In the Shadow of Sunrise

June 13, 2011 By 14 Comments

Outside my window: There’s a sparrow on the post of the clothesline, the sky a pink explosion behind it. In the mornings here in my new house, I am greeted by the sunrise (when I’m up early enough). And after all the reflecting I’ve done on sunsets over the years, because my old kitchen was west-facing, I am delighted to see the others side of the sky at the beginning of the day.

Around the house: My six-year-old has a new habit. When she hears any indication of things going on, she gets up. Today it was at 5:15. She doesn’t stay up; she curls on the couch and goes back to sleep. She doesn’t want to miss Daddy, you see, and she wants him to kiss her goodbye before he leaves for work. So she’s on the front couch, I’m in my office, and everyone else is still (wisely?) in bed.

In my kitchen: The coffee’s made, the window’s open, and the dishes are put away. Did I mention that I have a dishwasher now? For the first time ever in my married life?

In my thoughts: I’m full, this morning, of conflicting thoughts. On the one hand, there are the deadlines this week. Big ones. On the other hand, there’s the first week of Confirmation boot camp that I’m helping to teach.

In my plans: This week and next week, I have 12 hours of Confirmation boot camp. I have writing projects and some parish projects as well, but the beginning of both weeks are consumed with these 25 young people. I haven’t taught religious education in six years, and I’m excited. It’s a reminder to me of why I have that degree in education.

In thanksgiving: For the blessings of the past week, when, despite the impossibility of my to-do list and circumstances beyond my control, I experienced peace of mind and the rather miraculous completion of a few things, along with the humility to ask for help.

In my prayers: To be an instrument of the Holy Spirit during this Confirmation instruction. (Will you pray for us?) A special intention. My family, near and far.

Nose inserted: Save the Date, by Jenny B. Jones, a book I heard about from Katharine at 10 Minute Writer a while back. It’s total chick lit, but…I like it. I’m whipping through it and realizing (as I do so often) that fiction feeds me. Especially when it’s a good story!

Recent reads: I can’t wait to share more about the books I’ve finished recently. Here are snippets:

  • A Biblical Walk through the Mass: Understanding What We Say and Do in the Liturgy, by Edward Sri – I thought I’d have to endure this book, and I started it because I’m fascinated with the upcoming changes in the Roman missal. Having heard the author interviewed, I had hopes, but nothing prepared me for the passion and beauty of this book. Sri writes with a tenderness about the Mass and reminded me of what I so love about the Eucharist. Behind the facts contained in this book is the deep water of true love for Jesus. Highly recommended.
  • Disorientation: How to Go to College without Losing Your Mind, edited by John Zmirik – Julie brought this to my attention quite a while ago (she does that a lot), and so I signed up for it from not one, but two review programs. Um, oops. Lucky for me, they’re understanding people, these Catholic reviewer program people, and I have a copy to give away at CatholicMom.com with my review there. ANYWAY, I loved it. It was a dose of philosophy for the distracted and is the kind of book I won’t have any problem lending, rereading, and talking about. It summarizes exactly what was “wrong” with my college education, and I plan to gift this to every graduate in the future. Even though it’s Catholic, I’d recommend it for anyone–the truths it points to are universal. Highly recommended.
  • Anna Mei, Escape Artist, by Carol Grund – What a delight to have my old friend Anna Mei back! I enjoyed this book just as much as I enjoyed its predecessor, and I can’t wait until my six-year-old, who has just discovered Junie B. Jones, is old enough for Anna Mei. In this, we’re faced with more of the difficulties of friendship and discerning how to treat people, especially close friends who are hurting and confusing you. In the face of a big misunderstanding, Anna Mei finds herself battling feelings and learning to grow in interpersonal skills. (Can you tell I’m trying not to spoil it?) I enjoyed it, and I’ll bet your intermediate reader will, too! Highly recommended.
  • Marriage: Small Steps, Big Rewards, by Dr. Ray Guarendi – Dr. Ray is one of the only authors I’ll take parenting advice from, so I was interested to see his new book about marriage. This book was not only peppered with his usual flair of self-effacing humor and insight, but full of practical advice that every single married couple should employ. Whether you’re struggling in your marriage or sitting quite content, Dr. Ray’s small steps will give you something to think about and something else to try. It was designed to be a fast read, but also to be the sort of thing you can pick up and put down without any danger of forgetting or losing your momentum. This isn’t just a book you should read, it’s a book you should share with your family, your parish, and your friends. Highly recommended.
  • Prayer in the Digital Age, by Matt Swaim – Wow. I just finished this book this weekend, and I’m still left with that overwhelming impression: wow. It was not only what I needed to read when I needed to read it, it was a gem of a book. Swaim doesn’t try to be a theologian, but comes at his topic with all the practicality and sensibility of someone who struggles just like the rest of us. His observations ring true, because he’s speaking what’s been niggling in the back of my mind. I especially enjoyed how he suggests solutions, as opposed to just ranting about how bad things are now. One of my favorite books so far this year. HIGHLY recommended.

