Hello everyone, Well, I believe it is time for me to take a blogging break. You can see that I have not written an entry in quite some time. The reason being is I am just plain uninspired. Hopefull as I take some time away, I may be freed from my writer's block and once again can become a participant in the blog world again.
I will continue to visit all you wonderful bloggers because I would miss all the interesting decorating ideas and tutorials, how you all become inspired to do what you do, and for those whose blogs are more spiritually/religiously oriented, I would certainly miss your beautiful words of wisdom.
Till I Return, ginny
Friday, May 10, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
In Loving Memory
Today would have been my mother's birthday. In 1999, my beloved mother left this earth and was embraced in the arms of Jesus and welcomed into His home.
I just wanted to write a simple love note to the special woman who gave me life and nurtured me into adulthood, unconditionally loving me in spite of myself.
Dear Mom,
I used to express my love for you as a child, by picking dandelions from the lawn and bringing them to you. You always made a fuss about how beautiful the were and fondly placed them in water in a jelly jar. When they wilted and died, you comforted my by saying how abundant they were and that I could pick you more anytime I wanted. I used to make you "spiritual bouquets" for Mothers Day. Remember those? I meticulously wrote on construction paper all the kinds of prayers I would say for you and decorate the card with hearts and flowers.
When you're a kid, it was easy to show love and what was in your heart.
But as the years went on, I am sure I did not always express to you my love for you as I should. For whatever reason, I found it hard to express my feelings openly. So, I tried to show you how much you meant to me, by doing things for you. I know it wasn't enough, but you never let me know, ever, that I disappointed you. You've always been able to sense when something was wrong with me, and comfort me with your own special caring ways. There was nothing a nice hot steaming bowl of your barley soup couldnt't cure! Most of all, you alowed me the privacy of my thoughts and sense of independence. I oftentimes long for those days when I was a child, embraced by your arms. But one thing I did remember to do......I raised my own children mirroring your example and for that I will be eternally grateful to you.
I remember sitting at your bedside in the hospital as you were preparing to leave us. Taking your hands in mine I could see all the hard work that you have done for us throughout the years, cooking, cleaning, sewing, laundry, nursing, and bringing your hands to your face to weep when we were sick or hurt. In your eyes I saw a gently understanding of my ways, and sometimes a longing to show me better ways, but always filled with love. In your arms I found comfort from this world so many times...from fears, hurts and things that troubled me. If only those arms were open to me now! In your face I saw the hopes you had for me, and the pride in my accomplishments. But I also knew that in your sweet heart, was the greatest gift of all, the love you kept there for all of us forever.
Thank you mom! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Your daughter,
Ginny
I just wanted to write a simple love note to the special woman who gave me life and nurtured me into adulthood, unconditionally loving me in spite of myself.
Dear Mom,
I used to express my love for you as a child, by picking dandelions from the lawn and bringing them to you. You always made a fuss about how beautiful the were and fondly placed them in water in a jelly jar. When they wilted and died, you comforted my by saying how abundant they were and that I could pick you more anytime I wanted. I used to make you "spiritual bouquets" for Mothers Day. Remember those? I meticulously wrote on construction paper all the kinds of prayers I would say for you and decorate the card with hearts and flowers.
When you're a kid, it was easy to show love and what was in your heart.
But as the years went on, I am sure I did not always express to you my love for you as I should. For whatever reason, I found it hard to express my feelings openly. So, I tried to show you how much you meant to me, by doing things for you. I know it wasn't enough, but you never let me know, ever, that I disappointed you. You've always been able to sense when something was wrong with me, and comfort me with your own special caring ways. There was nothing a nice hot steaming bowl of your barley soup couldnt't cure! Most of all, you alowed me the privacy of my thoughts and sense of independence. I oftentimes long for those days when I was a child, embraced by your arms. But one thing I did remember to do......I raised my own children mirroring your example and for that I will be eternally grateful to you.
I remember sitting at your bedside in the hospital as you were preparing to leave us. Taking your hands in mine I could see all the hard work that you have done for us throughout the years, cooking, cleaning, sewing, laundry, nursing, and bringing your hands to your face to weep when we were sick or hurt. In your eyes I saw a gently understanding of my ways, and sometimes a longing to show me better ways, but always filled with love. In your arms I found comfort from this world so many times...from fears, hurts and things that troubled me. If only those arms were open to me now! In your face I saw the hopes you had for me, and the pride in my accomplishments. But I also knew that in your sweet heart, was the greatest gift of all, the love you kept there for all of us forever.
