Romans 8 may just be one of my favorites!

I am exactly halfway through reading Romans for the second time this Lent. Chapter 8 contains so many inspiring passages that it is shaping up to be one of my favorite chapters! 

Romans 8:18

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. 

---------------------------------

When I read this, I feel reassured that all will be worth it. All will work out in the end and today's sufferings will pale in comparison to the joy of tomorrow. 

Romans 8:24-25

For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees?

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.--------------------------------------There is that word again: endurance. To me, that word alone implies effort and waiting with active effort. To endure means you are actively working toward something in spite of drastic opposition. This requires effort and making the choice to actively strive to go against whatever might be trying to hold you back or keep you down...if we actively hope, we can endure anything. 
Romans 8:28
We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.----------------------------------------I used to always say that everything happens for a reason. Then my friend, Sheryl, encouraged me to say for the good of the Lord after that expression. She referred to this passage when she did. Now I recognize there is a deeper purpose to things happening as God is the ultimate storyteller. 
Romans 8:31
If God is for us, who can be against us?------------------------Enough said here! 
Romans 8:35
What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?--------------------------This is another reassuring passage because it demonstrates the depth of Christ's mercy for us yet we sometimes get in the way by allowing our insecurities to prevent us from getting close to God or from receiving His graces. 
Romans 8:37-39
No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.------------------------------------This was one of the readings from Dad's funeral mass that I read. I like to think that in spite of all that happened in his life, he was welcomed to Heaven with open arms for, as the passage says, nothing can separate us from the love of God. We have only to receive it! I pray that was the case for Dad and will be for me someday as I hopefully reunite with him in the presence of God. 

Come, Holy Spirit!

 Romans 5:3-5

Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance,

and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope,

and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.---------------------In Austria, I was blessed to gather each week with the women of the Kartause for a book study. I remember hearing one of the other women talk about this particular passage. Ever since then, I think of her when I read or hear this particular scripture. She is a wonderful faith friend and I look forward to reuniting with her again someday!
This passage is pretty self explanatory but I really love the idea of trying to truly appreciate everything...the good, the bad, and the ugly for we know that they are refining us and serving a purpose even if that purpose may not be evident to us just yet.
It's an interesting concept to be encouraged to brag about hardships. Most people complain when they have to face challenging times. I think what this passage is getting at is to lean into the hard, the messy, the ugly....For knowing it eventually leads to the good things: enduring, character, & hope. Hope that does not disappoint!! 

Romans 4:18-20 - In the palm of His hand

He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body as [already] dead (for he was almost a hundred years old) and the dead womb of Sarah.

He did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief; rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God and was fully convinced that what he had promised he was also able to do.

The above passage recalls Abraham's response to the news that he would be "father to all nations". What trust and faith to believe anyway even when things seem too impossible to believe! Thinking of this approach reminds me of Charlotte's trust and faith in Adam and me as her parents. She doesn't stop to consider other angles or possibilities. She just knows and believes she can ask her Mom or Dad and we will try to help her. Isn't that what we should do, too? Shouldn't we all be displaying a childlike wonder and sense of knowing or confidence that God will, in fact, deliver on his promises??

He has us! So step out and swing into the unknown - God isn't going to let us fall and even if we do, He has us in the palm of His hand. 

The power of our words

 

This particular passage from chapter 3 of Romans reminds me of how damaging what we say and what we speak can be. Whether it be gossip, slander, or even not speaking up in a situation, our words, or the lack of them, can be cruel and tear others apart in the worst way. May we always speak truth, know the way to peace, and use our mouths to speak with nothing but love and kindness to others. This also goes for self talk and treating and honoring ourselves with dignity as well. 

Beginning of Chapter 2 in Romans

I began rereading chapter 2 in Romans tonight. 

The first section just cuts straight to the point. Sometimes we focus on the shortcomings of others that we don't see our own. Or we may be hyper critical of others before we take the time  to look at ourselves. May we spend more time focusing on ourselves and working to improve within ourselves compared to the time we may spend critiquing one's every move. 

More Romans - Righteous Faith

 

The header before this next section in Romans really struck a chord tonight. I have been praying more frequently for those who are in purgatory since last summer. There is something about being so close yet so far about that situation of not being in heaven yet not in hell that strikes me and stops me in my tracks. How difficult it is when we strive and work so far for something only to fall short or not be chosen. The thought of that happening when there are no more chances or do overs is a bit nerve wracking. 

