Outside the City Walls

Government tells us "To Hell With You"

2012-01-28T01:47:00.001-05:00

This has come as a shock to me. I am appalled. What does this mean for the future of religious freedom? The article below was written by the bishop of the Catholic diocese of Pittsburgh - Bishop David A. Zubik - on the HHS mandate telling us as Catholics, and Christians, we will be forced to give our money for abortions and contraception, and in not doing so, we will be penalized. Contact

When I Became A Man

2012-01-21T22:44:00.000-05:00

When I Became A Man is a video I post regularly on FB walls of the teens I minister to.

I'm boycotting Girl Scouts

2012-01-20T20:29:00.001-05:00

Enough is enough. I cannot be silent anymore. I've posted links to various new articles supporting my decision to boycott Girl Scouts. I was a Girl Scout - brownie, junior, and senior. I served at Day Camp 2 years in a row. I even was a troop leader in college. As a Catholic-Christian, I want to be called out if my behavior is unbecoming of a Christian or if I support something that goes

Nearing the $10K mark

2012-01-14T18:13:00.000-05:00

God has gifted me with so much. I am so blessed. Health Update : I've lost 3 inches on my waist! Hallelujah! And, muscle and abs are beginning to form. I feel really different. So, different, that the new jeans I purchased in November don't really fit me. Aiyeeee. Guess, I have to go buy a belt. :) That TJMaxx gift card will finally be used. Blood work this week. Yay. I hope my numbers

Trust

2012-01-01T01:39:00.000-05:00

How much do I trust Him? It's a simple thing, but also so complex. For me, I just look in the past and see how He's provided again and again. And again. And, always over and above what I asked for. I ask and He responds. Jesus is my one and only Constant. As I welcome this new year, 2012, I reflect on all that has happened to me in 2011. All of the blessings, and yes, even the trials that

Set-backs

2011-12-30T23:46:00.000-05:00

I had to adjust my grapevine thermometer a bit b/c of setbacks that include dental work and car repairs. So, that's that. But, I'm happy to say, we're $9000 in. yay Weight loss and muscle gain. Still doing great, even with the holidays. I am on my way to a new me. It's crazy to think that by the time I enter (God-willing), I'll look a lot like I did when I was in college. That kind of

King Cake recipe

2011-12-21T23:39:00.002-05:00

Here is my King Cake recipe 1 cup milk, room temperature1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast 1/2 cup butter, softened1/3 cup white sugar1 Tablespoon salt1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 eggs4-5 cups flour Filling1/3 cup canola oil1/2 cup white sugar1/4 cup cinnamon Icing3 Tablespoons butter3 Tablespoons milk3 cups Confectioners sugar Mardi Gras colored sugar1/2 cup white sugarfood coloring Directions:Add the

O Antiphons and Santas

2011-12-18T23:47:00.000-05:00

When will I learn to stay away from people dressed up as Santa??? Tonight was our annual Life Teen Christmas party. This year I put the mini's in charge of planning. They turned it into a real Life Night, not just a dance. I was a little concerned that they got rid of all the table and chairs. But, it worked. In the past 3 years, we've had about 70% of the teens just sit at the tables and not

Shellac and Skittles

2011-12-12T21:38:00.000-05:00

I don't think I ever have anything profound to say, and that's what keeps me from posting most of the time.But, I'm real. What's been going on with me?Well.... In late October, I decided to make a life change. Today, I'm living better. I eat better. A LOT better. Before it would take me, max, 20 minutes in the grocery store. Now, it takes about 2 hours. Why? B/c I read labels on EVERYTHING

Thrones and Adoration

2011-12-04T23:56:00.002-05:00

In Confirmation class every year, we take two field trips to the church. The 1st class is on the Liturgy of the Word and the 2nd, yes, Liturgy of the Eucharist. In the weeks between the two classes, my curiosity is piqued. And, I become even more observant of my teens, and the way that they pray. And, sometimes, well, regularly. Okay, sometimes, during communion, during my thanksgiving time,

