The Imitation of Christ

"The Imitation of Christ" is one of those spiritual classics that everyone seeking the way to Christ should read. It has been termed "the second most important book" in history, right after the Holy Bible. Amazingly, I just read it for the first time. I was incredibly inspired by this book. The message is one of incredibly high standards but it reinforces the way Christ himself showed us how to live. You can read my full review here: http://www.spiritualwoman.net/Books/ImitationofChrist.html

Things I never thought my 3-year-old would say

When you dream of having children, you have a vision of what these little people will be like, what their interests might be, that they will be polite, caring children who will hang on your every word and do what you ask. Of course, as any parent will tell you that dream goes out the window the first six months!

Still, that dream took another jolt when Isaac got up this morning and told me that Grandma taught him how to play "Texas Hold-Em" last night! Granted, Isaac loves to play cards. He mastered "Uno" at age 2 and "Solitaire" this year. I suppose poker was simply a natural progression. It just isn't one of those things I ever imagined hearing from my 3 year old!

The Feast of the Assumption

Today is the feast of the Assumption when we celebrate Mary being taken into heaven body and soul after her physical death here on earth. It is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics in the US.

The Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women,
and Blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God.
Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

Time to Just "Be"

I was going for a walk down my street the other day and I happened to notice an elderly woman sitting in her back yard. That was all she was doing - just sitting, enjoying the beauty of the day. I couldn't help being inspired by that. I know that as a woman, and especially as a mother, I find it hard to give myself permission to relax. There is always something or someone waiting for my attention. The "to-do" list is never-ending. As soon as one item is crossed off, two more seem to take its place. Multi-tasking is the order of the day. I'm always trying to be productive.

Well, I had a chance yesterday to attempt to relax. My two young boys were going out with Grandma to a picnic for the day. I had seven glorious hours on a gorgeous summer day to do whatever I wanted. Now, Grandma takes the boys out pretty regularly. Usually at least once a month I have a few hours on a Saturday left to my own discretion and I do try to enjoy that time. I also try to accomplish as much as possible. Generally, home improvement tasks rank high on that list. Yesterday was just too beautiful to be spent inside, however. Plus I was vowing to be non-productive. I was going to relax!

My husband and I went out to play tennis. In our younger days, almost every good weather day would find us on the courts. We hadn't played in six years. When I found out I was expecting David, tennis was one of the first things to go. Needless to say, the six-year hiatus had not helped our game. At times, we were downright funny as we swung at balls and missed. But at the same time, it felt so good to have that racket back in my hand, and while our somewhat older bodies could only last one set, it was time well-spent. After that, we went to the library and then for a very leisurely lunch.

When we got home, I decided to take a nap - outdoors. I used to love sleeping outside on summer days, and once again, this was a luxury I hadn't had in years. I took my sleeping bag and a pillow and curled up on the deck. Granted, my neighbors probably thought I was crazy, but I honestly didn't care. It was glorious! It was warm and there was a gentle breeze blowing and I was happy and peaceful as could be. Even after two hours, I honestly didn't want to get up.

After that, I admit, I reverted back to productivity. I did some reading (which is something I enjoy immensely) and folded the laundry (it was Saturday, after all, and it did need to get done) and soon, the boys came home from their adventure and I was back to being Mommy. Still, it had been a wonderful day. I'll have to take time to just "be" again, soon.

A Reminder About Priorities

Today's Gospel offers a good reminder about where our priorities should be in life:

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?'" Matthew 16:24-26

Fall is in the Air

The past few days we have definitely been able to feel that hint of fall in the air. The nights have been cool, there has been a refreshing breeze, and even the shadows seem to be taking on that long, deep quality. Most years I relish fall (October has always been one of my favorite months). Even though I left school years ago, there is something about that back-to-school feeling that has always inspired me. I don't even mind raking leaves.

And yet, this year, I am so dreading fall. I can't believe David is starting school in 3 short weeks. He already has his school supplies and his Spiderman backpack and lunchbox. Today, I had him practicing with his uniform pants and his belt. (It is always a good thing to be able to take off your pants and put them back on when you need to go to the bathroom!)I know he is as ready as I can get him to be and that I need to Let Go and Let God and see what happens. I'm going to miss the little guy, though, more than I ever thought possible. And I find myself trying to hold on to these last days of summer oh so tightly, as if I could make them last forever if I just tried hard enough. But as Isaac tells me, "The days go by so quickly, Mommy."
Yes they do.

Grace on the Go

Lisa Hendey has a great new book spotlight at CatholicMom.com. The book is called
Grace on the Go and it is about praying when there is very little time to pray. Sounds like a winner to me!