Thank you mom! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Your daughter,
Ginny
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
New Beginnings
It is the first day of the New Year, 2013. I awoke to a new awareness of how fresh and sparkling the snow looked this morning. The snow had transformed the earth from the drabness of a barren landscape. Yep, "freshness" that's it. That's what the new year is offering me as I pray to the God of my life this sparkling morning. God is holding out a freshness of life to me. He is offering me a new beginning.
I am not so certain we enter into the new year with white and freshness on our mind. Many are nursing a hang over from too much New Year's Eve partying. Others, wake up to the same ol, same ol, attitudes. It's just another day in this miserable world. I tend to believe that we let our glance rest a little too long on all those areas of our lives where we feel we have failed or not given our best. Why else do people make resolutions based on what the last year has brought to them? We look into the last year and feel guilty or discouraged when we realize that we are still struggling with the same failures and weaknesses.
January is a good time to deliberately set our steps forward, to begin again, again, and again, and give ourselves over to the promises of the future. We look, really look, at our life's journey and rejoice over the beautiful gift of another year given to us.
Close your eyes, and imagine all that clean white snow covering all the deadness of the winter earth. See that same soft, clean whiteness fall into your heart. Feel it heal the wounds, making clean your dreams and hopes. Hear the God of new beginnings speak to you about the fresh start being offered. This is God's "Happy New Year" to us. Instead of simply working hard all by ourselves on some resolutions that we hope will change us into better people, we come to our winter God and offer ourselves to Him believing in His mercy, healing, and refreshment, trusting that He will touch what we most need. Breaking old habits, and attitudes that keep us from gospel living cannot be done without God active in our hearts.
I invite you this month to pray the message of freshness. Think about how we end one journey and begin another with a clean start. Take an early morning walk, feel the snow on your face, breathe in the cold, crisp, freshness of the air, listen to the wind blowing through the trees. This is what God's love for you is like. May His love give you a brand new start this year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I am not so certain we enter into the new year with white and freshness on our mind. Many are nursing a hang over from too much New Year's Eve partying. Others, wake up to the same ol, same ol, attitudes. It's just another day in this miserable world. I tend to believe that we let our glance rest a little too long on all those areas of our lives where we feel we have failed or not given our best. Why else do people make resolutions based on what the last year has brought to them? We look into the last year and feel guilty or discouraged when we realize that we are still struggling with the same failures and weaknesses.
January is a good time to deliberately set our steps forward, to begin again, again, and again, and give ourselves over to the promises of the future. We look, really look, at our life's journey and rejoice over the beautiful gift of another year given to us.
Close your eyes, and imagine all that clean white snow covering all the deadness of the winter earth. See that same soft, clean whiteness fall into your heart. Feel it heal the wounds, making clean your dreams and hopes. Hear the God of new beginnings speak to you about the fresh start being offered. This is God's "Happy New Year" to us. Instead of simply working hard all by ourselves on some resolutions that we hope will change us into better people, we come to our winter God and offer ourselves to Him believing in His mercy, healing, and refreshment, trusting that He will touch what we most need. Breaking old habits, and attitudes that keep us from gospel living cannot be done without God active in our hearts.
I invite you this month to pray the message of freshness. Think about how we end one journey and begin another with a clean start. Take an early morning walk, feel the snow on your face, breathe in the cold, crisp, freshness of the air, listen to the wind blowing through the trees. This is what God's love for you is like. May His love give you a brand new start this year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Why Children are Gifts
She sat at my dressing table slathering her face with makeup. "I'm pretending I'm a prima ballerina and will be going on stage soon." I chuckled to myself. "Don't forget to remove the makeup when you're done." I said as I walked out of the room. The girls love to sit at the dressing table and try on the makeup, perfume, and powders laid out for them. Later she was washing her face. "I used your cleansing cream, Nana, and your moisturizer. You told me that ladies are never too young to moisturize their face, and keep their complexion clear." I nodded and smiled. I forgot I ever told her that.
Olivia is eight years old. Did it ever come to mind that they are like little sponges from a very young age? Everything you do or say is soaking in and processed by them. "Always wash your hands before helping in the kitchen. Give thanks to God for whatever is placed before you to eat. Be kind and respectful to the elderly. Say please and thank you all the time. Share what you have with others especially your brother and sisters." We repeat these things every day. But sometimes we forget that they really do pay attention!
