It's Hard to Know Where to Start

When you have taken a "blogging break" albeit unintended, but nonetheless, a break.  Life happened a lot this summer, but not quite in the ways that I thought it would.  I struggle to come back to the blog, as there are a few "events" that I *gasp* didn't blog about, and I hate to make those kids feel unloved.  I am all about chronology, and putting things in the way they happened, so sometimes blogging for me is tough.  But, I need an outlet.  And, my dear readers, all 5 of you, don't have to come along, but I am happy to have you.

Our families have had some issues that has changed quite a lot of what we are focused on, and I guess that when it came to blogging, it took a very far back seat.  My mother-in-law has had such a hard time with back pain that she decided to have back surgery.  Her recovery has been slower than we hoped, and it is such a stress to see her in pain, and struggle to walk.  The surgery went well, and she is finally without her walker or cane, but it is still a while before she will be fully recovered.  She has an incentive to keep going, as she has all her children in the same country this year, and wants to make a road trip to visit them.

My mother decided to have a full knee replacement in June.  That was a tough surgery, complicated with some infections in the skin, but it went very well.  We are so impressed with how well she is walking!  And, mom knows she will need to do the other one at a later date, and will feel more herself when she can walk.  We are so blessed that our family is close, as we all rallied to help after her surgery.  My sisters My sisters were amazing nurses.  My dad had to work, as he is his own boss, so the big sisters kept the pain pills, therapy, meals, and running of the household, as well as their own homes, running so smoothly. We also were able to have all the family together to see her, which is the best therapy around for my mom. 

But the biggest reason for the quietness here, is my younger brother.  Around the end of school, the Best Gregory of all, was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gerhig's disease.  It was a long time of testing until it was official, and we were hoping and praying that it was not.  But this has made our family all feel the need to come close, to be here, to see him, to try not to wear him out too much, but to pray and be here.  With all those feelings, we have had visits from the out of town families.  Joe is such an example of how love and suffering go together.  He has always touched lives, even as a little guy, and everyone wants to pray for him.  The grace and acceptance with which he has had with this diagnosis has been so beautiful.  Please pray for him and his family.  It has been quite a lot to process, and the kids seem to ask me if I am crying all the time, because I am. 

But, before any of this happened, our family had already made plans to celebrate an extremely special lady. My mom turns 70 this year (we also have 50 and 40 in our family).  We decided to do a party at my house, and it was another occasion where we could be together.  We were missing some cousins and in-laws, but all 7 kids again!  Longtime friends and family came, and everyone had a wonderful time.  I was a bit stressed out to plan the party, but my wonderful friend Lucia catered, and it was delicious.  The whole family pitched in to help make the day wonderful, with decorations, seating, a slide show, a special cheesecake (who knew that was my mom's favorite?), music, a punch that will knock the bad mood out of anyone, especially Sherman, and support for me each time I called in a panic. 

 

The best joy for me, was that my brother and 3 of his girls came to stay with us.  My kids were so happy to have them, and it filled my heart so much to hear them all together.  One of the girls actually brought a special toy from Vermont for Lucy to play with, as they remembered that she loved it during our visit.  And they left it here for her to have.  What sweetness!

 



 

We also had some birthdays, and a VERY long scout camping trip, as well as a family funeral.  It was a very full summer.  But not the kind that most think of when you say "we were busy." 

 

 

Friends: if you would like to join us in praying for the intercession of Fr. Al Schwartz for my brother, we would appreciate it! 

 



 

Walking with Purpose

"Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others."
                                                                                   
                                                                                          ~ Colossians 3:23

I have to make a confession.  I am not good about reading the Bible.  I love that you will hear the whole Bible on a 3 year cycle at Mass, but I have not been able to get to Mass on a regular enough basis to hear all of it since I was a child.  And I have not made the time to actually sit and read it.  It doesn't read like a book and it takes a lot to focus for me, lately. It is very humbling to admit this, and I wish I was better.   

But I have taken the plunge and joined a Bible study at a nearby parish. I decided at the start of the new year that I needed some help getting my prayer life in order, and I knew this group had begun in the fall, so I was a bit late.  But determined.  I found the "Walking With Purpose" Bible study for women.  And I LOVE it.  I love that it takes a beautiful perspective, sending you to some Bible verses, and it includes the teaching from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  I have found so many things to hold in my heart and help me in my struggles (though some days the struggle is to actually get to the study, but I know that even without attending the group study, I am getting so much with the short "lessons" during the week). It is a great group of encouraging women and prayerful atmosphere, so as long as Lucy will go to the nursery and let me pray, I appreciate the time. 

