HE Is Risen, Indeed!

Blessings, this Easter! The victory is won.

Daybook, March 10, 2014

FOR TODAY ...Monday, March 10, 2014

Outside my window...It is still dark, thanks to the time change.

I am thinking...I have much cleaning to do today.

I am thankful for...Boys that are able to help lift, carry and lighten the load.

From the learning rooms...The oldest is ploughing through his work in order to be able to leave in June. The youngest is ploughing through his work to see if I will really allow him to be done when the work is done. And I will. No one should be punished for finishing a job. Math and reading are year-round here, but the other subjects...done is done.

From the kitchen...I'm visiting Pintrest when I'm done here.

I am wearing...something warm.

I am creating...I just got done making a tunic for the oldest's performance a week ago. I will be picking my first quilting attempt back up. I really want to finish some (okay, several) knitting WIPs.

I am going...to drive the oldest this afternoon, just like I always do. Driving to dance, driving to dance.

I am reading...Just raced through Marie Lu's Legend and gave it to the youngest. Debating between Daughter of the Forest and A Song for Summer .

I am hoping...

I am hearing...the clock tick, the furnace run and a few neighbors leaving for work.

Around the house...Lenten cleaning.

One of my favorite things...My new sewing machine.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Same song, next verse.

 Have a joyful week!!


Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more Daybookers.

Daybook...April 25, 2011

FOR TODAY ...April 25, 2011...

Outside my window...the splash of tires through the rain, determined birdsong.

I am thinking...about Easter Vigil, the Great Service of Light, the Mother of all Holy Vigils, my most-favorite Mass of the year.

It was so hard to get there this year. I don't mean to be overly dramatic, but do you ever feel like "something/someone" is at work to keep you out of church? It was dicey up to the moment I sat down in the pew whether or not I would get to worship with our church family. Things just kept...happening that would have made it so much easier just to give up and go home and pull the covers over my head...but

I am thankful for...the fact that we made it!

It was even more beautiful than in years past. For those who've not ever been, the first part of the Mass is done in darkness with a few moments of candlelight. And then for the Gospel, the lights blaze with the "Alleluia" that has been buried for the whole of Lent.

The joy of Easter was just tangible. Over twenty new members were welcomed fully into our congregation during this service. A family of four stood in the Baptismal font and were baptized together. It was exciting to watch my boys watch and remember their Baptism, Confirmation, and first Holy Eucharist only three short years ago. It seems like we have always been there. God is so good.

From the learning rooms...the boys are each working on a project for a different country. They will be presenting their projects in May. Just to us, but we will video it. Much work to be done!

From the kitchen...Left-over corn beef will turn into Reubens.

I am wearing...still in jammies...sigh...

I am creating...I need to start working on next year's lesson plan.

I am going...nowhere fast, sitting in front of the computer.

I am reading...Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher. I've read it before, but I tend to reread books when I need to relieve stress.

I am hoping...my husband will have a good day at work today.

I am hearing...my husband making his second cup of coffee.

Around the house...my landlord will be putting in new windows in a week or so. I must clear a path.

One of my favorite things...Reubens! I am looking forward to lunch.

A few plans for the rest of the week:I must take the van in to have it serviced.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...some earrings I made for Roo's friend, who we all are very fond of.



Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more daybookers.

Tocata for Tuesday

Amazing! That just doesn't seem like it could be possible. Enjoy!



H/T to Barbara at Mommy Life!

Daybook...March 21, 2011

FOR TODAY ...March 21, 2011...

Outside my window...My windows are open!! I love this weather! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, there is a light breeze! Sounds like the beginning of a cliche, but I will take it.

I am thinking...of making a large change in the way we do things around here. There is the potential for upheaval and drama, but the end goal is a little more peace and family time.

I am thankful for...a husband who lets me work out my thoughts out loud. Children who are ready to take a leap of faith and trust our judgment.

From the learning rooms...Roo is working on Italy; Boo is learning about Ireland. Reports at the end of the year.

From the kitchen...TBLTs for lunch...Turkey bacon. My sandwich will be with rye and some feta cheese, because I'm just crazy like that.

