Doodle Acres

Who doesn’t enjoy a nice meal at dinner time?  I can’t think of anyone!!!  I’ve rediscovered my crock-pot recently.  Getting dinner on the table had become a real chore of late.  I was bored with my menus and uninspired to change things up.  Then I stumbled onto Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook: Feasting with Your Slow Cooker.  My family and I have been enjoying the recipes and I have been loving the freedom that the crock-pot affords me!!! Why not rediscover your crock-pot and check this wonderful cookbook out at the library!!!

The theological virtues are practiced essentially by the will.  When they are accompanied by feeling, the practice of them is pleasant and consoling; but when the act must be made by the will alone, then this exercise is dry and cold, but is not for this reason of less merit; on the contrary, it is even more meritorious and therefore gives more glory to God.

-Divine Intimacy, Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, p. 742

God does not account for His actions nor does He reveal his plans to us; therefore, it is difficult to endure in faith and hope - difficult, but not impossible, for God never sends us trials which are beyond our strength, just as He never abandons us unless we first abandon Him.

-Divine Intimacy, Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, p. 742

God loves us, not because we are without sin, but because we are his children, in whom He has diffused His grace.  We should never insult God by refusing to believe in His forgiveness; neither should we become discouraged because of the faults which escape us in spite of our good will.  If we become discouraged, it is because we are seeking perfection not for God’s glory alone but for our own satisfaction as well, and also because we would prefer to find security in ourselves rather than to rely upon God alone.  All this, in reality, is the result of subtle pride.  Instead of becoming disturbed and irritated by our imperfections, we must acknowledge them humbly, present them to God as a sick man shows his wounds to his doctor, ask pardon, and then immediately renew our efforts with great confidence.

-Divine Intimacy, Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, p. 745

We took a wonderful trip with some friends to the Bronx Zoo last month.  My husband is an avid amateur photographer and boy, does he take some terrific pictures.  His zoo pictures over the last few years have been just stunning and this year’s do not disappoint.  You can view a slide show at Flickr.  Here are just a few of my favorites.

If, in the face of difficulties and sacrifices imposed on us by our duties, we stop to calculate our strength, we will draw back and be tempted to give up;  but if, on the contrary, we stop looking at ourselves and turn our eyes to God, to His infinite love, the certitude of His help will give us the strength to go on.  Firm hope in Him will make us strong, courageous and generous; it will be the lever of our life.

.-Divine Intimacy, Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, p. 739

In a previous post, I talked about my new schedule.  As part of that schedule, I talked about “Sitting at Jesus’ Feet”.  A dear friend emailed me and asked me what I did during that time.  So this post is an explanation for any who might be interested. 

I usually start with the Lord’s Prayer, 3 hail Marys and some other similar prayers.

Next I read a chapter of the Bible.  I am currently in Philippians.

Then as suggested by the Shopping for Time book that I read recently, I write a statement in my journal that starts with “God….” This statement answers the question: “What do theses verses reveal about God?” 
Then I write at least one statement that begins with “I…”
This statement answers one of these questions: “What do I learn about myself in relation to God from these verses?” OR “What do I resolve to do in response to God’s revelation of himself in these verses?”

After this I read the daily entry from Divine Intimacy by O.C.D. Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen.  This book is EXCELLENT and so worth the price tag!!!  It is deep and I have to read it slowly but I am getting a lot out of it.

This all takes about 30 minutes or so. 

Well that is it!!! Nothing fancy but it has been rewarding.  Hope this makes sense.  If you have any questions, just ask!!!

Baptism has begotten us to the life of the spirit, but it has not suppressed the life of the flesh in us; the new man must always struggle against the old man, the spiritual must fight against the corporeal.  Baptismal grace does not excuse us from this battle, but it gives us the power to sustain it.-Divine Intimacy, Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, p. 732

Since we know and believe that He who directs all things is our Father, we entrust ourselves to His direction with absolute confidence, and thus we will remain serene even in adversity, strong in the conviction that He can make use of evil, of man’s errors, and of sins and malice for the good of the elect… With this view of faith it will be easier for us to accept the painful situations and hardships of life, for we will be able to see in them God’s paternal hand ordering everything for our sanctification.

-Divine Intimacy, Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, p. 730

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One of my favorite parts of being on vacation in Vermont, as I am now, is that I get a chance to read, read, read!!!  Well this morning I just finished a wonderful book called Shopping for Time by Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, and Janelle Bradshaw.  It is an easy read and yet very thought provoking.  I have just come through a period of two months of running, running, running and this book is very timely for me as I seek to find balance in my life.  There are so many good things to do, so many good opportunities but what are the best choices for my family and me.  This book has helped me by reminding me that all my days need to be started by ”sitting at Jesus’ feet.”  It’s been a while since I’ve done that!!! And I know from personal experience what peace that can bring to my life.  Shopping for Time offers practical solutions and ideas for finding the time to sit at Jesus’ feet and to live a proactive lifestyle rather than a reactive one, and much more.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!

P.S. The authors (a mother and her daughters) have a blog called GirlTalk…