I am not the most self-motivated person when it comes to things (just look around my house, or at my round mid-section), so knowing that about myself should tell me that I need to find outside encouragement.  This has done that very well.  (Though the introvert side of me screams when I need to talk.)

Next step is to find some good books for Lenten reading.  Any suggestions?  I am not great when they are heavy.  Or for smart people.

Worry, Worry. Too Much Worry.

Do you know the book "Wemberly Worried"?  My friend gave it to me when I had Lucy.  It was a book she said she reads to her kids, and she thought of it when I was chatting with her about all my worries.  It's not a great book, but it does kind of put worrying into perspective.  It doesn't do anything.

I used to tease my Grandma about being a "worrier."  She was always saying that she "worried" about this or that.  As a child, I never understood it.  As a grown-up, (though I don't feel I fit that description yet), I am TOTALLY getting it.  I am hitting a worry wall.  A huge, gargantuan worry wall.  I know this is a temptation for me, as a natural melancholic and a oh-this-is-the-bad-stuff-that-will-happen temperament, and this is my cue to take it to the Lord.  But, I am having a moment, and since this is my blog, I will get it out.

It's not ever going to stop.

Never. 

I have children, I am "only" 35, and there are a lot of years left in life.  I am so worried about these next steps for our children, and how we are going to afford this, or take care of that.  But I am seeing a longer road ahead - high school, college, marriage, kids, jobs, etc.  Maybe because the oldest grandchild in my family is graduating from High School, and the struggles he has had this year have been so real and tough.  I am looking ahead to my kids, and how close they are to high school (oh.my.goodness) and the next steps.  I was looking at a family with a brand new baby, and thinking about how the worry (and blessings) increase when your kids grow up and have kids of their own! 

Jesus, I TRUST in YOU!

I say that so many times in a day.  So many. 

I never feel good enough.  I don't feel up to the task of taking care of myself, let alone all these beautiful, sweet children.  When I freak out, I have to keep reminding myself that these are not my children.  They are His.  He chose me as his weak instrument to raise them and bring them to Him.  I just need to follow His Will.  I must find it and follow it, but I also have to make the decisions here.  And, if you know me, I am dreadful at decisions.  Dreadful, I tell you.  But, I can do this.  I know I can.   
"I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me." 

I look at what I have been through, with these last 2 pregnancies, what our family has gone through and done with God's help.  I know the path He has for us is amazing, but there are some days that I just need a good cry and refocus my attention on Jesus and the Cross. 

This one is up in my kitchen, and I don't remember which saint it is from:
"Lord, teach me to be generous.
Teach me to serve you as you deserve;
to give and not count the cost,
to fight and not heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labor and not to ask for reward
save that of knowing that I do your will." 
(emphasis mine)

Okay.  I'm done.  I bawled a bit, snorted, and my eyes are all puffy and done for a while.  Thanks for the prayers. 

Jesus Loves the Little Children

And their prayers!  This little boy is not even 3, and his little prayers are so sweet!  I love listening to him when he prays with us.  He led 2 mysteries of the rosary last night, per his own request!  My heart just melts!

"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life."

I know that gospel passage very well, as do many other Catholics.  I can't tell you how many times I have heard it throughout my life as a cradle Catholic.  I don't know if you are like me, but this phrase often puts images in my head.  Maybe it has to do with reading road signs while I was young: Wrong Way, One Way, etc. but I always pictured a road, like a highway.

That's how we get to Heaven, by following Jesus on the road that he made for us, with the 10 Commandments and sacraments.  It always made sense to me, and I was okay with that image.

Until Friday.  The kids had a school Mass with Fr. Juan, who always hits the nail on the head.  We heard this passage in the Gospel and he told the kids this:
"When you feel sad, or depressed, or don't want to go to school, or are crying (like that baby in the back) or having trouble with something, Jesus is the Way.  He is the one who gives you the Way to get through it."

It was like I had been hit over the head.  Whoa.  Jesus doesn't just show us the way.  He IS the way: the HOW, the WHO and the WHAT.  He IS the way.  Not He will just SHOW us the way.  I don't know if this is coming across with as much sense as it made to me, and maybe it was just my "a-ha!" moment with my Lord, but I felt that I wanted to share it.  (and yes, it did make me cry)

I am still Fill-in-Fuzzy at my sister's blog.  Come visit me to hear the latest, and leave a comment for my sister.  