I am wearing...clothes from doing yoga.

I am creating...a bag, two shawls, some scarves and socks! Has anyone else done this type of knitting?

I am going...to finish what we started, but start gearing up for a new plan.

I am reading...the same books I was last week.

I am hoping...that I speak with gentleness, but remain firm in my convictions.

I am hearing...BIRDS!!

Around the house...hopefully we can get into the garage soon to sort and organize.

One of my favorite things...music. My husband hooked up a CD player in my room so I can have my music when I want.

A few plans for the rest of the week:much driving, rehearsal for Roo, a show at the end of the week.


Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more daybookers.

Friday Five

There's a lot that I think I want to say. But there is a lot to do today. What I will say is that I have no doubt that I am where God wants me to be today.

But truly...I wish I was on a beach. But God does know best.

One thing there is no doubt I am glad I a was wrong about at 12, 18 and 28 is that I am very, very glad I am a mom. And just in case anyone wondered, my boys were very planned for. No surprises. At least as far as the due dates. Raising children is fraught with surprises!!

So for today you get five pictures!

Every fall I take pictures of the boys. I used to use them as my blog headers early on. Here are the parting shots from the last five years:

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Hope your Friday is fabulous!

Count it all joy,

Julie

Daybook...March 14, 2011

FOR TODAY ...March 14, 2011...

Outside my window...IT IS SNOWING!!!! Really? I need to get on the road!

I am thinking..."REALLY???? I need to get on the road!"

I am thankful for...My husband who has been very understanding on this long journey to menopause--that is still not over.

From the learning rooms...One boy does school on the road, one boy does school at home with Dad.

From the kitchen... I will not be in mine.

I am wearing... Pajamas. I need to get dressed and on the road. But it's SNOWING!

I am creating...I have about seven knitting projects going. My goal is to finish ONE, 1, one, uno, next week.

I am going...to take care of a relatives needs for a short while.

I am reading...Salem Falls, by Jodi Picoult and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (yes, again).

I am hoping...for safe travel. Actually, I am praying for that.

I am hearing...the clock ticking.

Around the house...Everyone else is asleep.

One of my favorite things...a quiet cup of coffee in the morning.

A few plans for the rest of the week:Driving...

No picture today. Hopefully, I can start sharing some soon.

Off the computer now. Must load the van. Hopefully the snow will lighten up soon. Will be visiting my bloggy neighbors this evening when Boo and I touch down.

Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more daybookers.

FiveThings to Be Thankful For this Friday: A Bump in the Road

I really pondered giving up driving for Lent.

I do not like automobiles.

But I don't think my Lenten journey should involve giving up one of my many jobs: Chauffeur.

My children need driving. I must head north to visit my father. The grocery store is too far away to walk....Nah...cannot give up driving.

But that said...

I spent all yesterday morning getting vehicles serviced, waiting in waiting rooms, getting vehicles tagged & paying taxes, standing in lines, driving, driving, driving.

I got home and my husband planned on taking his lunch break to run to the hardware store.

Two minutes later he called me. "Did you know that you were driving on a flat tire?"

Today, my husband is waiting for a new set of tires. We had hoped to put this off until closer to summer...Nahhh...Why put off tomorrow and all that...jazz.

Here's my Five Thankfuls:

At least it was at a slow speed.
At least the rim was not bent.
At least the weather was not bad.
At least it was close to home.
At least I wasn't driving. (I would have just sat down on the curb and cried.)

Dear Lord: Thank you for transportation and safe travel. Help us to be responsible with our resources. Teach us to see the good in the midst of the challenges. Thank you for my husband who keeps me trucking along.

Counting it all joy,

Julie

Acclimating

ac·cli·mate Verb /ˈakləˌmāt/ /əˈklīmit/

1. To accustom or become accustomed to a new climate or environment or new conditions; to adapt.
2. Respond physiologically or behaviorally to a change in a single environmental factor
3. Harden off (a plant)

I love it when I've finally acclimated to winter. I can wear one pair of normal socks in the house. I can wear one layer of clothing inside. I can open the door and not cringe. I can run out and warm up the car with a sweater thrown over my shoulders instead of completely bundling completely up. Hopefully it's not because I've added too many layers to my personal insulation. (I'm not stepping on the scale today to find out!)

