Friendship and Simplicity

I recently visited the International Forest of Friendship with, you guessed it, some friends.

We kicked the evening off with some time at the lake, grilling and eating out of the back of the car since it was too windy to set things out on the picnic tables. Once almost everyone had left, four of us went for a drive around the lake and to the "forest."

It was beautiful. Okay. Not necessarily the trees (most were not in full bloom yet... if they ever are. Half the trees there are not meant to be growing in the middle of the midwest). The time there with friends was beautiful though. It's got me thinking though... how simple of a time it was. We sat on picnic tables at a lake, grilling, and talking for over two hours. No need for games, or movies, or computers. The most technology was an occasional phone call or text and my camera. Then the walk through the "forest"--how wonderful! The simplicity of the afternoon was great--it allowed for conversation, stories, jokes, laughter. Despite the 38mph winds, we enjoyed the geese, the lake, and most importantly each other.

I can't thank God enough for these wonderful friends I've made here at BC and for all the people He's placed in my life. Whether it's the check-out clerk at Wal-mart or a classmate or a FOCUS Missionary, they've all been placed in my life for a reason for a given amount of time--and I praise the Lord the time I've been given with them!

 

I once read this quote somewhere, and it's so true. Feeling the love of the people around us, and the Lord's love especially, is what feeds my life and keeps me going.

"To feel the love of people whom we love is a fire that feeds our life." -Pablo Neruda

What feeds your fire?



In Christ through Mary.

My Patroness(es) - 1 of 3

This is the first in a series of three posts on some important women in my life--my three patronesses. Each will contain a picture I've taken pertaining to her, followed by a personal story, ending with a quote from her.

First up:

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

(Statue at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception)

Mother Teresa was (is) my confirmation saint. At the time, I was running from God and wanted to pick a saint who was married and had children--I desperately wanted a husband and children. None of the wonderful, married saints were standing out to me though. I read through a majority of "Lives of the Saints"... volumes 1 and 2. But nothing was standing out. I had always loved Mother Teresa and her love and compassion for Christ and others. So, I cut a deal with God. ...I know, not the smartest thing to do. But I did. I said that either I would take Mother Teresa if I could, otherwise a married saint. I was told I could take her, since she had been declared "Blessed." Still not 100% sure if that was accurate, but I did it. I took Mother Teresa as my patroness. Reading her writings and knowing she's praying for me is so comforting and encouraging.


Whenever Jesus asks something of you, say "yes."


Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us.



In Christ through Mary.

Visiting the Sisters

We had no classes on Wednesday, so I took the opportunity to go to Lincoln, Nebraska and spend some time with the School Sisters of Christ the King. I left Tuesday night, getting there just in time for evening prayer, benediction, and dinner. After dinner, I went for a walk with the novices and took my camera along.  the property behind them had a big fire, nearly reaching the Sister's property. The sisters were even mentioned in the Lincoln Star. The real story? The novices had gone to look out and see how close the fire was when John, their groundsman, came by in his truck. He offered the sisters to get in the bed of the truck and drive them back to see the fire. Apparently, someone saw them and told the paper.

 

From the Sister's back fence, a look off into the grass

that was spared and on into the burnt horizon.

The sisters look out over the fence during our walk of the grounds.

 

The sunsets behind the Villa Regina Motherhouse.

"I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!" -Luke 12:49

As I posted the pictures and added the comments, I couldn't help but think of this verse. It was on the back of our Totus Tuus shirts last year... How beautiful that image is--the entire earth, all people, all nations, all creation, ablaze with a deep love for Christ! Are you on fire? Have you let the flame of His love consume you and your heart this Lent?

In Christ through Mary.

Amelia Earhart

It was really great to see my siblings earlier this week, when they came and visited me here at BC. I enjoyed my time with them, playing games, eating out, and even going to the Amelia Earhart Museum. With how big of a deal Amelia Earhart is around here, one would think that after two years I would have been before. No better reason than company in town than to finally get out and see some of the sites here! The house was Amelia's grandparents' (on her mom's side). She was born in the upstairs bedroom and lived there for a while with her grandparents. I learned some new things about her and it was neat to see the home. I enjoyed the new subjects for my photos as well.

 

A model of the Lockheed Electra

(the one in which she was flying when she disappeared in July 1937)

 

 

Model of the Lockheed Vega

(the one Amelia was flew in her Atlantic Solo flight and one of her favorite planes)

 

Amelia Earhart and her husband, George Putnam.

 

I learned a lot about Amelia Earhart, who I remember reading about when I was a young girl and admiring her courage and strength. One thing I learned: there was a movie about her that came out two years ago-- Who knew?

In Christ through Mary.

Christ the King

Not much to say today, but just some photos from my weekend retreat. It was a great weekend getting to know some other wonderful women and, even better, a great time to pray, letting Our Lord love me and growing in my love for Him.

Roses in my room.

Christ the King statue.

The first station.

"He knocks at the door, he is close to us and thus true joy is close, which is stronger than all the sorrows in the world, and in our life." -Pope Benedict XVI

In Christ through Mary.