Queen for a day!

A couple of weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to feel like a queen for a day!  The woman who does my hair (and my friend), Brianna Phlipot, owns the Looking Glass Salon and Spa in Minster.  One day on her Facebook page, she requested volunteers for a makeover at an event they were going to.  Without even thinking, I responded with a "Pick me!".  (After I thought about it, I wondered what I did, but it was too late!)

A week or so later, she contacted me and asked if I really wanted to do it.  I told her that if she had others, I would be fine, and she should ask them.  She told me she thought that I would be fun and wanted me to do it.

I agreed.  I went to her salon for a consultation.  I'm usually pretty agreeable when it comes to ideas of cut and color, because my theory is that it is hair and, while everyone sees it, it will eventually grow back and/or we can recolor it.  However, they were pulling out strands that I wasn't sure were "me".  But, I promised myself that I was "theirs".  They were the professionals and whatever they wanted to do was going to be what I wanted to do!!!  So, they picked colors, I agreed, and we had a plan.

Next up was shopping.  Boy, was that fun!  Again, I decided that I would let them pick what I was going to wear.  I was really going out of the box on this one!  I didn't have to buy the clothes if I didn't like them, so that made it easier to go along with.  Of course, I was shopping with someone much younger than me who could wear cute things like dresses with boots, so I would hurry and put something on just to see what she was trying on!!  We ended up finding a super cute outfit that was comfy, too.

Our original date was postponed because the weather did not cooperate.  So, I had an extra week to get myself mentally ready!!!

Of course, on the original date, we had a clear calendar.  On the rescheduled date, Jim and I had tickets for the afternoon production of "Sister Act" at the Schuster Center.  So, that made for an interesting day!  I packed my bag in the morning before we left, as I knew time would be tight.  We saw the show (which was wonderful, by the way!)  After the show, we hightailed it out.  Thank goodness we had fabulous seats, so we were among the first to the parking garage.  We jumped in the car and departed.  I waved to the University of Dayton campus, sad that we didn't have time to stop and say hi to Sarah!  Once on the interstate, I changed my clothes ;) -- that was fun and adventurous!!  I would tell Jim to slow down or speed up so I didn't scare anyone on the highway!!!

We decided on the way that we didn't really have time to go home and drop Jim off, so I dropped him at his parents (which was on the way) and went on my merry way!

I was a little later than I thought and had the girls worried, but I didn't miss anything when I got there.  We took a few "before" pictures and then went out on stage to show everyone in attendance our "before".  Here's mine:

Man, do I take a great "before" picture!!!  LOL  

So, off we went.  Jenna did my hair (which also made me a bit nervous, because Bri always does my hair.  I was definitely out of my comfort zone for the evening.).  Please note -- there were no mirrors present for the evening.  I did not know what was happening, with the exception of seeing hair on the floor and people around me saying it was looking good!

Here are a few photos from throughout the evening:

Here we go!  Jenna and I.  I look like a little girl with my pig tails!  I got my hair cut first, while the others got their color on first.

I think his name was John?  The only guy -- he got his hair cut off and his beard shaped up.  (I was showing my age because I wanted them to shave the beard!)

 Starting to take shape with the cut.  Look at those roots on that girl!

 Bye bye hair :(

A little color on the hair and brows to make them match.  This is when I knew I was getting a truly different color, when they wanted to dye the brows, too!

The "other" Stacy getting her hair blown dry.  We joked all evening because there were two Stac(e)ys.  I even asked if they would play "Stacy's Mom" when I walked out, because even though I wasn't old enough to be their mother, I felt like it!  LOL

 What a great cut she was getting!  (This is the Locks of Love Stacey).

 Our makeshift rinsing station.  It was comfy (not!).

 Love these girls.  We truly had so much fun that night!  Not my greatest shot, but oh, well.

 The "view" from my rinsing seat at Romer's.  LOL!

 Love these guys!

Remember I am taking these photos without looking at them.  It was so funny to see the first time I actually looked through them!  Blowing my hair dry -- Jenna liking the color!

 Melody should really move into my house and do my makeup each day (then I would actually wear some).  She is amazing!

 Look at that great cut on her!!!  I love it!

 Even the girls were excited to see what was going on.

I got dressed and never looked in the mirror.  I kept messing with my jacket because it is uncomfortable to not know what your clothes look like on!!!