Basically I've adapted to this winter and the snow and the wind and the cold.

Just in time for the weather to take a turn and show signs of spring.

But I'm not complaining. I am willing to return to warmer temperatures. I am willing to see the green grass and robins. I'd like to try to start (and acclimate a few garden plants this year).

Chameleons adapt to their surroundings to avoid sticking out and become an easy target for predators.

Acclimating to me seems like it should be a good thing. But I don't know that it always is.

I find myself acclimating to my surroundings pretty easily. I don't know about you, but I find myself out in "the world" on a daily basis. And it seems easier to acclimate myself to "the world" than to brace myself and hold on to the things I know to be better choices.

When the boys were little it seemed easier to stay insulated and, dare I say, safe. Now we are gone from home six and sometimes seven nights a week. We are surrounded by choices. Not all of them bad, but not all of them what I would wish for our family.

So often it seems easier to shed a few layers of personal convictions to avoid conflict and difficult discussions. It seems easier to at least avoid talking about beliefs and convictions anyway.

I am grateful that the LORD has blessed me and surrounded me by women who share my faith, but more and more I see, that while we can talk amongst ourselves, topics turn other directions when we are joined by others with different political or religious leanings.

Perhaps we are all acclimating.

How do you keep from acclimating to the world?

I have, in the past, "fasted" my blog for Lent. Considering that I haven't blogged for ages, and that there has been a pressure on my heart telling me it is time to return, I am fasting some other things and returning to my blog. Not all of my bloggy postings will be deep and spiritual, I am sure. But I feel the need to be obedient in returning. So...I am going to try. We shall see.

Heavenly Father, I thank you that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. You have created us to adapt and survive in many climates and situations. Please protect our hearts from becoming acclimated to worldly things. Help us to change our corner of the world to your glory. Amen.

Finding joy in all things,

Julie

'Nuff Said...

Daybook...September 27, 2010

FOR TODAY ...May , 2009...

Outside my window...it's 45 degrees and fair. Looks like a lovely day.

I am thinking..."Where did this year go???"

I am thankful for...my husband and the nearly eighteen years we have been married.

From the learning rooms...trying for a routine this week. We've had so many doctor's and dentist and other appointments lately. I want to have a routine!!

From the kitchen...it depends on my wonderful husband who has taken over a lot of the cooking at night since I am gone so much this (ballet school) year. His options are grilled fish or "Daddy's chicken fingers."

I am wearing...comfortable layers that can quickly be removed or added back depending on the state of my hot flashes.

I am creating...in progress, on needles: three scarves, three afghans, one shawl and hopefully some hair bows and some jewelry if I can see my way clear to my workspace.

I am going...to PSR with son #2 and ballet with son #1.

I am reading...I just finished The Godmother by Carrie Adams. I was looking for something light and quick. Quick it was, definitely British (which I love) but not the fast and funny chick lit I had imagined by the cover art or the synopsis on the back. A bit edgy and sad, with a moral to the story (but questionable character morals--so if you would be offended, avoid reading). Truly a book that pulled me in and demanded to be finished immediately.

I am hoping...I really don't have a cold.

I am hearing...the computer, the clock and some cars off the highway.

Around the house...trying to find: the floor, my bed, a plan that works, a clone to do the boring stuff.

One of my favorite things...walking with my husband.

A few plans for the rest of the week:box up homeschool work and records that can be filed. Organize some things that can be sold.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...This was the house I spent five weeks in during the summer. With nineteen kids. With NO INTERNET working on MY computer--everyone else's computer worked! I really had no business on the internet, anyway. That turned out to be a blessing.


Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more daybookers.

Life Means So Much

Teach us to count the days
Teach us to make the days count
Lead us in better ways
That somehow our souls forgot
Life means so much
~Chris Rice~




Psalm 90

Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.

Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You turn men back to dust,
saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men."

For a thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.

You sweep men away in the sleep of death;
they are like the new grass of the morning-

though in the morning it springs up new,
by evening it is dry and withered.

We are consumed by your anger
and terrified by your indignation.

You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.

All our days pass away under your wrath;
we finish our years with a moan.

The length of our days is seventy years—
or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

Who knows the power of your anger?
For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.

Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Relent, O LORD! How long will it be?
Have compassion on your servants.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.

May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendor to their children.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.

Your Ways...Not Mine

Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees;
then I will keep them to the end.

Give me understanding, and I will keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.

Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.

Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.

Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.

Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.

Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.

How I long for your precepts!
Preserve my life in your righteousness.

Psalm 119: 33-40

Finding Joy

Tuesday I closed my post, "Trying to count it all joy," which is not very like me.

I am in the middle of things. I am getting ready to help a family member make a large move, leaving my husband and boys behind. My boys and I have never been apart for more than a few days. Then I am going to take the boys across country and leave my husband for one of the longest stretches that we've ever been apart. My son and I are learning to deal with his asthma. I am trying to put the house in order for my two absences.

Truly I wasn't finding the joy in much.

Last Christmas I could not find my favorite ornaments. Not fancy expensive ornaments--just little cross-stitched ornaments that said, "JOY." These ornaments are the reason I named my blog "Joyful Days." I looked and looked and could not find them. I talk about them in the second post I ever wrote.

I missed my little ornaments last year.

Yesterday I was cleaning a closet and in a bag of dinosaur bones--okay wooden and plastic dinosaur bones (we homeschool...what can I say?) I found my ornaments.



I told you they weren't very fancy.

But they were just the little nudge from God that I needed to remember the joy.

He moves in mysterious ways.

Counting it all joy again,

Julie

The Dementor

I have met the dementor and I know his name.

It is Asthma.

His friends are known as Fear, Panic and Anxiety. Too bad this is not Hogwarts, there is no Patronus charm and all the chocolate in the world will not make it go away.

We are dealing with asthma at my house. Both of my boys were diagnosed with "exercise induced asthma" in early March. My oldest seems to be dealing with it quite well. My younger however...not so much.

When the asthma journey began with the "exercise induced" label, I thought, "Okay. Not great, but we can deal with this. We can work around it."

It seems everyone has heard of Olympic athletes with asthma. In fact somewhere between 10-20% of Olympic athletes apparently have asthma. Well who doesn't want to be compared to an Olympic athlete?? We could DO this.

As I said, my oldest set off, Albuterol in hand and his breathing during dancing improved. But the youngest...well, it seemed to work for a short time. And then the coughing and the poor coloring returned; sometimes while dancing, sometimes just randomly.

He's been through allergy testing, pulmonary function testing, doctors' visits and even an emergency room visit. At one point he had ten medications going into his small body. I've held him as he's struggled to breathe. He's cried (which seems to exacerbate the situation, but he can't stop) because his chest hurts so badly.

We've been up at all hours, missed anticipated events, struggled with bedtime, struggled with leaving the house, going back to ballet, and worst of all for me--struggled with attending church.

The learning curve for this mommy has been steep. Everyone thinks they know something about asthma--many think it is just about allergies. And sometimes for some people it is. I've had a health care professional (who we know personally) insist it is all "in his head." Really???? That was meant to be helpful?

What I have learned is that asthma is a disease. It may appear to "go away" for awhile, but it is always there lurking. Symptoms are treated, not cured, although there are some things that appear to help improve breathing and stretch out the time between episodes. Some parents have told me that at a certain age their child "outgrew" it. Although I have a friend in his 60s who never did.

Each parent I've talked to (and it's amazing how many are there that I've known for a long time but never knew their child dealt with asthma), read their blogs, or heard anecdotal stories from a "friend of a friend"--each story is different. Triggers are different, flares last different amounts of time, medications are different, intensity is different, timing is different. I'm sure there are a lot of people with similar stories, I just keep running into people with different stories.

