What Are Ya Trying to Say Lord?

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad." Psalm 118:24

I heard this verse mass on Mother's Day, was struck by it in a new way and couldn't stop thinking about it. I started a post on Friday about something totally different and ended up tying it in. I went to prayer group on Saturday morning and one of the gals quoted it during praise and worship. And then, in response to an email sent today for prayers from a friend of mine, another friend quoted it again.

Chills! Not sure where this is headed but it is really being drilled into me for some reason or another.

Okay Lord, so I'm supposed to be rejoicing more or what? Am I not glad enough? Is something bad coming and I need to keep in mind that each day is the one the Lord has made and to rejoice and be glad in it? Is a ride in the wheelbarrow coming (see here and here)?

I'm hoping it's just a kick in the rear to start being more grateful for my life!

Beautiful Day, Sad Day...Rejoice In It

We are having the most gorgeous weather today. It's sunny and bright after several cloudy and rainy days lately. The temperature is perfect. The kind of day where you want to go to a park, the lake, have a picnic, cookout - whatever you can think of just to be outdoors. Especially since we've been stuck inside a lot the past week or so due to a sick Big Bear. But it's just a pretty normal day around here and besides playing outside a little bit, we're not doing anything to spectacular with the gorgeous weather day since dad's at work and gets home late on Fridays - bummer.

So why am I so sad? A couple of things...

I went to elementary school with the aunt of this 13 month little girl who got sick last Friday and died on Monday. As far as I know, they still are not even sure what caused her illness. It is just devastating. This morning I saw my former classmate and her mother (the grandmother) standing near the hearse as I drove past the church with my 3 beautiful children on our way to the park. It just broke my heart to know that this family won't be going to play at the park with the little girl today or ever again...and they don't even know why.

Obituary from Dallas Morning News
KEARNEY, ABIGAIL ANN April 9, 2007 - May 12, 2008 We only had her for 13 months, but with Abby those 13 months were pure joy. Our darling girl was born April 9, 2007 to Will and Mary Kearney. She went to be with the Lord on May 12, 2008 after a very brief illness. Abby always had a smile and loved laughing with her Mommy & Daddy. She was very social and loved being around other children. Abby loved playing with her numerous toys, books, and stuffed animals, especially her piano, cell phone, toy keys, stuffed monkey, parrot and her feet. Along with her parents, Abby is survived by her maternal grandmother Sandra MacHutta, her maternal grandfather Daniel MacHutta and his wife Sheila, as well as her paternal grandparents Bill & Dorothy Kearney. She also is survived by her aunt and uncle Melissa and Scott Cliett and their children Courtney, Christopher and Caylee. Abby also is survived by her aunts Bernice Kearney, Elizabeth Kearney and her cousin Lola Kearney.

And then I got an email from a friend asking for prayers for her neighbor as she and her soon to be ex husband tell their children (4 & 6 year olds) that they are divorcing and that dad will have moved out of the house when mom and the boys get home from vacation next week. It makes me feel sick to think about.

I'm trying not to let the sad news over shadow the wonderful day that the Lord has given me. Last weekend in church, that verse in the Responsorial Psalm hit me in a way it never has before...This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Whenever I've heard it before, for some reason I have thought that it's suggesting that we should always think of each day as rosy and beautiful because it is the day the Lord has made. But that is not what it is saying. Life is not usually rosy and beautiful. I think rosy and beautiful stand out because they are not the norm. The norm is routine, same old same old...maybe even mundane. It's the dishes, the laundry, the yard. But, no matter what, each day is one the Lord has given us. We are to rejoice and be glad in it - rosy and beautiful, the norm, or a day of sadness. So, that is what I'm going to try to do with my day containing all 3 - beautiful weather, normal routine and sad news.

The Pope Drinks What???

I read an article in Catholic Digest from April about what the pope eats. It mentioned that his favorite drink is orange Fanta! It said that it earned him the nickname "the orange cardinal" among Roman restaurateurs. Why does this crack me up? It's just not what I was expecting! I read it and haven't stopped thinking about it so I had to share!

5 Month Old Campo!

I can't believe he's 5 months old today. Unbelievable! Where does the time go? He is rolling over both ways. This morning was on his tummy and wanting to get to a toy so he pulled his knees up under him! He didn't get anywhere of course but I couldn't believe he is already prepping to crawl! He's definitely my most physical and coordinated baby. Stereotypical guy stuff I guess!

And...just take a look at these eyes! So gorgeous!

2008 Democrat National Convention Schedule

My brother sent this to me. I thought it was hilarious!

*2008 Democrat National Convention
*Schedule of Events*

*7:00 pm OPENING FLAG BURNING

*7:15 pm PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE U.N.

*7:20 pm Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST

*7:25 pm NONRELIGIOUS PRAYER AND WORSHIP - Jesse Jackson & Al Sharpton

*7:45 pm CEREMONIAL TREE HUGGING - Darryl Hannah

*7:55 pm Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST

*8:00 pm HOW I INVENTED THE INTERNET and Global Warming - Al Gore

*8:15 pm GAY WEDDING PLANNING - Rosie O'Donnell

*8:35 pm Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST

*8:40 pm OUR TROOPS ARE WAR CRIMINALS - John Kerry

*9.00 pm MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR SADDAM AND HIS SONS - Cindy Sheehan and Susan Sarandon

*10:00 pm ANSWERING MACHINE ETIQUETTE - Alec Baldwin

*11:00 pm Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST

*11:05 pm COLLECTION FOR THE OSAMA BIN LADEN KIDNEY TRANSPLANT FUND - Barbara Streisand

*11:15 pm FREE THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS FROM GUANTANAMO BAY - Sean Penn

*11:20 pm THE HUMOROUS SIDE OF HUGO CHAVEZ - also Sean Penn

*11:30 pm OVAL OFFICE AFFAIRS - William Jefferson Clinton

*11:45 pm Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST

*11:50 pm HOW GEORGE BUSH BROUGHT DOWN THE WORLD TRADE TOWERS - Howard Dean

*12:15 am TRUTH IN BROADCASTING AWARD - Presented to Dan Rather by Michael Moore

*12:25 am Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST

*12:30 am SATELLITE ADDRESS - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

*12:45 am NOMINATION OF HILARY RODHAM CLINTON - Nancy Pelosi

*1:00 am Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST

*1:05 am CORONATION OF HILARY RODHAM CLINTON

*1:30 am Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST

*1:35 am Bill Clinton asks Ted Kennedy to drive Hilary home.