Monday, March 27, 2006
The Magdalene, most of all, is the model I like to follow.
That boldness of hers, which would be so amazing if it weren't the boldness of a lover, won the heart of Jesus, and how it fascinates mine!
-St. Therese of Lisieux
I just wanted to post that quote. For no other reason than I just plain like it. :)
That boldness of hers, which would be so amazing if it weren't the boldness of a lover, won the heart of Jesus, and how it fascinates mine!
-St. Therese of Lisieux
I just wanted to post that quote. For no other reason than I just plain like it. :)
So tonight I tried to get all dressed up for Mass. I did the whole skirt and stockings bit (which I normally don't do). And as I was trudging up The Gargantuan Hill behind our apartment in the dark, I ran into a hostile branch on the ground that jabbed into my leg and ripped a hole in my stocking.
So I trudged back down the hill, in the pitch dark, wondering to myself why I had even bothered.
For goodness sakes.
And I had never heard this song until last night when Rusty played it, but I love it.
So I am sharing it with you (and yes, I iTunes'd it). :)
Dream Big by Ryan Shupe & The Rubberband
When you cry be sure to dry your eyes,
Cause better days are sure to come.
And when you smile be sure to smile wide,
And don't let them know that they have won.
And when you walk, walk with pride.
Don't show the hurt inside,
because the pain will soon be gone.
Refrain:
And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue.
Cause when you dream it might come true,
And when you dream, dream big.
And when you laugh, be sure to laugh out loud
cause it will carry all your cares away.
And when you see, see the beauty
all around and in yourself
and it will help you feel okay.
And when you pray, pray for strength
to help you carry on when the troubles come your way.
So I trudged back down the hill, in the pitch dark, wondering to myself why I had even bothered.
For goodness sakes.
And I had never heard this song until last night when Rusty played it, but I love it.
So I am sharing it with you (and yes, I iTunes'd it). :)
Dream Big by Ryan Shupe & The Rubberband
When you cry be sure to dry your eyes,
Cause better days are sure to come.
And when you smile be sure to smile wide,
And don't let them know that they have won.
And when you walk, walk with pride.
Don't show the hurt inside,
because the pain will soon be gone.
Refrain:
And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue.
Cause when you dream it might come true,
And when you dream, dream big.
And when you laugh, be sure to laugh out loud
cause it will carry all your cares away.
And when you see, see the beauty
all around and in yourself
and it will help you feel okay.
And when you pray, pray for strength
to help you carry on when the troubles come your way.
I love this portrayal of the Annunciation.It's a lot more like what I think it really was, than the rather glorified and unrealistic images often seen. Those are beautiful too, don't get me wrong. But I really think the simplicity in this one is beautiful. And to me, her face says everything.
Friday, March 24, 2006
I love teaching.
On Wednesday I had to teach my first official lesson. You know, real lesson plan writeup, with my advisor watching me and taking notes, the whole works. I was very nervous, even though I kept reminding myself "Angela, you're a good teacher!" It just wasn't working.
Until I talked with Sarah Jo.
Sarah Jo read me half of an Amelia Bedelia book last week, and she was bound and determined to finish it this week. However, it was lost.The book could not be found. She was very distressed, but we worked it out by finding yet another Amelia Bedelia book.
So we started reading it, and she looked at me and it went a little something like this:
Sarah Jo: Are you teaching today?
Me: Yes.
Sarah Jo: Are you nervous?
Me: I think I'll be OK. It should be a fun lesson. I think you guys'll like it.
Sarah Jo: Well, I'll sit in the front of the room. And if you get nervous, you can look at me. And I'll smile, and you'll know you're OK.
Me: Thank you, Sarah Jo. (at this point, my heart is leaping!)
Sarah Jo: ::smiles, and scoots closer to me, and continues reading::
Absolutely adorable. I love it! I could have melted right then and there. Earlier that day, one of the girls I work with one-on-one came up to me and out of nowhere gave me a big hug and smiled, and walked away.
And when I told a group of four kids that I would be teaching that day, they jumped around shouting "hooray! yay!"
I just can't get enough of them. :)
On Wednesday I had to teach my first official lesson. You know, real lesson plan writeup, with my advisor watching me and taking notes, the whole works. I was very nervous, even though I kept reminding myself "Angela, you're a good teacher!" It just wasn't working.
