Read this on a friend's Facebook wall just now, so thought I would share. How true is this?
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday... "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 203,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."
This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:
"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this.. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" When you are DOWN to nothing... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!
And, isn't it funny that many times God knows just the nourishment we need and it arrives via the homily? Love this!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Ah, I love me a good night!!!
I love a good night. Especially a "me" night!!! I just had the wonderful opportunity to go to dinner and listen to a wonderful talk with my very good friend, Melissa.
First and foremost, let me repeat -- I got to spend the evening with my friend, Melissa! :) She is such a blessing in my life -- and no matter how far apart we live, or how long between times that we see each other -- it's as if we saw each other yesterday!
We went to the New Bremen Coffee Shoppe for an "inspirational evening". And boy, was it inspiring! We started with a lovely dinner, with, of course, yummy coffee!! Any dinner that I didn't have to make or clean up after is a good dinner, but this one was exceptional! I think Carla Topp was the chef. It was awesome!
I've been looking forward to tonight for quite some time. The speaker for this evening was Jamie Schmiesing. For those of you who don't have the privilege of knowing who she is -- Jamie is a wife and mother. Mother of 11. Ages 11 and under. With three sets of twins. Impressed yet? I am. On top of all of that, she is beautiful on the inside and out, and a wonderful speaker to boot! She spoke of everything that we juggle each and every day -- and those days that I think that I juggle a lot -- she has my juggling x2!!! :)
We laughed, and we cried (I had a constant stream of tears, so I got confused if I was laughing or crying!). She spoke of laundry and dishes and many other ordinary things that we do each and every day. However, Jamie always seems to find the extraordinary in the ordinary!
Out of all the things that she spoke of, I was touched the most about her words about prayer. As many of us do, she struggles with daily prayer. Remembering to do it! We can get the ordinary stuff done -- the mealtimes, and the bedtimes, but what can we do to make our days even better?
She mentioned that she has a morning offering printed off and puts it out in the evenings when she gets the cereal out for breakfast, and hopes they remember to pray it in the morning. She says that the days they pray it, she can tell their days go better because they are offering up each movement for the glory of God!
I've looked for the exact prayer she prayed, and can't find it -- maybe she'll share and I will share with you. In the meantime, she writes a pretty mean blog herself -- if you'd like to follow the antics of her family you can here: http://www.jamiesperfect10.blogspot.com/ .......she's pretty awesome!!!
If you'd like to see her (and maybe someone else you know :) -- she is the keynote speaker at a women's retreat at the Spiritual Center on November 4-5. I hear someone else is speaking later in the evening on creating easy meals to help get your family back around the table. ;)
Hope your week is off to a good start!
First and foremost, let me repeat -- I got to spend the evening with my friend, Melissa! :) She is such a blessing in my life -- and no matter how far apart we live, or how long between times that we see each other -- it's as if we saw each other yesterday!
We went to the New Bremen Coffee Shoppe for an "inspirational evening". And boy, was it inspiring! We started with a lovely dinner, with, of course, yummy coffee!! Any dinner that I didn't have to make or clean up after is a good dinner, but this one was exceptional! I think Carla Topp was the chef. It was awesome!
I've been looking forward to tonight for quite some time. The speaker for this evening was Jamie Schmiesing. For those of you who don't have the privilege of knowing who she is -- Jamie is a wife and mother. Mother of 11. Ages 11 and under. With three sets of twins. Impressed yet? I am. On top of all of that, she is beautiful on the inside and out, and a wonderful speaker to boot! She spoke of everything that we juggle each and every day -- and those days that I think that I juggle a lot -- she has my juggling x2!!! :)
We laughed, and we cried (I had a constant stream of tears, so I got confused if I was laughing or crying!). She spoke of laundry and dishes and many other ordinary things that we do each and every day. However, Jamie always seems to find the extraordinary in the ordinary!
Out of all the things that she spoke of, I was touched the most about her words about prayer. As many of us do, she struggles with daily prayer. Remembering to do it! We can get the ordinary stuff done -- the mealtimes, and the bedtimes, but what can we do to make our days even better?
