tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77287119590771801142024-03-19T01:54:49.652-07:00Burning with love for Your greater glory!TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-69081202720497097962011-12-20T23:25:00.000-08:002011-12-20T23:25:18.555-08:00Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!May this last week of Advent bring your heart's preparation for Christ's coming at Christmas! May his blessings be abundant in this New Year! :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTurdHldzqIPlCfhMRHO2T2DR7x1UBNnrtFtPfBxWruVrO13UCpPyKR2pRj6eN4ZgtUzXHscbjuVdggC40v0pyFMcSrYIGoCcQzuM-P_wAz271f-LYGFdfZg6_vFoCTjWkjNekiR-kSVI/s1600/IMG_8944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTurdHldzqIPlCfhMRHO2T2DR7x1UBNnrtFtPfBxWruVrO13UCpPyKR2pRj6eN4ZgtUzXHscbjuVdggC40v0pyFMcSrYIGoCcQzuM-P_wAz271f-LYGFdfZg6_vFoCTjWkjNekiR-kSVI/s320/IMG_8944.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-50024356029972869392011-10-30T19:38:00.000-07:002011-10-30T19:38:48.605-07:00Our Halloween Announcement!We had such a great time going to our halloween parties this weekend! I think that this year we had the most creative and most rediculous costumes we've ever had. Check them out! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVaggBd6cMEXW69Iyl4br1MSLQeq_2ISU_dX57IgeLA9GzrqU0ON6-gMyhu5TSuJLn-gQuFOWouRj0vGMwTe-UhHRG_YRba13IPZ39338UNKHdeaSL0Fi6bNLMDJdFcoLv9keZ1Nnb7w/s1600/pregoprofile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVaggBd6cMEXW69Iyl4br1MSLQeq_2ISU_dX57IgeLA9GzrqU0ON6-gMyhu5TSuJLn-gQuFOWouRj0vGMwTe-UhHRG_YRba13IPZ39338UNKHdeaSL0Fi6bNLMDJdFcoLv9keZ1Nnb7w/s320/pregoprofile.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><br />
If you look real closely, you can see the "experation date" on my label . . . <br />
<br />
That's right! We're "prego!" (disclaimer: I really don't ever use that word, but it made for the costume). Our due date is April 26, 2012! <br />
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If you'd like to keep up on our pregnancy, check out our pregnancy blog at <a href="http://thecatholiccradle.blogspot.com/">http://thecatholiccradle.blogspot.com/</a>. It will soon be made up-to-date and full of our fun stories! :)TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-88899558997891549132011-08-25T14:13:00.000-07:002011-08-25T14:13:51.895-07:00A Tune for a . . . Thursday! - Captivate Us by WatermarkThis song is so pure! This is how I want to be in adoration, in prayer, in life! As this river of my life flows quickly, I pray that I have the discipline to stop and allow the Lord to Captivate me! <br />
<br />
<br />
Your face is beautiful<br />
And Your eyes are like the stars<br />
Your gentle hands have healing<br />
There inside the scars<br />
Your loving arms they draw me near<br />
And Your smile it brings me peace<br />
Draw me closer oh my Lord<br />
Draw me closer Lord to Thee<br />
<br />
(chorus)<br />
Captivate us, Lord Jesus<br />
Set our eyes on You<br />
Devastate us with Your presence<br />
Falling down<br />
And rushing river, draw us nearer<br />
Holy fountain consume us with You<br />
Captivate us Lord Jesus, with You<br />
<br />
Your voice is powerful<br />
And Your words are radiant bright<br />
In Your breath and shadow<br />
I will come close and abide<br />
You whisper love and life divine<br />
And Your fellowship is free<br />
Draw me closer O my Lord<br />
Draw me closer Lord to Thee<br />
<br />
(chorus)<br />
<br />
Let everything be lost in the shadows<br />
Of the light of Your face<br />
Let every chain be broken from me<br />
As I’m bound in Your grace<br />
For Your yoke is easy, Your burden is light<br />
You’re full of wisdom, power and might<br />
And every eye will see YouTheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-3637395175458617682011-07-24T22:59:00.000-07:002011-07-24T22:59:54.175-07:00Updating the List!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm SO incredibly excited that I will be heading back to California in just over a week! It will be so great to see old friends, my old parish family, and the beautiful state of California that I love oh so much! As I am planning my itinerary, I naturally came back to my infamous <u>California Bucket List</u>. It was then that I realized I have not crossed some items off the list on my blog that I have indeed accomplished in real life! So here goes! </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><s><b><u>Grand Canyon</u></b></s></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbGLZ2M_QYUBkDVE8V7aTXCT7TVcjMurWUIYq9INg-5yfJZKV4BVVuj6CPBcdYX-zemkqdB1IrBhov6YpPVMdM8TTvJr_kAP_iX2u56zWiRXKnjVscPiZs9PdCNBAEPq3f8RTMW9sKIQ/s1600/Missouri+Bound+126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbGLZ2M_QYUBkDVE8V7aTXCT7TVcjMurWUIYq9INg-5yfJZKV4BVVuj6CPBcdYX-zemkqdB1IrBhov6YpPVMdM8TTvJr_kAP_iX2u56zWiRXKnjVscPiZs9PdCNBAEPq3f8RTMW9sKIQ/s200/Missouri+Bound+126.JPG" t$="true" width="150" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On our road trip back to Missouri last year, Dan and I stopped at the Grand Canyon! I was there once as a small child, and the only memories I have are of the pictures I have seen. We weren't able to spend much time at the Canyon, but we were able to take in the beauty by seeing the sun set over the canyon. It is a memory that I will always hold dear to my heart. While we were there, we decided we would definitely come back someday for a hiking trip! </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jPksyRT1Z6900OZkU6ohI1ZPBvDrJPByi0M0S36N1ESgcDhAIZzSb4kUImUzvpi4Cl4raMPqjFYkAR6nDxpfk2bKKHtYh9Vez1k9T8d9Uoa6IFRspNjwlbesqg8Bc2PUe9U-U6XGkJM/s1600/Missouri+Bound+062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jPksyRT1Z6900OZkU6ohI1ZPBvDrJPByi0M0S36N1ESgcDhAIZzSb4kUImUzvpi4Cl4raMPqjFYkAR6nDxpfk2bKKHtYh9Vez1k9T8d9Uoa6IFRspNjwlbesqg8Bc2PUe9U-U6XGkJM/s320/Missouri+Bound+062.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><s><b><u>San Francisco</u></b></s></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGb86b3LTjEW2aMWqi1TsEzAedqLtJFnVVobZ6CxSk4na0KlWzATR3ZLEOOFoUz0v84Fx_I_pow10cjRlYvUzBU-o47JL3Ti2YbIaaltomhcZlBiQy1cOCRUW2YQvLLxM3jEkGvfk0XMQ/s1600/San+Francisco+Doro%2527s+096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGb86b3LTjEW2aMWqi1TsEzAedqLtJFnVVobZ6CxSk4na0KlWzATR3ZLEOOFoUz0v84Fx_I_pow10cjRlYvUzBU-o47JL3Ti2YbIaaltomhcZlBiQy1cOCRUW2YQvLLxM3jEkGvfk0XMQ/s200/San+Francisco+Doro%2527s+096.JPG" t$="true" width="200" /></a>On one of my last weekends in California, I decided to take the trip to San Francisco. A good friend of mine was staying in San Jose, so I had a place to crash and a friend to go with me on my first day to San Fran! We had a blast on the first day! We walked along the piers and went to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. We checked out the Haight/Ashbury district, went to the highest point to view the whole city, and even found the "Full House" house! The next day, on my own, I walked around the whole city. I found the crooked road, ate in the Italian neighborhood of north beach, and even got some pictures on a trolley! I fell in love with San Francisco! The buildings and landscape have such a distinct personality, and the weather is perfect. I loved not having the extreme hustle and bussle of LA! I ended the trip by driving down the PCH all the way back to LA! It climbed the charts as one of my favorite trips of all time (right under Europe!) </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73OXvqmhy9EVXV_afAunodGeUqLmtG49z5VYNRUnpcfIrZcb8GdU8zlDvQK5y8MHfhoKcNZRq0M6m8orO2tFivCi6X7NjlQNpF7h7KEH6fd60A3nmbpj1lq9fNqpBhVs3RiviR3SjaYE/s1600/San+Francisco%2521+010+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73OXvqmhy9EVXV_afAunodGeUqLmtG49z5VYNRUnpcfIrZcb8GdU8zlDvQK5y8MHfhoKcNZRq0M6m8orO2tFivCi6X7NjlQNpF7h7KEH6fd60A3nmbpj1lq9fNqpBhVs3RiviR3SjaYE/s320/San+Francisco%2521+010+%25282%2529.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a></div></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">The Crooked Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecHu8k3seM5Viraux__lqZnvtObpON8wzv_Im_avq5WNiGncFWEO0YXxQzhGoDBj3CP5sY-9nsVABl8TPp0H6FQT6G7r6sZZboeBMYxWgI30G8_3Dyi22rlLciDBiwYaYpIveojN1jIE/s1600/San+Francisco%2521+035+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecHu8k3seM5Viraux__lqZnvtObpON8wzv_Im_avq5WNiGncFWEO0YXxQzhGoDBj3CP5sY-9nsVABl8TPp0H6FQT6G7r6sZZboeBMYxWgI30G8_3Dyi22rlLciDBiwYaYpIveojN1jIE/s320/San+Francisco%2521+035+%25282%2529.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a></div></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The trolley driver allowed me</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">to take a picture on his </div>trolley. He was more into it<br />
than I was! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6QqHWYele7bjOch3jU7SMS9FHnCnsJFU-ltSd4cMgOT28-ZxhEmhsFeeqgo18f42KZtlVuGcc28SRTXWddqJVF5aZbDWL5HoHh_iGbb-yN6r5UmYfrsL5n8cdSgU8u85Am0zjnS9jdE/s1600/San+Francisco%2521+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6QqHWYele7bjOch3jU7SMS9FHnCnsJFU-ltSd4cMgOT28-ZxhEmhsFeeqgo18f42KZtlVuGcc28SRTXWddqJVF5aZbDWL5HoHh_iGbb-yN6r5UmYfrsL5n8cdSgU8u85Am0zjnS9jdE/s320/San+Francisco%2521+065.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Saints Peter and Paul Church</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">at Washington Squre in </div>North Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2A2voAOzbexcbnQDWS_h9xQNyXpoYo3sR4CH2jZLQAeC8wc4mAVT8BTULJtPxY3aBNmRNazLnFLTLeiIFhIiFyC08MNfIfsCZVyUganHpuwSCpMdMgZCarDh4I5V_RaQgMp4YJ9Rz6_s/s1600/PCH+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2A2voAOzbexcbnQDWS_h9xQNyXpoYo3sR4CH2jZLQAeC8wc4mAVT8BTULJtPxY3aBNmRNazLnFLTLeiIFhIiFyC08MNfIfsCZVyUganHpuwSCpMdMgZCarDh4I5V_RaQgMp4YJ9Rz6_s/s320/PCH+043.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bixby Creek Bridge near Big Sur <br />
along the Pacific Coast Highway</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<strong><u><s>Move Back to Missouri</s></u></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
