monday musings

Happy Monday! Just sharing some of my thoughts in this new week today...my Monday musings.

Well, I may not have completed the 7 posts in 7 days challenge, but I did post 5 posts in 5 days, and that is a record for me! Thanks for the challenge, Jen - maybe next time I'll make the full 7 in 7. :)

We were originally supposed to get four to eight inches of snow overnight, but that fizzled into less than one inch. No complaints from this gal!

{no more snow, please...only flowers}

I have been thinking a lot about the Gospel reading at Mass this weekend. Especially this part:

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?" {Matthew 6:25-27}

That last line there hits me hard every single time I hear it. Whether I am worrying about something big or small, it is all wasted time! Jesus tells us that we should not worry. About anything. That is so hard for me! Lord, increase my faith! I have a feeling this is something I will be working on for a long time to come, but I always appreciate hearing this reminder in scripture. God's Word is powerful and good. I am so thankful for it!

I've been spending some time in prayer (though I should probably spend some more) regarding what I should take up/give up in this quickly approaching Lenten season. Of course, I want to do something that will bring me closer in relationship with Christ. I am looking forward to this time of renewal. This season in the Church year is a true gift. I don't think I saw it that way growing up, but now I can see what a blessing it is to have this time to grow in our spiritual life. And the joy of Easter is so much fuller after a fruitful and prayerful Lent.

{Michael & me - Easter 2013}

Have you read Pope Francis's Lenten Message? I know it challenged me, and provided me with some food for thought as I discern what to do this Lent. 

Also, if you're looking for some last-minute fresh ideas, Kendra has a great post with 66 ideas for Lent (with beginner, intermediate & advanced options) - click on over for some more inspiration.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your Monday!

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monday musings

You know what I am thankful for today? The fact that it's Monday. A new week. Sometimes you just need a fresh start, ya know? I didn't make it for 7 Quick Takes on Friday with Jen, so I thought I'd write a post with some of the things that have been going on around here...keeping things real. Here are my Monday musings, if you will. :)

As you may have read, last Tuesday was my husband's birthday. Our week began with that celebration, which was a lovely one. Thanks for your sweet comments and birthday wishes for my man. Y'all are very kind.

All last week there was a little cloud hovering over me, which was the possibility of being called in to serve jury duty. Now, don't get me wrong - I have no problem fulfilling my civic duty, but being self-employed makes things a little tricky, plus I had some doctor's appointments scheduled for the end of the week. As luck would have it, I was called in to serve the day of one of my appointments and I ended up missing it. Ugh. The silver lining is that I was finished with my service after only one day!

Friday I had another appointment scheduled. Whew, ladies (and any gentlemen out there reading...well, if you're a gentleman reading you might just want to skip to the next paragraph) - let me tell you it was a wee bit rough. {heads up...things are about to get personal} I had to go in for a mammogram & ultrasound on my left breast because I have a lump. Now, this same lump was there last year, and I had the same tests done then, so I was not completely freaked out (though a lump is a lump, and it still makes me a little nervous on a yearly basis). Last year the doctor could feel it, but couldn't see anything on the ultrasound or mammogram. This year: same issue. After a 20-minute ultrasound on it, and 8 - count 'em - eight total mammogram pictures taken, I was given the all clear again for the next six months. And I am praising God for that! I am also thankful for a sweet earth angel that God sent me in the waiting room who really encouraged me as I awaited my tests. The kindness of this woman was such a gift.

Anyway! Hope that wasn't TMI for you all. My apologies if it was. Moving on...

I know last week I was a Pollyanna sharing my five favorite things about winter, but this week I am getting a leeeeeeetle bit tired of this bitter cold. It seems no matter how much I bundle, that biting wind still manages to freeze me. I'm looking forward to warmer days! I could use a little of that springtime cheer...let's see...these flowers should do the trick. My mom had these flowers on the kitchen table the last time I was home. She calls them Dr. Seuss flowers, and I find that very apropos.

Annnnnd, a shout-out to St. Angela Merici whose feast day is today! St. Angela believed in education for women. She formed the community of the Ursulines, which was the very first order to teach women. She is also the patron saint for my high school, Ursuline Academy. You can read more about her here. I ask the Lord for similar confidence, courage & grace in following His will. St. Angela Merici, pray for us!

Hoping to share the carrot cake recipe from my husband's birthday, some of our favorite games we've been playing lately (we love a good game night!), and who knows what else on the blog this week.

So with that, I wish you a happy Monday! Thankful the Lord makes all things new...

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