A favorite thing: The Among Women podcast, which is celebrating 100 episodes! Congratulations, Pat!

Food for thought: “And when our ideas of how the world should be run meet with opposition, our conclusion is that we are being attacked by the devil; we rarely conclude that we ourselves might not have the best set of ideas for the situation at hand.” – Matt Swaim in Prayer in the Digital Age

Worth a thousand words: The view from my kitchen window

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Saturday Wanderings Daybook

May 14, 2011 By 1 Comment

Outside my window: It’s a sunny Saturday morning. Should I do laundry? Should I wake the baby? Should I sit outside while I drink my coffee?

Around the house: Actually, I’m typing this from the bathroom, because the only other awake person is my three-year-old, who needed a bath.

In my kitchen: Boxes. Though not as many of them as there WILL be…

In my thoughts: My thoughts are whirring and yet strangely silent. I’m mostly reflecting on Advent, because that’s the writing deadline I’m dealing with right now (it’s a piece similar to Welcome Baby Jesus).

In my plans: The baby is getting on a better routine this week. Because, with the potential of moving, a couple of huge writing deadlines, and some other things, I needed something else, right? Yes, I thought you’d agree.

In thanksgiving: For our new home, which is an answer to prayer in so many ways.

In my prayers: For a positive attitude, even in the face of uncertainty (MUST closings be eleventh-hour experiences? Everyone says that’s just how it is.). For a friend who’s grieving in silence. For a

Nose inserted: I’m reading A Biblical Walk Through the Mass: Understanding What We Say and Do in the Liturgy, by Edward Sri, and WOW. I expect to have it finished this week, but the lack of sleep has been REALLY impeding my reading time. (So the way I’m thinking of it is that it’s my opportunity to be thankful for the baby. Reading time will come later.)

I have also been reading, a bit at a time, Introduction to the Devout Life, by St. Francis de Sales, with a dear friend. We’re about seven chapters in, and I’m loving it.

Recent reads: Recently, I finished I Will Remember You: My Catholic Guide Through Grief, by Kimberly Schuler. I was impressed with it, and though it’s written for people much younger than me (grades K-5th, I believe), I thought it had great ideas. (Full review soon, I promise.)

I also finished The Face of God: The Rediscovery of the True Face of Jesus, by Paul Badde, and I can’t wait to write about it. I’ll be doing at least a full review, but I think I have more in me (and I had a chance to interview the author a while back, so there’s potential for lots of fun writing!).

A favorite thing: The way my girls love the baby and the way he loves them back.

Food for thought: “Christian life begins with a call and is itself always a response, until the end…The Lord has called each of us; each is called by name. God is so great that He has time for each of us. He knows me, He knows each of us by name, personally…We must meditate on this mystery again and again: God, the Lord, has called me, He calls me, He knows me and awaits my response as He awaited Mary’s response, as He awaited the response of the Apostles.” -Pope Benedict XVI, via BenedictEveryday.com

Worth a thousand words: Courtesy of my friend Walt in email, full story about the weather in Namimbia and South Africa here.