Until I talked with Sarah Jo.
Sarah Jo read me half of an Amelia Bedelia book last week, and she was bound and determined to finish it this week. However, it was lost.The book could not be found. She was very distressed, but we worked it out by finding yet another Amelia Bedelia book.
So we started reading it, and she looked at me and it went a little something like this:
Sarah Jo: Are you teaching today?
Me: Yes.
Sarah Jo: Are you nervous?
Me: I think I'll be OK. It should be a fun lesson. I think you guys'll like it.
Sarah Jo: Well, I'll sit in the front of the room. And if you get nervous, you can look at me. And I'll smile, and you'll know you're OK.
Me: Thank you, Sarah Jo. (at this point, my heart is leaping!)
Sarah Jo: ::smiles, and scoots closer to me, and continues reading::
Absolutely adorable. I love it! I could have melted right then and there. Earlier that day, one of the girls I work with one-on-one came up to me and out of nowhere gave me a big hug and smiled, and walked away.
And when I told a group of four kids that I would be teaching that day, they jumped around shouting "hooray! yay!"
I just can't get enough of them. :)
I found this over at Curt Jester.
Go through your playlist and hit shuffle. Ask a question, and wait for the answer - in song.
I don't have much of a playlist on my iTunes, so I'm adding in a mixed CD of country songs to answer these questions.
What is the meaning of life?
Country Boys and Girls Gettin' Down on the Farm - Tim McGraw
That's interesting...
Will I have a good life?
From Hillbilly Heaven to HonkyTonk Hell - Kenny Chesney
That can't be good.
What does my family think of me?
Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys - Willie Nelson
That's hilarious. My mom sang that to me all the time when I was growing up!!
What is good advice for me?
Mighty Is the Power of the Cross - Chris Tomlin
Mos def.
What do people think of me?
Estoy Aqui - Shakira
Ok, this IS an amazing song, but I don't think it's me (no estoy aqui quiriendote!)
What can make me happy?
Tennessee Bwoys - Grits
Ok, yes. ;)
How will I know my true calling in life?
Like a Prayer - Madonna
Well, that's just about as funny as it gets. I downloaded this song b/c it was on the radio and I was rocking out to it and Rusty got freaked out at the sight of me rocking out to Madonna, and I tried to explain I loooved this song when I was very young, and it didn't matter to him, it was still weird. So I downloaded it out of spite. I do love this song. And if you ignore that it's by Madonna, it's kind of interesting, that my true calling in life question has to do with prayer. Hmm.. ;)
How will I be remembered?
Too Country - Brad Paisley
Haha...probably.
What is my signature dancing song?
Redneck Yacht Club - Craig Morgan
What?!
What should be the theme song of my life?
Lifestyles of the Not So Rich and Famous - Tracy Byrd
Yup. Look up the lyrics. It's like it was written for my dad's family. (if you know me personally, you understand this best!)
What is my current theme song?
Thank God I'm a Country Boy - John Denver
Oh dear.
What do other people think my theme song is?
Praise You In This Storm - Casting Crowns
What song should be played at my funeral?
Redneck Woman - Gretchen Wilson
Oh wow. Um...
If I could only listen to one song for the rest of my life, what should it be?
Drink the Night Away - Gaelic Storm
Oh my.
What does the day hold for me?
While We Were Sleeping - Casting Crowns
Uh oh.
And finally - have you anything else to tell me?
It's Alright To Be A Redneck - Alan Jackson
Yes, I know. :)
Go through your playlist and hit shuffle. Ask a question, and wait for the answer - in song.
I don't have much of a playlist on my iTunes, so I'm adding in a mixed CD of country songs to answer these questions.
What is the meaning of life?
Country Boys and Girls Gettin' Down on the Farm - Tim McGraw
That's interesting...
Will I have a good life?
From Hillbilly Heaven to HonkyTonk Hell - Kenny Chesney
That can't be good.
What does my family think of me?
Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys - Willie Nelson
That's hilarious. My mom sang that to me all the time when I was growing up!!
What is good advice for me?
Mighty Is the Power of the Cross - Chris Tomlin
Mos def.
What do people think of me?
Estoy Aqui - Shakira
Ok, this IS an amazing song, but I don't think it's me (no estoy aqui quiriendote!)
What can make me happy?
