Sunday, May 31, 2009

A gorgeous day in mid-Michigan - Enjoy!!!!!!

Word of the day:
Pentecost Sunday - Solemnity
Pentecost Sunday
Today the Church celebrates : The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:26-27.16:12-15.

When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.


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Saturday, May 30, 2009

Much to do today. I have a rehearsal in Saginaw in preparation for the ordination of 3 priests in our diocese. I haven't been able to make it to any of the other rehearsals so I am a little nervous.

Yesterday we had an impromptu lunch to celebrate John's deaconate anniversary. It was a nice get together.

I am letting my listing expire on Ebay in preparation for our trip to Alaska. I am going to have to post a note on the website also.

Word of the day:
Saturday of the Seventh week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St. Joan of Arc
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 21:20-25.

Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, "Master, who is the one who will betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus said to him, "What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me." So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just "What if I want him to remain until I come? (What concern is it of yours?)" It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.


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Friday, May 29, 2009 - Happy 30th Anniversary Deacon John!!!!

Today our wonderful Deacon, John Cremin, celebrates his 30th year of ordination. St. Mary Church in Alma has been truly blessed to have John serve our parish!

Word of the day:
Friday of the Seventh week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St Raymond and companions
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 21:15-19.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." He then said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." (Jesus) said to him, "Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me."

Thursday, May 28, 2009

I really don't know how I got anything done when I was working at the school. I am barely keeping my head above water now. Of course, there were a lot of things I put off until I was done at the school and I am now faced with getting those things done. We had our second rehearsal for our CD recording. The choir decided that they need another rehearsal so we are meeting next Wednesday too. The dedication of these people amazes me. They are all busy people and yet they take time to volunteer to do this!
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Thursday, 28 May 2009
Thursday of the Seventh week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St. Germanus of Paris
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 17:20-26.

I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them."

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Word of the day:
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Wednesday of the Seventh week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St Augustine of Canterbury
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 17:11-19.

And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Word of the day:
Tuesday of the Seventh week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : Philip Neri
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 17:1-11.

When Jesus had said this, he raised his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that he may give eternal life to all you gave him. Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do. Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began. I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you gave me is from you, because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are.

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Thoughts from the cornfield:

Christianity, like politics, has many facets. Some Christians are more "fundamental" than others. I think we go down a dangerous road when we call others names, whether they are Christian or not, but particularly if they are. Disagreement is one thing, but namecalling takes it to another level. Satan likes nothing better than to divide Christians and set them up against each other. I was saddened to hear a particular televangelist called out by name and proclaimed a fool. To make it worse, I immediately thought of several radical Christian preachers who I would have preferred to be called out - some who actively proclaim hatred for our country. So that makes me just as guilty. But my point is that after I heard one Christian calling another a fool, I immediately tuned out and did not hear the rest of the message. I think leading by example is much more productive and much more loving. But that's just my take on things. What do I know? I'm just sittin' here in my cornfield doin't the best I can.

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Monday, May 25, 2009 - No greater love!

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Lenard F. Moeggenborg - Ashu Valley, Viet Nam - August 24, 1969

We Remember . . .

those who served us then,
those who serve us now,
and those who gave their lives.

Thank you!

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We had our last craft show of the season this past weekend. It wasn't one of our better shows, but then it was our first time there and there were tons of vendors. We learned some things about doing a show like this. We need to have a banner on our tent so people can find us. Outdoor shows are not our favorite because there are too many variables as far as weather is concerned. Also, because we are in a tent, we feel a little isolated from our neighbors. It was a good weekend though, and we had a great time visiting with people from the community, a lot of whom did not know we do what we do. We have most of our expenses covered for our fall season craft shows so that is a good thing. Now we will be working on Christmas stockings until it's time to get ready for our fall craft shows.

Our tithe for this show is going to Pregnancy Services of Gratiot County. The Knights of Columbus from our parishes are conducting a "baby shower" for the facility so this will be a nice contribution to that cause.

Last night Anna, Kelli, and I went to J&Ms and bought some flowers. I bought a beautiful fuschia that has pink blossoms with purple on the inside. After this morning's jog, I weeded a bit and moved some things around. Harold will be planting ornamental kale in his plot. I talked him into planting a row of romaine in the front row - fresh romaine for the summer!!!