When my work here is done, and I breathe my last breath, I want God to look at all the work in all areas of my life, how I tried to use my gifts for Him, and to be pleased. Joyful obedience is what I hope to increase in and to pray more intentionally for all to find peace in living a righteous faith...or attempting to do this. 

Importance of Faith Friends

 

When reading The Friendship Project on virtues and saints, I learned about faith friends. Faith friends hold you accountable, help you to grow in your spiritual life, and accompany you on your journey. 

When reading this particular passage from Romans, the idea of faith friends kept coming up for me. Paul speaks of how he constantly kept the people he was writing to in his prayers. He wanted to be able to share some sort of spiritual gift to help them be strong during adversity. I love the line about being mutually encouraging to one another through each other's faith. Isn't that we all want for our friendships and relationships? To be a source of support and to help build one another up through seeing the dignity of one another? Lord, please bring healing and mend your people's broken hearts. 

Perhaps, in the upcoming week, you can reach out to a friend and let him or her know you are thinking of and praying for him/her. Don't let obstacles hold you back and persist like Paul did! 

Creative Outlets (for mother & daughter)

Charlotte and I have been getting a lot of artistic fun in these days. From painting her birthday cup to making spring butterfly magnets to rediscovering her scratch magic papers, the creative juices have been flowing. 

With the arrival of the spring sunshine, she was able to draw with her chalk in the backyard. I love seeing her creations from the numbers she insisted on writing in my mass journal during church tonight to the stories she creates in the basement as she plays to acting out scenes from Frozen while wrapping herself in a fuzzy blue blanket that she calls Elsa's cape.

This morning, I went to a local coffeehouse downtown where I attempted a Ukrainian activities of Pysanky or painting eggs. I had no idea the process was so involved and learned a lot during the three hour class. It's beginning to look a lot like Easter and spring around here!

Fr. Mike's reminder

When we are faithless, He remains faithful.

These are the words that stood out for me tonight as I listened to Fr. Mike's Bible In a Year podcast. Some of the scripture was also from the gospel reading the day Dad died which made the statement by Fr. Mike all the more meaningful. Dad was a convert. He chose to enter the faith. He chose to learn it as an adult and to try to follow the Commandments. He chose to raise his family, with Mom, as Catholics. His choice directly and indirectly affected us children and still does even now when he is not physically here. I constantly think, "What would Dad do? What would he say? What would he think about _____________?" He remains a presence, even when he isn't present. God remains faithful, even when we are faithless. St. Joseph exemplifies a silent, strong, servant approach to living. I have been thinking of these things a lot when considering the impact a father has on his child or children. So, it is from this lens that I begin rereading Roman's tonight. 

This greeting from Paul in his letter to the Romans reminds us that we are all called to be apostles. We are called to obey and to be holy. 

What does that mean for you in your own circumstances? How are you, or should you, be obeying? Is it through needing to discern a job change? Is it acknowledging a need to cultivate more time to sit with God's will rather than rushing head first into something not as well thought out...or perhaps it is to think of how you can take what you are already doing and figure out how to do it for the glory of God? 

Tonight, during our walk in the sunshine before dinner, Charlotte said she wants us (the family) to have a baby when I shared that our neighbor is expecting her third baby. I said, "Well, we have two fur babies through the pups!" She said, "Noooooo, I wish we had a human person baby, Mama." Thankfully, talking about the fun she gets to have with Baby Daniel (her cousin) & Cambria's little brother (a classmate) helped to steer the conversation in a different direction. Staying in that conversation, maintaining a positive attitude, and talking through the "Why can't we have a baby, Mama?" questions with Charlotte was a small step in walking toward obedience to what is. He remains faithful even when one is barren. 

Let's try to put the faith back in where we may have been faithless as we ponder Fr. Mike's reminder about God's dedication to us in spite of our sins, shortcomings, and fallen selves! 

Joyfully Created - such a fun experience!

On Charlotte's birthday, on a whim, we went to a new art studio that allows you to paint ceramic pieces!

I had learned of this new business that had just opened via social media. I messaged the shop to see if they were open so Charlotte could have a unique art experience on her birthday.

The store owners graciously accommodated us and were so hospitable and sweet. We made a girls' day of it as Charlotte, her grandmothers, family friend, Sue, and I got our creative juices flowing (or watched!) through having the shop all to ourselves! 