She mentioned that she has a morning offering printed off and puts it out in the evenings when she gets the cereal out for breakfast, and hopes they remember to pray it in the morning. She says that the days they pray it, she can tell their days go better because they are offering up each movement for the glory of God!
I've looked for the exact prayer she prayed, and can't find it -- maybe she'll share and I will share with you. In the meantime, she writes a pretty mean blog herself -- if you'd like to follow the antics of her family you can here: http://www.jamiesperfect10.blogspot.com/ .......she's pretty awesome!!!
{Jamie provided it below, in the comments, but I'm going to insert it here:
"Oh my God,
I offer you this day,
All I do and think and say,
In union with what was done,
On Earth by Jesus Christ, your son. Amen." }
I offer you this day,
All I do and think and say,
In union with what was done,
On Earth by Jesus Christ, your son. Amen." }
If you'd like to see her (and maybe someone else you know :) -- she is the keynote speaker at a women's retreat at the Spiritual Center on November 4-5. I hear someone else is speaking later in the evening on creating easy meals to help get your family back around the table. ;)
Hope your week is off to a good start!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Two things to share
Whew! What a weekend!!! I need a vacation to recover! LOL
Football games, band contests, and this weekend threw in a cooking contest and a trip to Dayton to deliver Sarah back home to her dorm made for a busy weekend at the Kaiser house! But, I loved it. Every minute of it! As I told someone the other day, every time I think life is too busy, I realize that I only have this time for a small length of time -- so I'm going to appreciate it!
I made a couple of interesting observations this weekend. The first is how much I love where I live! I love this country. I love the fact that when we are at football games, or band contests, or (last weekend) parades -- when the National Anthem comes on -- people stop and honor our flag. They remove their hats, put their hands over their hearts, and the crowd becomes silent. What a beautiful sight and sound. I love it!
The second thing, which became very apparent this weekend, was the beauty of the changing trees. As we were driving, yesterday a bit, and today a little longer to Dayton -- I was just in awe. What a beautiful time of the year! I truly think this is my favorite time -- I love the temperatures (even when it's a LITTLE cold :) -- and love the beauty of it all. I'm hoping it's still this pretty next weekend for our little trip down south (more about that later!).
It reminded me of a little thing I read the other day -- a mother and son were talking, looking at the changing leaves and enjoying the weather. The mom said to the son, "Imagine if God gives us this much beauty here on earth, how wonderful it must be in heaven!"
Thank you, God, for all that you give us!
Football games, band contests, and this weekend threw in a cooking contest and a trip to Dayton to deliver Sarah back home to her dorm made for a busy weekend at the Kaiser house! But, I loved it. Every minute of it! As I told someone the other day, every time I think life is too busy, I realize that I only have this time for a small length of time -- so I'm going to appreciate it!
I made a couple of interesting observations this weekend. The first is how much I love where I live! I love this country. I love the fact that when we are at football games, or band contests, or (last weekend) parades -- when the National Anthem comes on -- people stop and honor our flag. They remove their hats, put their hands over their hearts, and the crowd becomes silent. What a beautiful sight and sound. I love it!
The second thing, which became very apparent this weekend, was the beauty of the changing trees. As we were driving, yesterday a bit, and today a little longer to Dayton -- I was just in awe. What a beautiful time of the year! I truly think this is my favorite time -- I love the temperatures (even when it's a LITTLE cold :) -- and love the beauty of it all. I'm hoping it's still this pretty next weekend for our little trip down south (more about that later!).
It reminded me of a little thing I read the other day -- a mother and son were talking, looking at the changing leaves and enjoying the weather. The mom said to the son, "Imagine if God gives us this much beauty here on earth, how wonderful it must be in heaven!"
Thank you, God, for all that you give us!