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Word of the day:
Monday of the Seventh week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St Bede the Venerable
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 16:29-33.

His disciples said, "Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God." Jesus answered them, "Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."

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Sunday, May 24, 2009

Word of the day:
Today the Church celebrates : St Vincent of Lerins, St Amalia
Ascension of the Lord
Gospel
Mk 16:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Go into the whole world
and proclaim the gospel to every creature.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved;
whoever does not believe will be condemned.
These signs will accompany those who believe:
in my name they will drive out demons,
they will speak new languages.
They will pick up serpents with their hands,
and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them.
They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them,
was taken up into heaven
and took his seat at the right hand of God.
But they went forth and preached everywhere,
while the Lord worked with them
and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.

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Saturday, May 23, 2009 - Alma Highland Festival

Anna and I got the tent set up last night. I think we have a good spot. We'll be able to see the runners and the parade. I'm a little nervous about the soap booth just across the aisle from me and the fudge booth a couple aisles over, but we shall see what we shall see. Scattered light rain is predicted for today. I hope it stays away. :)

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Word of the day:
Saturday of the Sixth week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St William of Rochester

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 16:23-28.

On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. I have told you this in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures but I will tell you clearly about the Father. On that day you will ask in my name, and I do not tell you that I will ask the Father for you. For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world. Now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."


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Friday, May 22, 2009

Soon the strains of the bagpipes will be heard throughout Alma. Tonight begins the Alma Highland festival. On this weekend, Alma celebrates the Scottish Heritage upon which Alma college was founded. I've always loved the sound of bagpipes. The sound doesn't carry this far out in the country, but later we will be setting up our booth on the college campus and I will get my fill of hearing them.

I hadn't realized how much soap we sold at the Maple Syrup festival so we are short some of our popular spring scents. I have noted this for next year. :)

An update about the article concerning Bishop Cistone. I found this link.

It seems to answer some questions and concerns I had about this appointment. I knew there had to be more to the story and I'm glad someone posted this link.

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Word of the day:
Friday of the Sixth week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St. Rita of Cascia
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 16:20-23.

Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy. When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

It's another beautiful day here in mid-Michigan! We had a wonderful rehearsal last night. The choir sounded amazing. One of our faithful, who has moved out of the area, drove 100 miles to sing with us. This is a loving testament to John in whose memory we are recording this CD.

Our new bishop was taken on a whirlwind tour of the diocese yesterday. From news reports that are airing this morning, it sounds like Bishop Cistone has been well received. He has never been to Michigan and knows very little about our diocese. In reading about his time in Philadelphia, there are reports that he was involved in keeping quiet some things that people needed to know. This is one report and I am hoping that Bishop Cistone will address it and explain. I'm not sure what to think, but the whole thing brings back bad memories from 2002. I hope and pray that there is more to this story than what is reported in this article.

Here is a video of his first news conference:



I got some cleaning done yesterday, and I also made a batch of Raspberry Jasmine spice soap. As I was looking over our inventory yesterday, I noticed that we are low on several scents. I'm going to try and get those replaced before we leave for Alaska in July.

Today is Thursday so that means my little buddies will be coming over later in the day.




Word of the day:
The Ascension of the Lord - Solemnity
Today the Church celebrates : St Andrew Bobola
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 16:15-20.

He said to them, "Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents (with their hands), and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.


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Wednesday, May 20, 2009

I logged into Facebook this morning to the happy news that we have a new bishop! Bishop Joseph Cistone I'm glad we didn't have long to wait. We will miss Archbishop Carlson - he was/is a wonderful shepherd and I'm glad we had him here in Saginaw for as long as we did.

Kids are so cool! Every parent and grandparent has in his arsenal of "grown up talk" sayings that are passed down from generation to generation. We have 2 bathrooms in our house. One is the "birdhouse bathroom" and the other is the "fish" bathroom. The other day Clayton emerged from the "fish" bathroom which is Grandpa's bathroom decorated with all things fishing. The conversation went something like this.

"Hi Grandma"
"Hi Clayton, did you wash your hands?"
"I sure did Grandma. Now I smell like Apple Jack and Peel."

You gotta start them early. LOL!

The guys officially started the farm season yesterday. I say official because I am the lunch runner and yesterday was the first field lunch.