She looked at my bible laying on my bed. "Your bible must be old, Nana, because the gold is gone from the edges." "I know. I have had it a long time. I take it everywhere with me." I said. "You have more bibles in your home than anyone I know." Why is that, Nana?" "Well", I answered, "It is a reminder to me that anywhere I look, I can pick up God's Word, and read what message He has for me." "Oh", she said, " That is a good idea, and I see that you journal, too. I really like my new youth bible. It is more than pictures. It is filled with ideas, and it explains everything. I love it!" "Olivia, I am so happy that you are using your new bible. I am very proud of you." I was one proud Nana that day.
I had the children at my home a couple of weeks ago, while their mother went on a medical mission in Guatamala. I had to pick them up from school, and on the way home, Olivia was insistent that I stop at her home so she could pick up her bible. I thought that she had a school project to complete, so I did take her to her home. She came out of the house, with a big smile on her face, clutching her bible and a theme notebook. "So is it for homework?" I inquired. "Oh, no, I just like to read it and write in my journal." She replied. "I find a scripture passage that speaks to me, I write about it, and then I create a prayer to say about what I read." I am sure the look on my face let her know how happy that made me. "That is so wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Who showed you how to do that, your teacher?" She looked confused. "No, Nana, you did!"
I turned my face to the side. The beads of tears ran freely. Children are gifts and sometimes we need to be reminded how precious they are.
Olivia is eight years old. Did it ever come to mind that they are like little sponges from a very young age? Everything you do or say is soaking in and processed by them. "Always wash your hands before helping in the kitchen. Give thanks to God for whatever is placed before you to eat. Be kind and respectful to the elderly. Say please and thank you all the time. Share what you have with others especially your brother and sisters." We repeat these things every day. But sometimes we forget that they really do pay attention!
She looked at my bible laying on my bed. "Your bible must be old, Nana, because the gold is gone from the edges." "I know. I have had it a long time. I take it everywhere with me." I said. "You have more bibles in your home than anyone I know." Why is that, Nana?" "Well", I answered, "It is a reminder to me that anywhere I look, I can pick up God's Word, and read what message He has for me." "Oh", she said, " That is a good idea, and I see that you journal, too. I really like my new youth bible. It is more than pictures. It is filled with ideas, and it explains everything. I love it!" "Olivia, I am so happy that you are using your new bible. I am very proud of you." I was one proud Nana that day.
I had the children at my home a couple of weeks ago, while their mother went on a medical mission in Guatamala. I had to pick them up from school, and on the way home, Olivia was insistent that I stop at her home so she could pick up her bible. I thought that she had a school project to complete, so I did take her to her home. She came out of the house, with a big smile on her face, clutching her bible and a theme notebook. "So is it for homework?" I inquired. "Oh, no, I just like to read it and write in my journal." She replied. "I find a scripture passage that speaks to me, I write about it, and then I create a prayer to say about what I read." I am sure the look on my face let her know how happy that made me. "That is so wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Who showed you how to do that, your teacher?" She looked confused. "No, Nana, you did!"
I turned my face to the side. The beads of tears ran freely. Children are gifts and sometimes we need to be reminded how precious they are.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Dancing Silver
It finally rained. In fact, it has been raining on and off for two days. We truly needed rain. Things have started looking dry and parched and the little animals are searching for sources of water.
Then it came. I watched through my window while sipping on hot coffee. It wasn't a dark rain. There were little spurts of light shining through the clouds. The rain came down hard and fast....rhythm...like dancing silver.
I sat mesmerized by the glistening drops....rhythm....it danced and hit the flowerpots, the chimes, the little lawn ornaments. The bird bath rippled as it too, was filled with rain.
This particular day, I felt the wall of my soul quake. I heard of still another friend attacked by disease. I felt God had disappeared. I was drawn to the outside where I could feel and smell and touch the dancing silver. Everything was wet. It was almost as if the flowers and trees and grasses were joyful, while my heart hurt. I could feel the wet on the nape of my neck, as I turned my head upward. Why God?
I heard deep within....."Draw close to me." Breathe deep. Breathe deep. In the stillness of praise all that had weighed me down slipped away. Silence, peace, grace. Dancing silver.
Then it came. I watched through my window while sipping on hot coffee. It wasn't a dark rain. There were little spurts of light shining through the clouds. The rain came down hard and fast....rhythm...like dancing silver.
I sat mesmerized by the glistening drops....rhythm....it danced and hit the flowerpots, the chimes, the little lawn ornaments. The bird bath rippled as it too, was filled with rain.