It was with sadness to leave a home I loved dearly and excitement to start a new life as a wife in the midwest that I began my journey back to Missouri in June 2010. I will never forget those that became my family there. I miss them every day. But God has great plans for us, and no matter where He leads me, I will follow. I secretly pray that he leads me back to California someday! ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3yDf_hY_099UqBJ-P2XxR9WNzO6suHhkC6tiO1yvXaf_Npdr1uxyOpAZ_G2OIGhIG_NnDPahfbBmG975URpgmVZ-m9kHpRQ1pcy4P9-2d90y0woVKqcdHTn0yygtPMYF0xZElTQngm4/s1600/missouriwelcomesyou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3yDf_hY_099UqBJ-P2XxR9WNzO6suHhkC6tiO1yvXaf_Npdr1uxyOpAZ_G2OIGhIG_NnDPahfbBmG975URpgmVZ-m9kHpRQ1pcy4P9-2d90y0woVKqcdHTn0yygtPMYF0xZElTQngm4/s320/missouriwelcomesyou.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><u>The California Bucket List</u></div><div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1) <s>Learn to Surf</s></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2) Swim with the Dolphins at Sea World</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">3) Visit and hike Catalina Island</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">4) <s>Hollywood</s></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">5) <s>Malibu</s></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">6) <s>Santa Barbara</s></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">7) <s>Dodgers Statium</s></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">8) See a movie premeire</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">9) <s>Hike to the Hollywood sign</s></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">10) Stay at Hotel del Coronado</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">11) Channel Islands</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">12) Lake Arrowhead</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">13) <s>Joshua Tree</s></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">14) Palm Springs</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">15) Yosemite</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">16) Vegas</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">17) <s>Disneyland</s></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">18) <s><b>Grand Canyon</b></s></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">19) <s>Sequoia National Park</s></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">20) <s>Drive Pacific Coast Highway</s></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">21) Huntington Library</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">22) <s><b>San Francisco</b></s></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">23) <s>The Missions</s> (Fulfilled in Santa Barbara)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">24) Kayaking caves at La Jolla</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">25) <s>Hearst Castle</s></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">26) Sailing</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">27) Death Valley</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">28) Hollywood Bowl</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">29) Whale Watching</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">30) Grunion Runs (with my Dad)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">31) <s>San Diego Zoo</s></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">32) La Brea Tar Pits</div>33) The Ghetty Museum<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">34) <s>Griffith Observatory</s></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">35) Universal Studios</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">36) <s>Santa Monica Pier</s></div>37) Eat at Planet Hollywood<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">38) Venice Boardwalk</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">39) <s>Santa Monica Promenade</s></div></div>40) Be an extra or in the studio audience of a TV show<br />
41) LA County Museum of Art<br />
42) Pantages Theater<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">43) Tommy's Burger</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">44) <s>Canter's Deli</s></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">45) <s>Philippe's French Dip Sandwich</s></div>46) <s>Fashion District</s><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">47) <s>Olvera Street</s></div>48) Tijuana<br />
49) <s><b>Move back to Missouri</b></s><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-32966985719274522422011-07-21T23:16:00.000-07:002011-07-21T23:17:35.094-07:00A Tune for . . . EVERYday! Hold Me - Jamie Grace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVrs3bcQkc-drGSo3wVZQ_Gs6Kt8yEeALblD4QGODoo6QyVv2-Cr81MxuevpLJOYWGBcBcg9p9_N28XCyHBf37p3hRihCdlUSuil8AwBTzjbJ5aQivuFXmLB6KxUgeA1L-DCtobGoKQI/s1600/Jesus-Laughing-christianity-2799068-297-470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVrs3bcQkc-drGSo3wVZQ_Gs6Kt8yEeALblD4QGODoo6QyVv2-Cr81MxuevpLJOYWGBcBcg9p9_N28XCyHBf37p3hRihCdlUSuil8AwBTzjbJ5aQivuFXmLB6KxUgeA1L-DCtobGoKQI/s200/Jesus-Laughing-christianity-2799068-297-470.jpg" t$="true" width="126" /></a></div>This is the <em>best </em>song for a drive home from work, or when you get home and need to wind down from your day. Isn't it so true that God holds us through each and every crazy day. There's really not much more I could say about this song. It's just a joyful and uplifting song! Listen to it! <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWPobcJ19Og">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWPobcJ19Og</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>"Hold Me" by Jamie Grace (feat. TobyMac)</u></strong><br />
<br />
I’ve had a long day I just wanna relax <br />
Don’t have time for my friends, no time to chit-chat <br />
Problems at my job, wonderin’ what to do <br />
I know I should be working but I’m thinking of You and <br />
Just when I feel this crazy world is gonna bring me down <br />
That’s when Your smile comes around<br />
<br />
CHORUS:<br />
Oh, I love the way You hold me, by my side You’ll always be <br />
You take each and every day, make it special in some way <br />
I love the way you hold me, in Your arms I’ll always be <br />
You take each and every day, make it special in some way <br />
I love You more than the words in my brain can express <br />
I can’t imagine even loving You less <br />
Lord, I love the way You hold me<br />
Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh, oh whoa, I love the way You hold me<br />
Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh<br />
<br />
Well You took my day and You flipped it around <br />
Calmed the tidal wave and put my feet on the ground <br />
Forever in my heart, always on my mind <br />
It’s crazy how I think about You all of the time <br />
And just when I think I’m ’bout to figure You out (figure You out) <br />
You make me wanna sing and shout<br />
I’m so grateful and thankful for all You’ve done <br />
Wish I could tell You in a short story or poem <br />
But, all I have is my voice and this guitar <br />
And You have my heartTheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-44873833701382629952011-07-17T22:54:00.000-07:002011-07-17T22:54:24.959-07:00Rooted!<span style="font-size: large;">Praise be to God! What a wonderful and beautiful weekend!</span><br />
<br />
I just returned from Steubenville Mid-America (week 2). I hadn't been to the youth conference since I was an intern in 2006, but I'd gone three times prior to that as a teen and Young Apostle. It was such a blessing to see so many of those in my youth ministry family that I hadn't seen for quite some time. It always warms my heart to see those that were a huge part of making me who I am today. In particular to see Greg, my own youth minister, and those that attended the youth group I drove 90 miles to experience in high school. It says alot about a youth minister when years later, so many of his teens are leading groups to the same conference, working with the conference staff, sporting a sister's habit, or playing music for the weekend. I counted more than 10 of us serving the youth of Our Church at this conference. <br />
<br />
You want to know a secret? . . . God has a plan . . . yes, I know you already knew that, and it's no secret, haha. But isn't it wonderful to see it in action? It is a great joy to see in retrospect how beautifully that tapestry is woven. This weekend, I didn't see his plan, but I learned in a renewed way how to trust in it. <br />
<br />
I will soon be returning to youth ministry, and I couldn't be more thankful and happy that the current chapter of my life will soon be finished. It was a hard one, but I must say, it has made me appreciate the gift it is to lead teens closer to Christ. It's not a chapter I'd wish to re-live, but I appreciate the lessons learned. However, there are some apprehensions and fears as I turn the pages to the next chapter. <br />
<br />
At the conference this weekend, God gave me the understanding and graces I need to not <em>see</em> his will, but <strong>trust in it</strong>. Three things in particular stood out: <br />
<blockquote>1) <a href="http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/matthew/matthew14.htm">Matthew 14:23-33</a> was a constant focus throughout the weekend. Christ again reassured me that if I keep my eyes on <em>Him </em>and <strong>not</strong> the storm, that I will be able to come out on top, not sinking because of fears. <br />
2) That I've "still got it". Yes, this seems ridiculous, but after being away from ministry for months, I feared I may not be easily liked by the teens anymore. Praise God for the many teens I encountered this weekend that allowed me to minister to them in each small way! <br />
3) God showed me that I could face whatever situation I walk into at my new parish by showing me the example of my own youth minister's "success". It seemed that no matter where I sat in the arena, I could see him. And what I saw was a man praising Our Lord with his teens. I am confident that he was praying <em>for </em>them during these times. I saw a man who's heart was wrapped in the heart of Christ. A man that understands that it is impossible to lead teens to Christ without a strong and constant prayer life. I saw teens that loved him because he taught them <em>truth</em>, and teens turned Core members because of the love of Christ they learned from the ministry. Most of all, I saw the faces of leaders throughout the crowd that had been changed by Christ through Greg. <em>That </em>is the kind of minister I want to be. <em>That</em> is the kind of youth minister God needs me to be. And as I take up this yoke, I know He will be there to help me and give me strength along the way. </blockquote>May we all be "ROOTED" in His love! So that when the storms come, our foundation will be strong!TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-22006569565775650592011-04-25T21:32:00.000-07:002011-04-25T21:34:20.431-07:00Life UpdateSo, today I decided it was time to "get back on the blogging horse", but couldn't think of anything to write about . . . I guess that's why it's been quite a while since I wrote last. :-P My life has become so busy, but yet so unexciting that it's been hard to find inspiration. I've decided to start by giving an update on my life since our wedding. <br />