I finished up the first stocking order of the year. We seem to start earlier and earlier each year.



Clayton, Claire, and I decided to get a little jump start on our gardening. For the kids it means stirring up the dirt around Grandpa's little fisherman.



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Word of the day:
Wednesday of the Sixth week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St. Bernardine of Siena
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 16:12-15.

I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.

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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Well, we got our taxes done yesterday, but the tax man can't file them until I find one teeny tiny paper that we need. Given our method of filing, which is truly amazing in its ... ummm ... complexity, I am amazed that it is only one paper we are missing.

I made a batch of lavender candles yesterday and finished putting together the folders for our CD. I also finished up some Christmas stockings for an order we received last week. We have our products made for the festival and now we see what we shall see.

I went to Community Band last night. It went a lot better than the first night I went. I was actually able to play a little more. As I was leaving, Claude, the director drove by and yelled, "Hey, Mary, you missed a note." Actually, I saw every single note as it whizzed past me. LOL! This man is a treasure. All four of our kids had him for band with varying degrees of success. His famous quote, "I hate kids" made us laugh. I remember very little of my high school years, but band stands out quite clearly as one of the good things. Band transcended all social classes in our high school of over 2000 students. You could be a cool kid or a not so cool kid, but if you were in the band, you had a group of allies wherever you went. Band kept me sane during some very tough years. Two of our kids stayed with band until graduation. Two of them found other passions. The rule was they had to stick with band until they found something else that made them excited about school. Anna and Nicola stayed with the band. Melisa found her joy in running cross country and track. Sam's was wrestling. But all four love music and that's the important thing. :)
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Word of the day:
Tuesday of the Sixth week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St. Yves, St. Celestine V
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 16:5-11.

But now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. Coming of the Advocate


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Monday, May 18, 2009

Word of the day:
Monday of the Sixth week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St. John I
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:26-27.16:1-4.

When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you. "I did not tell you this from the beginning, because I was with you.

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Sunday, May 17, 2009

It's a gorgeous day today. The coming week has lots to keep me busy. I have 32 boxes of fudge to make for the Highland Festival, tomorrow we get our taxes done. (Yeah, we are late every year), we have our first rehearsal to get ready to record our choir CD,we need to do a dry run on setting our tent up for the festival, several meetings for one thing or another, and getting our setup ready for the festival. It's supposed to be cool next weekend so we will be taking our fudge.

I wish everyone could enjoy this beautiful day. There are some people in the world who just seem to thrive on sucking every last bit of joy out of the air. I feel sad for people like this because they don't see themselves that way and they don't ever seem to be happy. I will pray for these people this morning when I go out for my walk. Matthew 6:34.

Not sure what's on tap today with the family - hopefully we'll get together sometime during the day.

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Word of the day:
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St. Paschal Baylon
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:9-17.

As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.

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Saturday, May 16, 2009

For the most part, I try to stay away from political topics in this blog, but something happened yesterday that I never thought would ever happen in America. Is this the America I love? I never thought I would see a day like this. I have to wonder how the police felt having to arrest this poor man. Whether you are Catholic or not, as a Christian this video should be cause for serious alarm.



In this month dedicated to our Blessed Mother, I can only wonder how her heart is breaking.



We are reaping what we have sown. Is this the change we hoped for? Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Kyrie Eleison



Today's Gospel reading is particularly relevant.
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Word of the day:
Saturday of the Fifth week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St. Brendan, St Gemma Galgani

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:18-21.

If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you, 'No slave is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me.

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Friday, May 15, 2009

I finished measuring the hard oils yesterday. I ran out of cocoa butter so I'll have to order more of that. I started on the liquid oils. I don't know which is messier. This job wouldn't be so bad if there was a working sink downstairs. I can't stand the oily feel on my hands so I am constantly running upstairs to wash them. Oh well, when this chore is done, I won't have to do it for another 6-8 months.

Word of the day:
Friday of the Fifth week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St Isidor the Farmer

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:12-17.

This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.

Thursday, May 14 - Happy Anniversary John and Bea!

Looks like today will be a gorgeous one. Apparently we had thunderdunders last night but I didn't hear them.