Prayers for My Sister Jenn

On Thursday, December 12, my sister Jenn is going to have open heart surgery.  We are praying for a successful surgery and a quick recovery.  She is in Cleveland, Ohio for her surgery, and has been there since Sunday, doing lots of tests and preparation.  The doctors have said that it is probably a congenital defect, and not genetic, and the surgery is not something out of the ordinary or super "unique" - though I would say that my sister is quite unique!

We know that God has been in charge of every step of the way for this surgery, including the date.  December 12 is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Her original date was supposed to be January, but when another patient was not able to get funding in time, this date opened.  It fits in very well with what we have been feeling, and the words of Our Lady are perfect during this time:

“Listen and let it penetrate your heart…do not be troubled or weighed down with grief. Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the folds of my mantle? In the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else you need?” (Our Lady’s words to her servant Juan Diego.)

This very special sister is the oldest in our family, and my Godmother.  I know that all will be well, but I have to admit that I am feeling very emotional.  She is so far away, and just want to be there, to be with her.  If you could lift up a little prayer that all goes well, it would be very appreciated.  Thank you!

  

Grandma Reynolds Update

Hello to all my prayer warrior friends!  I wanted to give a quick update about my MIL.  She was having a lot of trouble breathing, blue lips, and just very uncomfortable.  She went to the hospital last week, and they decided to keep her, and to move her surgery date up.  She had valve replacement surgery on Tuesday and everything went really well!  The cardiologist said the MRSA infection she contracted last time caused a hole in her valve.  Tommy spent the day at the hospital, and  was able to see her when she finally woke up.  In true Mom Reynolds fashion, she woke up asking about everyone else: the nurses (that she knew by name), the grand kids and the kids of our favorite nurse who is also a Knight of Columbus and a friend of the family.  She was able to leave ICU yesterday and was sitting up and eating.  The nurses have put in all precautions for MRSA again, since she had it last time, though she has been tested and re-tested to be sure she was without risk before this surgery.  She is such an amazing woman, and touches so many lives with her love and goodness, and I am just overwhelmed by the love that has been poured out for her.  We are still praying for a swift and safe recovery!  Thank you for all your prayers!

ETA: She is home!  God is so good!  She came home on Sunday, 10/13!  Pink cheeks and pink lips!  We are so relieved!

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol. 1) Mommy can do this! Edition

--- 1 ---

We are currently on the third week of school.  I have to admit that it is getting better!  I had a full-blown meltdown last Tuesday when I realized how quiet the house was without my William, and how LONG he was going to be gone (the first week is only a half day for the Kindergartners.)  I miss my little conversationalist so much!  He struggled the first weeks and I wasn't sure if he would like it, but he is doing FABULOUS, the teacher keeps me up on everything, and the smile on his face when he spots me in the crowd to pick him up is so wonderful!

--- 2 ---

For the first time, I have volunteered to be a room mom/liaison.  My friend is the coordinator, and sort of guilted me into it.  I have never done this before, and she SWEARS 3rd grade is easy.  We shall see.  I am so nervous about the whole thing, but am thankful that I am not going at it alone.  Apparently, this is the way to get in good with the teachers.  :)

--- 3 ---

Did I also mention that I plan on helping in William's classroom too?  At least 1-2 times a month.  Yeah, something else I have never done.  I just want to get in good with all the teachers.  :)  I have some AMAZING mom friends who offered to watch my sweet James so I could have some piece of mind and some time.  They could tell I am a whack job and miss my little man.  I went today, and just fell in love with all those sweet faces!  I loved their joy and excitement of it all, and to be there with my big W, and see that he is doing well was AWESOME for me.  Yep, I can see I would be one of those "follow the school bus" moms, except my kids don't even RIDE the school bus!  LOL

--- 4 ---

Speaking of my James, the first week of school was so tough for him.  As soon as the kids got out of the car, he says, "Pat pat?  Emma?  Oo-wah?"  I told him they were at school, and he would say "shcool?"  It was so sad.  Of course, then he would ask if we could go to Chick-Fil-A and go on the "payground?"  He knows what mommy likes.  

