Today's Motto

From today's morning prayer:

Teach us to be loving not only in great and exceptional moments,
but above all in the ordinary events of daily life.

 This year's Christmas puzzle

Mary Consoles Eve

 

O Eve!

My mother, my daughter, life-giving Eve,

Do not be ashamed, do not grieve.

The former things have passed away,

Our God has brought us to a New Day.

See, I am with Child,

Through whom all will be reconciled.

O Eve! My sister, my friend,

We will rejoice together

Forever

Life without end.

— Sr Columba Guare © 2005 Sisters of the Mississippi Abbey

 

I found this image on the internet a few years ago (most recently here and here), and have never forgotten it.  It is deceptively simple, yet so beautiful and profound.

 

Created by a sister at Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey, the picture and poem have been made into matted prints as well as greeting and Christmas cards.  My print is propped up in the family room, beautifying the space and encouraging meditation while it waits for a frame.

Easter Triumph

Daniel introduced our family to singer Matt Maher, a fantastic artist who's produced three CD's.  My favorite is the middle one, Alive Again.

This song, "Christ is Risen," has been in my head lately, so I decided to share it via this visual meditation.  (There are just a few bloody images from The Passion.)


Below is a short interview in which Matt explains how this song was inspired by an Easter sermon of St. John Chrysostom's.

And here's a link to that sermon.  Isn't the internet wonderful?

Happy Easter!  Remember, it's not over until Pentecost!

A Blessed Easter

I pray you're enjoying a happy, holy Easter.  Here is the latest update from Rome:

 

Happy Easter to all of you back in the USA!!!

 

The past couple of days have been crazy but amazing!  On Good Friday, we had a retreat in the morning for the boys and then went to St. Peters to wait in line for the Liturgy of the Passion.  We were able to get awesome seats for this and some of the boys were able to get very close to the Pope as he processed out at the end.

 

Yesterday, we were very busy!  We visited St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, the catacombs, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and many  other things. 

 

Today, Easter Sunday, we got up early so we could get a good spot in line to get into St. Peters Square (sorry...international keyboard that does not seem to have an apostrophe) for Easter Sunday Mass with the Holy Father.  Well, we did get good seats, front row!!!  It was a beautiful Mass...some of the boys even made it on the huge screens that they set up in the square for those who are far away.  It was a beautiful liturgy.  Afterwards we went to Trastevere for a nice sit down lunch as a group and the boys are now playing sports.  Tomorrow is Assisi and then we head home.  We have been keeping all of you in our prayers, and look forward to seeing everyone Tuesday night!  I hope you are all having a blessed Easter!

Stations at Home

Although our parish prays the Stations of the Cross on Friday evenings during Lent, our family hardly ever goes.  For many years we had small children and Stations was just too late and too long for them.  We sometimes make it these days, but Joe's violin lesson is now a conflict.

Our solution:  Stations at home.  We dim the lights and burn candles, one for each station.  We pray together, using large pictures and an appropriate-for-children meditation booklet.  After each event, a candle is snuffed out.  This makes a solemn contrast to the Advent wreath, which gets brighter with each passing week.

Once upon a time we used a child made (love those co-ops!) stand that held small tapers (Shabbat candles from the grocery store).  A few years ago Len made one that holds tea lights, which are easier to manage and just as lovely.

 Here's a photo taken with the flash, so you can better see the layout:

The stand sounds relatively simple to make for a handy person.  Len routed the edges of a board, then used a spade bit to cut the depressions.  Sanded, painted, done!

 

BTW, Len's handiness was a complete bonus--I was clueless about this side of him when we married.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

During yesterday's gospel, this song leaped into my head.  I became aware of this old carol just a few years ago, but it's now one of my favorite Advent hymns.



Updated to answer a private comment:  Yes, I know the Immaculate Conception refers to Mary's conception without original sin.  This song sounds like it's more about Jesus' conception/incarnation, but it follows the gospel reading for December 8th.  "The angel Gabriel was sent from God . . . "  Hailing Mary as "full of grace" and (in the song) "most highly favored lady" reminds me of her sinlessness.  Anyway, happy listening!

Second Week of Advent

"Prayer, mortification, and good example will always form the basis of the Christian apostolate . . . Apostolate springs from a great love for Christ."

Francis Fernandez, In Conversation with God

How is your Advent going?  We got off to a slow start, but it's not too late to make progress.

'Tis the Season

The Easter season, that is . . .

When Lent begins, we decorate and then hide "Alleluias."  They're retreived later, as we pull down purple ribbons and our "Repent" letters.