Little Church

2011-11-28T20:32:00.001-05:00

If you want your dream to be,Build it slow and surelySmall beginnings, greater endsHearfelt work grows purelyIf you want to live life freeTake your time go slowlyDo few things but do them wellHeartfelt work grows purelyDay by day, stone by stoneBuild your secret slowlyDay by day, you'll grow tooYou'll know heaven's gloryIf you want to live like HimTake your time go slowlyDo few things but do them

resting

2011-11-27T23:48:00.001-05:00

I promise a new blog post is coming. I just need sleep. Happy New Liturgical Year! :)

2011-11-23T01:36:00.001-05:00

Bacon egg & cheese baskets

2011-11-22T00:03:00.001-05:00

Homemade ranch dressing

Christmas Novena ~ St. Andrew thru Christmas

2011-11-21T11:46:00.000-05:00

Christmas Novena Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen. (It is piously believed that whoever recites the above prayer fifteen times

Happy Feast!

2011-11-21T11:40:00.000-05:00

Happy Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary! :)

Fr. Chris and XLT

2011-11-13T23:49:00.000-05:00

Amazing Life Night! The week after a retreat, we usually do something low-key such as a movie or game night, so as to give our CORE a break. But, because the Girls retreat and Guys retreat weekend fell this year in November, we couldn't because it would mean three straight weeks of social nights. So, I decided to do an XLT Life Night. It still meant the CORE didn't have to plan, but I needed

2011-11-05T01:17:00.001-04:00

I made this Rosary! Wahoodle

Update on Tim and Fund

2011-11-03T19:04:00.000-04:00

There has been a fund set up for Tim to help him deal with his expenses and to keep him afloat post hospitalization period. He's a hard worker, has had a job since high school. Currently co-owns a garage door business - Four Seasons. His medical bills will be astounding. Tim has never been smoked, has never used drugs and doesn't drink. He has a full-time job, and on top of that works for

Pray for those without power in the northeast.

2011-11-01T14:45:00.000-04:00

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers all those without power in the northeast. Especially the sisters in Summit. I believe they have gas stoves, so they can still cook. But, I am sure it is cold.

Prayers and Thank You's

2011-10-28T01:02:00.000-04:00

I am at peace knowing that God has me where He wants me. At least for the time being. :) There is such a peace overflowing in my heart. I've sold most of everything I own. Just a few more items. And, the rest - summer clothes, shoes, and other assorted kitchen items - is being taken to SVDP. It's such a release to be material free. To live the simple life. Really. I still have my

Be a Man! Discern the Priesthood.

2011-10-26T17:16:00.003-04:00

Please continue

2011-10-23T19:39:00.002-04:00

Please continue to pray for my friend Tim. The road to recovery is long. This is a marathon, not a sprint. I will not stop praying and offering sacrifices.

Tim is on breathing machine,

2011-10-23T11:05:00.001-04:00

Tim is on breathing machine, & he is septic. CT shows a perforation, so emergency surgery now. Plz pray for him at Mass.

Taken a turn for the

2011-10-22T20:10:00.001-04:00

Taken a turn for the worse. Intubated. Doctors working on him. Take out rosaries and pray.

We need to Rise Up!

2011-10-21T00:11:00.000-04:00

When I was on CORE at St Catherine's, we brought a bunch of teens to Steubenville Summer Conference in Atlanta. I confess that I've been to every Steubenville Atlanta Conference unless I was in college or in a monastery. But, anyway, we were at the conference, and a deacon we know had brought two teen guys with him. The deacon had to assist in the conference and wasn't able to chaperone the

Rosary and/or Divine Mercy chaplet

2011-10-19T17:40:00.000-04:00

I really believe that we need to be up on the mountain like Moses imploring God the Father for a miracle while Tim is down on the battlefield. Could you pray a Rosary and/or Divine Mercy chaplet daily for Tim's healing and for the doctors and nurses to figure out how to stabilize him. And to pray until he is home and working again with his teens! :)

Praise God! Tim is off

2011-10-19T12:06:00.001-04:00

Praise God! Tim is off the breathing machine. However, still in serious condition in icu. #keeppraying

PRAY for Tim

2011-10-19T01:15:00.000-04:00

Tonight I went to visit Tim again in the hospital. in ICU. I read on his CaringBridge that he was intubated. But, it really did not prepare me for what I saw. He is in need of our prayers and our sacrifices. This is totally out of our control. We need a miracle. His colitis and liver issues are completely separate to each other. Without him having colitis, he would have never known he

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!