Tennessee Bwoys - Grits
Ok, yes. ;)
How will I know my true calling in life?
Like a Prayer - Madonna
Well, that's just about as funny as it gets. I downloaded this song b/c it was on the radio and I was rocking out to it and Rusty got freaked out at the sight of me rocking out to Madonna, and I tried to explain I loooved this song when I was very young, and it didn't matter to him, it was still weird. So I downloaded it out of spite. I do love this song. And if you ignore that it's by Madonna, it's kind of interesting, that my true calling in life question has to do with prayer. Hmm.. ;)
How will I be remembered?
Too Country - Brad Paisley
Haha...probably.
What is my signature dancing song?
Redneck Yacht Club - Craig Morgan
What?!
What should be the theme song of my life?
Lifestyles of the Not So Rich and Famous - Tracy Byrd
Yup. Look up the lyrics. It's like it was written for my dad's family. (if you know me personally, you understand this best!)
What is my current theme song?
Thank God I'm a Country Boy - John Denver
Oh dear.
What do other people think my theme song is?
Praise You In This Storm - Casting Crowns
What song should be played at my funeral?
Redneck Woman - Gretchen Wilson
Oh wow. Um...
If I could only listen to one song for the rest of my life, what should it be?
Drink the Night Away - Gaelic Storm
Oh my.
What does the day hold for me?
While We Were Sleeping - Casting Crowns
Uh oh.
And finally - have you anything else to tell me?
It's Alright To Be A Redneck - Alan Jackson
Yes, I know. :)
Monday, March 20, 2006
What in the world?!
I have no words.
hat tip: Shrine of the Holy Whapping
On a fun note: Ice Age 2 comes out next week! I'm celebrating by showing my class Ice Age (in Spanish, of course) for the next two classes. :) They were laughing so hard today, and one student even exclaimed, "It is so much funnier in Spanish!"
Haha. :)
And conversation of the day, between me and one of my 8-year olds:
Me: Tomas, what would you like to be when you grow up?
Tomas: Um, a volcanologist.
Me: Ok, sweet. Can you give me three words that either describe or are used by volcanologists?
Tomas: Sure. Ummm...volcanoes...
Me: Yeah...
Tomas: And...tests...
Me: Yeah...
Tomas: And hyaloclastic flow. I don't know how to spell it, though.
Me: ::blank stare, followed by straightening up and acting like I totally know all about hyaloclastic flow:: Great word! ::pretend to write it on the board, knowing he won't know the difference::
Other kids: What the heck is that?
Me: Oh, ask Tomas.
Tomas then procedes with an explanation of hyaloclastic flow...to the other 8 year olds.
Oh dear.
It reminds me of the time I was sitting with one of my kindergarteners and he asked me if I knew what the dinosaur with the longest name is called.
I said no, and he informed me that it is the Pachycephalosaurus.
He was 5.
And to round all this out, I feel we are in need of a stupid quote:
Found on a Chinese alarm clock instruction manual:
"Due to the perfection of the alarming mechanism, you are never awake when you are asleep."
Ahhh, yes. Brilliant. ;)
I have no words.
hat tip: Shrine of the Holy Whapping
On a fun note: Ice Age 2 comes out next week! I'm celebrating by showing my class Ice Age (in Spanish, of course) for the next two classes. :) They were laughing so hard today, and one student even exclaimed, "It is so much funnier in Spanish!"
Haha. :)
And conversation of the day, between me and one of my 8-year olds:
Me: Tomas, what would you like to be when you grow up?
Tomas: Um, a volcanologist.
Me: Ok, sweet. Can you give me three words that either describe or are used by volcanologists?
Tomas: Sure. Ummm...volcanoes...
Me: Yeah...
Tomas: And...tests...
Me: Yeah...
Tomas: And hyaloclastic flow. I don't know how to spell it, though.
Me: ::blank stare, followed by straightening up and acting like I totally know all about hyaloclastic flow:: Great word! ::pretend to write it on the board, knowing he won't know the difference::
Other kids: What the heck is that?
Me: Oh, ask Tomas.
Tomas then procedes with an explanation of hyaloclastic flow...to the other 8 year olds.
Oh dear.
It reminds me of the time I was sitting with one of my kindergarteners and he asked me if I knew what the dinosaur with the longest name is called.
I said no, and he informed me that it is the Pachycephalosaurus.
