Off to College

     Our daughter leaves for college for the first time in less than a week. Last Sunday at the conclusion of Mass, our Parish Priest called all of the first time college students forward for a Blessing. I must say I had not cried about her leaving home until that moment. As we prayed together, sending them forth, I realize this is part of  God's plan. She has grown up and  become independent. She will enter a new life with new challenges. In her Thank-you letter for the gifts and prayers that was published in the church bulletin she wrote about her plans to join the University Parish while in college. She will encounter many new and bright people much like herself. She will also encounter people who will be blocking the road of her journey to a more mature relationship with Christ. Praying daily for her to have the  strength to overcome those blockades tops our prayer list.
     One of the gifts from the Parish was the English version of YOUCAT, The Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church. While reading it  I came across this quote,
      "The greatest gift that man can have this side of heaven is to be able to get along well with the people with whom he lives." Bl. Egidio of Assisi (?-1262, one of the closest companions of St . Francis of Assisi)
We  pray many prayers for our daughter. One prayer is the gift to get along well with people. God Bless Our Daughter.

What a Glorious Day

When our son made his First Holy Communion a year ago it was a glorious day! He was dressed in his new suit. White shirt, bow tie and new shiny shoes. So excited. So nervous. So everything. After he came back from the altar, knelt down and bowed his head. After a little while he looked back and caught my eye. He mouthed these words. " I feel different, really I do!" Who says an 8 year old doesn't understand what is going on. Blessed I tell you. Truly blessed.

Our 8 year old son just returned from his first Boy Scout meeting. He was so excited. The first thing he had to report was the fact that over 80% of boys who are involved in Boy Scouts graduate HS. Then he told me that a lot of the astronauts were Boys Scouts once too. I guess I'm going to have to do a little research and check his facts. I have a feeling he is probably correct. He usually is.

Our Daughter

Prayer is something that cannot be stopped. A very serious thing, prayer. Our daughter is learning more and more about prayer. The wonders of a teenager. The joys of a spirit filled teen is a joy that cannot be duplicated. Confirmed in Christ, forever and ever, AMEN.

Our Son

I was so surprised when I saw this picture that our seven year old son had taken. Walking around the church hall with the camera he chose to take a picture of this crucifix. To my delight the picture turned out very well considering it was taken through a glass show case. Our church has a small selection of religious articles for sale displayed in a built in showcase. He is very serious when it comes to prayer. God has blessed us!