2011-10-17T22:39:00.000-04:00

Last Wednesday night I received an email that a dear friend (friends for 18 years), Tim Davis, was in the hospital in ICU.I about freaked out, and couldn't sleep all night. On Thursday, I went to see him with LF. He was in good spirits, having just come out of surgery where they placed a TIPS liver shunt. Please keep him in your prayers. He is 33 and in tip top shape. He eats all the right

single most important relationship

2011-10-12T15:25:00.001-04:00

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Jesus is AMAZING in His love for us! My teens in the ministry God has blessed me with inspire me to do more in my faith life. When they get so excited about sharing why they chose their Confirmation saint or just want to tell other teens about Jesus, it gets me teary-eyed. I ponder on what the early Christians went through, and that gets me excited.

The Rosary Project (video from the Domincan Nuns) :)

2011-10-10T21:24:00.000-04:00

God's enduring mercy.

2011-10-10T21:19:00.000-04:00

I am $600 away from paying off another credit card. I am so elated right now. There is no bounds to God's enduring mercy. Keep praying for my Nov 21st special intention. If it's His will, it will happen.

Hair disaster

2011-10-08T16:27:00.001-04:00

So, a little story or view into my life: My teens were asked to bring at least 500 baby items to our Oh Baby Life Night to benefit Cobb Pregnancy Center in Kennesaw. And, if they brought more than 500, I said I would dye part of my hair green. Well, they brought 1668 baby items! Yay! And, last Thursday, LF and I dip-dyed part of my hair green. We bleached it first and then applied the

Life Again Drama

2011-10-06T23:50:00.001-04:00

I wrote a drama called Life Again for our Confirmation retreat. In this performance, it was one of our 3 dress rehearsals. During the retreat performance, the teens had shirts on with their character's name on it. Jesus changed from a white shirt into a Priest shirt at the end of the drama. The wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23. The skit "Life Again" is about how sin affects you and your

Green Hair

2011-10-05T18:16:00.000-04:00

Green hair... I tried to dye part of my hair green. LF and I gave a section of my hair blonde highlights (read we bleached a section). And, then put the green dye on it. But, the color only lasts for a few days. I have an idea, and its probably what I'm going to do. B/c its the only thing that will work. Work is insane. We are full steam ahead. So, after the Confirmation Retreat this

half-way there!

2011-09-26T22:10:00.001-04:00

I'm halfway there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) $6160 paid off! Pray for a very special intention for November 21st!

You'll Come - Hillsong United

2011-09-23T07:13:00.001-04:00

I have decided I have resolved To wait upon you Lord My rock and redeemer shall not be moved I'll wait upon you Lord As surely as the sun will rise You'll come to us As certain as the dawn appears You'll come let your glory fall As you respond to us Spirit reign flood our hearts With holy fire again We are not shaken we are not moved We wait upon you Lord Our Mighty deliverer my triumph and

vacay in Spanish is cow...I had a very good cow

2011-09-12T15:49:00.000-04:00

When I went to the grocery store on Fri, Sept 9, it was hard for me to fathom I'd been on vacation for almost 3 weeks. And, I also realized how much I miss my sisters. Being inside the monastery confirmed in me the desire to be with My Beloved forever. I travelled up to the Baltimore area to visit with friends on Friday, Aug 26. And, I also needed to think about going to Summit on Saturday

coming soon...