He was 5.
And to round all this out, I feel we are in need of a stupid quote:
Found on a Chinese alarm clock instruction manual:
"Due to the perfection of the alarming mechanism, you are never awake when you are asleep."
Ahhh, yes. Brilliant. ;)
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Hail Patron, St. Joseph! Hoorah!
Today is our patronal feast here at Loras College. Very very exciting. I will post pictures from our chapel when I can get my hands on a digital camera. I Googled St. Joseph to find some sweet pictures, but I didn't find anything spectacular. I much prefer what we have in the chapel. So hold tight for those.
Here's the song we'll be singing today at Mass. Written for Loras College.
Good Saint Joseph, College patron,
Let us sing your praise today!
Husband, father, worker, builder,
To your strength we look this day!
Refrain:
O Saint Joseph, Loras patron,
Give us strength in times of need:
Make us gentle, strong and loving
In our thoughts and words and deeds!
Who with Mary gave us Jesus,
The world's gift, a family's loss.
Learned to teach through your example,
And with love embraced the cross.
Refrain
Hear us, Joseph, as we journey,
Foll'wing Christ, we look to you.
Give us guidance and protection,
Build the kingdom strong and true!
Yeah Loras - 167 years strong! :)
Today is our patronal feast here at Loras College. Very very exciting. I will post pictures from our chapel when I can get my hands on a digital camera. I Googled St. Joseph to find some sweet pictures, but I didn't find anything spectacular. I much prefer what we have in the chapel. So hold tight for those.
Here's the song we'll be singing today at Mass. Written for Loras College.
Good Saint Joseph, College patron,
Let us sing your praise today!
Husband, father, worker, builder,
To your strength we look this day!
Refrain:
O Saint Joseph, Loras patron,
Give us strength in times of need:
Make us gentle, strong and loving
In our thoughts and words and deeds!
Who with Mary gave us Jesus,
The world's gift, a family's loss.
Learned to teach through your example,
And with love embraced the cross.
Refrain
Hear us, Joseph, as we journey,
Foll'wing Christ, we look to you.
Give us guidance and protection,
Build the kingdom strong and true!
Yeah Loras - 167 years strong! :)
Friday, March 17, 2006
I forgot to post this one:
The Pope's General Intention this month rocks.
"That young people who are searching for the meaning of life will be understood, respected, and accompanied with patience and love."
Heck yes!
The Pope's General Intention this month rocks.
"That young people who are searching for the meaning of life will be understood, respected, and accompanied with patience and love."
Heck yes!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Woke up.
Looked at calendar.
March 15.
Instantly the thought came:
Beware the Ides of March!
I need a life...
Looked at calendar.
March 15.
Instantly the thought came:
Beware the Ides of March!
I need a life...
Sunday, March 12, 2006
All the cool kids to the back of the bus!
As if I didn't already have enough random stuff to fill my time with -
I downloaded iTunes.
Yeah, I didn't realize how easy it is to use, and hence my minor addiction.
I'm acquiring a really random playlist already.
Everything from Vatican radio and Cardinal Arinze's podcast to G. Love and Special Sauce's "Back of the Bus" (it's sentimental, ok?) and the song "Boondocks" (I want to be from the boondocks so bad because of this song!).
Heh - it's pretty great.
Oh, but I have been downloading Lenten songs, too.
A random assortment of my Lenten song lyrics:
"And the king was placed for all the world
To show disgrace but only beauty flowed from his face
Would you take the place of this man?
Would you take the nails from his hands?" (from "This Man" by Jeremy Camp"
"I want to be holy just like you
I want to go where you lead me to
With reckless abandon to your truth
I want to fall deeper in love with you" (from "Just Like You" by Matt Maher)
"What can take a dying man and raise him up to life again?
What can heal a wounded soul?
What can make us white as snow?
What can fill the emptiness?
What can mend our brokenness?
Brokenness
Mighty, awesome, wonderful
Is the holy cross
Where the Lamb laid down His life
To lift us from the fall
Mighty is the power of the cross" (from "Mighty is the Power of the Cross" by Chris Tomlin)
I'm out - time to do something else non-productive. :)
As if I didn't already have enough random stuff to fill my time with -
I downloaded iTunes.
Yeah, I didn't realize how easy it is to use, and hence my minor addiction.
I'm acquiring a really random playlist already.