<br />
We've been married for over 6 months now! It's been great to be married, mostly because we actually see each other on a regular basis now that we're not long-distance anymore (after 6 years, it's a little strange though)! In November, we headed to Italy for our honeymoon! It was an amazing trip, look for my next post with pictures from our trip! Other than that, we've just enjoyed being married and making our house a home. <br />
<br />
Shortly after our wedding, I was laid off from my job due to financial difficulty at the parish I was at. It couldn't have been worse timing, as youth ministers generally move around at the end of the school year, much like teachers. So losing my job in October really put me in a funk. After months of searching for jobs in ministry and finding no openings, I finally started looking elsewhere and found a job in February working at Maurices (my favorite clothing store) as an Assistant Manager. I am thankful to have found a job, and in the retail world, this is about the best I could ask for. However it's been really tough to keep my head up. I love ministry and making a difference in teens lives by bringing them closer to Christ, and I miss it terribly. I found so much joy in such a meaningful job and it's been really difficult to keep a positive and optimistic attitude. I left a job that I was passionate about, that I've planned on and dreamed of doing since I was a teen myself, for a job that just "pays the bills". It doesn't help that I miss my California life, job, and friends so much either. <br />
<br />
I guess God's just putting me through a darker time. I only pray that I can be strong enough to keep hope in the things to come and trust in His plan. I know he's got it all under control, but I've really been struggling to see the good in my situation and find happiness in the midst of it.<br />
<br />
I would appreciate any prayers! For a job to open up that is perfect for me, but also for my endurance during this hard time. Until next time!TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-59889420289854383802011-03-02T22:00:00.000-08:002011-03-02T22:00:03.646-08:00A song for the broken-hearted . . .To the broken-hearted, <br />
<br />
I heard this song on my pandora today, and I cannot get over how perfect it is for that time in a break-up when you just need to "feel it". My roommates from college could easily place this in my junior year playlist. I wish I'd heard it then! It sums up exactly how I believe someone must healthily deal with a break-up: <em>near to Him.</em> I can remember when I felt <em>just</em> like this, falling into the arms of My Lord, allowing him to slowly heal a broken heart. Clinging to him, trusting that He alone can piece my heart back together. And you know what? He did so much more than just put my heart back together! He healed relationships, changed hearts, and did miracles I never imagined.<br />
<br />
It is through prayer and facing the pain that you must move on from heart-break. As a wise professor once told me, in the mess of emotions, you must take each one, recognize it, feel it, and then place it neatly on the shelf. If it is sadness, be sad; happiness? Be happy. If it is anger, be angry. Whatever the emotion, name it, take the time to truly feel it, and when it is time to move on, file it away. Turning to God in my grief and following that professor's advice got me through it all. In the end, there will be "beauty from pain". <br />
<br />
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." - James 4:8<br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://s0.ilike.com/play#A+Fine+Frenzy:Near+To+You:36143570:s34543861.9640617.1144224.0.2.122%2Cstd_9def6b363c704b508a15a4fadadecc36">Near to You</a></strong><br />
<em>by A Fine Frenzy</em><br />
<br />
He and I had something beautiful<br />
But so dysfunctional, it couldn't last<br />
I loved him so but I let him go<br />
'Cause I knew he'd never love me back<br />
<br />
Such pain as this<br />
Shouldn't have to be experienced<br />
I'm still reeling from the loss,<br />
Still a little bit delirious<br />
<br />
<em>Near to you, I am healing</em><br />
<em>But it's taking so long</em><br />
<em>'Cause though he's gone</em><br />
<em>And you are wonderful</em><br />
<em>It's hard to move on</em><br />
<em>Yet, I'm better near to you.</em><br />
<br />
You and I have something different<br />
And I'm enjoying it cautiously<br />
I'm battle scarred, I am working oh so hard<br />
To get back to who I used to be<br />
<br />
He's disappearing <br />
Fading suddenly<br />
I'm so close to being yours<br />
Won't you stay with me<br />
Please<br />
<br />
<em>Near to you, I am healing</em><br />
<em>But it's taking so long</em><br />
<em>'Cause though he's gone</em><br />
<em>And you are wonderful</em><br />
<em>It's hard to move on</em><br />
<em>Yet, I'm better near to you.</em><br />
<br />
I only know that I am <br />
Better where you are<br />
I only know that I am<br />
Better where you are<br />
I only know that I belong<br />
Where you areTheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-84617039256074496532011-01-24T11:13:00.000-08:002011-01-24T11:13:18.569-08:00A person's a person, no matter how small!<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">I dream of a day when it is common knowledge, not just common sense, that a baby is a person at the moment of conception. </span>Today is the March for Life in Washington D.C. It marks the 36th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the devastating decision that legalized the killing of unborn children. <br />
<br />
May we all join in prayer with those in Washington today, that our nation will rise and defend it's most defenseless members. Lord, have mercy on our nation!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Simple morality dictates that unless and until someone can prove the unborn human is not alive, we must give it the benefit of the doubt and assume it is (alive). And, thus, it should be entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." - <i>Ronald Reagan 1982</i></span></span></span></span>TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-71417211224671128812011-01-20T12:52:00.000-08:002011-01-20T12:52:08.016-08:00Might be searching for a new blog hostIt's come to my attention that google/blogspot have shut The Theologian's Corner! After researching a little, it seems that it isn't uncommon for them to shut down conservative blogs. The site has been moved to <a href="http://www.markzia.wordpress.com/" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), "7c326", event);" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3b5998;">www.markzia.wordpress.com</span></a>.<br />
<br />
Thoughts? Any blog hosts you'd recommend?TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-54191700661624133332011-01-06T21:33:00.000-08:002011-01-06T21:33:37.053-08:00A "holy Church" not a church of "holy people"This is a passage I found from the final chapter of Joseph Ratzinger's (Pope Benedict) "Introduction to Christianity". So often, I find people that have lost faith in The Church because they see all if its sinful people. How can a church be thought to be holy, when so many of those inside it are sinners? Pope Benedict addresses this question with truth and beauty. The Church is not holy because it is filled with holy people (work inside the Church and you'll quickly find that it is filled with sinners. Of course, first look at yourself). The Church is "holy" because it is sanctified by Christ. <br />
<br />
Though Ratzinger's words are rather heady, he speaks some important truths to keep in mind when one starts to lose faith and hope in Christ's Church because of its members. <br />
<br />
<br />
"I BELIEVE THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH"<br />
by Joseph Ratzinger<br />
<br />
The holiness of the Church consists in that power of sanctification which God exerts in it in spite of human sinfulness. We come up here against the real mark of the "New Covenant": in Christ God has bound himself to men, has let himself be bound by them. The New Covenant no longer rests on the reciprocal keeping of the agreement; it is granted by God as grace which abides even in the face of man's faithlessness. It is the expression of God's love, which will not let itself be defeated by man's incapacity but always remains well-disposed towards him, welcomes him again and again precisely because he is sinful, turns to him, sanctifies him and loves him.<br />
<br />
Because of the Lord's devotion, never more to be revoked, the Church is the institution sanctified by him forever, an institution in which the holiness of the Lord becomes present among men. But it is really and truly the holiness of the Lord that becomes present in it and that chooses again and again as the vessel of its presence – with a paradoxical love – the dirty hands of men. It is holiness that radiates as the holiness of Christ from the midst of the Church's sin. So to the faithful the paradoxical figure of the Church, in which the divine so often presents itself in such unworthy hands, in which the divine is only ever present in the form of a "nevertheless", is the sign of the "nevertheless" of the ever greater love shown by God. The existing interplay of God's loyalty and man's disloyalty which characterizes the structure of the Church is grace in dramatic form. [. . .] One could actually say that precisely in its paradoxical combination of holiness and unholiness the Church is in fact the shape taken by grace in this world. <br />
<br />