I started measuring the first of the hard oils for my soap batches. It's a messy job, it is. My olive oil came yesterday in a large heavy vinyl bag. When I went to transfer some of it into a smaller container, I turned the spigot on the bag the wrong way and ended up with a nice little puddle of olive oil on the floor. Not fun. I need to get a batch of soap made soon. I went to fill an order for our Raspberry Jasmine spice and found that it is gone. I have a couple of loaves I can cut up, but I was surprised. We must have sold a lot of it in Shepherd at the festival because I just made a batch of it not too long ago.

We are finalizing plans for the memorial CD. I have the choir lined up, the folders ready, and am working on the last set of permissions. I just hope it turns out really well because the cost of recording and permissions is going to take a huge chunk out of my budget.

The Tweetlebugs come today so I think I am going to plan a scavenger hunt outside. It's nice out and we can walk across to Aunt Colleen's garage sale and see what's going on over there.

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Word of the day:
Saint Matthias, apostle - Feast
Today the Church celebrates : St Matthias, apostle
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:9-17.

As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Lots to do today. I volunteered to take over the music for Vacation Bible School this summer. I really didn't want to because we are going to be in Alaska the entire month before. But if I didn't do it there would be no music. And as they said, "you'll be better than what we have." Not a ringing endorsement of my skills, but true none-the-less. So today I meet with one of the co-ordinators. This is just too big an endeavor to not help where I can.

While I'm uptown I'll pick up one of the hard oils I need for soaping. I plan to get at least the hard oils measured today. It's getting dry enough that I can go down and mop the floor and get that place back into some semblance of order.

Clay and Claire came over yesterday and we picked lilacs from across the road. We made a bouquet for Mommy and put it in a glass canning jar. She was pleased.




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Word of the day:
Wednesday of the Fifth week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : Our Lady of Fatima
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 15:1-8.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Little by little I am beginning to get my sense of smell back. Last night the Tweetlebugs were over and they took a bath with a bar of lemongrass - and I could smell it a little bit. I couldn't play for the Community Band rehearsal, though, because every time I took a deep breath, I started hacking.

I'm going to package up some batches of soap that have been curing for a few weeks. Next week I need to get busy and start measuring out oils for next year's soap batches. Measuring oils is my least favorite part of soapmaking so I measure enough for about 2 dozen batches at a time. That usually gets me through the year.

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Word of the day:
Tuesday of the Fifth week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : Pancras, Nereus & Achilleus
Gospel
Jn 14:27-31a

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me tell you,
'I am going away and I will come back to you.'
If you loved me,
you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;
for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe.
I will no longer speak much with you,
for the ruler of the world is coming.
He has no power over me,
but the world must know that I love the Father
and that I do just as the Father has commanded me."

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Monday, May 11, 2009

This is the second Monday of the month. Today is Thimbleberries club. Fun, fun, fun! I finished my April blocks last night so now I am caught up with the group. I will receive a new block today. Here is a pic of my latest blocks. This one was a lot harder and I "unsewed" several times.



My sense of smell is a tiny bit better. If I stick my nose right up to something I can kind of get a little bit of the scent. I will be making candles and room spray today so I hope it's better later in the day.

Tonight I have Community Band and I haven't practice a bit. My horn and folder never left the trunk. Not good. After band practice the Tweetlebugs will be coming over.

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Word of the day:
Monday of the Fifth week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St Francis di Girolamo
Gospel
Jn 14:21-26

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Whoever has my commandments and observes them
is the one who loves me.
Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father,
and I will love him and reveal myself to him."
Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him,
"Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us
and not to the world?"
Jesus answered and said to him,
"Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;
yet the word you hear is not mine
but that of the Father who sent me.

"I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit
whom the Father will send in my name
he will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you."


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Sunday, May 10, 2009 - Happy Mother's Day

Okay, here is one of the reasons I love the life I'm living now. Melisa just called and needed a couple of Mother's Day gifts. 5 minutes and she had them. Several people needed last minute Mother's Day gifts - it was so great to just go down to the "store" and put them together. My favorite part of the whole process is the packaging. I have a supply of grubbied Mother's Day tags and a whole bunch of my favorite rusty bells. Quick, lovely, one of a kind gifts!

Happy Mother's Day all!