Shelf Clouds in South Africa

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Daybook on the Brink of Lent

March 6, 2011 By 1 Comment

Outside my window: The sky is turning lighter shades of gray, though I think the day’s going to stay gray. No amazing light from the east falling on my barn and filling my western-facing kitchen window today. Maybe tomorrow.

Around the house: I’m the only one awake. I hear the ticking of the clock above the kitchen sink and the soft clicking of my keyboard as I type. This won’t last much longer, but I’m drinking it in while it does.

In my kitchen: That’s where I am: in my kitchen. As I look around, I realize, once again, just how happy this room makes me. Even though it’s often the coldest room in the house on winter mornings, I have spent most of them here. I pray here, I cook here. I also often do my work here, at the kitchen table. Right now, the baby is sleeping in his little seat on the floor at my feet.

In my thoughts: I’m thinking about Lent. I’m also thinking about exciting news about my upcoming book. And…I really need to do something about exercise and fitness. (Siiigh.)

In my plans: Today is wide open. We haven’t had one of these Sundays in a while, and though I know we’ll have basketball in our day (can you say March Madness?), I am also looking forward to the snuggling and reading that’s going to be a part of the day too.

In thanksgiving: For big sisters who love babies. For nieces who love babies. For a sister-in-law whose joy in babies is infectious. For the Eucharist and the healing I feel each week at Mass. For the downy feel of a three-year-old’s hair on my arm during Mass. For morning texts. For laughter. For coffee.

Nose inserted: I just started Unplanned, by Abby Johnson. I also received a review copy of Lisa Hendey‘s upcoming book (oh! my! goodness! Folks, this is going to be a must-have for every single Catholic mom I know!). It’s all I can do to get anything done with these two books taunting me. Good thing it’s Sunday! :) I have also been making a more concentrated effort to read through the Catechism. I started it, oh, last year. I’m glad I’m reading it slowly, though.

Recent reads: Viper, by John Desjarlais: can you say AWESOME! (You know that little kid in The Incredibles, the one on the trike who lives across the street? I feel pretty much about this book how he reacts at the end of the movie.)

A favorite thing: Man socks. That’s what my baby-obsessed sister-in-law calls them. And…well, I love em. I don’t think I’ll be able to give them away. They’re just so stinkin’ cute! (And so much of little boy stuff just isn’t cute the same way as it is for girls. My husband, hearing this, has informed me, “It’s not supposed to be cute!” Well. Sir. I disagree!)

Food for thought: “At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for join but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit for righteousness to those who are trained by it.” -Hebrews 12:11

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The Daybook of White

February 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Outside my window: The black is giving way to gray, which will soon burst into some sort of pink. I love sitting at my desk this time of day, watching the miracle of another day begin. Today, though, I’m in my kitchen, so I’m seeing the start of day from my sunset view.

Around the house: My three-year-old is up and tucked on the couch with a movie. Someone’s making noises upstairs, though I’m not sure yet if it’s my six-year-old or my husband. The baby still sleeps. (I bet he won’t still be asleep by the time I’m done with this post, though!)

In my kitchen: There are baskets of laundry to be folded and dishes by the sink and a full carafe of coffee, freshly brewed.

In my thoughts: I have a lot that didn’t get done last week. I’ve also noticed that I am terribly out of shape. I need to address that. (Sigh.)

In my plans: This week, a very dear, wonderful friend is coming to visit. We are all excited (my kids have been asking about her kids for at least a year, and she reports that her kids have done the same). I also have a pile of things that need done, though I’ve been very clear with God that this work that needs done needs some intervention.

(Baby’s up!)

In thanksgiving: For infectious baby smiles. For shared laughter. For good books.