Everything from Vatican radio and Cardinal Arinze's podcast to G. Love and Special Sauce's "Back of the Bus" (it's sentimental, ok?) and the song "Boondocks" (I want to be from the boondocks so bad because of this song!).
Heh - it's pretty great.
Oh, but I have been downloading Lenten songs, too.
A random assortment of my Lenten song lyrics:
"And the king was placed for all the world
To show disgrace but only beauty flowed from his face
Would you take the place of this man?
Would you take the nails from his hands?" (from "This Man" by Jeremy Camp"
"I want to be holy just like you
I want to go where you lead me to
With reckless abandon to your truth
I want to fall deeper in love with you" (from "Just Like You" by Matt Maher)
"What can take a dying man and raise him up to life again?
What can heal a wounded soul?
What can make us white as snow?
What can fill the emptiness?
What can mend our brokenness?
Brokenness
Mighty, awesome, wonderful
Is the holy cross
Where the Lamb laid down His life
To lift us from the fall
Mighty is the power of the cross" (from "Mighty is the Power of the Cross" by Chris Tomlin)
I'm out - time to do something else non-productive. :)
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Here's a fun game for everyone to try:
Go to your nearest food establishment that keeps sugar packets on the table. Gather your friends around. Now make sure there is salt around too. Open enough sugar packets for each of your friends. Empty one of them, and fill it with salt. Roll the tops of each packet down. Put them all together, and have each friend pick one. Now, open the packet, (together now!) throw the entire contents of the packet completely in your mouth.
Now laugh at the sucker who got the salt.
Hahaha...it's GREAT. What a good laugh... :)
Yeah, that's how we entertained ourselves tonight at Country Kitchen. Well, that and the usual shenanigans. Heh.
Go to your nearest food establishment that keeps sugar packets on the table. Gather your friends around. Now make sure there is salt around too. Open enough sugar packets for each of your friends. Empty one of them, and fill it with salt. Roll the tops of each packet down. Put them all together, and have each friend pick one. Now, open the packet, (together now!) throw the entire contents of the packet completely in your mouth.
Now laugh at the sucker who got the salt.
Hahaha...it's GREAT. What a good laugh... :)
Yeah, that's how we entertained ourselves tonight at Country Kitchen. Well, that and the usual shenanigans. Heh.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
So when I was in DC for the March for Life I saw something very interesting.
Men holding signs that said "I Regret My Lost Fatherhood."
I think it is good that men are being vocal in this matter, that they are standing up and saying that abortion has hurt them, too. It is something rather hopeful. I have always thought that men needed to talk more about this. I personally know of one man (who is now married and has children), whose girlfriend (from the past, not his present wife) chose an abortion for their child even though he did not want her to. He was deeply hurt by this. I figure that if both men and women who have been personally hurt by abortion would keep raising their voices above the din of lies, someone may hear.
Then this came across the news today.
Well, the men are speaking out. And I can't say that I can criticize their argument too much based on the garbage they've been fed when it comes to the "rights of the woman." After all, we strive for equality, yes? If women can opt out with "no consequences" (hardly!), then why can't men?? Secularly, this makes perfect sense.
And this is precisely why our culture is in serious need of the Truth! How we've saturated our society with lies, disregarding our neighbor and the responsibility we have to love him as Christ loved us! And how we have dulled our consciences when it comes to the truths we know deep within, yet deny in order to pursue whatever it is that makes us happy.
We are blessed with Lent, an opportunity for metanoia and a chance to understand more fully the meaning of sacrifice and prayer! Let us pray for our world.
However, the last paragraph is quite puzzling. Did the president of NOW really say that? Wow.
Men holding signs that said "I Regret My Lost Fatherhood."
I think it is good that men are being vocal in this matter, that they are standing up and saying that abortion has hurt them, too. It is something rather hopeful. I have always thought that men needed to talk more about this. I personally know of one man (who is now married and has children), whose girlfriend (from the past, not his present wife) chose an abortion for their child even though he did not want her to. He was deeply hurt by this. I figure that if both men and women who have been personally hurt by abortion would keep raising their voices above the din of lies, someone may hear.
Then this came across the news today.
Well, the men are speaking out. And I can't say that I can criticize their argument too much based on the garbage they've been fed when it comes to the "rights of the woman." After all, we strive for equality, yes? If women can opt out with "no consequences" (hardly!), then why can't men?? Secularly, this makes perfect sense.