We are piecing things together slowly for Boo. What is going to work for him. What is going to get him back to "normal." Whatever normal is. He's been very frustrated because he's been unable to participate in some things that he really wants to because of his asthma. He is working toward "ownership" of his condition and knowledge that will make him more independent.

I am trying to balance my "hovering" personality (I've often been accused of being overprotective) and being too laissez-faire with him. EVERYONE has an opinion of how I should be parenting Boo and what health care choices I should be making for him. So far, only a handful of people are okay with my choices. My doctors seem to be okay with them, so I will go with that.

As we sat together during a particularly bad time, nebulizer going, me holding on to him, wishing it was me and not him, the Harry Potter-dementor image came to me--hence the title. If you are a Harry fan and know about the dementors this video will mean something to you. Sorry I can't put in in the post, maybe it's better I couldn't--it's intense and if you don't allow Harry Potter, please don't watch. As I watched it today, it chilled me.

Sometimes it does seem there won't ever be joy again. But better than charms and chocolate, we have a Savior, who has felt every one of our pains before we did. He will get Boo through this, me through this, our family will come out on the other side. While it would be nice to have a quick fix, my faith tells me God knows best and He will not abandon us.

There have been some awful times in this little family's history. I've cried out to God many times, "Why?!" Often it is not until years later; five, ten, twenty years later that I can see a reason. So we stand in faith until that time.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Trying to count it all joy,

Julie

Daybook...April 12, 2010

FOR TODAY ...April 12, 2010...

Outside my window...all the birds are busy! The sun is working it's way up and the air is very cool.

I am thinking...I should be getting ready to go to my doctor's appointment. Could I be procrastinating? Hmmmm...

I am thankful for...very good friends. For prayers. To everyone who held us up in prayer, many thanks. Things seem to be settling down and improving.

From the learning rooms...I've settled on a rough plan for next year--very happy!

From the kitchen...this is a late night for the boys tonight, I need to get creative. But I don't have any good ideas.

I am wearing...still in my jammies.

I am creating...a knitted afghan.

I am going...to the doctor's, to retrieve my sunglasses from my friend's house, to the library, to ballet...too many places.

I am reading...Allon:Book 1 by Shawn Lamb. It is really a good book so far.

I am hoping...for some downtime one of these days.

I am hearing...my small fan, the birds and light traffic.

Around the house...the crabby old cat says I didn't feed him enough. He lies.

One of my favorite things...the canopy is up over the patio. I enjoy sitting out with my husband and talking.

A few plans for the rest of the week:my oldest has a show this weekend. Our week is full of rehearsals, driving and chaos. But next week...we will get a small reprieve.

Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more daybookers.

All Creatures of Our God and King

All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!

Refrain

O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!

Refrain

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light.

Refrain

Dear mother earth, who day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them His glory also show.

Refrain

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!

Refrain

And thou most kind and gentle Death,
Waiting to hush our latest breath,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God,
And Christ our Lord the way hath trod.

Refrain

Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!

Refrain

For Boo...

I wonder what his mother thought when he was growing up?

Grains of Gratitude

There is ice all over everything outside, and as I sit inside, warm and content, I am grateful. I am grateful for all the blessings that are stuffed into this house. Most of all for the men (big and small) who I can hear rumbling around, just out sight, but not out of earshot. They bless me daily and I cannot imagine my life without them.

I've not been blogging very well, have I? Not keeping up with all my friends who live somewhere besides this little black piece of plastic, but I can only "see" them here. I am grateful for you if you are still reading this.
I am grateful to have been called to jury duty. "Really?" You might be asking. Yes, really. And here is why: over three years ago my name came up, I had two little boys, my husband worked outside the house, I didn't have a babysitter and we had limited transportation. Being excused due to circumstances wasn't an option. The timing was horrible. Thankfully I ended up being dismissed and we just experienced a little anxiety about logistics. I prayed that sometime I would be able to do my "civic duty" when it wasn't so traumatic. I couldn't have asked for a better time for this to happen, there is never a good time, but I know how important this is, so I am grateful. I am supposed to report mid-March. I think it will be interesting.