The golden blocks rest above the study doors, but sometimes they seem too high to be noticed throughout the day.

Last week we were inspired to tape our small cards all over the house.  They're impossible to miss now! 

We see them on doors . . .

In the kitchen . . .

(Keeping it real--the microwave would look cleaner photographed  in shadow!)

Can't miss Alleluia on a bathroom mirror . . .

It may seem silly, but running into this joyful word over and over again does change the script in my head.  I'll catch myself singing (to myself or aloud) a favorite chorus from Mass.  We might sing it again before grace or a regular devotion.

There are so many because some of these cards are from previous years.  I appreciate the varying styles and skills, but constant enthusiasm.

Happy Easter!

Art for Lent

We homeschoolers are studying the paintings in Jesus of Nazareth:  A Life of Christ Through Pictures.  For these several weeks we're soaking in the artistic and religious beauty.

All the paintings in the book are owned by the National Gallery of Art, so to finish up we'll take a trip downtown to see them in person.  They're not all on display, but I am able to search online to find out which pictures are up and (this is key!) which rooms they're in.  I'll map out our visit so we can maximize enjoyment without exhausting attention spans.

I did this project years ago with an earlier batch of students, so I know it will be meaningful and fun.  A museum visit makes a great field trip for the whole family (maybe Easter break for us) or a group of friends.  We'll see other works, too, but I prefer having a focus for our outing.

About the book:  my county library has only four copies left (many more years ago), so I bought a used one in very good condition for a great price from Amazon.  If you want to try this, it's not too late to get started!

About the gallery:  If you're interested in my chart of paintings currently on view at the NGA, send me an email and I'll get it to you once I've completed it.  My address is LRice31 trash at cox dot net (take out the trash).  In addition to location, the nga website also has a few paragraphs of information about most of the pictures.  I'm adding the commentary to my document, but you may be interested in looking it up for yourself in the meantime.

About picture study:  Here's a quick "how to" from Simply Charlottle Mason: 

Picture Study

Art appreciation was one part of Charlotte’s “spreading the feast” before her students; and her method, as always, was gentle and inviting. Display a picture and mention the artist who created it. Have children look at the picture until they can see it clearly in their minds’ eye. When all children are ready, turn the picture over or close the book and ask them to describe the picture. When their narration is finished, display the picture again and notice together any new aspects. Summarize any accompanying information if desired, but be careful not to interfere with each child’s forming his own relationship with the artist’s work. This study is not a lesson in art criticism. Display the picture in a prominent location in your home so children can look at it throughout the week.

Continue to study works by the same artist for several weeks until the children become familiar with that artist’s style. If possible, read a short biography about that artist sometime during your study of his or her work.

What Are You Doing for Lent?

Lent is starting so late this year (next Wednesday, March 9) that I haven't spent much time thinking about what I'm going to offer (or offer up) in an attempt to grow spiritually.

A few ideas are percolating (limiting blog reading, fasting--but not enough to make me nuts, spending time In Conversation With God ); I may or may not let you know what I decide.  My goal for today was to get you thinking about Lent if you have procrastinated, too.

Feast of the Guardian Angels

When I get to Heaven (let's hope!), one thing I'm looking forward to (besides Beauty) is knowledge and understanding. I'm hoping God will show me why some events happened in my life and in the world. I also want to see the unknown part others played--human, angelic, and God himself.

What does this have to do with our guardian angels? We're told they are looking out for our physical and spiritual well-being, helping to protect and influence us. This reminds me of a passage in C. S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters, when a demon's "patient" has died and begins to truly see. Here is how the devil Screwtape describes it to his nephew, Wormwood:

     How well I know what happened at the instant when they snatched him from you! There was a sudden clearing of his eyes (was there not?) as he saw you for the first time, and recognised the part you had had in him and knew that you had it no longer . . .


     As he saw you, he also saw Them. I know how it was. You reeled back dizzy and blinded, more hurt by them than he had ever been by bombs. The degradation of it!--that this thing of earth and slime could stand upright and converse with spirits before whom you, a spirit, could only cower. Perhaps you had hoped that the awe and strangeness of it would dash his joy. But that is the cursed thing; the [angels] are strange to mortal eyes, and yet they are not strange. He had no faintest conception till that very hour of how they would look, and even doubted their existence. But when he saw them he knew that he had always known them and realised what part each one of them had played at many an hour in his life when he had supposed himself alone, so that now he could say to them, one by one, not, "Who are you?" but, "So it was you all the time."

Wow! What an image!