And now, it was time for the big reveal!!  I didn't get a picture of me seeing myself for the first time, but I will tell you it shocked me!!!  Even though I had seen the small pieces of hair color, I am not a visual person and couldn't figure out what I was going to look like.  I have to say I was pleasantly surprised!!  I have gotten many very positive comments on the color, so maybe it will be the "new normal".  I guess we will see at my next appointment!!!

Thank you so much to the girls at the Looking Glass for a fun evening and for making this girl feel like a queen, if only for a few hours.  And to any of you reading this, if you ever get the chance, step out of your comfort zone and do it.  It was so fun!  (I would even come along if you asked.)

So, here's me afterwards and with my friends that came along:

 Jenna and I

 Lora, Tina, and myself -- my support team for the evening!

Close up with make up and all.  I really liked this look!

Before and after comparison:

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"

 

 

 

Food for thought.....

 

I asked for strength and
God gave me difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for wisdom and
God gave me problems to solve....

I asked for prosperity and
God gave me brawn and brains to work.

I asked for courage and
God gave me dangers to overcome.

I asked for patience and
God placed me in situations where I was forced to wait.

I asked for love and
God gave me troubled people to help.

I asked for favors and
God gave me opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted
I received everything I needed.
My prayers have all been answered.

Happy Turkey Day!

As we celebrate Thanksgiving today, I pause to be thankful for all that God has given me.  I have a wonderful husband, great kids (well, most of them!  :)  Just kidding.), some of the best brothers and sister around, terrific in-laws (how lucky is that?).  We live in a great house, in a great community, in a country that allows us to be free and make our own decisions.

There's so much to be thankful for. 

I always miss my mom's laugh when all of us are together, or my dad's chortle at the kids, but knowing that they are together today brings me such happiness that outweighs my sadness.

Today -- this year -- I am so very thankful for the gift that God gave me last weekend.  The great cheese hat trade-off was one of the outstanding moments of 2013, and maybe of my life.  I thank God so much for that moment, and the many moments that have come from that, as it has richly blessed my life.

I realize there are many who have no one to celebrate with today -- our house is always open and welcomes anyone. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Quote for the day from Pope Francis:

"If we are to share our lives with others and generously give of ourselves, we also have to realize that every person is worthy of our giving. Not for their physical appearance, their abilities, their language, their way of thinking, or for any satisfaction that we might receive, but rather because they are God’s handiwork, his creation. God created that person in his image, and he or she reflects something of God’s glory. Every human being is the object of God’s infinite tenderness, and he himself is present in their lives. Jesus offered his precious blood on the cross for that person. Appearances notwithstanding, every person is immensely holy and deserves our love. Consequently, if I can help at least one person to have a better life, that already justifies the offering of my life. It is a wonderful thing to be God’s faithful people. We achieve fulfillment when we break down walls and our heart is filled with faces and names!"

Lord, I Need You!

Today's one of those days....everywhere I look, someone needs my (our) prayers!

I knew a while ago that a local girl was going to have surgery today.  Her dad is a teacher at our high school, and the entire community and surrounding area has adopted little Raygen as their own -- to pray for, to hope for, to wish for.  Today, she went in for a pretty major surgery.  I spoke for a while with her dad last night, hoping to encourage him.  He spoke of how the community and surrounding areas have supported her and their entire family in ways that he never dreamt.  He spoke of good will and paying it forward.  I know she has felt the love and encouragement of everyone throughout this whole process -- I even spotted a photo of her mom's co-workers supporting Raygen Strong t-shirts today at work!  How very awesome!

Our little neighbor boy, who has been through so much the past couple of months, returned to the hospital for yet another surgery and stay yesterday.......he's so little, yet so loved by so many.  His parents and grandparents are such fantastic people -- one just wants this over for him so that he can return to normal life and getting into things like every one year old should!

I pray for someone close to me whose husband recently lost his job.  I got a phone call on my way in to work this morning, letting me know of this situation.  I pray for their family to get through the struggle of figuring out how to deal with the unexpected situation of living on one income.  I pray for courage and strength for them.

I pray for a very dear friend of mine -- one of my oldest friends in the whole world -- who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.....I pray that her tests today reveal that the cancer has not spread.  I pray for her husband, their children, and extended family -- I pray for peace within for all of them.

I'm still reeling from the news that someone who was very dear to me passed away last week, and I didn't know until after the funeral was over.  I was unable to pay my respects to dear Ginny.....she loved this blog and would beg me to write more.  So, in honor of her, I promise to be more faithful. 