--- 5 ---

My wedding anniversary is Saturday, the feast of the Triumph of the Cross.  11 years!  I am feeling so nostalgic about our wonderful years together (we dated for 3, engaged for 1) and how amazing our wonderful family is.  Have I told you lately how wonderful my husband is?  Perhaps I need to do a special blog post just for him.  He just gets more handsome, patient, kind and just plain wonderful with each year.  He is always in such a great mood, gets along with everyone (I am not kidding.  He can make anyone comfortable especially by a joke or his laugh.) and does such a great job at each project he tackles.  Including his impatient, cranky, selfish wife.

--- 6 ---

We visited my parent's house the other day, and I was struck by the changes in our family over the last year.  It's almost a full year since we moved out of their house.  Just a year ago, my James was starting to walk.  We almost didn't think we would find a house, let alone one this wonderful.  My depression was pretty bad last summer, though I didn't want to admit it.  One year in this house.  Can you believe it?  I still would like to post pictures, but I think that I will take pictures of one room at a time, with about a week apart between each, so I can clean up and not let everything fall apart so fast.

--- 7 ---

On a more serious note, we are still waiting to hear more about my sister's heart issues.  We have a few more questions than answers.  Please keep up those prayers,

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

God is Always in Charge

Can I ask for some prayers for my sister, Jenn?  We just found out that she needs to have open heart surgery very soon for a congenital defect.  We know that God has a plan and is always in charge and we also know that he listens to our prayers.  My sister is also my Godmother, mother of 2 amazing boys and a homeschooling mom.  She is my "go to" for so much, and she is always giving of herself to others.  She is always busy, always learning, and whenever I am asked if I am her sister, and feel that I need to add a note that they should NOT expect the same from me!  Please keep her and her family in your prayers!  Thank you!

And, while we are on the subject of family and prayers, would you please add my mother- and father-in-law to your list as well?  They are going to have surgery in the next months as well.  Unfortunately, my MIL's heart surgery was a failure and she now needs to have the valve replaced.  We are praying for a safe outcome, and speedy recovery of all! 

And one more: My cousin, mother of 8, just got a cancer diagnosis.   Thank you!

Update on Mom Reynolds

I know I mentioned that we had some health issues affecting the grandparents, and I wanted to give an update on her condition.

 Mom Reynolds had open heart surgery on April 17, and had a valve repair among many other things.  It was a successful surgery and we were very hopeful that everything would continue smoothly.  Unfortunately, a few days after she contracted MRSA (staph infection) and went septic.  She had to go into ICU for about a week, and it was a stressful time for all of us.  The kids can feel the tension and it's been so tough to see her so sick.  She is still at the hospital today, but not in ICU, and anxious to get home.  We know that there are so many people have been praying for her and we are so appreciative of all the prayers and well wishes for her!

We were so happy that last weekend, ALL the Reynolds kids came to town, and were together at our house.  We were missing our heart in the ICU, though!  (God is so good, because John, who lives in Korea, was on TDY in the area, just in time to see Mom!)

We miss you, Grandma!  We can't wait until you are home again.  The kids have been sick the last week, so we are hoping that we are all healthy so we can visit you!

Habemus Papam!!

It has been 2 days.  I have been glued to the television, iphone, and "popealarm" has sent me text messages and emails.  I have been so involved in waiting for this new Pope.  We finally had white smoke and I was home with just my little guys, James and William.  I was crying, screaming and dancing and jumping around the room!!!!!  The feeling of joy, excitement, and love was just overwhelming when he came out on the balcony, so sweet, humble and so, so, perfect.  It is an amazing time to be a Catholic!!  I am in awe of our Holy Spirit.  Totally in awe.

I am a little attached to this Pope, maybe because I watched and kept up with the whole Conclave, but his name.  Oh!!!  His NAME!  Pope Francis!  My mother named me after Saint Francis of Assisi, and my William's middle name is Francis.  I love that he chose such a humble saint and name.  Each article I read about him, just makes me smile.

Thank you, Lord, for giving our Church such a beautiful Shepherd!

Where did February go?

Goodness.  It's already March, we are talking about "spring forward" this weekend, and I feel like I just missed everything.  It was a very busy month, and it was highlighted by birthdays and family time, as well as some AWESOME report cards for my kids.  Patrick (who is working on his first year with number grades) received FIRST honors: ALL A's!!  This mommy is so proud!  My Emma brought a perfect report card too, along with an Effort award.  I know they have been working really hard. 