Let us go a step further. In the human dream of a perfect world, holiness is always visualized as untouchability by sin and evil, as something unmixed with the latter. [. . .] In contemporary criticism of society and in the actions in which it vents itself, this merciless side always present in human ideals is once again only too evident. That is why the aspect of Christ's holiness that upset his contemporaries was the complete absence of this condemnatory note – fire did not fall on the unworthy nor were the zealous allowed to pull up the weeds which they saw growing luxuriantly on all sides. On the contrary, this holiness expressed itself precisely as mingling with the sinners whom Jesus drew into his vicinity; as mingling to the point where he himself was made "to be sin" and bore the curse of the law in execution as a criminal – complete community of fate with the lost (cf. 2 Cor. 5.21; Gal. 3.13). He has drawn sin to himself, made it his lot and so revealed what true "holiness" is: not separation but union, not judgment but redeeming love.<br />
<br />
Is the Church not simply the continuation of God's deliberate plunge into human wretchedness; is it not simply the continuation of Jesus' habit of sitting at table with sinners, of his mingling with the misery of sin to the point where he actually seems to sink under its weight? Is there not revealed in the unholy holiness of the Church, as opposed to man's expectation of purity, God's true holiness, which is love, love which does not keep its distance in a sort of aristocratic, untouchable purity but mixes with the dirt of the world, in order thus to overcome it? Can therefore the holiness of the Church be anything else but the mutual support which comes, of course, from the fact that all of us are supported by Christ? [. . .]<br />
<br />
At bottom there is always hidden pride at work when criticism of the Church adopts that tone of rancorous bitterness which today is already beginning to become a fashionable habit. Unfortunately it is accompanied only too often by a spiritual emptiness in which the specific nature of the Church as a whole is no longer seen, in which it is only regarded as a political instrument whose organization is felt to be pitiable or brutal, as the case may be, as if the real function of the Church did not lie beyond organization, in the comfort of the Word and of the sacraments which she provides in good and bad days alike. Those who really believe do not attribute too much importance to the struggle for the reform of ecclesiastical ritual. They live on what the Church always is; and if one wants to know what the Church really is one must go to them. For the Church is most present not where organizing, reforming and governing are going on but in those who simply believe and receive from her the gift of faith that is life to them.<br />
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This does not mean that everything must be left undisturbed and endured as it is. Endurance can also be a highly active process, a struggle to make the Church herself more and more that which supports and endures. After all, the Church does not live otherwise than in us; she lives from the struggle of the unholy to attain holiness, just as of course this struggle lives from the gift of God, without which it could not exist. But this effort only becomes fruitful and constructive if it is inspired by the spirit of forbearance, by real love. <br />
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And here we have arrived at the criterion by which that critical struggle for better holiness must always be judged, a criterion that is not only not in contradiction with forbearance but is demanded by it. This criterion is constructiveness. A bitterness that only destroys stands self-condemned. A slammed door can, it is true, become a sign that shakes up those inside. But the idea that one can do more constructive work in isolation than in fellowship with others is just as much of an illusion as the notion of a Church of "holy people" instead of a "holy Church" that is holy because the Lord bestows holiness on her as a quite unmerited gift.TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-41671287279851929492011-01-04T11:11:00.000-08:002011-01-04T11:11:53.664-08:00Check out the "Theologian's Corner"Hey all you crazy Catholics (or anyone interested)! <br />
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Mark Zia is a professor of mine from college who just started a wonderful blog about the beliefs and practices of Catholicism. He's a rock-solid theologian, an insanely difficult professor, and a great guy! I guarantee you'll learn A LOT about the faith!<br />
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I highly recommend "following" his blog! <br />
<a href="http://www.markzia.blogspot.com/">http://www.markzia.blogspot.com/</a>TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-55772257296359403272010-10-28T16:38:00.000-07:002010-10-28T16:38:15.233-07:00A Beatiful Voice - Caitlin NataliaI love my alma mater, and I'm always so proud of the beautiful musicians that come together there to make beautiful music for Our Lord. Recently, I've been listening to the music that Caitlin Natalia has recorded this far. I remember her as a little freshman when her boyfriend intoduced us. A beautiful soul and sweet woman, I had no idea until after I graduated that year that she had the voice of an angel!<br />
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I thought I'd share her gorgeous voice with the blog world, because I just can't keep this beautiful music to myself!<br />
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Check out Caitlin's <a href="http://www.ilike.com/artist/Caitlin+Natalia">iLike</a> page!<br />
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John Rumpza is another talented musician and friend! He works with Caitlin on "Underneath the Sky". <br />
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Check out John's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Rumpza-Music/263473422954">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://www.myspace.com/johnrumpza">Myspace</a> page!TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-10410489595116821482010-10-22T10:28:00.000-07:002010-10-22T10:28:40.580-07:00A little peak into the most wonderful day of my life! :DI thought I'd share a few pictures from our big day with the blog world! All of these were taken by my lovely sisters. Enjoy! <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhaODBb6v_bPG-ir9Sbu64kp4tya1CLmuamwa8YQ_CIycfkJzm46MOTdsRaF8-vWv1sPo0pQVgNGAPkn1H7ftn9SnkEghLVYdxARyiYTpUYWjOvmrBGCF8eSIlUvJM1Zj_TC1CfC5_Rs/s1600/October+2010+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhaODBb6v_bPG-ir9Sbu64kp4tya1CLmuamwa8YQ_CIycfkJzm46MOTdsRaF8-vWv1sPo0pQVgNGAPkn1H7ftn9SnkEghLVYdxARyiYTpUYWjOvmrBGCF8eSIlUvJM1Zj_TC1CfC5_Rs/s320/October+2010+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Getting the Marriage License!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00ppM0THdTutaPY_WMaGUqAFq4NOOsOz2oZdMrtDQlTy3TGS5Np-P-URLEQwFgwb9cFONpY2pE1N62HMvGbB8Yd8RT0-ayrSijkmRNStjwRaeOuEeIwlY1je12ePg_rUW8_Lq5h5GdMU/s1600/October+2010+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00ppM0THdTutaPY_WMaGUqAFq4NOOsOz2oZdMrtDQlTy3TGS5Np-P-URLEQwFgwb9cFONpY2pE1N62HMvGbB8Yd8RT0-ayrSijkmRNStjwRaeOuEeIwlY1je12ePg_rUW8_Lq5h5GdMU/s320/October+2010+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">My adorable niece and flower girl the day before the wedding</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwdxLaHqLu0aWN2RYnVJL610Kmwe8zr6w9iVCw2fFrk1-q2DTeDinKo-v4kvglk2CHA_cuWqyIQcuJQ3oZ8SLwOn204uRW3uMDYceQFSTMP9G6ggvN_s8ASGaGPgnouqiIQ0T6FvcsqY/s1600/October+2010+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwdxLaHqLu0aWN2RYnVJL610Kmwe8zr6w9iVCw2fFrk1-q2DTeDinKo-v4kvglk2CHA_cuWqyIQcuJQ3oZ8SLwOn204uRW3uMDYceQFSTMP9G6ggvN_s8ASGaGPgnouqiIQ0T6FvcsqY/s320/October+2010+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">My silly ring bearer and nephew</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gAbkkrHeJaTtzBRGG7PDujOYTag6PvK4l7alHRgGsgt6RYxLsCOFq2ABUdo9jAJsbPvSxsiXy3Hhvh_DMYxmCHvAHxDURwQmwqDCQFPNpopkJYILHmtCSb9b6eMpngy1_GASieZiLy0/s1600/Stack-Buttig-02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gAbkkrHeJaTtzBRGG7PDujOYTag6PvK4l7alHRgGsgt6RYxLsCOFq2ABUdo9jAJsbPvSxsiXy3Hhvh_DMYxmCHvAHxDURwQmwqDCQFPNpopkJYILHmtCSb9b6eMpngy1_GASieZiLy0/s320/Stack-Buttig-02.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Consecration to St. Joseph (asking him to forever pray for us and our family)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4QZBRu9BwxYdaMjhyjZGfAweUNcTSBU6Zekk0rrvpxl9O-LGm6-PQkcpKPTShP_TgzrZds4DIMAAOXMBdc1bfcJxIFeEX19tvkbeiNIBmsyaKdoVzNEFtISVWXiMgfBltf-GscvP630/s1600/Stack-Buttig-09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4QZBRu9BwxYdaMjhyjZGfAweUNcTSBU6Zekk0rrvpxl9O-LGm6-PQkcpKPTShP_TgzrZds4DIMAAOXMBdc1bfcJxIFeEX19tvkbeiNIBmsyaKdoVzNEFtISVWXiMgfBltf-GscvP630/s320/Stack-Buttig-09.JPG" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The cutest flower girl</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IJDYz3qpkAFUG0ylgXgzAiHVuqBOCSfMQb0WgLb8mwBO80pzb_d7DLvUuyehCLWtovMsL7JjHigJjirJzAN-fLidk9TSf50rdDogj_F9jy_A70qll9aUWGhNCMRivdUfJ71VwP6T6M0/s1600/Stack-Buttig-08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IJDYz3qpkAFUG0ylgXgzAiHVuqBOCSfMQb0WgLb8mwBO80pzb_d7DLvUuyehCLWtovMsL7JjHigJjirJzAN-fLidk9TSf50rdDogj_F9jy_A70qll9aUWGhNCMRivdUfJ71VwP6T6M0/s320/Stack-Buttig-08.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Playing after the wedding </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFf5fpf2L1ki20CYRqaykLHwiDUuaRaCJYb4B9-OMju8B4Wrjq4B4bqurfvFkCdvR7sIvgDDLjChX6QYsYgy4AVq9gZhhCpsMRuvpi4uJez35SYHaXhOm9z5mRCirSQlCc23nZZ7VnwpU/s1600/Stack-Buttig-22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFf5fpf2L1ki20CYRqaykLHwiDUuaRaCJYb4B9-OMju8B4Wrjq4B4bqurfvFkCdvR7sIvgDDLjChX6QYsYgy4AVq9gZhhCpsMRuvpi4uJez35SYHaXhOm9z5mRCirSQlCc23nZZ7VnwpU/s320/Stack-Buttig-22.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Dancing at our local festival</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8C7-DSkNuzOuwHbwwbM0_2TuW0XsKfuD0Y4Sgpd0EzirH8X-8lGRThMdz-jzkYiqX-ecmW0kZTyCo8p73eX0DKpg_6z7kOhl8mXNrOqYa32u-EVhZxZdOUwneUKIQSVqcmWPZFCGJJ6w/s1600/Stack-Buttig-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8C7-DSkNuzOuwHbwwbM0_2TuW0XsKfuD0Y4Sgpd0EzirH8X-8lGRThMdz-jzkYiqX-ecmW0kZTyCo8p73eX0DKpg_6z7kOhl8mXNrOqYa32u-EVhZxZdOUwneUKIQSVqcmWPZFCGJJ6w/s320/Stack-Buttig-16.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We cut the log with the wedding party! I can't wait to see the pictures of the action!