Word of the day:
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Gospel
Jn 15:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples:
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit,
and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.
You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.
Remain in me, as I remain in you.
Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own
unless it remains on the vine,
so neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit,
because without me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me
will be thrown out like a branch and wither;
people will gather them and throw them into a fire
and they will be burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.
By this is my Father glorified,
that you bear much fruit and become my disciples."


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Saturday, May 9, 2009

Our house is warm today - it's nice outside temp wise, but it's raining. I still can't smell anything which is a true bummer since that's my favorite part of my job. I packaged up yesterday's orders to deliver this weekend. People find it handy to call me to put together a quick gift. I love to do it. I love making things look prim and country. Next week I should be able to get back in the basement and start to get things organized.

Today I have to finish putting folders together for John's memorial CD. I just discovered that I left the title song out of the packets. Gotta fix that pronto!
The choir will rehearse on May 20 and 27th and then we will record on June 17th

Tomorrow night the kids are coming over in the evening to grill burgers and make Taco salad for Mother's day. My favorite way to celebrate - just hangin' out with family. Good times.
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Word of the day:
Saturday, 09 May 2009
Saturday of the Fourth week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St. Pachomius, Ven. Thomas Pickering, Lay brother and martyr (+ 1665)
Gospel
Jn 14:7-14

Jesus said to his disciples:
"If you know me, then you will also know my Father.
From now on you do know him and have seen him."
Philip said to Jesus,
"Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."
Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a time
and you still do not know me, Philip?
Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.
How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?
The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own.
The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me,
or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever believes in me will do the works that I do,
and will do greater ones than these,
because I am going to the Father.
And whatever you ask in my name, I will do,
so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it."


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Friday, May 8, 2009

Definitely feeling better this morning. It's maddening though, because I still can't smell anything. Scent is one of fun things about making soap and candles. The first thing I do every morning is light a candle, and even though I can't smell it, the habit remains. Hopefully that sense will return in a day or two.

I started on my April blocks for the Thimbleberries club. When I finish those, I will be caught up with the group. Below is a pic of the blocks I made for March.



I have lots of errands to do today. After Mass with the school kids, I have a short rehearsal with them, then a short meeting followed by a trip to pick up some medical supplies, then to the bank, post office, and local high school where I need to deliver an order.
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Word of the day:
Friday of the Fourth week of Easter
Today the Church celebrates : St Victor
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 14,1-6.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where (I) am going you know the way." Thomas said to him, "Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.


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Thursday, May 7, 2009-National day of prayer?

I will not comment on President Obama's failure to recognize the National Day of Prayer. The action kind of speaks for itself.
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Yesterday I got a batch of Apple Jack 'n Peel candles made. It's very weird to make candles when you can't smell them. Today I make a batch of spice plum and a batch of pumpkin crunch cake. I packaged up the rest of the lavender soap too. I need to take a mop to that basement and then I need to catch up on the cleaning and organizing. I'm sure all of that dampness has not helped my bronchial situation.

Anna has been working on mixes for the Alma show. We will be concentrating on mixes and soap.

Today my buddies are coming over. They couldn't come on Tuesday because I was sick so I am looking forward to this afternoon.

I am just about finished with my March block for the Thimbleberries club. Piecing and accuracy still remain a challenge for me. I will get pics up of the new blocks as soon as I sew the last seam of the 12 inch block.
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Oh wow! The greatest thing just happened. I was contacted by a customer who wanted to write us up in her blog! I just went to the site and read it. One of the most rewarding things about our family business is hearing from people who love what we do. Not only do I love the article Melanie wrote about us, but I am adding her blog to my "follow" list. She writes about anything and everything and I think her blog is going to be one of my favs!

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Here's another pic from our trip to the Lizard and Snake museum with Clayton and Claire. I love the look on Clayton's face as he takes Claire for a ride on the combine. Of course when Clayton rides on Grandpa's combine, peanut M&Ms have to be part of the mix.



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Word of the day:
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Gospel
Jn 13:16-20

When Jesus had washed the disciples' feet, he said to them:
"Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master
nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him.
If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.
I am not speaking of all of you.
I know those whom I have chosen.
But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled,
The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.
From now on I am telling you before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe that I AM.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send
receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me."