And this is precisely why our culture is in serious need of the Truth! How we've saturated our society with lies, disregarding our neighbor and the responsibility we have to love him as Christ loved us! And how we have dulled our consciences when it comes to the truths we know deep within, yet deny in order to pursue whatever it is that makes us happy.
We are blessed with Lent, an opportunity for metanoia and a chance to understand more fully the meaning of sacrifice and prayer! Let us pray for our world.
However, the last paragraph is quite puzzling. Did the president of NOW really say that? Wow.
Happy birthday to dear Gary. Hooray.
And just because the card I sent him is too funny for only a few people (myself, Gary, and my roommates) to know about, I have typed it out so that the few people who read this may enjoy it as well. I find it hilarious, because, well, to be honest, this probably would happen to me.
The front of the card reads:
So anyway, I'm standing in line to buy you a freakin' birthday card, and the line is like seventeen billion people long 'cause the only thing the dumb teenage boy at the register is thinking about is the dumb teenage girl at the other register, and some lady is turning her purse inside out to come with "exact change," like she's gonna win some kind of "exact change trophy" or something, and some idiot starts up with his "This item was marked with the sale price" crap, and I just really hope you like this card..."
And the inside reads:
'Cause I stole it.
Happy Birthday
Haha...Oh man. I laugh every time I read it. I might as well have written it. I swear this stuff truly happens nearly every day in my life. Y'all know that from reading previous posts about grocery cart races with old men and whanot. Don't you love it when you find a snippet of your life on a greeting card? Except instead of the mushy gushy Hallmark cards that would make you the proud owner of an inspirational and noteworthy life, your life is found on the card found in the "Humor" section.
C'est la vie. :)
And just because the card I sent him is too funny for only a few people (myself, Gary, and my roommates) to know about, I have typed it out so that the few people who read this may enjoy it as well. I find it hilarious, because, well, to be honest, this probably would happen to me.
The front of the card reads:
So anyway, I'm standing in line to buy you a freakin' birthday card, and the line is like seventeen billion people long 'cause the only thing the dumb teenage boy at the register is thinking about is the dumb teenage girl at the other register, and some lady is turning her purse inside out to come with "exact change," like she's gonna win some kind of "exact change trophy" or something, and some idiot starts up with his "This item was marked with the sale price" crap, and I just really hope you like this card..."
And the inside reads:
'Cause I stole it.
Happy Birthday
Haha...Oh man. I laugh every time I read it. I might as well have written it. I swear this stuff truly happens nearly every day in my life. Y'all know that from reading previous posts about grocery cart races with old men and whanot. Don't you love it when you find a snippet of your life on a greeting card? Except instead of the mushy gushy Hallmark cards that would make you the proud owner of an inspirational and noteworthy life, your life is found on the card found in the "Humor" section.
C'est la vie. :)
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Oh how I love spring break.
Break commenced with a family party. It was my mom's birthday, and nearly everyone was at our house. Rusty came, too, because of the conference. Now he understands why I'm crazy. ;) We had a wonderful time, complete with Pictionary competitions! Of course, my team won both times. Hurrah for us.
Then we went to the Here I Am, Lord Conference in St. Charles on Saturday and Sunday. It was quite a time. I was a little uncomfortable at first because we didn't really know anyone there. Then I ran into Sister Mary Michael! That was fun. Rusty and Mary and I wandered around the booths that were there, talking to all kinds of communities. I was pretty impressed with some of them, especially the ones I never knew existed! We met some pretty sweet Carmelites, Franciscans, Mercedarians, and of course, Fathers of Mercy. Hoorah for the Fathers of Mercy. :) It was quite a time hanging out with all those tremendously cool religious. Yay.
Then Rusty and I went to Annie's and hung out with her a bit. It was quite fun. I miss seeing Annie every day, but being a missionary is pretty dang sweet too! Yay Annie! We got to hang out with some of the students, and her team, and a little bit of chapel time with the Lord, so it was a nice visit.