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisa5txYUXFGe6q_1LtQJILzpN4YojFYhGpq6T6urkgf6vAWpZ30GCdPBgtrjmZbkf8khyBOgiBdaW3RHPEldv5sRheju4ZS_W3PCM8z08fKOKELFtfE4Fy3qdVIwbVbi0TMFVQz303eDk/s1600/IMG_3752+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisa5txYUXFGe6q_1LtQJILzpN4YojFYhGpq6T6urkgf6vAWpZ30GCdPBgtrjmZbkf8khyBOgiBdaW3RHPEldv5sRheju4ZS_W3PCM8z08fKOKELFtfE4Fy3qdVIwbVbi0TMFVQz303eDk/s320/IMG_3752+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Playing in the leaves</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZJzyYqHfmqXn4KDLkLLq3bGa2bpqes2eL98Qk1o1Itlau6ptjn6ZzUEorq9CB8EGyzHK5DQO-d5SYo_kELRK7qo654PUnupkKl5Z9IAKjJS3eFm5HeOULjW_zO0zY01bBLZVuzpJKV0/s1600/IMG_3916+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZJzyYqHfmqXn4KDLkLLq3bGa2bpqes2eL98Qk1o1Itlau6ptjn6ZzUEorq9CB8EGyzHK5DQO-d5SYo_kELRK7qo654PUnupkKl5Z9IAKjJS3eFm5HeOULjW_zO0zY01bBLZVuzpJKV0/s320/IMG_3916+copy.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The dress</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP34a7AlmoHFXc8pNmP21GsWuk2XSmwTrKnYFUsPi7LASYOkNKk5Apq4itUgKdu_tS3JU_nOJHnKKIIhCoIaVr8XzSZazmJbbFYm_jJaMFrYMWpX0RTRNFPuyruF-EEEddQS0-O91Yjo/s1600/IMG_3996+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP34a7AlmoHFXc8pNmP21GsWuk2XSmwTrKnYFUsPi7LASYOkNKk5Apq4itUgKdu_tS3JU_nOJHnKKIIhCoIaVr8XzSZazmJbbFYm_jJaMFrYMWpX0RTRNFPuyruF-EEEddQS0-O91Yjo/s320/IMG_3996+copy.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOohJzfPs0llW0_a_I89tOqisbcFRmKCxvL2Rvbbgl2HPRG_P8CrTxXdmdEpS6QjtJqDAgJfqhENG_aJCT5AG1Srmy7pqODjZbutGvFUavrE1mxc77PrdzuiRXY7Vmnecm7yAQSTw4j_Y/s1600/IMG_8171+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOohJzfPs0llW0_a_I89tOqisbcFRmKCxvL2Rvbbgl2HPRG_P8CrTxXdmdEpS6QjtJqDAgJfqhENG_aJCT5AG1Srmy7pqODjZbutGvFUavrE1mxc77PrdzuiRXY7Vmnecm7yAQSTw4j_Y/s320/IMG_8171+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Probably our favorite picture thus far</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RT2LhWMc5-_nw40yjH_OnETMGAxKR7fYh4gikHCdHke6sjiEz4bYVjFZLWwrQr-c-MVSR2gqtw-uoV9kgoZK_p9ioxS8MHZgBdHhUIfx-QFAT5mnx7yuuiNhaqrRmywc_Hh7W_vUau8/s1600/IMG_8346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RT2LhWMc5-_nw40yjH_OnETMGAxKR7fYh4gikHCdHke6sjiEz4bYVjFZLWwrQr-c-MVSR2gqtw-uoV9kgoZK_p9ioxS8MHZgBdHhUIfx-QFAT5mnx7yuuiNhaqrRmywc_Hh7W_vUau8/s320/IMG_8346.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfosLbxh8ZunRxnLE9Q4MEVLIuGF89gSKoPOPYSBV9GtcRJvEdQ3vwG1_RzpF74H4goZ-vUm1RpHoOpD-uLUfILH208zlzOXTIpRyQOD0ckjUBK36mrUw4essewVY2hYW_GblVHpPzXIw/s1600/IMG_8424+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfosLbxh8ZunRxnLE9Q4MEVLIuGF89gSKoPOPYSBV9GtcRJvEdQ3vwG1_RzpF74H4goZ-vUm1RpHoOpD-uLUfILH208zlzOXTIpRyQOD0ckjUBK36mrUw4essewVY2hYW_GblVHpPzXIw/s320/IMG_8424+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Those this one is a close one!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhfP9kpovd2xxITxWmlom_V9_OKvqK24ALo_FDYlJb35S3DTqoiuxsryqNCRZASEpBqa46vOjAvDGD-BASh7iLNXyPMVQmVUVco08vuhNQflUteBZ4WbqZYFu5otwjXDxoFhmgBSC3LY/s1600/IMG_8467+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhfP9kpovd2xxITxWmlom_V9_OKvqK24ALo_FDYlJb35S3DTqoiuxsryqNCRZASEpBqa46vOjAvDGD-BASh7iLNXyPMVQmVUVco08vuhNQflUteBZ4WbqZYFu5otwjXDxoFhmgBSC3LY/s320/IMG_8467+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These were taken in the field at my parents property</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvnW9hQBRTCm_4UdZHCKkzMHYftIY8n6YxP-jD_onE7s5F3EySPlkDwd_su2HjhSKKzM2T2CCvWSenRSiR3ZM5eb_gNXHwB0rIDiwzRw2iIbsaLyREPPslEot2Wzc889eZyNCJwdAF4A/s1600/IMG_3806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvnW9hQBRTCm_4UdZHCKkzMHYftIY8n6YxP-jD_onE7s5F3EySPlkDwd_su2HjhSKKzM2T2CCvWSenRSiR3ZM5eb_gNXHwB0rIDiwzRw2iIbsaLyREPPslEot2Wzc889eZyNCJwdAF4A/s320/IMG_3806.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwzxfGOeN-4ZHor4ka_JhQeDwjKwKOANJkKOclVx6NphmVQuzVjSEk6Ybn0nFloBdAC4okDTOXdN0492QKxPbXsloLjKA4RnKvCMu1aW_Cb3fJEzDt3bmvVyIu6duwITdA-cr4npGfVI/s320/IMG_8514+copy.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXnOJOdoOq2cQJryOgtJD6Js10NIQWp78UxI8uvBqCdHh7QSFs375IKbwNHDFN0BQKePFZvOhUbidyQtg4FWezjSrwlAFoXYqgKRebSC5lrNitsfRxfJBwYItI1wf1Dd-nCz1ylMt4e0/s1600/IMG_8552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXnOJOdoOq2cQJryOgtJD6Js10NIQWp78UxI8uvBqCdHh7QSFs375IKbwNHDFN0BQKePFZvOhUbidyQtg4FWezjSrwlAFoXYqgKRebSC5lrNitsfRxfJBwYItI1wf1Dd-nCz1ylMt4e0/s320/IMG_8552.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYREC_SfikQHCNY-i6Tu2xt2JRyoZuyWaqqqZ4lAmumshsHrX5pwt8DJK32u56WyNgYaOiZ5BPXa7sqJ7H7xsicFknvqv5bLtGsuAL5RTmWhoZnCv_fwvNcZhAREM1U5ZtDqVHdb6qEwI/s1600/IMG_8661+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYREC_SfikQHCNY-i6Tu2xt2JRyoZuyWaqqqZ4lAmumshsHrX5pwt8DJK32u56WyNgYaOiZ5BPXa7sqJ7H7xsicFknvqv5bLtGsuAL5RTmWhoZnCv_fwvNcZhAREM1U5ZtDqVHdb6qEwI/s320/IMG_8661+copy.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The handsome groom</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgKtRJnR-cAaT-8U-6kZ5yOUP2KXSraJJIHBeqhOJJexjXvFVSorhiWk9A6my5L2mdQiS1mspqrJVpEJhnzqA_s1x1f3WDJ-i1oGfJqXqCJc1GVcWTmvTRg-pDxDhIuudYIUEAdORYzQ/s1600/IMG_8658+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgKtRJnR-cAaT-8U-6kZ5yOUP2KXSraJJIHBeqhOJJexjXvFVSorhiWk9A6my5L2mdQiS1mspqrJVpEJhnzqA_s1x1f3WDJ-i1oGfJqXqCJc1GVcWTmvTRg-pDxDhIuudYIUEAdORYzQ/s320/IMG_8658+copy.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The bride</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUDp5ZObxjaGaENCPyPO4jiMfOVz0NbgyQXLuf_Hv28k5Wbw3cNEjhLoY4z2dslGpJPu5igE8XRy1R63NSxxv0dSMxJU8-_eOhU3B7LlPwuvq7HRjzD0OX0hLEcqHGMEftFIf7AnEGF8/s1600/IMG_8675_enhanced+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUDp5ZObxjaGaENCPyPO4jiMfOVz0NbgyQXLuf_Hv28k5Wbw3cNEjhLoY4z2dslGpJPu5igE8XRy1R63NSxxv0dSMxJU8-_eOhU3B7LlPwuvq7HRjzD0OX0hLEcqHGMEftFIf7AnEGF8/s320/IMG_8675_enhanced+copy.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Great capture by my sister!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DSftUwhDuFijF83Thi6vhQQN8y6K1rowVNk8hQdohS4ZAIJtgBIolaROn3J_l3hmM3QDT__TOcLjKY1KReugJmaY0J2NtO9QQvPEFP3GBdtQFrfvDt9e8IPSag_YKtkrJ06SgqVHTFo/s1600/IMG_8723+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DSftUwhDuFijF83Thi6vhQQN8y6K1rowVNk8hQdohS4ZAIJtgBIolaROn3J_l3hmM3QDT__TOcLjKY1KReugJmaY0J2NtO9QQvPEFP3GBdtQFrfvDt9e8IPSag_YKtkrJ06SgqVHTFo/s320/IMG_8723+copy.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The rosary we had made especially for our wedding party and family (Purple and pink beads, St. Joseph Metal, and white Benedictine Crucifix)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjmg8TbXaO3enWp5TbUe9t7_ZF2csBJc7cNlk4pgMgSE2b7g5Ck9Jznr4PVaWQ9bi5QVhllyw-XI1syUOOcsLZDOHyE05nQ_BzACxwjrBICAin20KBjFm3sAiK2VRGUAm3cpwSgajpFc/s1600/IMG_8741+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjmg8TbXaO3enWp5TbUe9t7_ZF2csBJc7cNlk4pgMgSE2b7g5Ck9Jznr4PVaWQ9bi5QVhllyw-XI1syUOOcsLZDOHyE05nQ_BzACxwjrBICAin20KBjFm3sAiK2VRGUAm3cpwSgajpFc/s320/IMG_8741+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">THE SHOES! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-13201044436674022232010-10-20T13:51:00.000-07:002010-10-20T13:51:16.686-07:00Announcing my new blog: "The Newlyweds' Table"It's been a few months since I moved into the apartment that is now also the home of my new husband! Throughout our engagement period, I was thrown a few bridal showers, and for some reason I received quite a few cookbooks! Word must have gotten out that I'm not quite a gourmet cook . . . I've actually been known to ruin mac and cheese (I didn't think that was possible either)!<br />
<br />
Well, since I have a real kitchen for the first time in my "big kid" life, I've been making use of my tools and trying many new recipes. I think if you'd ask my new husband, he might actually say I can cook! <br />
<br />
During one evening just before we got married, my then fiance came over for dinner. Our discussion led to the above mentioned topic, and we decided it would be great for me to start a blog about the adventures in our kitchen! <br />
<br />
We got married just a week and a half ago, so it's time! Without further ado, I introduce to you my new blog: <a href="http://thenewlywedstable.blogspot.com/">The Newlyweds' Table</a>! I hope you enjoy the stories of our little kitchen in our first home! :)TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-1396858467533647632010-09-23T11:23:00.000-07:002010-09-23T11:23:33.681-07:00A Tune for a Tuesday: All things New - Grayson KessenichI must admit . . . I'm a One Tree Hill addict. In defense, if you took out all the crazy unrealistic drama that happens, it's got some great characters . . . alright, I'll stop defending myself. :)<br />
<br />
Anyway, on Tuesday's episode, the background music caught me when I heard the lyric "praise father, praise the son, praise spirit three in one". It didn't take me long to look up the song and find an amazing Christian artist! Who would have thought that One Tree Hill would be the place to find him? <br />
<br />
The artist is Grayson Kessenich and the song on the episode was "All Things New". I stronly suggest listening to not just this great song, but all of them! The entire "From the Treehouse" album is wonderful and it's on itunes!<br />
<br />
<br />
Color the morning bright<br />
Paint all the black of night<br />
Warmth in a ray of light<br />
You are God on high<br />
<br />
You made the restless cease<br />
Then made the clever seas<br />
All the wonder beneath<br />
And still you care for me<br />
<br />
You’re beautiful <br />
And in our hearts we hold<br />
The one who takes the old<br />
And makes all things new<br />
<br />
You hear the sinner’s call<br />
Love both the great and small<br />
To you we give our all<br />
To praise the all in all<br />
<br />
Praise father, praise the son<br />
Praise spirit three in one<br />
Come see what love has done<br />
Through death our life’s been won<br />
<br />
You’re beautiful <br />
And in our hearts we hold<br />
The one who takes the old<br />
And makes all . . .<br />
<br />
You’re beautiful<br />
And in our hearts we hold <br />
The one who takes the old<br />
And makes all things new<br />
<br />
You make all things new<br />
<br />
"All Things New" - Grayson Kessenich<br />
<br />