2011-09-10T20:34:00.003-04:00

Coming Up: a post on my vacation. And, I'm almost half-way fundraised!!!! Yay! And, just to tide you over, here are a few pictures:

Deepa's Estate Sale

2011-08-23T17:27:00.000-04:00

I am having an estate sale to get rid of almost all of my stuff. I move out of my apartment in late October, and I'm perfectly capable of sleeping on a cot. Deepa's Estate Sale photo album The album contains just a few of my items. I'm taking the rest of the photos tonight. If you're interested in purchasing an item, email me about picking the item up, and whether its still available.

St. Deepa

2011-08-23T16:08:00.000-04:00

Background to the following story: I was at my 2nd family's house, where I go at least once a week. And, B and I were having a conversation about saints and feast days. She and her brothers, D and J are named for saints (as it should be). my 7-year-old sister: "Is there a St. Deepa?" me: "I don't think so, no." B: "One day there will be." That little conversation has been on my mind and

Deo Gratias

2011-08-23T14:57:00.009-04:00

Jesus, My Savior, My God, Our Sweet Christ in heaven, thank you for sending me wonderful benefactors. Please watch over them and guide them in their life. May their lives be blessed because you are truly living within them. May they always know the Love You have for them. Lord, I also pray for all of their intentions, great and small. I beg you to hear them and answer them. Jesus, you are

we're making a dent.

2011-08-16T01:14:00.001-04:00

I'm actually getting there. After returning from my Summit visit, I'll start posting the items I am selling. You can feel free to purchase if you want. The more I sell, the closer I'll get and the less I have to place in storage. Yay. Also, my 9 novena to be debt free might be over, but we're still praying. Thanking the saints and Mary for praying for me. I'm praying one rosary daily for

Matthew 20:28

2011-08-07T23:18:00.002-04:00

Just so, Jesus came not to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many. ~ Matthew 20:28 This weekend, I, along with 7 other CORE (adult leaders) took our 22 mini CORE on a peer leadership retreat. The team's verse for the year is Matthew 20:28. They were challenged to live according to the Gospel. To be leaders like Jesus. To commit to welcoming and inviting new

the Good Shepherd

2011-08-04T20:57:00.001-04:00

I've been reading a lot of journal entries and old talks I've written. One that strikes me over and over is the one I want to share with you now. I gave this talk somewhere between 2005-2007 at an XLT (Eucharistic Adoration with a witness talk for teens). For power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 This power St. Paul speaks of is not power like that of Superman, Batman, The

Novena to be Debt Free - part 9

2011-08-02T10:46:00.000-04:00

ST. CATHERINE, glorious Virgin and Martyr, resplendent in the luster of wisdom and purity; thy wisdom refuted the adversaries of Divine truth and covered them with confusion; thy immaculate purity made thee a spouse of Christ, so that after thy glorious Martyrdom Angels carried thy body to Mount Sinai. Implore for me progress in the science of the Saints and the virtue of holy purity, that

Camping in the Woods

2011-07-25T23:30:00.000-04:00

I am moving. When my lease ends. Into a friend's house for the last 6 months (or hopefully less). And, today, with the help of several benefactor's I was able to pay off one of my personal debts. Hurray! I still get overwhelmed by the amount of Christ's LOVE poured out on me every day. Because of generous friends, I'll be able to in October begin to put a little over a $1000 a month into my

Novena to be Debt Free - part 8

2011-07-24T10:43:00.000-04:00

God, our Father, you have granted to your church the gift of Gianna Beretta Molla. In her youth she lovingly sought you and drew other people to you, involving them, through apostolicwitness and Catholic Action, in the care of the sick and aged, to help and comfort them. We thank you for the gift of this young woman, so deeply committed to you.Through her example, grant us the grace to consecrate

Novena to be Debt Free - part 7

2011-07-15T10:40:00.002-04:00

Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of, Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone.Intercede with God for me that He bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and