My brother from Vermont came into town and we had 6 of all 7 kids together at my house.  I loved being able to host, and spend time with my family.  I am in the middle of the 2 boys in my family, and I love that I have a big brother.  He and his family of 4 girls (with one more on the way!) just moved across country from California to get to his new job as a dentist in Vermont.  We are THRILLED that he is closer to us, and was able to come and visit.  The real purpose of his trip was to spend some time with my Dad, who's health hasn't been 100%, and I know that I would find it hard to be far away while my parents were sick. 

 

Our next visitors of the mont were family from the Reynolds side from North Carolina, to come up and be with my Mother-in-law, who just found out she is going to have to have heart surgery to replace a valve.  It's been a very emotional time, and we are all feeling the need to be close to our parents.  We gathered together at our house, and celebrated 3 birthdays, including mine.

We also had the start of Lent and we keep trying to motivate the kids and keep them focused on the penitential season. (Mommy needs motivation too.) We are trying the beans in the jar for sacrifices and extra services.

I also got to spend some time at the doctor's office this month, due to some kidney stones.  It was not a fun time, and we are still waiting on them.  I had a moment of joy when I handed my license to the hospital staff, and I couldn't stop smiling when they asked me if that was my current address.  It still makes me smile to know that we have been so blessed with a wonderful home and are so happy here!  I know I need to put photos up, but it's never all clean at the same time.  :)

 

My Emma made her first Confession last month as well!  We are so proud of her new clean soul!

 

I realize that this month brought a lot of things that needed prayers, and it has been sobering to think about my parents and in-laws and their health.  We have lots to be praying for, and need to be with the Lord during this time. 



The Three Kings

 To end our marathon of family gatherings, we had Epiphany/Holy Family celebration at our house with the Gregory side of the family.  Fr. John Mosimann (the priest who married us and baptized Patrick) came to bless our home and lead the visit with the 3 kings.

 It happened to be the big Cowboys/Redskins game day.  :)

 Caspar,

 Melchior,

 and Balthazar

 in the year 2013.  Tommy doesn't even need a step stool.

 The blessing is accompanied by a rousing version of "We Three Kings" and the kids did a great job leading the singing as they walked father through the house.

I think our house is officially under the Lord's care.  God is Good!

House update

After a very long time of hoping and waiting, we have backed out of the house we were trying to buy.  The short-sale-that-was-not is done.  We decided it was time to walk away.  It was a very emotional decision, as is the whole process, but it is time to move on.  The bank, the investor, the title company, everybody but our wonderful realtor (and good friend) was just so frustrating.  We kept hearing "almost there, last step, immediate approval" all to no avail.  We finally decided to let the house go.  We are glad that we are done with that process, and will have new curse word/phrase to add to the list now.  So, time to find a new house.

The problem?  There isn't much in the way of choices in houses right now.  We are kind of stuck with what is out there, in our price point, etc, etc.  It's hard to start this process all over again but we have been praying and asking everyone to keep praying.  It's part of our night prayers with the kids, and I was starting to feel like the kids weren't getting it.  I was getting a little frustrated and feeling like I wasn't getting the point across.  Until the other night. 

Emma says, "I want to say a special prayer that we find the right house for our family.  And even if it's an ugly house, we will be happy with it."

Oh.my.heart.

Thank you, Lord, for the sweetness of my children, their resilience and trust.  We know you will take care of us, even more than you take care of the birds of the air.   

William's Week

I'm a little late with this, but my William has this week!

It's Emma's Week!

....at the Reynolds Family Prayer Blog! Could you add an extra one for my sweet Emma?

I am going to hit publish, but it doesn't mean you have to read it

Words. They can be so kind, uplifting and good. Yet other times can hurt beyond any imagination. They seem so small and go past so quickly, it amazes me that they carry so much weight. I have been thinking (eh, maybe brooding is more appropriate) about words, conversations, etc. lately, and it has made it difficult for me to talk to people. I do worry often, but I have been in a very selfish place where I am always worried about how and what to say.