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As far as physical protection goes, now and then I read a miraculous story--you know the type--someone feels an invisible push as disaster whizzes by. It's not that I don't believe, but I'll bet our angels are involved more subtly and frequently than we can guess.

For example, when David was a young non-swimmer, our family hiked with my cousin and her husband to a remote creek and waterhole in Tennessee. As toddler Daniel and baby Joseph occupied my attention on shore, David slipped off a sloping rock and into water over his head.

I didn't actually see it happen; I looked up to see David's hands above the water! He was about 10 feet from the edge, 20-30 feet from me. I laid the baby on the pebbles, hustled into the swimming hole, and hauled/pushed David back onto the rock and the beach. He choked up some water, ate some Cheese Nips, and appeared no worse for the wear.

What got me (once the adrenalin wore off) was just how close a call we'd had. A few minutes before, there had been four or five adults around the hole. When I looked up, they were gone. Only my cousin and Lauren were left, sitting in a (noisy) little waterfall, with their backs to me. No one could hear me. No one (including me) had seen David slip. If I hadn't looked up when I did, I might not have known he was in the water at all.

I'm convinced a guardian angel (David's or mine) tapped me on the shoulder and got me to look up from the diaper I was changing. I don't KNOW it, but I can't wait to find out some day and have the chance to offer another grateful, "Thank you!"

Laudable Exchange

The more internet savvy Elizabeth found a link (Thank you!) to the JMT/St. Clare song I wrote about last night. Find it here (scroll down a bit).

(Apparently it only works once for free.)

Feast of St. Clare of Assisi

Inspired by St. Francis, St. Clare gave herself completely to God and founded the contemplative order now known as the Poor Clares.

In his CD, Meditations from Solitude, John Michael Talbot adapts the writings of several holy souls into lovely songs. He opens with "The Sea/Laudable Exchange" based on one of St. Clare's letters. I wish you could hear it, but at least enjoy the poetry and prayer:

Leave the things of time
For the things of eternity
Choose the things of heaven
O'er the goods of the earth
Obtain the hundred fold
In the place of the one
And so possess a blessed and eternal life

What a laudable exchange!
What a great and praiseworthy blessing!
What a laudable exchange!

Because of this I have resolved
To always progress from good to better
To be faithful in His service
To always progress from virtue to virtue
To obtain the hundred fold
In the place of the one
And so possess a blessed and eternal life

Leave the things of time
For the things of eternity

UPDATED: Thanks to Elizabeth, who is more internet savvy than I am, here's a link to the song! Scroll down the page to hear it all.* You'll be glad...

*Apparently it only works once for free.

Easter Baskets

When I was growing up, each child had her own Easter basket filled with candy, and we hunted for dyed, hard-boiled eggs. My children (with their local cousins) hunt for plastic eggs filled with candy (20 each) and share a family basket.

The contents of the family basket vary each year. Once everyone received a picture/story book. I usually include candy that's not wrapped or doesn't fit in a plastic egg--jelly beans, malted milk eggs, Peeps, etc.

Last year I set up a mini-hunt for a big gift: each child received a plastic egg with a clue that let to another egg. Inside each of those was a piece of the map that led to the treasure: a Wii. It had not been apparent that we would ever get one, so the surprise/delight factor was quite high. ;-)

This year's basket was more low key, with a few sweets and smaller gifts: a dvd of the gospel of Mark, and two games. Just like last week, I spent too much time decorating cookies, but it was fun.And then there was the less elaborate creation for Mr. "No-thanks-I'd-rather-have-mine-without-icing":Sometimes less is more, you know?

At Last

Lent, Day 10: The Jesus Tree is finally ready! The plan is to cover two stories/ornaments each day until we catch up.

Daniel, who is on midwinter break (crazy, I know--my high school boys are going to end up with just 6 1/2 days of school this February!), helped us cut and glue some more ornaments today. This will be our Friday school craft until all 47 are done.

Lenten Attitude

From the Ash Wednesday liturgy:

"Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment."

Joel 2:12-13

The phrase, "Rend your hearts, not your garments," has always struck me with its succint poetry. Sacrifice and mortification are worthwhile, but not for their own sake. My Lenten observances should not be cultural or on the level of New Year's self-improvement.

God wants me to fast for love of Him and sorrow for my sins. That's my challenge this year--to not just keep my commitments, but to keep the reasons in mind.

Feast of the Presentation

Today we remember baby Jesus' presentation in the temple, when Simeon the prophet recognized him as the Messiah.

Michael Card's touching song, "Now That I've Held Him in My Arms" is a must-listen for me on this day. I found a version on YouTube, but can't post it here because embedding is disabled. Follow this link to the video--you'll be glad you did!