Prayers for others

2011-07-12T22:16:00.000-04:00

In the quiet of my heart, I hear Him calling. I hear Him in the silence. I listen, and I know He is near. I have come to love the silence again. I remember the time in my life where I wanted nothing but noise, to drown Him out, Him whom my heart loves. His love for us is great, great beyond all human imagining. He waits for us in the silence. This weekend I am taking 12 teens to a

Eucharistic Adoration Flash Mob

2011-07-12T17:37:00.002-04:00

Prayer Request

2011-07-09T11:28:00.002-04:00

Update on my prayer request: Cassie, our group contact leader for our Nicaragua mission trip. Her passport is 'damaged' (use it loosely b/c all information is visible) and a Delta ticketing agent said NIC might not let her enter the country, and also would not check her in. We passed her contact bag to the next chaperone in line (Cristina) and sent her to another counter to check in by herself.

How To: Clothes in a Ziplock Bag

2011-07-08T14:50:00.001-04:00

I made a video for my teens who are travelling to Nicaragua 2mrw for their mission trip on how to pack one change of clothes in a ziplock gallon size bag. Just in case you wanted to know. This is our religious education office. And, yes, my hair is long!

snail Mail

2011-07-07T16:12:00.000-04:00

I was on our Mission Trip last week, but I didn't put a hold on my mail. I just assumed it would pile up (I don't receive alot anyway) and I would pick it up on Saturday when I got back. Well, there was a vacancy notice in my mailbox saying that my mailbox was vacant and no mail should be placed there. So, if you sent me anything, it will probably come back to you. Please send it back out. I

Novena to be Debt Free - part 6

2011-07-06T10:35:00.002-04:00

Glorious St. Rita, patroness of those in need, your intercession with our Lord is most powerful. Through the favors obtained by your prayers you have been called “Advocate of hopeless and even impossible cases.” St. Rita, humble and pure; patient and compassionate Lover of Christ Crucified! I have confidence that everyone who has recourse to you, will find comfort and relief. Listen to my

good to be home

2011-07-05T14:35:00.000-04:00

God is so abundantly good. As I draw nearer to Him in my relationship with Him and in my payments to be debt-free, I can see myself growing. I had an amazing week with my teens on our mission trip to Nashville. I have another group preparing for Nicaragua on Saturday. Please pray for their safety while their down there (July 9-16) with their chaperones and my assistant youth minister. I am

Novena to be Debt Free - part 5

2011-06-27T10:31:00.002-04:00

O glorious St. Ann, you are filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer! Heavily burdened with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present intention which I recommend to you in your special care.Please recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and place it before the throne of Jesus, so that

2011-06-25T20:09:00.001-04:00

I am overwhelmed by my Sweet Christ's generosity.

Mark Hart's Salvation History through Song

2011-06-24T18:45:00.001-04:00

Praying for Victory

2011-06-23T23:22:00.014-04:00

Have you ever felt like the readings and the homily were written and spoken just for you? I feel that way right now. The widow's mite and fruit bearing trees have been in my sight these last two weeks. Of how I have to give out of my need and I shall receive a 100-fold. I feel the strongest tug and pull from God in the direction of religious life. I want for nothing more. He is all I

Clothing List

2011-06-23T22:38:00.022-04:00

My Clothing List for Summit updated 1-14-12 Thankfully, I have most of the items on the list. Here are the items remaining (links are just to give you an idea of what I'm looking for): 6 undershirts, size Large 6 pairs of athletic socks 1 travel alarm clock (battery operated). 2 white nightgowns, size XL 1 pair snow boots for outdoors :), size 9, waiting for them to go on sale Sunday and

Novena to be Debt Free - part 4

2011-06-18T10:23:00.002-04:00

O glorious Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you I raise my heart and hands to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly for the grace of a happy death and the special favour I request . O guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel animated with confidence that

LT Convention 2011

2011-06-16T20:40:00.001-04:00

Last year, I posted all of the quotes from 2010 Life Teen Training Convention, and I just returned yesterday from 2011 LTTC. 600 youth ministers, CORE, and priests gathered for 4 days to learn, grow, and be fed. We left on a mission - to serve our young Church - to lead teens into sacramental lives with Christ. Life Teen is a movement of the Holy Spirit. Are we doing or being? What is

I'm in

2011-06-09T15:34:00.000-04:00

$1072 paid off, $10928 to go. Thanks to all those supporting me with prayers and/or financial help.