Thankfully, Boo's foot seems to be improved. We go to the orthopedic's office on Tuesday to see the nurse-practitioner. The handsome footwear is NOT exciting, but he's been a champ about wearing it faithfully. I am praying that it can come off. He's ready. I'm ready. I've been inclined to give him piggy-back rides from the van to the house when the ground is covered in snow so his foot stays dry.

I'm grateful I can give him piggy-back rides. I don't think I could do that this time last year, certainly not as far as from the vehicle to the house--involving steps. I'm really struggling in the dieting area. Not going up, but not going down, either. Time to move more and ponder the eating plan more carefully.

I don't like giving dieting advice, but I will tell everyone the thing I think is most important is WATER!! Drink, drink, drink your water. So often I think I am hungry and what I really am is thirsty. This was advice from the weight-loss group I joined and it has been the best. Seems so simple and yet, the first thing I forget or put off.

I am grateful the Holly Jolly Valentine's decorations are stowed away. It is Lent, and during Lent I don't want the distractions. I've been feeling the need for Lent lately. For the time to refocus, remove distractions, revise the habits and rearrange the priorities.

I have a couple people in my immediate relationships who think I am a bit..., well a bit off for getting all worked up about Lent. Lent leads me, like no other time of the Liturgical Year to the foot of the Cross. The desert experience is a time of reliance only on the LORD. It is hard to explain and oftentimes makes one feel very much an outsider.

Lent is so much more than what most people think they know about it. It does include fasing, but also, almsgiving, repentance, and self-denial. These are things I know a lot of people do randomly during the year, or maybe when they feel led, but there is something about coorporate worship, knowing you are joining with a body of believers to unite in a very historical form of worship.

Really? We should be doing these things all year long, but the urgent call of the world to hurry up and join in the bustle get to most of us and we fall into bad habits. If you don't have that problem, hats off to you...but I am soooooo flawed in this area that I need the seasonal reminders and Lent leads me as I said to the foot of the Cross, but more importantly to the joy that is the Resurrection. The holiday that is to me THE HOLIDAY.

I'm grateful for my church and my priest. I'm so often moved to tears while I'm there. God is so good and so merciful.

The readings for Saturday and Sunday were especially powerful and poignant:

Saturday
First Reading: Isaiah 58:9b-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Gospel: Luke 5:27-32

Reading I
Isaiah 58:9b-14
Thus says the LORD:
If you remove from your midst oppression,
false accusation and malicious speech;
If you bestow your bread on the hungry
and satisfy the afflicted;
Then light shall rise for you in the darkness,
and the gloom shall become for you like midday;
Then the LORD will guide you always
and give you plenty even on the parched land.
He will renew your strength,
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring whose water never fails.
The ancient ruins shall be rebuilt for your sake,
and the foundations from ages past you shall raise up;
“Repairer of the breach,” they shall call you,
“Restorer of ruined homesteads.”

If you hold back your foot on the sabbath
from following your own pursuits on my holy day;
If you call the sabbath a delight,
and the LORD’s holy day honorable;
If you honor it by not following your ways,
seeking your own interests, or speaking with maliceB
Then you shall delight in the LORD,
and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;
I will nourish you with the heritage of Jacob, your father,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Sunday
First Reading: Deuteronomy 26:4-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 91:1-2,10-15
Second Reading: Romans 10:8-13
Gospel: Luke 4:1-13

Second Reading
Romans 10:8-13
Brothers and sisters:
What does Scripture say?
The word is near you,
in your mouth and in your heart
—that is, the word of faith that we preach—,
for, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord
and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,
you will be saved.
For one believes with the heart and so is justified,
and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.
For the Scripture says,
No one who believes in him will be put to shame.
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek;
the same Lord is Lord of all,
enriching all who call upon him.
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
I don't think there is anything that can top that.

Count it all joy,

Julie

Happy Valentine's Day

Strolling down memory lane with three that are favorites.

Hope your Valentine's Day is lovely.