In my prayers: I’m thinking of two dear friends who are carrying the weight of their grief, and I’m holding them close to Mary each morning in my rosary.

Nose inserted: I have three different reads, and that’s too many: I’m torn every time I can read. First, Orthodoxy, by G.K. Chesterton, which I’m blogging about on Tuesdays–”The Maniac” this week. Next, another Chesterton-related work, G.K. Chesterton: The Apostle of Common Sense, by Dale Ahlquist. And my current fiction is The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson, by Jerome Charyn.

Recent reads: Neeta Lyffe: Zombie Exterminator, by Karina Fabian: Though this is a book filled with humor, it also explores some deeper themes, which I appreciated. I’m not usually one to read horror anymore (did plenty of that in my youth, enough to last a lifetime), but though this has “zombie” in the title, I’d argue that it’s a book more about human nature than it is about zombies. I’ll be in line to read the next book, if there is one. Really enjoyed this one!

A favorite thing: Secretariat, which is just as good on DVD as it was in the theater. Maybe it’s better, because I get to share it with my girls, whose pronunciation has been (sadly?) corrected from “Secretariad” and “Sequetarian” and other variations I just can’t capture. I have the book on my to-read shelf, but though my husband whipped through it the week after we saw the movie together, I don’t think I’ll be able to work it in for a month or two.

Food for thought: “Every day we have to choose to love, and this requires help, the help that comes from Christ, from prayer and from the wisdom found in his word, and from the grace which he bestows on us in the sacraments of his Church.” -Pope Benedict XVI, Address to Youth, Westminster Cathedral, London, England, September 18, 2010 (via BenedictEveryday.com last week)

Worth a thousand words:

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A Daybook on the Verge of February

January 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Outside my window: It is black. Soon, though, it will lighten, and in the lightening, it will probably turn slightly pink in the pale way of winter, and then the sun will blaze through and add orange and then–snap your fingers–it will be daylight.

Around the house: It’s just me and the boy this morning. He’s fussing at me from his chair. I’m glad to share my early morning with him. Soon enough, he’ll be bigger and it will just be me again. Soon enough. (Some days, it can’t be soon enough. Today, by the grace of God, isn’t one of those days.)

In my thoughts: The day ahead is going to be lots of fun: I’m heading to a nearby town with a few friends, baby in tow, to see Fr. Leo Patalinghug of Grace Before Meals fame. I have seen him before, at the very first Catholic New Media Celebration in Atlanta a few years ago, and that only makes me more excited about today’s Mass and talk. I’m also really appreciating this for time with a few of my very special friends.

In my plans: This week, I’m  going to start a proposal for an exciting new project which, hopefully, I’ll be telling you about in the next few months. My fingers are crossed that we’ll have a week of being healthy so that I can get ahead in a few areas, but…well, I’m not holding my breath. I’m starting to feel like I have my feet under me, like I can move forward with the rhythm of our days.

In thanksgiving: For sleep. For coffee. For friends who join me in prayer and let me know it by texting me. For a Saturday of resting–sans big kids–and organizing toys (and hiding/stashing/pre-pitching quite a few). For the Sunday fun ahead.

In my prayers: Today begins the Seven Sundays of St. Joseph (thanks to Leila for the reminder) and I’m going to be praying it for a few special friends who, while facing different struggles in different places, find themselves very discouraged. I’ll also be praying for my husband. No special reason, except that he’s my husband and has been really spoiling me lately and I “owe” him, in a good way. What better way to “repay” him than with prayers? (Though a steak dinner and some football, with John Wayne on the side, might run a close second…)

Nose inserted: Neeta Lyffe: Zombie Exterminator, by Karina Fabian (which I’m reading electronically) and Orthodoxy, by G.K. Chesterton

Recent reads: Walking Together: Discovering the Catholic Tradition of Spiritual Friendship, by Mary DeTurris Poust, which I’ll be reviewing here on Thursday. :)

A favorite thing: Baby smiles and the effect they have on the older sisters, especially when they’re accompanied by coos.

