Answering the Call

I am sitting here enjoying this glorious fall morning. How I love fall. 

I have been reflecting on yesterday. Tony and I both had doctor appointments. They were several hours apart, so we visited with some friend and family. Since we do not live in town we try to make the most of our time.

I had a great visit with one of my dearest friends. She is one of the two persons who I have review my meditations or talks before I give them. I shared with her how I was now teaching CCD, first year Confirmation. She was most surprised. Yes, I told her I was surprised I accepted. I shared with her why I said yes. 

 You see, the lady who asked me is a very sweet and loving person. I first met her on a trip to Poland. We really did not talk much on that trip. But several months after our return, she called and invited me to join the Garden Club. After we got to know each other, she shared something with me. She said that she had been really sad for some time and that my smile on that trip had brought joy back into her life. She thanked me.

 

Wow, I was shocked. Who would think that a smile could help a stranger? We talked that day and she shared her story. So when she asked me, I told her I would pray on it. She told me she would teach second year and I would teach first year. When the director called, I said yes.

My friend and I laughed. I know my writings have been for adults. I do not know why now I am asked to deliver to teens. But I know that is what our Lord is asking of me. 

Last night, one of the questions was how could they rebel against our culture. One student answered by being good, at first I said no. Then I thought about it and told that student that it was a great answer, for if you are in a group that is known to be bad, being good is a rebellion. Somehow I know that made that student feel good.

 

Last night, we also had a meeting for the parents and students. Several students did not want to stay, but they did. At the meeting, I watched that student. The student's parents were not there, and the student had told me the parents made the student come to class. As I watched the student's face, I could almost hear the student's thoughts. " You make me come, but you could not come."
As I looked at my students and heard what they said, I think I can almost tell which have love and family life and which don't. 

My hope is that somehow I can show God's love to all of them, and that they can feel God's love and presence.

Sometimes we are so quick to label them as bad students, but they need so much love a guidance. We only have them for an hour, but I know God is a powerful God.

 

May He send the Holy Spirit to open their hearts and souls to hear His voice and may he guide my words.

Let us all pray for all our young teens. They are faced with so much in our world today.
Jesus, I trust in you.

 

Waiting on God's Time

Have done my prayers and have just been enjoying my music, have some cd's with morning and evening music, and watching the animals. Watching the animals doing their thing,what is their nature. And doing some reflection on my life.

 Some time back we decided to get involved here in our community. It was hard leaving Saint Mary Magdalene. I had a good talk with Fr Joseph Mary, may he RIP, before we left. He understood. He said he would pray for me, I know he is still praying fo...r me up in heaven. Oh how I miss our talks.
Tony has been on team here and has been teaching CCD. (I had just been involved with the Garden Club. ) I had helped at send off and candlelight. I had been asked to direct a retreat, but due to my schedule I had to refuse.

This year I was asked to be Spiritual Director for the Women's ACTS retreat. It was an awesome experience to get to know all the ladies. I know that was how God wanted me to get to really know the ladies. I know coming in to direct a retreat where no one knows you would have been so hard. I have directed ACTS Missions retreats, but you bring in your team, people you know.

Two weeks ago, I joined the Altar Society. Last week, I joined the Guadalupanas, and I will be teaching CCD this year. 

 Tony and I were talking, and I told him how I regretted not joining before, and not getting involved sooner. Everyone has accepted me with open arms. Tony just said,"It was not the right time."
He was right. It made me think how everything happens in God's time, not our time. God is in control. 

 Maybe Saint Mary Magdalene needed me, or maybe I had to grow more and I needed all that wonderful time with Fr Joseph. 

 It made me reflect on how we sometimes want to rush things, how we want to be in control. But if we just trust in our Lord and let Him have control, all will work out according to His plan.
Jesus I trust in you.

 

Prayer for Our Children

I have been sitting here enjoying this beautiful morning. My favorite season is just around the corner. I have been think about the young 8th grader from New Braunfels, possible suicide. It is so heartbreaking. What could cause someone so young to be so desperate?

I have been reflecting on my 8th grade. Yes, it was a long time ago, but I can remember it as if it was yesterday. It was a wonderful time in my life. I remember looking forward to the 9th grade, to our graduation, to parties, to high school. 

We have 2 grandchildren in the 8th grade. I pray that they enjoy their year as I did. I pray for them and all my grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

 I look at our world, and all that is going on, and I worry about their future. But all I can do is keep them in my prayers and put their lives in God's hands. 

My Lord God, please watch over all my grandchildren and great grandchildren. Help them in school. But especially over Tyler and Hunter who are in the 8th grade. Keep them safe and close to you. May they enjoy this year like I enjoyed my 8th grade. May they look forward to their High School years.
Jesus I trust in you.

News link to the suicide in New Braunfels:
http://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/8th-grader-dies-after-being-bullied-in-new-braunfels