Friday, October 7, 2011
Becky part 2
I spent a fair amount of time driving today, and, for some reason, my post yesterday was rattling around in my head. I feel like I want to expand it a bit. So, for the first time ever, I'm doing a part 2 to a blog post.
I don't think I gave Becky enough credit yesterday. Honestly, although I guess I knew it was coming, the news of her passing still shocked me a bit.
I think Facebook is a good thing -- heck, probably a great thing. It certainly allows us to share our thoughts and feelings, sometimes even when others may not want us to. But, in Becky's case (and the case of her family and friends) -- I think Facebook is a GREAT thing.
Last night I spent a fair amount of time reading through the posts on Becky's wall, with people leaving their "good bye" messages to her. What an awesome tribute to her! What beautiful things people had to say about her!
What struck me most, was the varying age levels of those posting. I didn't just read posts from people her (my) age, although there were many. I read posts from people younger than her -- in fact, many times much younger than her. And they were posting about what an incredible impact she had on their lives. True, Becky worked at school, and that put her in contact with many more high school kids than the normal person, but these kids were addressing her as their friend -- much more than I ever would have our high school secretary! She was such a positive role model to everyone she encountered.
By our world's standards, Becky never did anything "great" -- she never won a Nobel prize for peace, she was never a political pundit, she didn't ever invent anything as awesome as the iPod. But by many people, Becky surpassed what any of those folks did, or ever will do -- especially with their personal lives. She touched people -- personally. Her smile, her dimples, her laugh.....it will remain in our hearts. She's left an indelible mark that will never be erased.
She's gone to be with the Lord now. She's out of our grasp. But, as we said our good byes, there were others on the other side, waiting for her, exclaiming, "Here she comes!"
We didn't want to say our good byes this quickly, Becky, but we must. Keep 'em smiling up there!
I don't think I gave Becky enough credit yesterday. Honestly, although I guess I knew it was coming, the news of her passing still shocked me a bit.
I think Facebook is a good thing -- heck, probably a great thing. It certainly allows us to share our thoughts and feelings, sometimes even when others may not want us to. But, in Becky's case (and the case of her family and friends) -- I think Facebook is a GREAT thing.
Last night I spent a fair amount of time reading through the posts on Becky's wall, with people leaving their "good bye" messages to her. What an awesome tribute to her! What beautiful things people had to say about her!
What struck me most, was the varying age levels of those posting. I didn't just read posts from people her (my) age, although there were many. I read posts from people younger than her -- in fact, many times much younger than her. And they were posting about what an incredible impact she had on their lives. True, Becky worked at school, and that put her in contact with many more high school kids than the normal person, but these kids were addressing her as their friend -- much more than I ever would have our high school secretary! She was such a positive role model to everyone she encountered.
By our world's standards, Becky never did anything "great" -- she never won a Nobel prize for peace, she was never a political pundit, she didn't ever invent anything as awesome as the iPod. But by many people, Becky surpassed what any of those folks did, or ever will do -- especially with their personal lives. She touched people -- personally. Her smile, her dimples, her laugh.....it will remain in our hearts. She's left an indelible mark that will never be erased.
She's gone to be with the Lord now. She's out of our grasp. But, as we said our good byes, there were others on the other side, waiting for her, exclaiming, "Here she comes!"
We didn't want to say our good byes this quickly, Becky, but we must. Keep 'em smiling up there!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
In Honor and Memory of Becky Grillot
Have you ever had someone come into your life that was just a blessing all the way around? Someone, who, no matter what they were going through, always had a smile on their face? Someone who would never complain, and, even when things were not great for them, would still work to find out how YOU were?
Well, the world, and more specifically, Botkins, Ohio, lost one of those people last night. Becky succombed to the cancer that was taking over her body. It's one of those times when I realize that our lives are really in God's hands. Nothing we could say, or do, could make Becky better or prolong her life. God had a plan, and he enacted it.
For whatever reason, I have been replaying in my mind today the last time I saw Becky. It was at the Botkins Carousel Queen Pageant in June. She had just receved the great news that her breast cancer was in remission, and she was free from cancer! I went to speak with her, and gave her a big hug, congratulating her and wishing her the best. I never in my life dreamt that would be the last time I would see her.