Food for thought: “Our relationships with those on earth are not severed once we reach heaven. On earth, we benefit from the holiness and love of the saints in heaven. They look out for us, listen to our prayers, intercede for us. In heaven we too will assume responsibility for caring and praying for the ones we leave behind . . . . From heaven we will watch over our brothers and sisters on earth, especially our loved ones. We will experience their joys and their sorrows, with ears open always to their pleas and petitions.” – David Scott in The Catholic Passion: Rediscovering the Power and Beauty of the Faith (quoted in Walking Together: Discovering the Catholic Tradition of Spiritual Friendship, by Mary DeTurris Poust)

Worth a thousand words:


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Frigid Sunday Daybook

January 23, 2011 By 2 Comments

Outside my window: It’s black and it’s cooooollllld: 8 degrees, according to my weather app, which is tropical compared to yesterday’s -11…yes, that’s a negative sign.

In thanksgiving: For the wood stove. For the piles of afghans. For thick socks and thick sweaters and not having to leave the house when it’s so cold.

Folded hands, bowed head: For those who grieve. For an end to abortion. For our lingering sickness to end.

Kitchen meanderings: I’m on a roll: last week I made dinner every night. So my goal this week is to keep that going.

Nose inserted: Neeta Lyffe: Zombie Exterminator, by Karina Fabian (which I’m reading electronically) and Walking Together: Discovering the Catholic Tradition of Spiritual Friendship, by Mary DeTurris Poust.

Recent reads: Theophilos, by Michael O’Brien – This book would have consumed me if I had been able to abandon myself to it. The story is based around the “Theophilos” who Luke writes to in his Gospel. How do you build a 400-plus page book around that? Not only did O’Brien do just that, he did it brilliantly. It has a taste of historical fiction, but it also had a devotional nature to it, at least for me. It’s written as Theophilos’s journal, from his point of view, and we see his examination of the new Christian religion. Looking at Christianity so close to when it started, from the viewpoint of rational logic, was intriguing, entertaining, and thought-provoking. Highly recommended.

In my thoughts: I’m thinking about an online class on blogging that I’m leading, even as I think about a book proposal that I need to get cracking on. I’m also thinking about how reading on my iPad isn’t so bad (I’ve read two long works that way since receiving it). And, inspired by an email last week, I’m also thinking about Catholic business resources, things (podcasts, blogs, etc.) that can be used to help Catholics thrive in the business world. Goes with the business book post I did a while back…if you have any ideas for this, I’d love to share them.

In my ears: Yesterday, I finished listening to Peter Kreeft‘s lecture, “A Grief Observed.” It refers to C.S. Lewis’s book of the same name, and wow. Not only did the lecture go back into my listening lineup (which never happens), but I’m going to have to get the book and read it. Grief and the experience of sorrow are topics I’ve been exploring in my mind for the last year, and this dealt with them in ways that felt very “ah-HA!” to me.

A favorite thing: My electric kettle, which boils water all day long on my counter. Said the six-year-old the other day: “Mommy, why are you always drinking coffee or tea?” You see, she is still wearing short-sleeved shirts. Obviously, nerve endings don’t develop until much later in life. I need that hot mug to keep my hands warm!

Plans made, possibly kept: A Pampered Chef party, parent-teacher conferences, a long-awaited photo shoot for the kids…all of this and more, if we stay healthy. And all of us aren’t completely healthy yet…this nasty cold is lingering and keeping us up at night and making the baby cry.

Food for thought: “God, in his mercy, does not tell us everything our yes will mean. Most likely, Mary did not understand everything her yes would mean. She had much to ponder; however, she still gave God permission to work in and through her life as he saw fit. Like Mary, we don’t have to know everything our yes will mean; we just have to yield ourselves, trusting God.” -Kimberly Hahn (today’s entry in Through the Year with Mary: 365 Reflections, by Karen Edmisten)

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A Daybook for Mid-January

January 16, 2011 By 8 Comments

Outside my window: It’s dark, the windows black. It’s also cold. I’m happy to stay in the kitchen, hugging my mug of coffee.