I had an experience recently that was very hard, and unfortunately, I have not been able to forget. Someone lashed out in anger at us, and said some things that were very hurtful. I know that what happened was not my fault. I know that this person did not mean the terrible things that were said. I know that I won't see them again, won't have to talk to them again. There were a lot of things said that hurt, and were directed at the things that I know I need to work on. I have forgiven them and I have prayed for them. It doesn't mean I have forgotten. Why is that so hard? Why do things people say hurt so much and stay with us for so long? I know I am sensitive, and things stay with me longer than some other people, but why does it have to be like that? I have been self-conscious ever since that experience. I had a family gathering at my house, and I worried everytime I had to speak to someone, afraid to offend or upset. I was nervous about making a joke, in case it was taken the wrong way. I attributed it to the incident. I hoped that I would be doing better by now, but I am still having a difficult time processing everything, and still a little self-absorbed with my thoughts and emotions. I know I need to get out of this rut and move on. I know. But I have not gotten there yet.

I want to be sure that if I have offended or hurt anyone that they will come to me and accept my apology. It's kind of an informal/insensitive thing to do here on a blog, but as I said, I have been disecting everything said and I never want to offend.

We (especially me) have been sick the last few weeks, and I have had some opportunities to do some praying and searching. I am still trying to see the good that needs to come from this incident. I am thinking God was trying to get me to be a better mother, wife and friend. He was trying to give me a lesson, and I hope I can see it and act upon it. I may not be doing all that I need to do, but I am thinking more, praying more, and trying harder. Yes, those words hurt, but I know that God can show me a positive outcome from such an experience, and show me that I need to turn to Him in these moments. The Beatitudes keep coming to mind while I am praying, so I wanted to put them here for me:

The Beatitudes

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Do you trust me?

As I was walking in Target the other day (oh man, how many times I could say that in month) I was struck, as I am very often, by how trusting my children are. My kids will just reach up their hand, and know that mine is there to hold theirs without even looking. They look up to me (well, not for very long, especially if they keep growing at this rate) and just know that I will be there to answer questions, give them meals, and take care of them. Before I had kids of my own, I loved to walk behind a child and the parent, holding hands crossing the street, or that little face looking up to the parents. It was always so special to see that, and I knew it would be amazing to have that as a mom. Now that I am a mom, I am overwhelmed by it. I always knew that the "parents are the first teachers" of their children, but when I think about how much I need to teach, whether by example or by showing, it is so much. Emma has a question she asks, and very often I feel that she is asking the same of me. "Why doesn't he know everything?" Such an innocent question, but with such big meaning. I always tell her that we are all learning, every day, and there is so much to be learned. Before I answer, I always pause for a moment, because that has such a big meaning to me. Being a parent is such an awesome job, but is anyone ever ready? Have I taught them good habits? Do I have good habits? (oh my, no!) Am I doing my best to help them to love God, love their siblings, and be good children? Am I a good teacher?

If I sit here and go through everything that makes me feel inadequate, I will start to get depressed and overwhelmed at the unknown and the long road ahead. I have to stop and I have to remember that God is in charge. He gave me Tommy to help (how good he is!), our family and community. I have to keep going, keep praying and just trust God in the same way a little child trusts. He is my Father, my parent and I need to be like the little child, trusting that He will hold my hand, take care of all my needs, and guide me and my family to Heaven to be with Him.

The Kitchen Prayer

For as long as I can remember, my mom had a special prayer above her sink. I always noticed it, but never really thought too much about the prayer until I was married and had my own kitchen to take care of. As I tried to keep up with everything, I wished I had this prayer in my own kitchen. I would try to remember it, but never could get past the first line. (what does that tell you about how often I used to do dishes? Don't answer that!) My sister Jennifer found this at our parish's white elephant sale, and I was thrilled when she shared it with me! The plaque is now above my sink, and though the picture is different than my mom's, I love that she could be praying this at the same time..

Kitchen Prayer

Lord of all pots and pans and things, since I've not time to be

A saint by doing lovely things or watching late with Thee

Or dreaming in the dawn light or storming Heaven's gates

Make me a saint by getting meals and washing up up the plates.

Although I must have Martha's hands, I have a Mary mind

And when I black the boots and shoes Thy sandals, Lord, I find.

I think of how they trod the earth, what time I scrub the floor

Accept this meditation, Lord, I haven't time for more.

Warm all the kitchen with Thy love, and light it with Thy peace

Forgive me all my worrying and make my grumbling cease.

Thou who didst love to give men food, in room or by the sea

Accept this service that I do, I do it unto Thee.

--Klara Munkres

Now, if only there was a prayer to put around the commode to encourage me while I am cleaning...