but many.  They do not know that I have been doing this, and hopefully will not find out.  I'm trying to bring this person at least into my fold, so that they know they are comfortable there.  I realize that I cannot change the world, or change how others think or feel, but I am working to try to get some to change their views.  Is this person perfect?  No, not at all.  Do they have their flaws?  They most certainly do.  But it's ok, because I do, too.

I don't tell you this story so that you will think I am a hero (because I'm not).  I tell you this story because you probably have someone in your life that could stand a little of your attention.  I challenge you to do the same.  What can it hurt?

I read a very interesting quote the other day.  I don't know that I think that it applies to me in this situation, but it may to you.  No matter which, I really enjoyed it and want to share it:

You have never really lived until you have done something for somebody who can never repay you.

Wow!!!  Awesome thought.   Have a good week, everyone.

Words to live by.....

Sorry I have been AWOL a bit.....trying to get back in the swing of things after vacation!  Alas, here is a little tidbit to tide you over....

Rise above the pain! You are bigger than your circumstances or your life situation. Your life is not defined by your relationship status, your current job, your bank account, or anything that you have or have not done in the past. Don't listen to any person or automatic negative thoughts that may have conditioned you to think of yourself or your life as a failure.

Don’t ever choose a permanent solution for a temporary problem. You have people who need you and who are counting on you. There is always another day and another way. Rise above the pain, and know that deep inside of you there is another person waiting to break through. You have the ability to rebuild, regroup, recover, and revive!! Breathe life into your dream. Know that you can live a meaningful and purposeful life. You are an unrepeatable miracle, and your dream can live... despite what you feel and inspite of what you're going through right now! You have something special...you have GREATNESS within you!
― Les Brown

Upcoming Event: Saturday March 9 2013!

Hello!  Long time, no post -- I'm so sorry!  I've been off with my honey on our dream vacation -- to Hawaii!!!  I'm happy to report we had a blast -- here's a sneak peek photo -- and are back to normal.  :)

(That's from our helicopter tour, which was totally awesome!)

I promise a post about this soon, but first.....I must tell you I am very excited to announce I have a big speaking engagement this weekend!!!  I will be speaking for the Magnificat of Lima Group at the Old Barn Out Back.  I remember when Sharree asked me several months ago, I mentioned it would be right after our vacation, but somehow, it has still snuck up on me!

Registration begins at 9:30 am, with breakfast shortly after.  I think I'm up around 11 am to speak.  Pre-registration is not necessary, although I'm sure they would love to have a count prior to the day.  If you click on the Upcoming Events tab on top, I've added the brochure so you can view and print it.  It has all the details!

If you're planning to come, let me know -- so I can look for you and also so I can be sure to NOT tell any stories about you.  If you aren't there, I can't make that promise........

Hope to see you Saturday!

Oh, the memories......

I had a fun day at work yesterday.  Well, every day is fun -- but this one was extra special.  We had a client come in our office that I  had not met before.  Dan was busy finishing a few things up before he met with him, so I started chatting with him and his wife (imagine that!).

I noted right away that he was wearing a War Veterans ball cap and made a mental note to ask him what was he fought in.  We were discussing if they would like coffee while they waited when they explained to me they had just taken their "break" at home before they came.  (They stop what they are doing and come together to have coffee or some other liquid refreshment together!)

He started talking about how it saddens him that he is getting old enough that he needs to take these breaks. He mentioned that when he was in the Korean War, he would be out and about for hours and hours and hours and never once stop.  (Mental note checked off.)

He went on to say that when he worked for Sidney Electric and Area Energy that he would work 9-10-11 hour days without batting an eye -- he would be tired when he got home, but he could handle it.

Whoa!  I exclaimed -- you worked for Sidney Electric AND you were in the Korean War?  You have to have known my daddy, Harold Goettemoeller.  Did you?

Immediately, a smile crossed his face.  "Oh, yes, I knew your dad.  Very well.  The old cuss!"

We proceeded to spend the next 5 or 10 minutes talking about Dad and his ornry ways at work.  I mentioned to him that I have been having strong urges lately to "fix" signs (Dad was well known for "improving" signs to add things that were funny) -- and he chuckled all over again.  He spoke of how he and dad used to spar over tractors (Dad was a to-the-bone John Deere guy -- nothing else; this man was an International Harvester guy.)  He mentioned that he told Dad one time that he had a John Deere lawn mower and Dad said that he had come over to the John Deere side.  The guy responded that he hadn't but.....John Deere was good at making lawn mowers but nothing bigger!  LOL

I've been smiling since that conversation.  I hope that gentleman has, too.