This particular day, I felt the wall of my soul quake. I heard of still another friend attacked by disease. I felt God had disappeared. I was drawn to the outside where I could feel and smell and touch the dancing silver. Everything was wet. It was almost as if the flowers and trees and grasses were joyful, while my heart hurt. I could feel the wet on the nape of my neck, as I turned my head upward. Why God?
I heard deep within....."Draw close to me." Breathe deep. Breathe deep. In the stillness of praise all that had weighed me down slipped away. Silence, peace, grace. Dancing silver.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Wisdom of Snoopy
"Sometimes when I get up in the morning, I feel very peculiar. I feel like I've just got to bite a cat! I feel like if I don't bite a cat before sundown, I'll go crazy! But then I just take a deep breath and forget about it. That's what is known as real maturity." (Snoopy)
Ever feel like that? You get up in the morning, and something seems really off. You find yourself wanting to snap, crackle, and pop (and I do not mean eating) the first person who looks at you in the wrong way! The rest of the day seems to bend and turn in all the wrong directions and finally your head is ready to explode like weapons of mass destruction!
But wait.....How did you start your morning? Let's back track. Ok, so you get out of bed and ooooh yep, that feeling comes over you. Now stop right there. Pick up your Bible, prayer book, daily devotions, spiritual journal, take a deep breath, and sit in a comfy chair with a nice hot cup of coffee or tea. Ahhhhhhhh. Now open that spiritual guide and read, pray, offer up your entire day to the Lord. Better? You bet!
When we start our day in the presence of God and offer to Him all our thoughts, works, joys and sufferings, somehow the day seems to flow much more smoothly and our ability to cope with life's daily problems, well, those problems seem to correct themselves.
Take a moment, now, and thank God for showing us how a mature Christian starts his day. Amen.
Ever feel like that? You get up in the morning, and something seems really off. You find yourself wanting to snap, crackle, and pop (and I do not mean eating) the first person who looks at you in the wrong way! The rest of the day seems to bend and turn in all the wrong directions and finally your head is ready to explode like weapons of mass destruction!
But wait.....How did you start your morning? Let's back track. Ok, so you get out of bed and ooooh yep, that feeling comes over you. Now stop right there. Pick up your Bible, prayer book, daily devotions, spiritual journal, take a deep breath, and sit in a comfy chair with a nice hot cup of coffee or tea. Ahhhhhhhh. Now open that spiritual guide and read, pray, offer up your entire day to the Lord. Better? You bet!
When we start our day in the presence of God and offer to Him all our thoughts, works, joys and sufferings, somehow the day seems to flow much more smoothly and our ability to cope with life's daily problems, well, those problems seem to correct themselves.
Take a moment, now, and thank God for showing us how a mature Christian starts his day. Amen.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Beacon of God's Love
Our grandson, Matteo, loves our pastor. Every Sunday after Mass, Matteo stands in line with all the adults, and waits his turn to greet Fr. Dave.
We are at a time in our lives, when good spiritual leadership is needed and that the spiritual guidance given by our shepherds is always in the forefront. We need a strong witness and leader who acts as a beacon and model of Christ's Love, while the culture of evil tries to saturate and smother us from all sides.
Nothing is too insignificant to our pastor, even getting down to the level of the little ones, and letting them know that they are special. He has touched many lives, but especially the children who flock to see him. He is an encouraging sign for all the children to seek holiness. Matteo instinctively knows that Fr. Dave is special, and in turn, our priest lets Matteo know that his is special too!
"Let the little children come to me, and stop keeping them away, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like these." (Matthew 19:14)
We are at a time in our lives, when good spiritual leadership is needed and that the spiritual guidance given by our shepherds is always in the forefront. We need a strong witness and leader who acts as a beacon and model of Christ's Love, while the culture of evil tries to saturate and smother us from all sides.
Nothing is too insignificant to our pastor, even getting down to the level of the little ones, and letting them know that they are special. He has touched many lives, but especially the children who flock to see him. He is an encouraging sign for all the children to seek holiness. Matteo instinctively knows that Fr. Dave is special, and in turn, our priest lets Matteo know that his is special too!
"Let the little children come to me, and stop keeping them away, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like these." (Matthew 19:14)
Thursday, May 10, 2012
I have in my heart...
I brought out the cookie dough today, and my little 2yr. old Sophia stood on a kitchen stool and placed the little round mounds of chocolate chip dough neatly on a baking sheet, and we placed them in the oven to bake, not before her little fingers counted them out to see how many we made. Later in the day, I took Gianna shopping for her birthday gift. She will be six next week and choosing her own gift was an exciting venture for her. After shopping we went out to lunch and chatted and laughed about anything and everything!
