Waiting for Patience

Yesterday at Mass as I was looking at all of the covered statues in my parish and Fr. W was preaching, I was reminded of something I always forget, especially at this time of the year. I forget how incredible and amazing it is that Jesus died on the Cross for me. Not just for the whole world, but that He did it for me. I know that seems like a silly thing to forget - I know He died on the Cross. I don't forget about the Crucifixion. I forget that He loved me so individually and singularly that He died on the Cross for me. I forget how amazing that is especially when life is kind of awful at times. Maybe not awful, but just hard. Lately life has been a little hard. I thought something great was going to happen and then it was nothing - and not just nothing, but almost my biggest fear. Instead of the happily ever after, I got the "oh, well, I guess this is it, then." And moving right along to pick up my guard where I dropped it a few months ago. This all happened rig...

We're more than half way through Lent... how's it going?! What did you decide to give up/take up? Did you make any spiritual goals? How have you grown thus far and how do you hope to make the most of the remainder of the season? I missed last week for the link-up (and a bunch of blogging / writing stuff) because St. Joseph's been kicking my butt with his response to this month's Novena! More details to come, but prayers for courage and patience from y'all would be much appreciated. I am back this week and excited to talk about penance - well, not really - but happy to discuss Lent. Last year my Lenten sacrifices were much greater than this year. I went to Mass on Ash Wednesday and then promptly gave up my cell phone, got on a plane to a country with only one flushing toilet and a serious lack of electricity and went from there. When I came back to the US, I gave up coffee for the remaining of Lent which was really difficult with the jet lag and overall...

--- 1 --- Well Hello there Quick Takes from Friday but now on Sunday! A day late and a dollar short I am this week, but still wanted to post as I feel like much has been happening around these parts! So here's to living the Friday dream on a cold Sunday morning! --- 2 --- This week we finished our sixth week of a Living your Strengths  small group in which I was participating. (if you're new to the LYS idea, check out this parish's explanation) I don't think I wrote about that, but it was really interesting the first couple of weeks, and the final few weeks felt like we were saying the same things over and over again. I have a natural talent for this that I'm acquiring skills in to turn into a greater strength. I've known my top five since the first year I worked at Saint Mark (my previous parish and job) when we were all required to take the test before a staff retreat. I am (in order): Input, Connectedness, Belief, Arranger, Achiever. To quickly ex...