Winning

It is said most people grow wiser with age (then,of course, I should be very, very wise by now!).

In the past, whenever I got into a disagreement with a friend, regardless of how insignificant the topic, or that I may have been way out of line, the desire to win was overwhelming.  If I failed, it would invariably result in suppressed resentment and anger, thus putting a strain on the relationship. In fact, sometimes the relationship would not survive. 

I have come to realize I don't always have to win. Although that attitude is still a work in progress, it is definitely a healthier option emotionally and has preserved valued friendships. 

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Have A Blessed Day!

A Great Adventure

The trip to New Orleans was wonderful!  My dad had not been "home" in fifty years and although things had changed considerably in his hometown of Marrero, he was able to recognize a few places.  The two most favorite things he loved on this adventure was visiting with his nephew (my cousin) Steve and his family who drove from Florida to meet us there, and sightseeing.  He had never been to the French Quarter or some of the other places when he was a young boy as he was too busy working on the family dairy.

What made our vacation a great success was not just being with family and making cherished memories but the downhome hospitality of the people of New Orleans.  I've never visited a city that was more welcoming.  People watching was a treat as was the cuisine!  (Cafe DuMonde was excellent.....Chicory Coffee and beignets!!!)

And guess what?  I didn't bring my laptop and I actually took a break from writing!!!!  Miracles do happen!

Thank you God for a memorable trip and for family!

Dad on a Riverboat Cruise
down the Mississippi River

Add caption

Had to bring some
home!

A Family Business

Our priest gives wonderful homilies and this past Sunday was no exception.  I'm not as eloquent as Father Fernando, but this was the message I heard:

A father teaches a child the tools of his trade so when he is gone, his business will continue to thrive.  That child takes that endowment and strives to make his father proud, and the business grows. That child does the same for his son ... and so it goes from generation to generation.

Our Heavenly Father did the same with his disciples as proclaimed in Matthew 28:16-20. "The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

So when walk out the door today for work, shopping, etc., remember we are all part of a family business, His business.  Let's teach the tools of His trade ... Love, Mercy and Compassion ... to build a better world today and for future generations ... Let's make Him proud.

HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

This is my last blog until Sunday...as I will be in:

Walk The Talk

I wrote this post last year and it's one of my favorites.  Although an avid Seattle Seahawks fan, I have great respect for Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers Quarterback.

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My husband (who is a Chargers fan - oh well, married him anyway) attended a men's breakfast where Mr. Rivers was speaking.  I watched the DVD afterwards and was very impressed how openly he spoke about his love of God, being pro-life and the importance of practicing his faith in all aspects of his life ...including attending mass regularly (even when out of town), chastity before marriage and natural family planning. 

I saw Mr. Rivers "walking the walk" a few years ago when my husband and I flew up to Seattle for the Seahawks/Chargers game (a rare match-up except for pre-season).  The Saturday night before the game we went to mass ... and in walked Mr. Rivers.  He had no entourage...he was alone....he quietly walked in, knelt down and prayed, which we do prior to mass starting.  After mass he left as he arrived, quietly. He didn't want to be noticed, he wanted his time with God.  

I pray the example Mr. Rivers sets, as well as other NFL notables (i.e., Tim Tebow, Curt Warner, Tony Dungy, Joe Gibbs) becomes the rule, rather than the exception.

We were fortunate to
meet Mr. Rivers at a
pro-life event a few
years ago.


HAVE A BLESSED DAY!!!!!