Powerful Little Gem

"We find it so difficult to accept our own deficiencies because we imagine they make us unlovable. Since we are defective in this or that aspect, we feel that we do not deserve to be loved. Living under God's gaze makes us realize how mistaken that is. Love is given freely, it's not deserved, and our deficiencies don't prevent God from loving us - just the opposite! Thus we are freed of the terrible, despair-inducing sense that we must become "good enough" to deserve to be loved.

... God's gaze also enables us to be supremely daring in our desire for holiness. We have the right to aspire to the summit, to aspire to the highest level of holiness, because God wants and is able to grant it. ... God can make us, sinners that we are, into saints: his grace can accomplish even that miracle, and we can have unlimited faith in the power of his love."

The above quote is taken from a beautiful, little gem of a book called Interior Freedom by Father Jacques Philippe. I have it on my Kindle and I carry it with me to weekly Eucharistic Adoration. The book is only about 100 pages long, but is perfectly organized into brief sections within the chapters, each offering just the right amount of wisdom on which to pray and reflect during time spent with Our Lord in the chapel. Admittedly, I have not finished it - the third book by Jacques Philippe that I have read. I am not even half way through it - BUT what I have read and digested thus far has been life-changing. Everyone should read this book!! Father Philippe's profound insights into God's love and mercy are an antidote to all that seems broken in our world and in particular ourselves.

I will post an update upon finishing the book. In the meantime, if you own a Kindle I highly recommend spending the $6.12 Amazon is now selling it for, or it is definitely well worth the $8.95 for the paperback edition.

 

Tapestry - The O Antiphons Begin

Surrounded by His glory:

It is a gloomy sort of day - damp and gray, but not too terribly cold for December. The resident squirrels have enjoyed nibbling away on the little pumpkins and gourds that I have left on my deck. They've pretty much made quite a mess of it all. For weeks, the pesky little creatures have been very busy burying and digging up acorns in my flower pots. They have uprooted several of my pansies in the process.

A recent weekend found us traipsing over hill and dale in search of the perfect Christmas tree. Of course, as I remarked at the tree farm, there really is no perfect tree, but it is possible to find the right one. And we did:

Erin helps out while Jim cuts down our pick - a Concolor Fir (aka a White Fir)

Sam & Katie AND Isaac found their tree, too!

The afternoon was warm, not bad for hunting Christmas trees. And the farm was beautiful. The weather people promise colder temperatures by week's end. I don't mind really. I actually like it cold in winter and I love snow. And usually by the time spring rolls around the warmer, brighter days are most welcome indeed! But for now ... let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! One can only hope! 

This place called Home:

My dear Megan arrived home Saturday evening after spending nearly 4 months away in Europe. She requested that the house be totally decorated for Christmas prior to her arrival, so here's a few glimpses of some of what I worked on all last week.

The Christmas Tree



I have recently become enamored by peacocks, partly due to Flannery O'Connor
and partly due to their symbolism.
But mostly due to their astounding beauty.
They symbolize immortality (or eternity) and God's omniscience.

This nativity set was handed down to us from Jim's parents.
I love it!
 

We moved the garage sale find (table) to the living room to make room for the Christmas tree
in the family room. I set up my Snow Village on it - which Isaac loves!

 

Our Fontanini Nativity
Isaac loves this, too, and he can touch or pick up the figures just like his Mommy
 and his aunties and uncle did when they were little.

My kitchen window

Verbum Dei:

As the earth brings forth its plants, and a garden makes its growth spring up, so will the Lord God make justice and praise spring up before all the nations. Isaiah 61:11

Oremus:

Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation. 

This evening marks the beginning of the  “O Antiphons” - seven antiphons that are recited (or chanted)  before and after praying the Magnificat during evening Vespers. They cover  the period before Christmas from December 17 to the 23rd. They bring with them a sense that Christ is drawing nearer and fill our hearts with a joyful anticipation.

Read about the O Antiphons here.  

Pondering them in my heart:

The senseless murder of 20 beautiful children last Friday along with 6 adults in Newtown, CT has our nation reeling in anguish and their parents and loved ones suffering unimaginable grief. I spent all of Friday afternoon in tears and have discussed the horrific incident at length with family and friends, questioning why and how and offering my own feeble answers. I have watched the news reports and have read the papers. And somehow, I am left now feeling too much a voyeur. I think its time to slip away, to allow the families time to grieve in privacy and to begin to bury their babies without all of us peering in. We will always keep the memory of them in our hearts and we will continue to pray - certainly. And maybe we will come away learning to value life a little more. Maybe we will learn that kindness and compassion really do make a difference. Maybe we will be less self-centered and more willing to reach out to others. To bid a cheerful hello as we pass a stranger on the street or make it a point to smile more. To not be afraid ever to say I love you no matter how awkward it may seem. And maybe we will be more mindful of God and His love for us.

Quote of the day:

“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”   - Mother Teresa of Calcutta

 Family glimpses:

 

All Creatures Great and Small:

Here's ol' Happy Cat in his new bed.