To everything there is a season

Working in a long-term care facility, one has to expect that anything can happen.  Some things just happen in ways that make you know there is a God.

I work on the Activity staff.  I'm also a CNA.  My days include anything from manicures, reading, potty breaks and the occasional trips with a resident to a doctor's appointment.  I actually like those trips.  It's a wonderful opportunity to visit one-to-one and get to know the resident.

That's how I got to become a friend to Gert (not her real name).  I knew, somewhat, of her medical past.  The diabetes was obvious from her amputated leg, her poor vision and the needle pricks before mealtimes.  The "inside stuff" revealed itself when I went with her to the doctor.

Our fist trip was to check on her kidney function-it wasn't good.  Our second trip was to get a check-up on the stents in her arm.  They were put there in anticipation of future dialysis.  Our third, and final trip took my breath away.

That's when she told the doctor that she didn't want dialysis, she was ready to meet the Lord.  Huh?  Did she really say what I thought I heard?  She did.  At that point, I knew how the next several months of her life would be.  She asked me if I thought she was crazy.  She asked me to say 'good bye' to her son, if he would come.

So, I looked forward every day to see my friend.  I greeted her with that Eastern accent "hullo" if she didn't say it first.  She'd told me that she had been Catholic at one point.  But, that had been a while back.  I was elated when our priest came to see her and I helped her get to the annointing service that SHE wanted to go to.

I didn't get to see her son.  Her family had a private service.   But every day when I go past the room where she lived, I say a prayer of thanksgiving that I knew her.  And, Blessed Mother, watch over her, please.

Free!

There's lots to explore at My Catholic Faith.  They have monthly online classes (yes, I'm a member and I find them very interesting), books, and downloadable mp3's.

Don't miss the free download of Dr. Tom Curran's newest book, Confession: Five Sentences That Will Heal Your Life.  It's a "sequel," if you will, to The Mass:  Four Encounters with Jesus that will Change Your Life.


The price is right (free) the eternal benefits are fabulous!

Check it out at My Catholic Faith!

And don't miss the Daily Scripture reflections...

The shack?

I have to admit - I'm a fan of Johnette Benkovic.  I saw Johnette in Mitchell, SD a few years ago, and it was amazing.  I see on her website that she has a New Age blog.

Found this to be interesting about a book called The Shack

Actually, a lot of that blog is interesting.  Oh, what a little crevice it takes for doubt and the evil one to enter.

Review: Our Jewish Roots

I've just finished reading Our Jewish Roots: A Catholic Woman's Guide to Fulfillment Today by Connecting with her Past.  Being a convert, the whole Jewish history part intrigued me.  Being a fan of the feminine genius, I was more than curious.

The first part of the book tells of the history of some Jewish customs and beliefs that shed light on why Catholics do what they do and what makes the rituals so special.  I read and reread the sections on the Immaculate Conception and Feminine Genius.  What an ultimate pick-me-up!

The last part of the book introduces the reader to numerous women of the Bible, some who don't even have a name, but it describes the huge role they had in Salvation History.  Each chapter starts with a excerpt from JPII's Mulieris Dignitatum, and gives strength to women of today as we go through those hard times in our lives.  Really, I don't know if I'd have the strength of Noah's wife.  Think about all she did:  the support she gave her family, she lost all her friends in a flood as her family was chosen to be saved, she endured ark-dwelling with family and all those animals - and we don't even know her name.

The book is written in a way that perfectly explains and makes complete sense even to this ordinary lay(wo)man.  I'm anxious for you to read it, too.

We'll have books available for purchase at our retreat or it's available from the publisher or at amazon.com.  It's a perfect compliment to what we'll be learning at our retreat in August.  I know you'll love it as much as I did, what a wonderful read! 

Weekend plans?

If you find yourself with some time this weekend, add this to your schedule!

Sat., July 3 tune into kwky.com at 9 am and listen to Matthew Kelly's interview.  Matthew Kelly will be in Des Moines at the Christ Our Life conference in October.

On Sun., July 4, at 6 pm, get out your rosary!  The America Needs Fatima is asking all of us to pray the Rosary for our nation.  We could use it!

And since your calendar's out, highlight July 28.  Endow's Terry Polakovic will be on EWTN Live with Fr. Mitch.  You won't want to miss it.  (Or the Endow conference in October.)

Embracing Our Call Retreat - Aug. 6-8, 2010

It's a tough world our there.  We sometimes get so blind-sided by the world that we lose track of where to find peace.  Well, it's time to register for our retreat.  We'll be studying "Mulieris Dignitatem" written by Pope John Paul II.  This papal document explores the Dignity and Vocation of Women.  A topic as timely now as when it was written 20 years ago.

If you attended last year, you will easily remember how blessed we were that weekend. This year, please bring a friend.

Registration for the whole weekend is $30. The speaker will again be Gina Bauer - you're gonna love her!

It will be at Corpus Christi, Fort Dodge, IA from August 6 to 8.  It is a continuation of last year but DO NOT PANIC!  You're not behind!   We will have a refresher session for last year's attendees and this year's first-timers. The weekend will begin with registration at 5 pm on Fri., Aug. 6.
A registration form can be downloaded at the Council of Catholic Women website.  Look for us on facebook, or email me for more info.

From the latest Globe article:

“Julie and I are really promoting this retreat,” said Streit [that would be Ellen, our DCCW pres]. “I feel that’s what we need – something positive about our vocation and our dignity. We could change this world around, but it’s going to take a lot of woman power.”

We hope you join us for study, friendship, sacraments, Mass with Bishop Nickless and we guarantee you'll refresh your soul.  

Patience -

It's been one week since my elbow surgery. I can finally type with both hands, slowly.

That's where I've been, trying to be patient. Thanks for yours!