Hung by the Chimney With Care

Len hung the stockings several weeks ago. After the lighted tree, the mantle is my favorite Christmas decoration. I smile whenever I look at it.

These stockings are an ancient family tradition, being almost as old as me. ;-) My mom's friend, Sue, made mine when I was little. Mom copied it, creating new ones for each of my siblings. Every stocking was uniquely decorated, but mine was the best--the Christmas tree adorned with bits of cast off jewelry. When Len joined the family, Mom made his with animal ornaments. I took responsibility for Lauren's stocking, and eventually made hers with a tree like mine.We (Mom and I both made some) then followed tradition, making different designs for succeeding stockings.

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Eventually I was no longer satisfied. David didn't like his, I didn't like Daniel's (the sequin snowflakes got bent when I ironed webbing on the back), and Joe's ornaments seemed babyish after a few years.

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When Marianna was a few years old and overdue for her own stocking (this non-sewer procrastinated but wouldn't let her mom make one, either...), I decided to remake the boys' while creating hers. I wanted everyone to have a Christmas tree.

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It was fun to map out the different decorations. Every tree has a candy cane and a garland shaped like mine.

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Putting them together was NOT fun, especially because I waited so long. As I remember it now, I had a crew going in the basement, sewing on trinkets and writing names with fabric paint--Mom, Len, Lauren, me, and maybe my dad, too. When the Christmas Eve festivities were over at my in-laws', Mom and I stayed up LATE putting the pieces together. Of course, my mom did most of that work, since she can sew. Maybe that's when I glittered on the names. It's all a bit hazy now...

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As the years have passed, I've also made stockings for the young women who have lived with us, plus some of their babies and my Rebecca, usually finishing the ordeal at the last minute. Although satisfying to complete, I have to admit I'm relieved to not be making any this year!

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Here are a few more close-ups:Sorry, the rest of my photos came out even more blurry or dark or bright, and I'm not retaking any now! Instead of indulging myself by posting I should be making egg nog or cinnamon rolls or onion soup or breakfast casserole right now, or maybe wrapping presents. It's still too early to run out for the last groceries. :-)

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Enjoy your day and have a blessed and happy Christmas.Still waiting for Jesus...

Don't Let Your Kids Read This Post

Or, How the Rockettes Reminded Me Why We Don't "Do" Santa

The Rockettes brought a version of their famous Radio City Christmas show to Virginia this week, and I attended with my mother-in-law and the two little girls.

The dancers are definitely talented: energetic, coordinated, and athletic. Some of their costumes were too scanty (faux see-through) and some of their numbers had as much posing and writhing as [what I would call] dancing, but their "can-can" feats and tin soldier precision were truly impressive. Overall, the show was a bit over the top, not exactly my taste, but whatever...

It was the Santa stuff that got me thinking deep thoughts, however. This "right jolly old elf" was on stage several times, which was fine...but...

There was a skit about two boys encountering Santa: a 14 year old skeptic (maybe the toughest kind there is) and his younger brother, a "believer". The boys were transported to the North Pole and back, acquiring the perfect last minute gift for their little sister, and in the process the teen became a "believer" too. The script emphasized over and over again the magic of Christmas and the need to believe in the magic.

I remembered that a Nativity scene was coming up later, and that's when I had my moment of clarity. Putting all that empasis on the importance of believing in someone who's not real and something that's not true can make it harder to believe the mystery of the Incarnation--the eternal God becoming human--infant, sacrifice, and Savior. When the gospel was read by the same characters (and good for the producers, not making a 100% secular Christmas show), it could almost as easily have been another pleasant, inspiring tale, like the Santa episode.

And that's why our family doesn't pretend Santa is real. I don't want to encourage my children to believe truth AND untruth, don't want the potential confusion, don't want to lie (that's how it feels to me).

I know most other families have made a different decision, and I'm okay with that. Not that anyone has asked for my opinion or permission! :-) As it happens, I grew up in a "Santa family", and don't even remember "finding out", so apparently it was no big deal for me. And I'm absolutely NOT writing this to say my way is best, but to explain where I'm coming from, what I've believed for the past 20 years.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Making Advent Special

Once upon a time, Christmas was in December. Then it crept into November. Today, the stores are filled with ornaments, gifts, and tinsel by Halloween, if not sooner.

While I doubt it’s possible to actually reverse the rushed, commercial direction of Christmas, I do believe we can use these December days to prepare our hearts for celebrating Christ’s birth. In fact, the Church has already mapped out a plan for us—the four weeks of Advent.

Read the rest at Phases of Womanhood.