Throughout the day at work today, I spent many times in prayer -- at the copier, waiting for something, a spare moment....thank you to my dear Patty who didn't look at me strangely when I teared up talking about all of this going on. 

Through it all, I kept hearing one thing in my head -- Lord I need you.  I have spoken of this song to many people in the past couple of weeks -- it has become my mantra.  Today, more than ever, I relied on this song very heavily. 

This particular video is from World Youth Day this past August.  I have to say that this had to have been one of the most powerful moments of the entire event.  Please take a few minutes and watch it -- and take it in.  Then, if necessary, watch it again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky0g_9dyhbU

I hope and pray with all my heart that everyone above felt my prayers today.  I think my thoughts today went to the fact that I always need the Lord -- just some days I need him more than others!  I wonder if he got tired of hearing from me today?  :)

I hope your day was better.  If you need a few people to pray for, have at my list above!  Or add your own in the comments and I'll add them to my prayer list!

Wall of Honor Induction

It was my honor to watch on Sunday as my aunt, Sister Marge Eilerman, OSF, was inducted into the Fort Loramie Schools Wall of Honor.  Bestowed upon people who, "through their performance, achievements and contributions, reflect credit on the Fort Loramie Local Schools so that present-day students may find identity with the past and establish goals for the future", Marge was certainly an excellent candidate!!!

For those that haven't had the pleasure of meeting her, Sister Marge is a Franciscan nun, who has been a missionary her whole life.  She taught grade school, worked in Mexico for a few years, then worked in administration at the convent for a while before settling in Kentucky to work with the good people there.

Marge has always been so much more than an aunt to me.  As little girls, my cousins, Elaine and Diane, and myself, would spend a week with her each summer, working side by side with her -- travelling to people's houses and helping her do whatever she needed done -- sorting shoes, helping in her store, whatever -- and there was always a whole lotta fun that week, too.

We would go on picnics, and hike through the Appalachian Mountains with her.  Two outings with her really stick out in my mind -- one night she took us to Renfro Valley to see a country music show.  It was my first real "show" of any kind -- it was so exciting!  I have no idea who we saw, but I remember the room being huge (I would love to see it now and see if I still think that!) and the acts being great!

Another time, she took us through a drive through area where you could see many different kinds of animals.  At one point, we saw a bear way far away in the distance.  For whatever reason, all three of us were riding in the back seat of the car.  I was in the middle (because I had to keep Elaine and Diane apart!  LOL) -- Elaine was on the left (behind Marge) and Diane on the right.  When we got out of the car to look at the bear, Diane got out on her side and Elaine and I got out on the other side, because we were closer to the bear.  Well, let me tell you -- that bear was probably 1/2 mile away -- but as soon as it took ONE STEP, Elaine dove back in the car.  The problem?  She forgot I was behind her!!!  I STILL remember hitting my head on the door of the car that day -- and then laughing hysterically for a long time at our fear of a bear that really wasn't close enough to harm us.  (In fact, I'm still laughing -- with tears running down my face -- remembering this story!)

All of these thoughts kept flooding back to me in the days leading up to her receiving this award.  But more than the funny stories, what I kept thinking about was what we really learned those weeks we spent with her.  You see, Marge is a missionary nun.  Her job is to serve those who need served.  She does this so incredibly well. 

If my memory serves me correctly, we stayed in three different places with her -- the rectory in McKee, KY; and then her first house in Booneville, KY, which held the little shed that would eventually become the first Catholic church in the county; and finally, her house by their "big church" that they built when they had built the "church" up.  My memories from all three places are warm and wonderful.  The people that she works with (both other nuns and the people she serves) are incredible.  Between her and them, I learned some very valuable lessons.  Many of the people in these towns have very little.  It's mountainous land, so companies really don't want to build factories there because of the difficulty getting supplies there, so many people are unemployed.  Yet they don't want to move, because their families are there.  They want to remain close to each other.

I went with her to many homes that many of us would not really call homes -- dirt floors, very few (if any at all) furnishings - they were lucky to have running water and heat in the winter.  Each week, she picks people up for church, because many can't drive -- either because they don't have a license or they don't have a vehicle.  It always made me chuckle because church starts on Saturday evening when everyone's there!!!  I remember hearing them call roll call before starting mass to be sure it didn't start before everyone was there!