http://taximusic.com/hosting/home.php?userid=32131TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-35674528365350727842010-09-14T23:49:00.000-07:002010-09-14T23:49:36.625-07:00From a Bride-to-be's Kitchen!If you were sitting with me as I write this, you'd smell the aroma of fresh-baked banana bread coming from the kitchen! It is such a joy to have a kitchen! You may be accustomed to your own, and think I'm a little crazy for being so excited about mine, but this is my <em>first</em> kitchen! During my four years of college, I lived in the dorms and never had a kitchen past a refrigerator and microwave. When i moved to California, my tiny garage-renovated apartment had a small stove, but no oven and little counter space. (Is it silly that I miss that little space anyway? It was perfectly cozy!) Now, in the townhouse that will become the home for my fiance and I in just 25 days, I'm sitting at the kitchen table (borrowed from my wonderful cousin) waiting for the loaf of banana bread to be ready to come out of the oven! <br />
<br />
Ask anyone that knows me well and they'll tell you that I'm not a cook. I would argue that this has less to do with my ability to cook and more to do with my lack of opportunity to cook. I have loved making new recipes since I've moved into the new place! And I think my lovely fiance would agree that most of them have turned out to be quite delicious! <br />
<br />
Be prepared for my new blog, coming soon: From the Newly Wed's Table . . . or something like that! <br />
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I'll leave you with this delicious, and very simple, recipe from the Alpha-bakery Cookbook by Betty Crocker!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaCaPHd4sCchxjYu8n4CEDR_6V-HfaFVggrwUuoNokyMc6dJPbq9C8nI_ZByO5UxjjkjFVKo71-c5TCZzrUYbrloUFP5ZRDbnMyyRktSvvOrNQJZKrzqzk-1OavWmodNFYXMTafO5JeA/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaCaPHd4sCchxjYu8n4CEDR_6V-HfaFVggrwUuoNokyMc6dJPbq9C8nI_ZByO5UxjjkjFVKo71-c5TCZzrUYbrloUFP5ZRDbnMyyRktSvvOrNQJZKrzqzk-1OavWmodNFYXMTafO5JeA/s200/012.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>3/4 cup sugar<br />
1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (3 large bananas)<br />
3/4 cup vegetable oil<br />
2 eggs<br />
2 cups flour<br />
1 tsp. baking soda<br />
2 tsp. vanilla<br />
1/2 tsp. baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional<br />
<br />
Heat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a loaf pan. Mix sugar, bananas, oil, and eggs in a large bowl with a wooden spoon. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into pan. Bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 60-70 minutes. Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then loosen sides of loaf from pan and remove from pan. Let cool completely before slicing. <br />
TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-18368232035178099792010-09-14T23:07:00.000-07:002010-09-14T23:07:34.613-07:00Living a New Life . . . still for ChristSome of you may have been wondering what happened to me . . . or maybe no one did! Regardless, I'm going to let you know. :-)<br />
<br />
I have gone through so many life changes since my last post that I could write a whole blog just about them! In short, I have said goodbye to California (the place I had just learned to call home), packed up my little apartment, drove cross-country with my fiance back to Missouri, lived with my parents while begging God to give me and my fiance jobs, we both found jobs in Kansas City, and I moved to Kansas City and started my new job. Whew, that's a lot in just over a month! I've been completely consumed ever since with preparing for my wedding that is just less than a month away! It's been such a whirlwind since I left California that I can hardly comprehend it all.<br />
<br />
Leaving California was heart-breaking. There were small sobbs at my last Mass at StP2 and quiet tears as I watched the last car filled with my friends pull out of the parking lot from my going away party, knowing it was likely the last time I would see them for quite a long time. Saying goodbye to friends and the parish that became my family was something surreal at the time, but is slowly setting in these days. Some days I still feel like I'm just on vacation . . . that's lasted a long time. Other days it hits me like a freight train that I'm not going back to California, at least not any time soon. :-\ Looking back, I don't think I realized how much of a family I had found in the parish. I often find myself wishing the parish I am now at was as warmly welcoming as StP2. Most of all, I miss the friends I made. <br />
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Now don't misunderstand, I love being close to my family again, seeing my close college friends again, and most of all, seeing my fiance on a regular basis for the first time since we started dating in 2004. Regardless, I left a piece of my heart in California, and it has not gone unnoticed. <br />
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This is to you Cali, thanks for welcoming me as family and sending me off with much love!TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-8177933927449843472010-08-05T22:47:00.000-07:002010-08-07T01:02:20.982-07:00The Healing Hand of GodI was on my way home on this horrible day when I heard this song. I knew right away that it was no coincidence. Today, a tragic school bus accident took the life of a beautiful teen in my hometown. When I was in high school, Jessica was such a sweet kid that I often talked to after Sunday Mass. She held a special place in my heart, as does her whole family. She grew into a wonderful young woman, and the loss of her life will affect the whole community. <br />
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Lord, please hold the Brinker family close to your heart during this most difficult time. Please give them the strength and courage of your mother, Mary, as they mourn the loss of their child and sister. Hold the students of John F. Hodge in your healing hands. As this school year starts, be in the hallways as they walk them without their dear friend. Hold the Red Regiment Marching Band together as they march with a hole in their line. Please carry the whole St. James community through this terrible time. And please open the gates of heaven wide to accept your daughter, Jessica. <br />
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May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. <br />
Ashley Scanlon-Smith, pray for us. <br />
<blockquote><strong>The Healing Hand of God - Jeremy Camp</strong></blockquote><blockquote>I have seen the many faces of fear and of pain<br />
I have watched the tears fall plenty from heartache and strain<br />
So if life's journey has you weary and afraid<br />
There's rest in the shadow of His wings<br />
<br />
I have walked through the valleys, the mountains, and plains<br />
I have held the hand of freedom that washes all my stains<br />
If you feel the weight of many trials and burdens from this world<br />
There's freedom in the shelter of the Lord<br />
<br />
<strong>And I have seen the healing hand of God</strong><br />
<strong>Reaching out and mending broken hearts</strong><br />
<strong>Taste and see the fullness of His peace</strong><br />
<strong>And hold on to what's being held out</strong><br />
<strong>The healing hand of God</strong><br />
<br />
And I have touched the scars upon His hands to see if they were real<br />
He has walked the road before me, he knows just how I feel<br />
When you feel that there's not anyone, who understands your pain<br />
Just remember all of Jesus' suffering<br />
<br />
<strong>'Cause I have seen the healing hand of God</strong><br />
<strong>Reaching out and mending broken hearts</strong><br />
<strong>Taste and see the fullness of His peace</strong><br />
<strong>And hold on to what's being held out</strong><br />
<br />
Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you<br />
He's near to the broken and confused<br />
By His stripes our spirit is renewed<br />
So enter in the joy prepared for you<br />
<br />
<strong>I have seen the healing hand of God</strong><br />
<strong>Reaching out and mending broken hearts</strong><br />
<strong>Taste and see the fullness of His peace</strong><br />
<strong>And hold on to what's being held out</strong><br />
<br />
The healing hand of God<br />
The healing hand of God<br />
The healing hand of God<br />
<br />
And hold on to what's being held out<br />
(Hold on)<br />
And hold on to what's being held out<br />
(Hold on)<br />
The healing hand of God, oh, oh</blockquote>TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-11885274583378539082010-05-18T01:29:00.000-07:002010-05-18T02:08:54.281-07:00A Tune for a Tuesday - See you in the EucharistThe Beginning of the End . . .<br /><br />Today, I said goodbye to my kids at the EDGE. And in keeping with my norm, I cried at both sessions when I gave my final words. I haven't really quite realized that I will not see them next week . . . likely, I will not see most of them again in our earthly life. I've always loved meeting new people, but I've always hated goodbyes . . .<br /><br />After our party, the EDGE Core worked hard to clean up and put all of our props from the year back in storage. As the Core headed out the door, I walked back to our meeting room. It looked as though no one had even been there. As I turned to hit the lights, I stopped and looked around, taking that moment to reflect on my time here.<br /><br />These past few months have been a whirlwind. I have been so busy and so stressed, that it has been hard to even notice the time passing. I knew then that I'd get to this point and be disappointed that I hadn't spent more time enjoying the moment. And there I stood tonight, thinking just that. That I couldn't believe it was already over. I wish I could have spent another year ministering to those kids, leading them to Christ and making more improvements for their program . . . but that's not what God has called me to . . . thy will be done, Lord.<br /><br />As I move on to the next chapter in my life, I thank God for bringing me here. I would never take back the two years I've spent here. These kids will always hold a special place in my heart, and this parish family will always be a home to me.<br /><br />Thank you to all those who have been a part of making my time in California a wonderful experience. For welcoming me in and making me a part of this community. I will miss you all dearly. I will undoubtedly be back to visit soon, but until then, "I will see you in the Eucharist".