Children are living proof that some things are priceless and some miracles really do come true. As a grandmother, I can certainly appreciate the relationship between mothers and their children, because being a grandma is almost the same.
As Mother's Day draws near, my thoughts turn to my mother who no longer is here with us. But, I have in my heart so much to say........
I still have in my heart, mom, the tears you cried with me both silently and aloud.
I have in my heart the laughter you taught me to laugh, so as not to take anything too seriously.
I have in my heart all the sacrifices you made for me, while denying yourself something, so that I might be happy.
I have in my heart the special things a mother says to her child.."don't be afraid...I will be here when you come home from school..you look so pretty......."
I have in my heart, the long hours you took to help me learn my prayers, and do my homework.
I have in my heart, the naps we took together on those hot summer afternoons.
I have in my heart, the bus rides we took to go grocery shopping, because you did not have a car for yourself.
I have in my heart, the sponge baths you lovingly gave me, to soothe my fevered body.
I have in my heart, the care you gave me as an adult with a casted leg and how you helped lift me into a bathtub so that I could take a bubble bath.
I have in my heart the patience and understanding you showed me, so that I could see things through different eyes.
I have in my heart the hurt in your eyes when I lashed out at you in anger and you said not a word in your defense.
I have in my heart the many times you made my favorite soup when I was sick.
I have in my heart the day you showed me how to bathe my first born child.
I have in my heart the worry in your eyes when I was a teen and came home later than expected.
I have in my heart the proud smiles whenever I accomplished a difficult task.
I have in my heart how tenderly you placed ointment on my sun burned skin.
I have in my heart how you allowed me to take a nap on your sofa while you watched my children.
I have in my heart, the times you spent the night at my home.
I have in my heart the last Christmas you spent with us here, and how relaxed and happy you were.
I have in my heart your 80th birthday celebration with all of our family, and how pretty you looked, and how your eyes seemed to sparkle a bit differently that day.
I have in my heart the day you had that stroke which stole your speech.
I have in my heart how when I asked you if I was a good daughter, you struggled to say, "yes, you were a good girl."
I have in my heart the morning we said good-bye to you as God took you home to be with him.
I have you, mom, nestled in my heart forever, so I will never forget how much you mean to me and how much I love you. Thank you, mom....thank you.......
Children are living proof that some things are priceless and some miracles really do come true. As a grandmother, I can certainly appreciate the relationship between mothers and their children, because being a grandma is almost the same.
As Mother's Day draws near, my thoughts turn to my mother who no longer is here with us. But, I have in my heart so much to say........
I still have in my heart, mom, the tears you cried with me both silently and aloud.
I have in my heart the laughter you taught me to laugh, so as not to take anything too seriously.
I have in my heart all the sacrifices you made for me, while denying yourself something, so that I might be happy.
I have in my heart the special things a mother says to her child.."don't be afraid...I will be here when you come home from school..you look so pretty......."
I have in my heart, the long hours you took to help me learn my prayers, and do my homework.
I have in my heart, the naps we took together on those hot summer afternoons.
I have in my heart, the bus rides we took to go grocery shopping, because you did not have a car for yourself.
I have in my heart, the sponge baths you lovingly gave me, to soothe my fevered body.
I have in my heart, the care you gave me as an adult with a casted leg and how you helped lift me into a bathtub so that I could take a bubble bath.
I have in my heart the patience and understanding you showed me, so that I could see things through different eyes.
I have in my heart the hurt in your eyes when I lashed out at you in anger and you said not a word in your defense.
I have in my heart the many times you made my favorite soup when I was sick.
I have in my heart the day you showed me how to bathe my first born child.
I have in my heart the worry in your eyes when I was a teen and came home later than expected.
I have in my heart the proud smiles whenever I accomplished a difficult task.
I have in my heart how tenderly you placed ointment on my sun burned skin.
I have in my heart how you allowed me to take a nap on your sofa while you watched my children.
I have in my heart, the times you spent the night at my home.
I have in my heart the last Christmas you spent with us here, and how relaxed and happy you were.
I have in my heart your 80th birthday celebration with all of our family, and how pretty you looked, and how your eyes seemed to sparkle a bit differently that day.
I have in my heart the day you had that stroke which stole your speech.
I have in my heart how when I asked you if I was a good daughter, you struggled to say, "yes, you were a good girl."
I have in my heart the morning we said good-bye to you as God took you home to be with him.
I have you, mom, nestled in my heart forever, so I will never forget how much you mean to me and how much I love you. Thank you, mom....thank you.......
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