Novena to be Debt Free - part 3

2011-06-09T10:14:00.003-04:00

God Our Father, I praise You for Louie and Zélie Martin, a truly faithful husband and wife, who lived their Christian life in an exemplary way through their duties in life and practice of Gospel teaching. In bringing up a large family, in spite of trials, bereavements and suffering, they showed immense trust in You and obedience to Your will.Lord deign to manifest Your will in their regard and

God is good! Isn't He!

2011-06-07T14:06:00.000-04:00

God is so good! Isn't He! I don't think its any coincidence that our archdiocese placed Ascension on Sunday, June 5th. Those readings were absolutely grand for the announcement I made to our teens - that I'm following my Beloved Sweet Christ back to the monastery. For as Fr Paul said in his homily, "with every beginning there is an ending." How true that is. As I get ever closer to the

Apple Pudding Pie Muffins recipe

2011-06-01T23:10:00.004-04:00

<> Apple Pudding Pie Muffins - makes about 30 3-4 apples, cored and shredded, skin on 2 cups flour 1/2 cup old fashioned oatmeal 1/2 t salt 1 T baking powder 1 1/2 t cinnamon 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup sugar 1 stick butter, softened 2 eggs 1 cup milk or sour cream 1 t vanilla For electric oven: Preheat to 350. For gas oven: preheat to 375. Line

ATL to EWR

2011-06-01T00:50:00.000-04:00

I had my physical - blood work and they checked my heart (EKG) today. I'll find out test results in about 3 weeks. After, I had lunch with my mom. I love her, she's just so cute.She asked me how much airfare was from ATL to EWR. I told her I was driving; its cheaper. She said she'd like to pay for my gas. I had actually been freaking out a little bit about that. Wondering how I could cut

Novena to be Debt Free - part 2

2011-05-31T10:20:00.002-04:00

St. Raphael, you were sent by God to guide young Tobiah in choosing a good and virtuous spouse. Please help me in this important choice which will affect my whole future. You not only directed Tobiah in finding a wife, but you also gave him guidelines which should be foremost in every Christian marriage: "Pray together before making important decisions." If through prayer we keep God as the "

I will wait for YOU

2011-05-29T00:28:00.000-04:00

This is the kind of message that I pray for my teens, a standard they will uphold. Share this message with others. I await my sweet Christ. See ya'll later on today in the Eucharist.

One prayer and one dollar at a time

2011-05-25T15:44:00.000-04:00

In order to enter religious life, I have to be debt free. For me, that means paying off student loans and that's why I will be applying for a St Joseph grant from the Mater Ecclesiae foundation. I also have personal debt to pay off. I live on my own, and have adopted a very strict budget. I currently am able to pay about $600 a month on my personal debt. I would obviously prefer to enter

Prayer and Support

2011-05-24T22:49:00.006-04:00

I tell my teens in about 2 weeks, though I am sure, some of them already know. On June 5th at a peer ministry meeting. And, then I need to figure out how to tell the rest of the parish. I dislike rumor mills. Straight from the horse's mouth. God is sooo good and sooo faithful. Its getting harder and harder to keep a secret. I just want to shout from the roof-tops. If there are people out

Novena to be Debt Free - part 1

2011-05-22T09:07:00.003-04:00

Holy Mary, full of the presence of God, during your life you accepted with great humility the holy will of the Father and the legacy of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, and evil never dared to entangle you with its confusion. Since then you have interceded for all of our difficulties as you did at the wedding feast of Cana. With all simplicity and with patience, you have given me an example of how

What is written on my heart? Jesus' Love.