<br /><blockquote>I will meet you at the table<br />I will meet you in His heart<br />In the company of angels<br />In the place where all things start<br />We receive each other's presence<br />We are all made one in Him<br />Though I cannot see your face<br />I will see you in the Eucharist<br /><br />Come and meet me at the table<br />Come and meet me in His heart<br />We'll be singing with the angels<br />Each man playing his own part<br />In the symphony of praises<br />We will join our song with His<br />Though I cannot hear your voice<br />We'll be speaking in the Eucharist<br /><br />Do not be afraid<br />Do not be afraid<br />Do not be afraid<br /><br />When we gather at the table<br />We are closer than our breath<br />Even nearer than the angels<br />When we touch His very flesh<br />Dwelling in each other's presence<br />I will hold you close inside<br />Every soul in heaven and earth<br />Now is present in the Body of Christ<br /><br />Do not be afraid<br />Do not be afraid<br />Do not be afraid<br /><br />We are pilgrims on a journey<br />We are headed for the throne<br />Carried on the wings of angels<br />Oh we do not walk alone<br />All our prayers we lay before Him<br />And His grace will pave the way<br />To lead us to our one true home<br />Where we'll see each other face to face<br /><br />And do not be afraid<br />Do not be afraid<br />Do not be afraid<br /><br />I will meet you<br />I will hear you<br />I will hold you<br />I will receive you<br />I will see you in the Eucharist<br /><br />Danielle Rose - See You in the Eucharist</blockquote>TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-73887137333688420272010-05-08T23:50:00.000-07:002010-05-12T00:45:34.631-07:00EmotionsSo much is going on in my life right now. Would you like to know how I feel about it?<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBKR2FU_iwJ_PGZn5WEYilwGepTrFAhPuG-mrxWOgwB5-8GSIUHwrje8HOIpDV8aya5PxQkL6O9S_L2Qr2zqkUVoEhLKSlALo_JqFjP3dRVQHEjaBiPYv4w4nyKSLu3N4yS32Vd10C3g/s1600/scared.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 117px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 115px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469166015985058786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBKR2FU_iwJ_PGZn5WEYilwGepTrFAhPuG-mrxWOgwB5-8GSIUHwrje8HOIpDV8aya5PxQkL6O9S_L2Qr2zqkUVoEhLKSlALo_JqFjP3dRVQHEjaBiPYv4w4nyKSLu3N4yS32Vd10C3g/s320/scared.jpg" /></a>STRESSED!</strong> - I move in just a little over a month. And as of right now, I do not have a job or a place to live when I get there. Just when I thought things were going to work out, my fiance was let go at work and is now searching for a job too. UGH! Wrapping up a job, packing up an apartment, moving accross the country, finding a new job, finding a new place to live, planning a wedding, preparing for marriage. . . . that is just TOO much to deal with at once!<br /><br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXWncc_OI41Zv3zwvCSfT3jN_2aUJWSffXb6mXskVieXvioUWxBg0SV9zX50s7Lcy-XJm5WQkL_VMxYjjZpHc8XJF8x7nWEmQ61UC4dAnf7KkGNwKwHjo8CDhqHhXMrwBvP1OfU3O2Z8/s1600/frustration.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 115px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 116px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469167099940087202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXWncc_OI41Zv3zwvCSfT3jN_2aUJWSffXb6mXskVieXvioUWxBg0SV9zX50s7Lcy-XJm5WQkL_VMxYjjZpHc8XJF8x7nWEmQ61UC4dAnf7KkGNwKwHjo8CDhqHhXMrwBvP1OfU3O2Z8/s320/frustration.jpg" /></a>Frustrated -</strong> With our situation. Wondering why God is giving us all these obstacles. Isn't there enough stress and things to deal with if the transition went as smoothly as possible? I'll admit it, I'm frustrated with God. I know He has a plan, but I'm not too happy with Him for not letting us know what it is yet!<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9AAKoc9L96S1vzkYjj5vz5v5s1ZqtPDGALgtBdcxBgbJJtPfF3S_VUwlC0kBpTfT73Uhqq4s5hqmHDXxeRz0QPlL6svsJfSYEPKUqhD3eRHMeIxUS9rfsyZVMMxrvyCMNIxU-RDilug/s1600/love.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 117px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 117px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469168029117354466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9AAKoc9L96S1vzkYjj5vz5v5s1ZqtPDGALgtBdcxBgbJJtPfF3S_VUwlC0kBpTfT73Uhqq4s5hqmHDXxeRz0QPlL6svsJfSYEPKUqhD3eRHMeIxUS9rfsyZVMMxrvyCMNIxU-RDilug/s320/love.jpg" /></a>In Love</strong> - Yes, I'm in love! lol. Despite all of this confusion and frustration, I'm trying to remember the end of the tunnel: being in the same state as my fiance! It's going to be so great to see him on a regular basis again. To see him more than on skype and to have real dates, not just our wednesday night online dates! Yes, that's right, we spend our "date nights" playing games online against each other . . . it's all we have, don't judge us!<br /><br /><br /><p><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 117px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 117px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469169222546274002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEMBF1Jgbe-7SW6eqRwIlZ3E1h-jbKi2fwN46-skxyHwQMEBTPkUx9pUOYbPLaGWApuuQ4RYjSlrB04FDGL2UPT9Jc8e4-vcha470eZUjMd0F5rLYgyn-jPqUAFoV7IglanS-1F5m81A/s320/excited.jpg" /><strong>Excited! - </strong>Excited to be with my fiance. Excited for something new. Excited to see my dear friends again. Excited for dates. Excited too see my family. Excited to get moving on wedding plans. Excited to see my neices and nephew. Excited for seasons (yes, even winter . . . it has its charm). Excited to possibly serve my Alma Mater. Excited to be closer to marriage. Excited to have a new place to live. Excited to have a washer and dryer! Hopefully excited for a dishwasher. :) </p><p><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDy0T0u7nnN0HmZqCPUWVuCoeRymXYbty5greKoXsxJ0h2KZsaTWIG3ltVXw8Uf5wYZUWfXOdfA3yRoKb0vqDSYzt3VN3qIWViuDMXsEakN860hf8V3JwC7cdjAP10n7BPNFp1fsdzi9Y/s1600/crying.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 116px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 115px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469170102622676018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDy0T0u7nnN0HmZqCPUWVuCoeRymXYbty5greKoXsxJ0h2KZsaTWIG3ltVXw8Uf5wYZUWfXOdfA3yRoKb0vqDSYzt3VN3qIWViuDMXsEakN860hf8V3JwC7cdjAP10n7BPNFp1fsdzi9Y/s320/crying.jpg" /></a>Sad - </strong>Sad to leave California. Sad that I haven't nearly seen everything I wanted to. Sad to leave the ocean. Sad to leave the warm weather (yes, I'm completely torn between the two climates). Sad to see this chapter close. Sad to leave my adorable apartment. Sad to leave my job. Sad that I haven't done everything I planned to do with the ministries. Sad to cut this adventure short. Sad to leave new friends. Sad to leave the mountains. Sad to go back to humidity (it seriously sucks!). Sad that there is so little time left. Sad that I will likely never live here again. Sad to say goodbye. </p><p><br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJj6VnSRpg7W_rQKjRXvl9wbplTBnEUat-Khc9JxCBERviA_It9rW_NF62j_-lt_nOLFk3jSM5iNrKxjwyfKJ50AeecqTsyzxMEwnec6IXFPEP-RylBVZX_KvJcbDigFn3eX1FpHvWSf8/s1600/nervous.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 116px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 117px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469171441979525650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJj6VnSRpg7W_rQKjRXvl9wbplTBnEUat-Khc9JxCBERviA_It9rW_NF62j_-lt_nOLFk3jSM5iNrKxjwyfKJ50AeecqTsyzxMEwnec6IXFPEP-RylBVZX_KvJcbDigFn3eX1FpHvWSf8/s320/nervous.jpg" /></a>Nervous -</strong> About the unknown. I know that God's got it all under control, but I'm so very anxious about how it's all going to work out. If I don't have a job, I don't have money to pay the bills . . . and that's not good! I just don't know what's going to happen, and that makes me nervous.<br /></p><p></p><p><strong><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 117px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 118px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469172351498332178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojQQ9YEE2JI54VEZ9IIe-IxG5hTU0roiTLLIwP4oq7tbZ1VhVBW7pX2OWgSbePKpY2HG8iO18ux3wcRoyjCWoSFPE-1Zki1UA6f0n6h49vP2DtRaqRozdzSg9HbQNmN8i2oyB4RpfRAw/s320/sick.jpg" />Sick - </strong>With all this emotion, I'm sick. Both emotionally and physically. Sick to my stomach. I have headaches frequently. Can't fall asleep. Wake up in the middle of the night. I can hardly focus on the things that need to get done, which makes me even more stressed. I'm ready for this time to be over, but there's so much that I need to do before it is! </p><p></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuej1kKdakm2X-bQo8uicbIWPMpYD-N89RZSEbRrlcNL_USXXAR4Y5xqoKMYmG1GZ_guT5rSTFx5v3rjSWt9e5Wd2AA87Ro5gxYCplvroLnZIqYynylCS2unb8uKq6Hc9jIudmbCD3ZKs/s1600/confused.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 115px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 116px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469173913346222114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuej1kKdakm2X-bQo8uicbIWPMpYD-N89RZSEbRrlcNL_USXXAR4Y5xqoKMYmG1GZ_guT5rSTFx5v3rjSWt9e5Wd2AA87Ro5gxYCplvroLnZIqYynylCS2unb8uKq6Hc9jIudmbCD3ZKs/s320/confused.jpg" /></a> <strong>Completely Mixed Up - </strong>SO MANY EMOTIONS! I can't seem to get them straight. Excited, nervous, happy, sad, sick, frustrated, stressed . . . I just can't handle it all at once. Ugh, I'll be happy when all this is over. But when it's all over, that means I'll be gone . . . and that makes me sad. Oh dear . . .TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-56951343973833346602010-04-22T04:38:00.000-07:002010-04-22T05:21:22.847-07:00Forget what’s behind and where I’ve been . . .Today, I was especially troubled with unpleasant memories. Most days, I'm completely fine, but once in a while, this particular situation creeps up and catches me off-guard with memories of the past. Sometimes, I wish I was like God more. Well, of course we all wish that, but I particularly wish that I could really forget the past. Now, I know that God is all knowing, and doesn't truly "forget" things, but that He forgives us more fully than we can imagine. When we forgive, it is near impossible for us to fully forgive because of our sinful nature. But when God forgives, He forgives so richly that He does not think of us or treat us as though what we did happened. I'm not sure if I'm making a whole lot of sense here . . . I'll try to clarify.