I've noticed that many times when people speak of my parents, a smile crosses their face.

I'm trying to live my life so that when I'm gone, the same thing happens.  I hope I'm on the right path!

The end.....

.....of a fantastic summer!

♫ Tomorrow, tomorrow.....is only a day away!!!  ♫

Tomorrow is the first day of school.  It's hard to believe!  This has been one of the best summers we've had in a long time....from traveling to New York, Boston, and Michigan, to various camps, and fair, and lots and lots of family.....I've loved it all.  Or at least most of it :).

We spent the last few days celebrating.  My original plan at the beginning of the summer was to take a day every week and do something fun or educational or at least something besides laundry and cleaning.  LOL  We did do a few outside activities -- we did a little geneology tour one day (through cemetaries -- don't judge it was hot and I bought them ice cream!)....Harry had a fun afternoon with the good folks at Crown seeing their video department and seeing the "other side" of what he's doing at home.....

I tried and I tried all summer to get a day that would be good to go to Sidney and visit/watch Duane in Municipal Court.  Well, it took until last Friday, but we did it!  Emily was not able to go with us (starting to be a theme here!), but everyone else went.  It was an interesting day and the kids learned a lot.  They saw people go to jail because they failed drug tests, they watched people lie to the court (that part surprised me!) -- even when it was apparent they were not telling the truth....they saw people truly sorry for what they had done and got to witness what happens when you truly make a mistake and are sorry for it.  It was a great tour.  I did mention to them that this was the ONLY time I wanted to be sitting in a courtroom with them!  It was so funny -- there is a metal detector that you have to go through before you enter the courtroom.  Here I came in with my big ole purse, and my camera, with my keys and my phone in my pocket.....and I made the detector beep.  LOL  I started taking the things out of my pocket when I explained to the lady that I was Duane's sister.  I told her if I really wanted to take him out that I could do it any time....I knew where he lived.  LOL  She laughed and waved us through!

Duane was so gracious and gave the kids a neat history lesson when they were done listening.  There is so much history around us...

My little defendant

Order in the court!

A precious photo

We decided to take a group photo before we left.  I hope my kids cherish this for years to come!

Clearly Abby is in charge.

We followed our exciting morning with the only lunch alternative I could come up with -- we went to The Spot for lunch!!  My mom used to take us there after shopping at Uhlman's.  It was fun to take the kids!

Waiting on lunch in the corner booth

Sarah:  Mom, count to three and then take the pic!  

1, 2, 3!  Surprise!  A kiss for Will!  <3

We spent the balance of the weekend celebrating with our town at Bremenfest.  Sorry, no pictures -- I was having fun!  :)  I was not around on Sunday, parade day, as Becca and I took Sarah back to the University of Dayton to start her sophomore year.  (As an aside, I am amazed at how much easier it is to drop your sophomore off than your freshman.  I guess it's because I now realize that she WILL come back to visit, and with that, she WILL bring home large piles of laundry every time!  Yay for laundry!  Love her and miss her -- but I hope she has an amazing year at college!

School starts tomorrow -- for all of our kids -- even the college one -- so dinner will be fun tomorrow night -- to hear the stories about friends old and new, teachers, and whatever else appears at the dinner table.  

Did I mention Will will be in band this  year?  He's taking percussion.  Lord help me/us.  I already warned Mr. Yahl to put me on speed dial in case he gives himself a concussion with his drumsticks!  It really was fun to go to instrument fittings for him this year.  Many of Emily's friends were helping, and all wanted him to play "their" instrument.  It was fun for Will, too!  :)

Here's hoping everyone's school years are awesome.  Here's a little prayer I found that we are going to say tomorrow morning before everyone departs:

Prayer for a New School Year 

Spirit of God, fill our hearts with a desire to seek truth and rejoice in beauty.
Help us to know what is pleasing to You and to understand what is right and good in Your sight.
Give us the Spirit of Learning that we may please You by our thoughts and love You in Your creation.
Give all teachers Your constant encouragement and guide them in their good work.
Spirit of God, make us effective witnesses of Your truth to all whose lives we touch. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Amen.