I learned so many lessons from her (and them) that I have tried to keep in my life -- appreciate what you have because many would love to have even half of what we have! 

Probably the biggest lesson that all of the people in Kentucky have taught me over the years, though, is simple.  Many of the people that Marge exposed me to had little to nothing.  Their "Sunday best" and my "Sunday best" were two very different things.  But, they had heart.  Lots and lots of heart.  And lots and lots of love for the Lord! 

For many  years, I would spend my birthday with Marge.  We would sort and distribute gifts to people who otherwise would not have a Christmas.  It would always drive home to me the spirit of Christmas.  When I got married and had my family, I got out of that habit.  I have been feeling the tug to go back.  I think that this year is my year to go back.  I think I need a little reminder of just what Christmas is all about. 

I couldn't be prouder of this woman I call my aunt.  She has faced adversity in her life head on.  She has accomplished things many of us only dream of.  But more importantly, she has helped many in her community deal with the daily struggles that they have -- sometimes that is just getting dinner on the table. 

Congratulations on this award, but also thank you for teaching me, and others about humanity and compassion and love.  Love you, Marge!

Paying It Forward....sometimes it IS the little things!

I love the concept of Paying It Forward......Lord knows that there were certainly times in our lives that Jim and I needed a little nudge to keep moving it forward, and He was always there in one way or another to help  us along.  With that in mind, we try to pay things forward whenever we can.

We are by no means rich, so our version of paying it forward doesn't usually involve new homes, or cars, or even new wardrobes.  Our version is just enough to hopefully put a smile on someone else's face.  Oddly enough, it is usually people we don't know.

Our biggest source of paying it forward is on toll roads.  Generally, when we go through the toll booth, we pay for the car behind us.  If Jim is driving, we speed ahead and don't really get a good look on the faces of those that we just paid for.  I'm not looking for a thank you -- in fact, we do try to stay ahead so that that doesn't happen -- but I do like to see the surprised looks on people's faces when they realize we paid their toll (which we do get to see if I'm driving :) ).

So recently, I went to Aldi's to pick up a few things.  Actually, I knew about exactly what I was getting and had already decided I wasn't going to mess around with getting a cart, because I didn't want to dig a quarter out of my purse.  (For anyone unfamiliar with Aldi -- they are a discount grocery store and one of their claims to fame is that you put a quarter in the cart to detach it from the other carts -- with the idea that people will return the carts easier to get their quarter back.  And, I must say -- it works!)

Well, as I approached the store, a woman came to me and offered me her cart.  I thought, "Ugh, I don't want to dig a quarter out!"  Just that quick, she mentioned to me that she didn't want anything for it, as someone else had given it to her.  I decided that when I was done, I would give it to someone else.

OK, I thought, I'm supposed to have this.  So, I grabbed the cart and went on my merry way.  I got outside, looked around, and, as luck would have it -- there is no one for me to give my cart to!  Being the quick thinker that I am :) -- I just put it back with the other carts and didn't attach it, so the next person wouldn't have to pay the quarter.

By the time I got to my car and put my items in the back seat, I noticed a woman approaching the carts.  I hadn't planned on staying to see who got "my" cart, but thought I would watch and see if she took it.  She was so cute!  She tried to put her quarter in, and when it wouldn't go in, pulled the cart out.  She looked around to see if she was doing something wrong, smiled, and went on her way.

Something so small, but her day was made!  So cute!

I've decided to add this to my list of Pay It Forwards.  Maybe three carts each time.  Such an inexpensive way to make people's days.

How do you pay it forward?  Feel free to share your ideas.  I'm always looking for fun things!

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.

The anniversary of the passing of a tremendous woman.......

Today marks 16 years since Mother Teresa died.  It hardly seems that long ago to me.  I remember that week, because Princess Diana lost her life just days before in that horrific accident.  I was a huge fan of hers (actually, still am of her sons) -- and then the news that Mother Teresa had died struck.  It was an interesting week, to say the least.

She was a magnificent person.  Although I am sure I would have never had the chance to meet her, I wish I would have.  One always wonders when you hear such marvelous things about someone you have never met -- are they REALLY like that?  Did she really not have even one eensy weensy mean bone in her body?  From all accounts, the answer to that is no!