Shortly after that, she was diagnosed with a tumor in her brain. The dreaded cancer had spread. I can't imagine as a wife and mother, receiving that diagnosis and trying to figure out how to deal with everything. Yet, as always, she did it with grace and style.
Today, my prayers go to her husband, Andy, and their three beautiful girls, Jodi, Amy, and Vicki. I hope you will join with me in prayer as they deal with their loss.
In the meantime, here is a song that makes me think of Becky every time I hear it. She was such a blessing to many, and her legacy will live on forever.
"Blessings" by Laura Story
Rest in peace, Becky. Your work is done.
Well, the world, and more specifically, Botkins, Ohio, lost one of those people last night. Becky succombed to the cancer that was taking over her body. It's one of those times when I realize that our lives are really in God's hands. Nothing we could say, or do, could make Becky better or prolong her life. God had a plan, and he enacted it.
For whatever reason, I have been replaying in my mind today the last time I saw Becky. It was at the Botkins Carousel Queen Pageant in June. She had just receved the great news that her breast cancer was in remission, and she was free from cancer! I went to speak with her, and gave her a big hug, congratulating her and wishing her the best. I never in my life dreamt that would be the last time I would see her.
Shortly after that, she was diagnosed with a tumor in her brain. The dreaded cancer had spread. I can't imagine as a wife and mother, receiving that diagnosis and trying to figure out how to deal with everything. Yet, as always, she did it with grace and style.
Today, my prayers go to her husband, Andy, and their three beautiful girls, Jodi, Amy, and Vicki. I hope you will join with me in prayer as they deal with their loss.
In the meantime, here is a song that makes me think of Becky every time I hear it. She was such a blessing to many, and her legacy will live on forever.
"Blessings" by Laura Story
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Rest in peace, Becky. Your work is done.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
The YouCat and the Beatitudes.....
I've been given a real gift. I've been the given the ability to spend an hour each week with the future of our church, hoping that during our time together we will all grow a little in our love for the Lord, and pave our road to heaven just a little bit further.
Each year, it's a toss up what classes I take. I have always told Robin that I will take whatever she wants to give me, thinking that that would be the Lord's plan. This year, I had a class I really wanted to teach, so I requested it. We've been discussing the YouCat -- the Youth version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
If you have ever tried to "read" the Catechism, you will tell me that it is very boring and not really a "readable" book. It's more of a reference manual. Something to refer to when you don't know, or understand, something to do with our church. It is a great resource, really.
If you know me at all, you know that I have always loved Pope John Paul II. What he did for the youth of our faith is amazing. He singled them out and realized that they are the future of our church, and that we need to celebrate them. In that vein, he also realized that in order to do that, we need to update our resources so that they are interesting and usuable to them as well. I've written about the Catholic Youth Bible before -- I love it and think everyone should own one -- a youth or not.
Well, before he died he commissioned a similar product for the Catechism. It's unclear to me who named it, but the YouCat is the Youth Version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It's READABLE :) -- and is well thought out. There are references in the book back to the Catechism, so that the reader can consult the Catechism if they don't understand.
Tonight we discussed the different seasons of the church year. They were able to look them up, see when they fall, and figure out what the colors of the seasons are. It was truly a great discussion!!!
Following that, we talked about the Beatitudes and tried to dissect them. What does each one mean, and how did Jesus want us to interpret them?
We discussed the fact that "You get what you give".......so we put it in mass perspective. I challenged the kids to find one part of mass this weekend that they don't generally pay attention to and give it special attention, and see what happens. (My example was to pay attention to when Father consumes the Eucharist just prior to Communion.) I guarantee they will appreciate mass just a little bit more. Try it for yourself! I bet it will work for you, too!
