Charlie's Chips

We were visiting Grandma and Charlie disappeared into the kitchen...and it became very quiet. We snuck out to find Charlie hiding in the corner happily munching on a bag of chips he had emptied onto the floor. Never a dull moment!!

Humbleness You trod
Purest Lamb of God
I am unworthy
Tho You died for me
Sin pierced Your heart through
How can I thank You?
I fast and I pray
Palms ready the way
True contemplation
Of Lenten station
Tears of Contrition
Priest's Absolution
Alms for You I give
In me, You shall live
Your Cross I carry
Thy Sanctuary

The Perfect Purse

Many years ago I heard in a homily during Mass that God knows the desires of our hearts. Just recently I experienced this wonderful reality. My good friend invited me to a “Purse Party” where guests pay to select from beautiful fabrics and every kind of trim imaginable to have a purse custom made. This sounded like every woman’s dream, but unfortunately this wasn’t in our budget, so I declined. My friend told me all about the gorgeous materials and fancy trims and I could just imagine the purse she had chosen by her detailed description. I was truly happy for her and I couldn’t wait to see her finished creation!! In my own mind I also constructed my own “Perfect Purse” with my favorite colors and I imagined the fanciful trim to finish it off. A few days later, I was on a hunt at our local Goodwill store to find shoes for my oldest son whose feet seem to grow every few minutes! As we walked into the store, my daughter spied a purse in the glass case adjacent to the register. She exclaimed “ Oh Mommy, isn’t that the prettiest purse you have ever seen?” My gaze fell upon not just a pretty purse but my very own “Perfect Purse” I couldn’t believe it, here was the very purse I had imagined!! I assumed that it would be too expensive so I hesitantly asked the associate behind the counter “How much?” She said that it was probably expensive because they keep the pricier merchandise in the case. I asked her to humor me and tell me the price. She carefully extracted the treasure and removed the sales tag tucked inside and declared”$3.99.” My daughter said “Mommy is that too much?” As tears moistened my eyes, I whispered, “I think we can swing that.” As we excitedly made our purchase the conversations over the past few days filled my mind and I knew that God had blessed me with a desire of my heart. Some will say it’s a coincidence but I know better, and why not give the glory to God?
Even in my unworthiness and insignificance, God chose to show me His love and only He knows the number of hairs on my head and my design for the “Perfect Purse”.

Luke 12:7 "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered."

Heartache of China

While touring NASA on vacation last week, we met a Chinese tour group. They sat in front of our family on the tram tour. It started out with 1 question, "Are these all your children?" Don and I exchanged a knowing glance and expected to hear the usual comments that follow, such as..."You must have your hands full!", or "Better you than me!"(followed by maniacal laughter), or "I/We would/could NEVER do that!" but they didn't come, instead they remarked "What a lovely family." As the tour progressed, they watched the children with fascination, in fact, delight! Whenever possible they stroked the younger ones' hair and heads. After the tour was over, they approached us and asked to take pictures with the kids and were giddy with excitement when we approved. Some of the ladies in the group asked to hold Charlie, and it was rare to see such joy and sincere happiness. Later, we explained to the children that in China, the government has mandated a 1 child per family law, and that they hardly ever get to see brothers and sisters..in fact imposing the eventual extinction of the extended family. The kids now pray for China to change thier laws in our nightly prayers. As eager, akward arms outstretched to hold our little Charlie, our friends from China experienced the beauty of American Freedom, while we witnessed the Heartache of China.

ABOVE
NASA PIC, you can see our Chinese tour friends behind the kids.

Mom and Dad Rohr

So many times we get wrapped up in the feelings and sensations of love, but true love isn't what we feel, it's what we do. I want to share a love story that is 52 years in the making. My Father in law has been lovingly caring for my Mother in law since a series of mini-strokes has left her with a poor memory and physical impairments. It seems day by day, his beautiful bride is slipping away. Many family members and friends have offered their "well intending" advice. Some say..."she needs to be in a nursing home", or "hire round the clock nursing care", or "Maybe you should just call hospice." Many families are going through this all over the world, and I know that someday we will also experience this. As we try to offer our time to Dad from bringing over meals to inviting them to move in with us, he makes one thing crystal clear. "She took care of me all these years, it's my turn to take care of her. Thank you, kids, but I'm not ready for that..yet" The last time we visited, he was particularly jolly, later that night, they were invited to a card party with their friends. This lively and social group has been part of their lives for over 30 years, and every month the card party rotates to each of their homes. Dad and I went shopping to buy Mom a new coat, he discovered a lovely red coat, and we remarked how pretty Mom always looks in red. As we were checking out, Dad spied a festive sweater vest with a snowman, he thought would be perfect for the card party. When we returned, Mom was delighted by the beautiful coat and cute vest. It couldn't have been a sweeter or happier couple that we left that day. Don called later in the week to visit. With a heavy heart, Dad told him that the long awaited card party they had prepared for wasn't much fun. "Why not, Dad?" Well, they won't let Mom play anymore because of her memory." He was deeply hurt by this. Although tempted to leave, Dad planted himself next to Mom and helped her play his hand. After Don hung up, we both cried. We love them so much. It's so hard to see that Dad feels so isolated. We are increasing our visits, and the kids are arranging a suprise card party...hope they won't mind playing Uno and Go Fish. With every action, Dad shows his steadfast love for Mom, and I am indeed edified by his example. As a rare,but privaledged spectator to this virtuous relationship, I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 13:4. "“Love is patient; love is kind and envies no one.Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude; never selfish, not quick to take offense.There is nothing love cannot face;there is no limit to its faith,its hope, and endurance. In a word, there are three things that last forever: faith, hope, and love;but the greatest of these is love.”
Written about 2 months ago

Adoration

As I bow at at Thy feet
Allow my heart with Thee to meet.
Oh sweet silence fill my soul!
Imprint Thy word from Heaven's scroll
Pour Thy mercy on me Lord
Forgive me please, my every word,
thought, act, or Earthly deed..
that planted only sinful seed.
In grateful pondering of Thy love
and blessings showered from above,
I find my soul at peace's rest
For my family, I pray them blest.
Dear Jesus, you are Love Divine
Make my heart unto Thine.

A Must Read...Beautiful.

http://enjoyingthesmallthings.blogspot.com/2010/01/nella-cordelia-birth-story.html