Last Day for Pope Benedict XVI

When Pope Benedict announced that he was stepping down from the Chair of St. Peter, he revealed that he was led to this decision by God during prayer. In his characteristically no-nonsence German style, he set the exact date (today) and time so that the 1 billion Catholics in the world could use Lent to pray for his successor. Although there has been some un-charitable speculation about his motives and health as well as some unlikely spin by the media about the opportunities for drastic change, I am actually in awe again of the Roman Catholic Church and its rich traditions. Unlike 8 years ago, my children can join me in following the news and developments with greater interest! First, we sent in our contribution to the spiritual bouquet (organized partly by Alison) and we adopted a cardinal to pray for during the Conclave.

Sickness

Captain is home from his Sunday-Thursday trip. He is so sick! This is the worst I've ever seen him in a long time. Coughing non-stop. Fever and achy pains.

Progress

The puzzle he wanted in Washington, D.C. is coming along nicely. Glad that some of my preschool "thinking games" are paying off. We need more people who can pay attention to details and solve what lies in their lap.

Snow Dayz

What do homeschoolers do on a snow day?
1. Sleep in (after 5:45 am wake up call that Hillyard canceled class);
2. Eat simply (apple fritters for breakfast, bacon-and-eggs for lunch);
3. Give 3 haircuts (and suffer 3 arguments about said haircuts);
4. Have boys dust their dressers (once-a-year feat);
5. Watch action movie;
6. Make snow ice cream;
7. Piddle with another scholarship form, procrastinate, repeat;
8. Go to bed early.

Using Our Talents

Yesterday was KCMTA's Concerto Recital, and I enjoyed watching the twins enter for the first time. They both played music by Seitz. Winger performed Concerto No. 2, 3rd movement; and Polar Bear performed Concerto No. 5, 1st movement. Both had their pieces memorized and performed really well on the stage. I am not as technology-oriented as Captain is, so no recording was made to share with this blog spot. For those of you at Meggar's Senior Recital, you would have heard Dorito playing the same songs -- he was a freshman that year. What a great accomplishment for any high schooler. And a treat for my ears!

Forbearance in Lent

(Confirmation Prep)
Fruit of the Holy Spirit #7 - Long Suffering

I think this topic is especially fruitful for us during Lent. Long suffering doesn't exactly mean suffering for a long time, but it means getting along with all different types of people and acting with maturity in all situations. It is hard to live without losing your temper, but as adults we want to strive to control ourselves in all areas of life/thoughts/actions/words -- in the home, at school, at work, in the neighborhood, and with our church family. When we have the attitude of long-suffering, we do not attribute bad motives to other people, we don't pick arguments to show we are right, and we recognize that God has put certain people and experiences in our path for our own good. (His plan is always best.) In all encounters, we should eek to act with maturity and patience, especially if misunderstandings occur or our actions are misinterpreted. The attitude of long-suffering will help us live a happy life and help build up others in the Body of Christ.

Of course we are more easily long-suffering with little kids, like baby Ana, or Aunt Lois who don't know better. And of course, Jesus knows when we choose to accept long-suffering with others, such as a friend who favors the Democrats or who someone who plays worse hockey than we would like.

It also means that we should endure our circumstances even when it is not convenient to be a Catholic, such as: going to mass on holy days of obligation, refraining from meat on Fridays of Lent when you are at restaurants or with friends, keeping our Lenten penance for what we have pledged to give up, and not arguing with other Christians who have doctrinal differences with us.

Some Biblical examples -- 

Noah, who built the ark in the middle of the desert even when people were obstinate with him for listening to God's will, and endured 40 days and 40 nights in the rain;

Seven Sons of Maccabeus, who remained steadfast while they and their mother watched as each brother was tortured and martyred before their own eyes;

Paul, who was imprisoned multiple times and suffered many tortures for his Christian preaching -- (2 Corinthians 11:25)

I think the best ways to develop long-suffering are:

1. Follow the Golden Rule -- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

2. Think about the possible harm that be done with your impatience, and choose a better response.

3. Pray to the saints, who have truly suffered for the faith, asking for strength and join your own sufferings with the wounds of Christ on the cross.

Cleaning Music

What would I do without Pandora?! I love my access to Michael Buble radio while cleaning the kitchen/house. Plus I love that it is free! Speaking of savings, my tank of gas was reduced $6.40 because of my accumulated HyVee gas points, which is wonderful. Now I won't go into the politics of gas prices nor our failed economy under Mr. O... I'm too happy listening to "Hold On"