Have a blessed week. I hope you look up the Beatitudes and find one that fits you today. Dissect it and enjoy it! :)
Each year, it's a toss up what classes I take. I have always told Robin that I will take whatever she wants to give me, thinking that that would be the Lord's plan. This year, I had a class I really wanted to teach, so I requested it. We've been discussing the YouCat -- the Youth version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
If you have ever tried to "read" the Catechism, you will tell me that it is very boring and not really a "readable" book. It's more of a reference manual. Something to refer to when you don't know, or understand, something to do with our church. It is a great resource, really.
If you know me at all, you know that I have always loved Pope John Paul II. What he did for the youth of our faith is amazing. He singled them out and realized that they are the future of our church, and that we need to celebrate them. In that vein, he also realized that in order to do that, we need to update our resources so that they are interesting and usuable to them as well. I've written about the Catholic Youth Bible before -- I love it and think everyone should own one -- a youth or not.
Well, before he died he commissioned a similar product for the Catechism. It's unclear to me who named it, but the YouCat is the Youth Version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It's READABLE :) -- and is well thought out. There are references in the book back to the Catechism, so that the reader can consult the Catechism if they don't understand.
Tonight we discussed the different seasons of the church year. They were able to look them up, see when they fall, and figure out what the colors of the seasons are. It was truly a great discussion!!!
Following that, we talked about the Beatitudes and tried to dissect them. What does each one mean, and how did Jesus want us to interpret them?
We discussed the fact that "You get what you give".......so we put it in mass perspective. I challenged the kids to find one part of mass this weekend that they don't generally pay attention to and give it special attention, and see what happens. (My example was to pay attention to when Father consumes the Eucharist just prior to Communion.) I guarantee they will appreciate mass just a little bit more. Try it for yourself! I bet it will work for you, too!
Have a blessed week. I hope you look up the Beatitudes and find one that fits you today. Dissect it and enjoy it! :)
Monday, October 3, 2011
May HIS will be done....
We went to mass this evening, as it was being offered up tonight for my parents. I have to admit, I'm not really sure why we don't go to weekday masses more often, other than they aren't on our "schedule". It only takes 1/2 hour of time and means so much each and every time.
Before mass started, Will was quizzing Emily about the different things in church (a plus to sitting in the chapel, so things look a little differently). My favorite question of his -- is that the "breadholder"??? :) He meant the tabernacle, but now knows that name, too! :)
I ended up distributing communion at the last minute -- and once again, was so blessed to do so. As I was distributing to my family, I thought of how wonderful it was that I was able to physically nourish them before we left, and then to be able to give them a spiritual drink was such a wonderful bonus!
One of the things Father said tonight in his homily was that sometimes we hear over and over what God wants us to and no matter how much we try to ignore it, He eventually (even years later) gets his point across. So true -- some things I have to hear over and over and over again before it clicks with me that it is His will that I'm hearing! :)
So, today my wish for you is that you are listening for God's will, and for His purpose in your life. And even more so, my hope for you is that you have the courage to listen and do what He is asking of you. Sometimes, that is the hardest part. After all, it's not always the popular thing to do!
Blessings for a good week!
Before mass started, Will was quizzing Emily about the different things in church (a plus to sitting in the chapel, so things look a little differently). My favorite question of his -- is that the "breadholder"??? :) He meant the tabernacle, but now knows that name, too! :)
I ended up distributing communion at the last minute -- and once again, was so blessed to do so. As I was distributing to my family, I thought of how wonderful it was that I was able to physically nourish them before we left, and then to be able to give them a spiritual drink was such a wonderful bonus!
One of the things Father said tonight in his homily was that sometimes we hear over and over what God wants us to and no matter how much we try to ignore it, He eventually (even years later) gets his point across. So true -- some things I have to hear over and over and over again before it clicks with me that it is His will that I'm hearing! :)
So, today my wish for you is that you are listening for God's will, and for His purpose in your life. And even more so, my hope for you is that you have the courage to listen and do what He is asking of you. Sometimes, that is the hardest part. After all, it's not always the popular thing to do!
Blessings for a good week!
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