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Wednesday, May 6, 2009

I'm feeling a little more human today - still very congested and stuffy, but I hope to get downstairs to make a couple batches of candles. The bad thing about a cold is that I can't smell anything. That makes it hard when you are working with fragrances.
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Word of the day:
Gospel
Jn 12:44-50

Jesus cried out and said,
"Whoever believes in me believes not only in me
but also in the one who sent me,
and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me.
I came into the world as light,
so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.
And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them,
I do not condemn him,
for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world.
Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words
has something to judge him: the word that I spoke,
it will condemn him on the last day,
because I did not speak on my own,
but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak.
And I know that his commandment is eternal life.
So what I say, I say as the Father told me."

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Most of the water is now gone in the basement, but it is still damp down there and I've been sick with a bad cold and cough. I have several batches of candles to make to fill an order, but I also need to re-stock inventory. We won't be taking candles to the Alma show so there isn't a huge rush, but still, I don't like to get too far behind.

In these tough economic times, we would do well to remember that suffering is relative. This group is one of my favorites!


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Word of the day:
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Gospel
Jn 10:22-30

The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem.
It was winter.
And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon.
So the Jews gathered around him and said to him,
"How long are you going to keep us in suspense?
If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."
Jesus answered them, "I told you and you do not believe.
The works I do in my Father's name testify to me.
But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep.
My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.
No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
and no one can take them out of the Father's hand.
The Father and I are one."

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Sunday, May 3, 2009

I'm coming down with something again. I doubt that it's the swine flu. I'm a little suspicious of the timing of this "potential pandemic." I am sick of the suave soundbites - they irritate the heck out of me. There are 160 confirmed cases in the US. There are roughly 307,000,000 people in the US. You do the math. Every now and then the news media qualify their reports by stating that the this is a mild strain, and then they go on to list the symptoms - which sound exactly like the regular flu. But then, people can't afford to take sick time because their paychecks are already affected by the economic mess. And then we have the pork producers. We used to raise hogs - not exactly a get rich quick occupation. The pork producers are taking a hit for this. So what do we do? We rename the virus. H1N1. There, we've done our part. But the panic has already set in. You rarely hear the virus referred to only as H1N1, there is always the "swine flu" modifier. I refuse - absolutely refuse to live my life in fear. I am just cynical enough to think that there is a direct connection between this "threat" and the move to shove socialized medicine down our throats. But that's just me. I've been wrong before. I hope I'm wrong this time. One thing I do know - it's a very bad time to take God out of the mix - and THAT seems to be pandemic.

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Word of the day:
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Gospel
Jn 10:11-18

Jesus said:
"I am the good shepherd.
A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
A hired man, who is not a shepherd
and whose sheep are not his own,
sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away,
and the wolf catches and scatters them.
This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd,
and I know mine and mine know me,
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father;
and I will lay down my life for the sheep.
I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold.
These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice,
and there will be one flock, one shepherd.
This is why the Father loves me,
because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own.
I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again.
This command I have received from my Father."

Friday, May 1, 2009

Happy May day all! It looks like today will be fairly nice. I have a ton of stuff to do - some happy and some not. We're getting ready for Kelli's shower which is on Sunday - that's a happy thing. This morning I have mass with the school kids - that's a happy thing. Then I have to go over to Lux funeral home to drop off some song sheets for a funeral tomorrow - that's a sad thing. Then it's off to Carolyn's cakes for a cake board and box for Kelli's cake - happy thing. Home again to watch kids while Melisa finishes up some shopping for Kelli's shower - happy thing. Sometime after the kids go home I will be making a batch of lemongrass soap - happy thing. I have a wedding rehearsal tonight for a wedding tomorrow - happy thing - followed by a wake service for tomorrow's funeral - sad thing. Tonight I finish favor boxes for the baby shower - happy thing, and prepare folders for tomorrow's funeral - sad thing.
Such is life - a tapestry of happy and sad things and the accompanying feelings.

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Word of the day:
Friday of the Third Week of Easter
Gospel
Jn 6:52-59

The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying,
"How can this man give us his Flesh to eat?"
Jesus said to them,
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood,
you do not have life within you.
Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood
has eternal life,
and I will raise him on the last day.
For my Flesh is true food,
and my Blood is true drink.
Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood
remains in me and I in him.
Just as the living Father sent me
and I have life because of the Father,
so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me.
This is the bread that came down from heaven.
Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died,
whoever eats this bread will live forever."
These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.