Rambling thoughts: At Mass last night, Father said something that caught my attention: “God doesn’t micromanage.” He referenced the prophet Micah, and I had to go look it up, because he said that Micah told the people to quit trying to figure out what God wanted and to simply walk humbly with God. His examples, in his homily, had to do with a friend who was always discerning, trying to figure out if God wants him to do A or B. Father’s response is, “Yes! Do A; God will be with you. Do B; God will be with you. They are both good things.” As I’ve thought about it, I think the underlying lesson that I get from this, at least at first, is one of free will–this is what free will is, the choosing between two things. The bottom line is to be in God’s company, and to be humble so as to hear the still, small voice he’ll use to get my attention.

In thanksgiving: For early morning prayer and coffee. For a pew filled with family at Mass most weeks. For a niece who cracks me up nearly every day.

Folded hands, bowed head: For a special intention. For those who face financial difficulty, especially those who are out of work. For an end to abortion.

Kitchen meanderings: This week, I am going to stick to a menu. Granted, I have to make that menu, but my life will be better, easier, and smoother at the point when I most need it to be those things. I know we’ll be having breakfast for dinner one night. Maybe we’ll have notsanga too. My six-year-old requested tacos (which, to her, means unseasoned ground beef and cheese in a shell), and I know just which night we’ll be doing that. What’s on your menu this week?

Nose inserted: Ah, Theophilos, by Michael O’Brien, is distracting me from all other reading in the most delightful ways! I would like to just immerse myself and neglect all other things to read it and finish it. I’m past the halfway point, and if I get a nice stretch of reading time today (yay for Sundays!), then I think there’s a chance I’ll be finishing it this week. Then I’ll return to the hilarity of Neeta Lyffe: Zombie Exterminator, by Karina Fabian (which I’m reading electronically), and the wisdom of Walking Together: Discovering the Catholic Tradition of Spiritual Friendship, by Mary DeTurris Poust.

Recent reads: A Catholic Woman’s Book of Prayer, the latest by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle. It’s wonderful in all the right ways. Great for busy women, but also with enough “meat” to foster good devotional time. It would make a great companion for a discussion group. I found myself dog-earing favorite pages and was pleasantly surprised that it was, in fact, possible to read through it as an actual book (it flows), though you wouldn’t have to.

In my ears: The sound of the dryer, the click of the baby swing, the overriding silence of early morning. I’ve been on a podcast-listening kick lately, but tomorrow’s a big writing/revising day, so I’ll be tapping into my Ave Maria playlist (which has had some additions recently, thanks to the comments and my own discoveries) and my collection of favorite songs (including, but not limited to, Taylor Swift).

Around the house: My kitchen floor needs some special attention, the piles of baskets in the corner need folded, and there’s a toy sorting project that awaits me. I find myself longing for clutter-free areas in my house, and that’s what I’m going to spend the next few weeks achieving (with the help, I hope, of my favorite motivator in areas of housework and cleaning, my amazing mother-in-law).

A favorite thing: A completed project…I almost have one of those (a manuscript!), and it’s delicious in the anticipation (and even better once it’s sent! gone! goodbye!).

Plans made, possibly kept: It’s time for a date. The problem, though, is determining what to do. If the weather was nice, I’d be out on the golf course with my honey in a heartbeat. We’ll have to fly far south to find good golfing weather, though. Maybe next weekend, we’ll carve out date time. As for the week ahead, it involves the usual stuff, with the promise of meeting George Weigel at the end. (He’ll be at my favorite Catholic bookstore for a book signing!)

Food for thought: “You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Michah 6:8

Worth a thousand words:

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