Peaceful Silence

Wow - how time flies. September 27th was my last post. I have been enjoying a kind of interior silence which allows 'keeping all these things in my heart.'

So, what has prompted this post now, so close to Christmas, in the middle of the hustle and bustle that is this joyous season? I have received a few responses from you, my readers, via email and posts, (and in person for those who know me!) wondering if I will ever return to this little corner I have often called my sanity.

Well, the answer required a bit of reflection, (of course!) as this whole blog is a series of self reflections. For so long, taking time to reflect on the daily occurrences or formative lessons for our family was always viewed by me as not only a sanity saver, but a real joy. I absolutely regard myself as a person who appreciates the written word - where I can describe something, an event, a feeling by simply typing, and have that experience again and again, even when my memory fails me.

I had hoped reflections on our family would help to not only inspire others, but myself. And it has for many years. I began this blog in 2008, well, actually further back than that, if you count the many notebooks I filled since high school. Nevertheless, I have taken a break from some commitments in order to re-prioritize. I put my time, energy and focus on some new projects as of the last few months - and I have already seen my little project grow and it's so exciting. Daunting, yes - but exciting.

I have yet to figure how to incorporate this corner of the blogosphere into my new projects - and honestly it may not have a place. But what I will say, is that I have learned so many great lessons recently, that I wish I had the time to delve into deeper here.

So in honor of all those Small Successes that I used to list.... I will make a new list for me, perhaps just this once, called: Lessons Learned, A brief snapshot of recent notable realizations that have moved my heart and will.

1. I have found wisdom through listening more and speaking less.

2. Generosity is never wasted. It always comes back, one way or another.

3. People who are takers, will always be just that - it's a lifestyle for them. But, I get to decide what I give.

4. Hearing 'I am proud of you' just never gets old, even if I do.

5. Saying 'I'm sorry', 'I was wrong' or 'I'll work on that' can be priceless in a marriage.

6. Going hand in hand with #5: Saying 'I forgive you', 'I'm sorry too' or 'We'll get through this' is a necessity.

7. Saying a difficult truth can be softened in a thousand different ways.

8. Being a person of peace is the most valuable gift I can give.

Having said #8 - a wonderful light from the Holy Spirit as of late and considering the closeness of Christmas and the Prince of Peace being born among us, I will close here. Will I return posting in the near future - I don't know. The Holy Spirit is a work, and where it blows I follow.

Merry Christmas to all. May God bless His peace-makers.

Domo Arigato Gozaimasu Nihon - Thank You Japan

First, I apologize. It's almost been a week since my last post, and life certainly has a way to take me over. Arigato Gozaimasu - Thank You We have many commitments, many places where we have promised our time and energy, and when sickness sets in for me or anyone in our home, life pretty much stops....for little while anyway. Thankfully, the illnesses are down to minor colds, and as of yesterday, I am off the meds to treat a sinus infection. But that's not all. It's re-enrollment time at school, and every March we face the same uncertain future in debate...Can we swing yet another year's worth of financial commitment to our Catholic school, for four children. It's a stressful time, it's uncertain, and I have to say, that security is something I thrive on. Any insecurity, and I tell you, life just isn't right. With the children unaware of our finessing the budget, we work to keep that calm and peace that assures the children all wil...

Words Can Hurt

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Little Guys and Big Things

Sometimes, Veggie Tales stick with you. Even when an 8 year old seems too old for Veggie Tale stories, and reluctantly watches a few, the messages do stick. Over the weekend, my Knight was to serve Mass. For the past few Sundays he has been serving, and we keep reminding him of the various ways to show reverence while doing his duties.....a bow to the tabernacle, folding of the hands and so forth. Sunday, I happened to be watching Knight lather his gel in his hair to ready for Mass, and I once again, reminded him to keep his reverent ways about him while serving. He made a distinct face at me, and said, "Ugh, Mom, those other server boys are bigger than me. I don't want to do something they aren't doing." "I understand, but you could set the example, because you know, what you are doing is the right thing." He shook his head, looked at himself in the mirror, and seeing his own image reflected, said again, "I'm the youngest one there, Mom...

S.tay A.t H.ome M.om at Work

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