2011-05-11T14:56:00.004-04:00

So many months spent without Him. My face is veiled. I am unworthy. To even be asked again. To be pursued. I am in want of Him. My entire self needs Him.Summit. I want those 4 walls to envelope me. In there, my whole self is given.I gave myself to Him Most High though I held back. I held tightly to home. It is no accident I still know Summit's schedule.Sometimes I wish I had spoken of

Yay!

2011-05-02T19:53:00.001-04:00

YAY! YAY! YAY! YAY! YAY!The waiting to tell you is about to nearly kill me of JOY, of course.But, we all have to wait for something.So, you will too!

Meditate on this for Holy Week

2011-04-19T16:08:00.000-04:00

can't refuse Him

2011-04-13T19:10:00.002-04:00

God keeps calling, and I can't refuse Him any longer. My desire to be with Him is stronger than any other desire on my heart.I believe everything happens for a reason. The time I've had outside the city walls have only drawn me closer to Him.What is written on my heart? Jesus' love.My entire self needs Him.

Missing Vocations

2011-03-08T22:49:00.001-05:00

I have hope.

Quote

2011-03-06T09:55:00.002-05:00

I can't refuse Him, for He is whom my heart loves.Simple. Concise. Direct. The Lord is preparing me. I love Him. I surrender all to Him. I ask for your prayers. This life is nothing compared to eternity with Him.He is calling. I am listening, and preparing myself for what is to come.Its hard to ponder. With Jesus' grace, I will come through this.The Joy that escapes me is contagious.I

Nun Runs are exhausting but a blessing

2011-02-26T17:19:00.002-05:00

I am so very thankful for how God pursues me. The Nun Run was tremendously fun and such a blessing. I have such unique youth group at STALT. I just ask for your prayers as I continue to discern what God's will is for me.Thank you.The links to the posts of the sisters we visited:Visitation - http://livejesus.blogspot.com/Dominican Nuns - http://www.monialesop.org/2011/02/

1 Thessalonians 5:24

2011-02-03T03:03:00.002-05:00

I read a lot more blogs on food. I have a cooking addiction. Did I mention that? I recently conquered King Cake! :0)And, I don't have much time for much else. February and March are my crazy insane months! I sometimes wonder how I keep my head above water.Our Lord gives me strength and somehow I know in my heart, He will see me through. For I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens

New GIRM

2011-01-09T00:03:00.000-05:00

New GIRM - http://www.usccb.org/romanmissal/index.shtmlHurray!

Solemn Profession & Prayers for a Nun Run

2010-12-15T00:30:00.006-05:00

This is so tremendously cool! Check it out. (Click on the image to be taken to the post.) I know I'm a total nerd for Catholicism and Nuns. I can't help myself, really! The Summit Dominicans will always hold a special place in my heart.I seriously have a permanent smile on my face for what it meant for these sisters to make solemn profession! After waiting for over 22 years! Its so

Help the Sisters purchase a new sound system

2010-12-02T17:16:00.003-05:00

The Dominican Nuns in Summit, NJ need a new sound system. When I was there visiting, it was really sounding atrocious, and that was nearly two years ago. They are now in desperate need for a new one. As you can't hear anything anymore.Think of it as hearing God in the still small whispering sound He uses to show Elijah that He's there on the mountain with him in 1 Kings.You can read more about

Blessed Advent

2010-11-29T21:43:00.001-05:00

T-shirt Fundraiser 2010

2010-11-03T23:38:00.003-04:00

Hey ya'll. We have our T-shirt fundraiser happening until Sunday, Nov 14th! Its a really cool shirt. And, its only $10. If you bought it at a conference, it'd be $18 or $20. Anyone can buy one. If you're not local, print off a order form, add $4 for shipping (5 or less shirts), and mail it in to me (4300 King Springs Rd SE, Smyrna, GA 30082). Send me a msg if you do so.