<br /><br />Because we are human, it is extremely difficult for us to truly forgive. We may no longer harbor angry feelings at someone, but rarely do we treat them as though it never happened. If someone slaps you in the face, you may forgive them, but chances are you're going to be a bit apprehensive when that person moves their hand upward around you again. When someone betrays your trust, you may forgive them, but likely you don't trust them immediately, and maybe you will never fully trust that person again. All this, is because we are human. We can forgive and love someone who has hurt us, but it is a nearly impossible task for us to "forget" what happened, that is, think of them, treat them, and feel toward them as though your trust was never broken in the first place.<br /><br />God, on the other hand, has that ability. God, in His infinite goodness and love, fully forgives us when we turn our backs on Him. He does not harbor any resentment toward us because of what we have done, nor does he think any less of us for betraying him. He does not love us any less, care for us any less, or hope in us any less. When He forgives us, it is as though He does not remember what we did, because He does not act the way we do when we remember how someone hurt us.<br /><br />So today, as I was wishing I could "forget" as Our Lord does, the CD in my car played this song:<br /><br /><blockquote>Yesterday has come, and that day is gone<br />But I can’t say I’m proud with what went on<br />So I’ll start again, ‘cause I want to win<br />Forget what’s behind and where I’ve been<br /><br />Goodbye, Loneliness, goodbye tears<br />Goodbye yesterday and all those wasted years<br /><br />I press on, always forward, on<br />I have set my eyes on the horizon<br />I press on, God lead me on I don’t<br />want to stop ‘til I get to heaven<br /><br />I hope the time is near, cause I keep failing here<br />But I will not lose if I persevere<br />Yeah, these blows of God, they are blows of love<br />They may knock me down, but I get back up<br /><br />Goodbye, Loneliness, goodbye tears<br />Goodbye yesterday and all those wasted years<br /><br />I press on, always forward, on<br />I have set my eyes on the horizon<br />I press on, God lead me on<br />I don’t want to stop ‘til I get to heaven<br /><br />- Joel Stein (Press On) </blockquote><br />It is my prayer today, and all days when the past is something that is hard for me to "forget", that I will become more like God. That I will forgive more perfectly, love more deeply, and "forget" more completely. I pray that I can entirely trust those who I forgive. And as I contemplate the difficulty to forgive as God does, I realize more fully the omnipotence of God's forgiveness, and the imperfectness of ours. I thank God for his infinite ability to love and forgive perfectly. For giving His Son to pay for my sins. And I "press on, always forward, on" and strive to "forget what's behind and where I've been".TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-51796374941765982942010-04-13T23:34:00.000-07:002010-04-13T23:59:09.762-07:00"We do not lose heart . . ."<blockquote><p>2 Corinthians 4:1-18<br /><br /><em>Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.</em> </p><p>We have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways; we refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the likeness of God. </p><p>For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God<br />in the face of Christ.<br /><br /><em>But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.</em><br /><br />Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke," we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.<br /><br /><em>So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, because we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. </em><br /></p></blockquote><p>Lord, help me to have faith in people when I lose hope. I know that, indeed, the transcendent power belongs to You and not to me. It is your ministry, and not my own. Lord, when people let me down, and it feels like everyone is failing, leaving you, and turning away, help me to know that your words are more powerful than mine, and prayer more powerful than the evil one. When I am perplexed by ignorance, apathy, and aragance, help me to not be driven to despair. Lord, give me Your love, Your understanding, Your words, Your actions, and Your prayers as I minister to your people. Help me to not lose heart, but hope in you!</p><p>- Your Stumbling Servant</p>TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-66765298879070031372010-03-30T01:17:00.000-07:002010-03-30T02:58:34.039-07:00A Tune for a Tuesday - Tribute to my Dad :)<blockquote>"Here's a song I would like to have written for you. Love, Dad"</blockquote><p>That was the email I got from my Dad today, with this song attached. My dad's always loved music. I remember the days I'd be in his truck, a song would come on, and he'd ask, "Who is this?" I'd respond with an annoyed, "I don't know, Dad." "Oh man! It's ______." If a song he particularly liked came on, he's say, "listen" and sing along with the lyrics, emphasizing the lyrics he liked, which was pretty much every word. These are still not uncommon occurrences when riding in a vehicle with him, but I'm more amused than annoyed at this age! :) It wasn't until just now that I realized I may have gotten my love for lyrics from him. Thanks Dad! </p><p>The song he sent me today doesn't have a single lyric that doesn't fit us. I'm the youngest, his baby girl. <em>Winter snows</em>: particularly reminds me of the winter snow (and ice) when us kids got stuck at the bottom of the hill behind our house. I was terrified we'd never make it up. The famous quote is "Call Dad and tell him to call the fire department!" I was so upset when my mom and siblings laughed at me. <em>Horse shows</em>: We went to the horse auction when I was a kid, I remember picking out the horses I liked and pretending I'd get them. <em>Dancing on the beach</em>: I don't remember ever actually <em>dancing</em> on the beach, but since before I was born, our family vacationed to Myrtle Beach (technically Garden City Beach) every other summer. Many of my childhood memories revolve around the beach houses we rented. </p><p>I got a little teary-eyed when I received this sweet and loving email. It was great to stop and reflect. God blessed me with a really wonderful father. Needless to say, this will likely be the song for the father-daughter dance at my wedding this fall. </p><p><br /><blockquote>I'll take this slow sweet walk with you.<br />You let go of my hand to say "I Do".<br />And he will discover just how blessed a life can be.<br />I know 'cause all those years ago, someone handed you to me.<br /><br />Every step that we take brings back the memories.<br />Winter snows and horse shows and dancing on the beach.<br />I can't help thinking that I'm the lucky one;<br />You're still my baby daughter, and now I've gained a son.<br /><br />I'll take this slow sweet walk with you.<br />You let go of my hand to say "I Do".<br />And he will discover just how blessed a life can be.<br />I know 'cause all those years ago, your mom handed you to me.<br /><br />Don't miss a chance to put each other first.<br />Now that you've vowed "for better or for worse".<br />And don't let the beauty of this life pass you by.<br />In the times of trouble, you'll stand side by side.<br /><br />I'll take this slow sweet walk with you.<br />You let go of my hand to say "I Do" . . .<br /><br />Picture a slow sweet walk yet to be.<br />You'll take my hand, say "Daddy, come see".<br />Then you'll know what it feels like, you won't believe what it feels like,<br />Then you'll know what it felt like when she handed you to me.<br />. . . She handed you to me. <p></p><p>"Walk with You" - Edwin McCain</p></blockquote>TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7728711959077180114.post-38223224643797509792010-03-24T01:10:00.000-07:002010-03-24T01:57:34.752-07:00A Tune for a Tuesday - Your Bride<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 271px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452121733833687714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEThxZ0I63xiKSlz1YKmpzCEx1AvaDqdf1qTIpTVujkPHhfKaGO10I0oKPoyQI3R7nGWWWONaIvFFLj7S7t_Wz0sZMv6GN3jmgCXsMXsjTMxfdu_o0wySV7NpdlC5BIyeqKJFyIcKVV88/s320/TheBrideofChristTheChurch.jpg" /> <div><blockquote><p></p><p>Here I am - I offer you my hand.<br />The hour has arrived to celebrate our wedding feast.<br />And I know this was the Father's plan.<br />I was born to live for you were born to die for me.<br /><br />Walking down the aisle I long to come to thee.<br />You are waiting there to marry me.<br />Walking down the aisle I long to come receive.<br />Your body, blood, soul, and divinity.<br /><br /><strong>I am your bride,<br />I am one with my Beloved crucified.<br />As you offer me your body, I offer you my life<br />Now and always, I am yours -<br />I am your bride.<br /></strong><br />As you lift the veil before my eyes,<br />You gaze into my soul and say, "Beloved, you are mine."<br />And I know you take me as I am,<br />Loving me with all my sin you take me by the hand.<br /><br />In my vows to you and yours to me,<br />Our covenant declared eternally,<br />Laying down our lives we consummate our love.<br />I cleave to you and to the cross.<br /><br />This one is at last bone of my bones.<br />United as one flesh, our love becomes a home,<br />Where every child is welcome in our love's embrace.<br />Their lives reveal their Father's face.<br /><br />Your Bride - Danielle Rose</p></blockquote><br /><p>This song was like buried treasure for me. I found it through an internet search. I've known Danielle Rose for years, but had not heard this album yet. My priest, and officiant of our wedding, told me to listen to "Holy Family" (a song I included in my previous post about St. Joseph). When searched for that song, I found "Your Bride" on the same album. This song has some of the most beautiful lyrics about Christ and the Church. Written about her entry into a religious order, this song has so many meanings!<br /><br />It's a picture of:<br />Christ/Church<br />Bridegroom/Bride<br />Husband/Wife<br />Christ/Sister<br />Priest/Church<br /><br />You MUST go check out this awesome song: http://popup.lala.com/popup/1657606185550498364 </p></div>TheCatholicCradlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00991797470185635655noreply@blogger.com5