Charlotte chose to paint a cup (maybe she wanted to match her Mommy and Daddy with their coffee mugs?!) while I painted a tree.

We are so pleased with the results and will definitely return someday! I believe there is a bowl that is calling me back to be painted! 

My favorite creation posing outside the store with a birthday doll she just had to bring with her! 😍

Waiting patiently as we selected our paint colors! 

Charlotte took this photo. The back of the shop has a nursing room, a painting room, and even a blacklight room for extra fun unique painting experiences! 

Drinking out of her painted mug for the first time! 

Romans - what gives?!

At the end of 2020, I kept being called back to scripture from Romans. So much so, that I thought maybe I should make reading it be one of my New Year resolutions. Well, I made it through a day or two before falling off that bandwagon. 

Then during a Women's Bible Study in early 2021, I felt compelled to read it again. I decided for Lent, I would work my way through reading Romans bit by bit each night. I finished a few days ago. 

I am not sure why I was prompted to read this particular part of the Bible. I think I may need to reread it and take notes this time. As I googled questions to go with Romans, I came across this one : What does it mean to go through faith for faith?

This was hard for me to consider after learning some heartbreaking news tonight. I even said to Adam tonight, "Is nothing about our faith sacred anymore?" as I mulled over recent events. We live in such troubled times. So much division separates us from one another. There is so much pain and suffering. 

St. Paul knew a little bit about all those things, too.

We also know this is nothing new based on history (and listening to Fr. Mike's daily Bible in a Year podcasts). 

Yet saints, those who have gone before us, pastors, and others we learn from have preached the importance of holding on to faith.

I have to believe in redemption. 

I have to believe in forgiveness in the face of such anger and betrayal. 

What does it mean to go through faith for faith? Does it mean turning a blind eye to wrongs? Does it mean to be the bigger person and take the high road? Does it mean to still love the sinner while condemning the sin for I, too, am a sinner and whatever I do for the least of my brothers, I do unto Jesus.

Life is so hard. St. Joseph experienced unexpected plot twists and turns yet was a wonderful example of father, husband, and obedient servant in spite of having questions. He must have had tremendous faith. It is his feast day today. 

May we all strive to go through faith for faith even when we have been let down or we let down others. 

Ultimately, only God can satisfy and is the source for all faith. May He forgive us all for our transgressions and all we harm in our brokenness. Mend our broken hearts and heal us, Lord. 

St. Joseph, pray for us.

Don't you just love this image of St. Joseph front and center cradling Baby Jesus in his arms as Mary clings to his hand? What an example of manhood! 

Things I want to remember

It is midnight meaning it is St. Patrick's Day 2021. This day also marks the beginning of a countdown I have been dreading. 

I have always enjoyed St. Patrick's Day and the festivities that come with it, both as a child and as an adult. When Charlotte came along in 2016, we had her newborn pictures taken on St. Patrick's Day when she was just ten days old. There are lots of happy memories of sunshine, parades, friends, green beer, shamrocks, green nails, Lucky Charms surprise gifts, and family fun associated with this feast day for me. 

Over the last eleven months, though, any date with the 17th in it has been a small reminder of whom and what was lost on 04/17/20.

So unwillingly and with a heavy heart, begins the countdown to a day I have relived so many times in my mind since last spring.

However, I have been trying really hard to focus on what else happened that morning. Dad was hopefully joyfully reunited with all he loved who had gone before him. He hopefully is happier than we can ever imagine and is fully restored and with God. So I will have hope, too. 

This past fall, Charlotte was playing with pictures on my phone. She told me a story about a broken heart but that it went away because "your Daddy, my Pappy, fixed it". Then she said, "God is in my head and He fixed the heart and gave it to me". 

Next, she said, "And, Mom, because God fixed it it isn't broken anymore. It is whole and is in my tummy tum-tum. And, Mommy, you know what it means?" 

I said, "What?" 

She said, my heart says, "I love Grammy!"

If you could, please send some prayers up for my Mom and Dad. St. Patrick, pray for us!

Charlotte Annie is five!