A few weeks ago, someone shared with me this story of Dr. Lombardi, who took care of Mother Teresa at a point in her life when she was critically ill (not immedicately prior to her death, at least in this story).  If you haven't heard it, please take a listen:  Mission to India.  It's a great story of how someone's life can be changed by just a phone call.

I remember thinking when Mother Teresa died how interesting it was that her and Princess Diana died so close together.  They were hardly the best of friends, but they did have some great photo opportunities together, and did some work together.  I am hopeful that they were able to encourage each other.

Thinking back to Mother Teresa makes me think of some of her famous quotes.  If you know me, you know that I love her quotes.  One of my favorites has always been:

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."

I found a compilation of several of her best known quotes.  What is your favorite?

 "A life not lived for others is not a life."

"Each one of them is Jesus in disguise."

"God doesn't require us to succeed; He only requires that you try."

"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples."

"I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but I know that when we die and it comes time for God to judge us, he will not ask, 'How many good things have you done in your life?' rather he will ask, 'How much love did you put into what you did?'"

"I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things."

"I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much."

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.

"If we pray, we will believe; If we believe, we will love; If we love, we will serve."

"If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are."

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."

"I'm a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world."

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."

"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it."

"Live simply so others may simply live."

"Peace begins with a smile."

"The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway."

"What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family."

"When you don't have anything, then you have everything."

"Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin."

"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat."

"Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."

"I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love."

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one."

"It is a kingly act to assist the fallen."

"Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. A joyful heart is the inevitable result of a heart burning with love."

"Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand."

"One of the greatest diseases is to be nobody to anybody."

"We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love."

Please share your favorites with me.

May she rest in peace.

Mixed emotions.....

Well, it's that time of year again....time to move the kids back to college.  This year, I said kids -- with an "s".......my first time moving two back!!!  And, of course, they are both going back early for band camp, which means....I get one less week with them!

Friday we move Emily to Ashland University, where she will embark on her college career with an intended double major in English and Creative Writing.  She is so excited she can't stand it, so I am, too!  (Until I get there and it's time to leave -- but I'm going to attempt to leave Krybaby Kaiser back at home this time and be a big girl!).

Saturday, it's Sarah's turn to move into her apartment at the University of Dayton, where she will be a junior majoring in Communications.  She is excited for different reasons -- she has a whole other set of friends at school that she can't wait to see again -- and I'm sure she's ready to get out from under her parent's thumbs!!!

I've been reflecting a whole lot the past couple of weeks about this moving up -- and out -- process.  It's not anything new to me -- and it's certainly what I want for our children, to be ready to  move on and figure out who they are and what they want to be.  I've had lots of people ask me how to do it -- how to move them out and be happy for them.

The first thing I tell everyone is that on the day you move them out, it seems at first glance like you will never see them again -- but let me tell you, that isn't the truth!  They will be home -- and bring their laundry, and friends, and in the summer, their "stuff"!!!  So, that's not the sad part.....

To me, the sad part is that on that day, when they move out -- your family dynamic changes -- forever.  No longer does that person "live" in your home -- even when they are home for the summer, things are still different!  So, each time another person moves, I feel a little piece of me go with them.

I try not to worry too much about them -- I hope and pray that we have raised responsible kids who make good choices.  I can't worry about their every move -- I would go crazy(ier!).  I just try to "let go and let God"!  Another thought is that our jobs as parents is to first give our kids roots, then give them wings and let them soar!

Jim and I have totally relied on prayer to get us through when Sarah, and now Emily, are at school.  I have found this beautiful prayer and read it often.  I would like to share it with you, in case you are preparing to send one (or more!) of your kids off to school.  I hope it brings you comfort!

A Parent’s Prayer When Children are Leaving Home

Gracious God,

you blessed me

with the gift of my child

and entrusted me

with his/her care.

Now he/she leaves this home

and begins a new life

apart from me.

Surround him/her

with good people

and watch over him/her each day.

And let him/her know that I will always be near

whenever he/she may need me.

Heal any hurts we may harbor with one another

and forgive our failings as we learn

to be in a new kind of relationship with each other.

And when the sight of his/her empty room

pierces my heart with sadness,

may I find comfort in knowing that my child is your child too,

filled with your grace and sheltered by your love. Amen. 

(By Diana Macalintal)

Transitions are hard on everyone - but it is comforting to know that God loves your children even more than you do, and He hears your prayers.   May He bless all of you preparing to send your kids off.  Let me know if you would like us to add you to our prayer list!

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!