If you haven't watched the PBS special hosted by Fr. Robert Baron, I will tell you, it is a treat not to be missed, a true pleasure. I've been a longtime fan of his Word on Fire but this is like a two hour feast for the ears, eyes and heart once a week.
2. All the Signs to Stop
Yesterday, I'd prepared to do a marathon of stuff for the Fall Festival, but my 8 month old decided otherwise. She decided the only place she would sleep, was in my arms. So everything else got tabled and today, I've got loads to do, but it was a nice moment to go back to in my mind as a refresher before starting in on the day's demands. A good friend said, "Listen to your daughter." and my daughter was saying, "Stop." The stuff still got done, and I got in good snuggle time.
3. Speak Your Heart's Desire
Back in the summer, on a lark I entered a contest for a print. The options were Blessed Mother Theresa or Pope John Paul the Great. I wanted the one of Blessed Mother Theresa. I won the portrait of Pope John Paul. When the print arrived, it was beautiful, and I was blown away by the expression and beauty conveyed in his face. I also got a note from the artist apologizing for the lateness of delivery along with an additional print, the one one of Blessed Mother Theresa. Both are lovely works of art. But it's funny to me that what I hoped, came. I've always maintained that we should speak our heart's desire and then allow ourselves to be surprised by the number of times our beloved God answers us with lavish abandon. It seems daring to say such things, but I know it to be true.
4. What I'm Praying For
Well, you can't say something like I did there without admitting that I have a laundry list of things that I ask about, and yet as I type this, I realize, I have not asked about. So I'm asking, for my son to pass his driver's test, for my children to do well in school, for the economy to brighten up and the wrathful nature of our political discourse to become less about who's winning, and more about what's right. I'm praying for things to get easier for family and friends, and for good health for those who miss it. I'll ask God to help me find my charger for the phone, get rid of the clutter in my home, and help us find a way to get 8 hours or more of sleep a night and get healthier. I have a long list. But I know that God has all of eternity, so what seems long to me is small to Him, and that it does not hurt our relationship for me to admit, I need to ask more and be willing to ask more.
5. What I'm Reading
I'm still enjoying Bird by Bird, mostly because I'm allowing myself to enjoy each chapter rather than run through it at a sprint. I can't recommend it enough for anyone who wants to write or teach writing.
6. This Week's Don Quixote Type Adventure
The University of Notre Dame President, Fr. Jenkins, spoke up against the plan by the HHS to demand that all organizations and individuals who provide insurance, pay for contraceptives and sterilization and the RU-486ing babies pill or some variant, without exception, without acknowledging that this policy does not allow people of faith to adhere to their faith in their businesses, in their purchases, with their money. Bravo Fr. Jenkins! Today was the last day for public comment. I sent a letter.
7. One More Day
This weekend is the Fall Festival. We're almost there. I'm hoping for good weather, for a good turn out and for smooth sailing. I promise I'll be napping all next week.