Today Charlotte turned five years old.  Five years since our world was changed forever.  Five years since a life-saving surgery that occurred at this time of night on the day she was born. It's so odd to be sitting here at my dining room table where all is quiet and peaceful as Mom reads, Adam works on a marble run, and Charlotte plays with her birthday balloon and other toys.  Five years ago at this time, I was with these same people (and Dad) but was about to undergo the unexpected emergency surgery amidst fear and noise that drowned out feelings of peace and calm.  That day was filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.  I can't believe it's been five years since then.  

In these last five years, Charlotte has grown from being a newborn to being a spunky little girl.  She loves makeup, her puppies, and Frozen.  She enjoys creating art, going to school, and spending time with her cousins and friends.  She is a traveler, goes on adventures with Mommy, but is also content to just stay home and play, too.

I don’t want Charlotte to grow up, but the older she gets, the closer we get and the better we get to know her.  She has her Dad's and my complete and undivided hearts.   

She loves asking what month is it, her family, babies, asks to be a babysitter when she grows up, and playing outside.  She sneaks donuts and milkshakes with her Dad and takes walks with Mommy.  She loves her blankets, building a house, staying off the lava (the floor), and her stuffed animals.  Nutella is still a favorite food and she can't wait to wear Mommy's clothes "when I grow up".  

More often than not, she sleeps in the bed with Daddy and me and I'm not mad about it.  I cherish our nights/lazy mornings when there is no school as a family in bed all together and cuddling.  Her hugs and hearing her say, "Best day ever!" are some of my favorites. She usually loves to snuggle and is still very much a Daddy's girl.

Happy 5th Birthday, Charlotte Annie!  So grateful to be here with you these last five years.  Always remember, no matter what adventure (or pirate) comes your way, you'll always be our fairy princess!

Professional Five Year Old Pictures!

 It has become somewhat of a tradition for Charlotte Annie to have her pictures be taken around my birthday since it's only one week before her birthday!  I just received access to this year's photos.  I was thrilled to be able to have them be taken where we had the two year old photos taken here at home. We made use of some of the same props and even some of the same clothing.  How is she about to turn five already!?  It feels like yesterday that we were waiting for big arrival!

Charlotte has been taking piano lessons at her school this year.  I was glad to see this photo of her practicing her playing.  This has become a shared pasttime between her Dad and her and I enjoy hearing her play when she practices what she is learning in her lessons these last few months.

This tent was a surprise from my parents to Charlotte during one of their visits when they babysat Charlotte while I was at work.  I remember coming home to this large pink tent being just inside the front door and thinking, "Oh!  Where is this going to go?"  We kept it in the living room for a while but then we moved it downstairs.  I'm so glad we have it now because Charlotte has come to treat it like a small room just for her (and her favorite toys).  It also came in handy as we took pictures for her upcoming (stay tuned to find out) themed birthday party.  ;)

The backdrop is a quilt from when I was a little girl. I always called this my praying bonnet girl quilt as a child.  We also had it out for Charlotte's 2nd birthday photo shoot.  It's amazing how different she looks in just three years' time.

Mom and I bought this little blue dress at the first consignment sale we went to when Charlotte was a month old.  I remember we both thought how large the dress looked on the hanger and it seemed like five years was such a long way off back then.

The banner above the fireplace was a $3 find I purchased at a consignment sale I went to with Aunt Marie when Charlotte was less than a year old.  The small pink lamb behind Charlotte is the base of a lamp from my childhood, the elephant was one of Charlotte's favorite baby toys given to us by a dear friend from college, and you can even spy a cherished favorite toy from these days next to the lamb.  I was surprise that Charlotte didn't ask for a Spirit-themed birthday party as I really thought that was the direction she would go.

In this photo, you can catch a glimpse of the cupcake decoration from Charlotte's first birthday party when we had a candy sweetheart-themed party for her.  She's holding a sparkly wand left over from an old Halloween costume from my early 20s and the Barons bear in the background is a recent Christmas gift that was made from one of Dad's fleece pullovers and shirts.  The silver medallion has Dad's handwriting engraved on it.  

Two princesses (and a my little pony) just sittin' on the steps.  

Laying on her tummy on the same quilts three years ago...

This headband was on the fireplace next to the elephant in the recent photos.  This was a hand-me-down from Charlotte's cousin in California!  

Bernadette, the photographer, was able to capture Charlotte engaging in something else she loves doing these days...jumping off the furniture.  ;)

Imagining she's getting a hug from Pappy!  

So thankful for the gift of you, Charlotte Annie!