Life

2010-10-22T15:44:00.001-04:00

I know, I know. Its been a long time since I've posted. Whatever. My life is busy. I sometimes have barely enough time to answer my business emails and/or voicemail messages.So, live. Live your own life, spend time with your family/friends, and pray. Get to know Jesus. He should be your best friend. If He isn't, why not?

7 Gifts

2010-10-06T16:45:00.003-04:00

Abba Father, my DefenderYou are holy and I surrenderFor in my weakness You protect meAnd when my heart strays You correct meI cry Abba Father, I love You, DaddyAbba Father, I love You, I love YouGod is truly amazing. And, He's my Savior, as well as, yours!This week has been crazy and hectic. I'm still trying to get used to doing Life Nights. Next year, we'll have to start back sooner.In prayer

Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree

2010-09-29T13:15:00.003-04:00

He is jealous for me,Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.When all of a sudden,I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,And I realize just how beautiful You are,And how great Your affections are for me. Its almost October, my favorite season's month. I love Fall. The changing of the weather. Pumpkin everything. :)My life is so busy. I

Feed a Lion

2010-08-17T21:16:00.001-04:00

This is what I do with my teens - take them to an animal rescue shelter and let them feed lions.

Prayer request

2010-08-05T22:20:00.001-04:00

Please cover my family in prayer. Thank you.

What are you waiting for?

2010-08-03T02:40:00.002-04:00

I am the DCP for Atlanta. That means I'm in charge of the NET team when they're in our archdiocese. And, there's a team coming in 2011 - Feb 11-13 and March 15th - 29th! If you're interested in having a NET team change the lives of your teams, contact me!

Face plant straight into the muck

2010-08-01T18:56:00.003-04:00

This weekend has been stupendous and fruitful.Friday night was a girls' night in - 6 of us that have known each other 10+ years. Good food, spirit-filled conversation and prayer! Hope we can do this again. Truly was a blessing.Saturday, I went a priest's retirement Mass and reception. To think and ponder his priesthood and all of the lives he's touched, makes me intercede more for

Reminders

2010-07-31T03:18:00.000-04:00

The thought that has taken shape in my brain from today's spiritual direction:Is my prayer life an appearance? Or is it my identity?And, I believe now that I need to order more of these: Pope Leo XIII Prayer.

Steubenville Atlanta 2010

2010-07-22T23:13:00.005-04:00

The youth conferences that Franciscan University of Steubenville does every day keep getting better every year. The speakers and worship leaders are spot on and you can tell they have a DAILY prayer life. So, from my notes, here is what I've gleamed.God said "Let there be light" (the Word became flesh)What is the word that is becoming flesh in my life?We can see the damage & destruction that

Let me be me

2010-07-22T17:31:00.002-04:00

Some people don't really understand what I mean when I go on vacation.So, I'm going to try and explain myself.I go go go all day long pretty much every day. In my ministry I am around other people ALL the time. Thinking of their needs over mine pretty much 95% of the time. So, when I go on vacation or take time off, I do things for me. And, I rest. I rest in Him.I lounge around. I sleep

2010 CLI Talent Show

2010-07-21T04:13:00.002-04:00

These are the talented teens from this year's CLI Talent Show. Enjoy. Oh, and the first act is what the team drummed up in two hours.

Monastery Staples

2010-07-21T03:24:00.005-04:00

Amazing things pop up when one's on vacation. I am about to begin my third day of vacation. I've already washed and folded all my laundry; unpacked all of my bags; and just now organized my closet and dresser.Last year I did all this plus organized our pantry and kitchen cabinets. Along with rearranging my room. Its amazing what you can accomplish when you have oodles of free time on your

oh what a blessing

2010-07-18T19:04:00.005-04:00

Home finally from my many travels with the teens.Trying to stay awake til 8 pm where I will crash unto my pillow and hopefully sleep for at least 15 hours. Some people would call that abnormal. I call it 'catching up'. When you've been on a team for CLI and then go to a Steubenville Conference thereafter, 15 hours of sleep is nothing. I'm really hoping to do that two days in a row. I'm