And yesterday was Ash Wednesday. I think I am pretty proud of myself, considering I am apt to not really *complain* but to *mention* things that are bothering me (any sort of ache or pain, really). But not once did I say anything about anything all day, and when the day was nearly over and we went to the 5:30 Mass and I heard the Gospel, I was pretty excited that I had not been like the hypocrites, but had rather been quite jovial all day. There truly is something much different when you don't tell anyone about your fasting or whatever. I don't know what it is, but it's great. And on that note, I am pretty excited for Lent, although the whole Friday no meat thing is no big deal, as I normally do not eat meat on Fridays. So...I'm thinking of sacrificing something that will truly be a sacrifice, rather than something I'm quite used to. Hmm...ideas are still forming.
And I gave up pop (soda or Coke to all of you readers elsewhere) for Lent. I don't drink a whole lot of it, but when I do drink it I really enjoy it, so I figure that's a good sacrifice. And I'm going to be adding things to my "to do" list, such as the Seven Sorrows of Mary.
Don't you just love Lent?
I am currently sitting in Mary's Market downing coffee and trying to come up with an activity to do with young children with special needs. I can't find a single page that has good ideas. What do special ed teachers do?? Dear. I think I might have to resort to books. Barnes & Nobles, here I come.
And on an interesting note: everyone in here seems to be discussing faith in some way, shape or form. The guys behind me were discussing their sermons for the weekend (the woman at the well), and the girls in front of me are reading a pamphlet called "Our 16 Doctrines", which apparently is an Assembly of God production. Curious. I kind of feel like giving them a Catechism. If they're interested in doctrine...I believe I've got just the thing. ;)
Well, I must get to this special ed activity - it needs to be done by next week.
Caritas et veritas.
Break commenced with a family party. It was my mom's birthday, and nearly everyone was at our house. Rusty came, too, because of the conference. Now he understands why I'm crazy. ;) We had a wonderful time, complete with Pictionary competitions! Of course, my team won both times. Hurrah for us.
Then we went to the Here I Am, Lord Conference in St. Charles on Saturday and Sunday. It was quite a time. I was a little uncomfortable at first because we didn't really know anyone there. Then I ran into Sister Mary Michael! That was fun. Rusty and Mary and I wandered around the booths that were there, talking to all kinds of communities. I was pretty impressed with some of them, especially the ones I never knew existed! We met some pretty sweet Carmelites, Franciscans, Mercedarians, and of course, Fathers of Mercy. Hoorah for the Fathers of Mercy. :) It was quite a time hanging out with all those tremendously cool religious. Yay.
Then Rusty and I went to Annie's and hung out with her a bit. It was quite fun. I miss seeing Annie every day, but being a missionary is pretty dang sweet too! Yay Annie! We got to hang out with some of the students, and her team, and a little bit of chapel time with the Lord, so it was a nice visit.
And yesterday was Ash Wednesday. I think I am pretty proud of myself, considering I am apt to not really *complain* but to *mention* things that are bothering me (any sort of ache or pain, really). But not once did I say anything about anything all day, and when the day was nearly over and we went to the 5:30 Mass and I heard the Gospel, I was pretty excited that I had not been like the hypocrites, but had rather been quite jovial all day. There truly is something much different when you don't tell anyone about your fasting or whatever. I don't know what it is, but it's great. And on that note, I am pretty excited for Lent, although the whole Friday no meat thing is no big deal, as I normally do not eat meat on Fridays. So...I'm thinking of sacrificing something that will truly be a sacrifice, rather than something I'm quite used to. Hmm...ideas are still forming.
And I gave up pop (soda or Coke to all of you readers elsewhere) for Lent. I don't drink a whole lot of it, but when I do drink it I really enjoy it, so I figure that's a good sacrifice. And I'm going to be adding things to my "to do" list, such as the Seven Sorrows of Mary.
Don't you just love Lent?
I am currently sitting in Mary's Market downing coffee and trying to come up with an activity to do with young children with special needs. I can't find a single page that has good ideas. What do special ed teachers do?? Dear. I think I might have to resort to books. Barnes & Nobles, here I come.
And on an interesting note: everyone in here seems to be discussing faith in some way, shape or form. The guys behind me were discussing their sermons for the weekend (the woman at the well), and the girls in front of me are reading a pamphlet called "Our 16 Doctrines", which apparently is an Assembly of God production. Curious. I kind of feel like giving them a Catechism. If they're interested in doctrine...I believe I've got just the thing. ;)
Well, I must get to this special ed activity - it needs to be done by next week.
Caritas et veritas.
