tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11859459952850519292024-02-21T09:01:03.618-05:00The Hopeful BrideHopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-73862984235656669482012-10-07T09:23:00.000-04:002012-10-07T23:14:56.763-04:00A little update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
I am still here and I'm sorry my post have been so few and far in between. I have been preparing for entrance as a pre-candidate and life has been sooooo hectic. The good news is that I am officially living in Spokane WITH the sisters. I am sooo grateful to you for all of your prayers and support over the years, I have truly felt them. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I proceed with discernment. Tomorrow begins the hunt for a job that will allow me to manage payment of my loans and time with the sisters, I have some leads and hope some stuff pan out. Please keep storming Heaven.<br />
<br />
In other news, I make my total consecration today!!! I am sooo excited about this and cannot wait. I ask you to please continue to ask for Our Lady's intercession as I prepare for this life-altering moment. <br />
<br />
I will try to give an update on life in the convent more often than I've been posting. Hope for something at least once every two weeks (I'm really think once a week but I don't want to make you guys promises I can't keep, especially since I don't know what my day-to-day schedule will be like)<br />
<br />
Entrusting you to Our Lady's care,<br />
Hopeful</div>
HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-47745478775749793302012-10-01T23:15:00.000-04:002012-10-01T23:15:23.225-04:00The garden of Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The following post is by my good friend Natalie. I read it and I just wanted to share it with y'all, hope you enjoy it as much as I did :)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“The Garden of Life”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
By: Natalie Hand<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Every
March I get the need to put my hands in the dirt and plant a garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have this image in my mind of plants
overflowing with God’s bounty and it excites me to till up the ground, pull all
the weeds and prepare the beds where that miracle we learned about in
kindergarten can take root.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I envision
going out there with my kids and talking about how amazing God is that he can
create all this from tiny seeds and bringing in baskets of beautiful fruit and
vegetables that we can share at our table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I usually start my day by myself and am joined by a toddler or preschooler
(I usually have one of those around) and end the day with a few more kids
helping out of curiosity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling quite
accomplished at days end with dirt embedded in my knees and the inside my
finger nails black, my need to be one with part of God’s creation is satiated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the fun begins.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Every
evening I enjoy going out there and checking on how things are growing and what
new little seedlings have popped up that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We water and watch, water and watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I find it so fulfilling and therapeutic to have a front row seat to a
tiny part of God’s creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
this past summer was another story.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
started the garden like we do every year with great intentions…and then, life
happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things were going just as we
planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My tomatoes were making their
way through the cages, the cucumbers were slowly creeping up their teepee, and
the peppers were adding a few more leaves to the stem when our world flipped
upside down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On May 20<sup>th</sup>,
instead of celebrating my husbands 38<sup>th</sup>birthday, we were at our dear
friend’s home consoling, cleaning, and entertaining children because they had
just found out that they were miscarrying our 16<sup>th</sup> Godchild.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The days after that were spent doing much of the
same and preparing for a funeral for our sweet baby Benedict.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a time of mourning and celebrating the
life around us, we buried that little angel who left us entirely too soon,
taking with him a little piece of all of our hearts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
rest of the summer was spent visiting family and participating in youth group
trips and events and before we knew it, summer was almost over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we finally had time to enjoy the garden
we worked so hard planting, it was taken over by weeds and the tops of most of
the plants became a nice meal to the neighborhood deer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried in vain to pull some of the weeds,
but as most know when you pull the weeds, the plants come up with it so I
eventually gave up on my garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn’t water it, I didn’t check it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just
was and actually still is a mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I had envisioned is just now a clutter of
unsightly green that I don’t care to look at because when I do, it just reminds
me of something that I started out passionate about that now makes me recall
all the things I am asked to do and don’t have the drive for anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the things I want to do, but don’t have
time for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the things I need to do,
but can’t do because of how busy I have become or just the plain fact that we don’t
have the money to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
I sat one day just looking at the jumble it became, God revealed to me that
this garden is much like parenting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
start out excited as we see this new little creation that God has entrusted us
with and we spend time caring and loving them with intensity and caution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We watch their every move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charting their growth and making sure they
are getting all the nourishment they need, physically and spiritually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teaching them to feed themselves, be
independent and how to hold their little hands in prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then somehow, when we are not paying
attention, life happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work
happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Extracurricular activities
become more abundant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Money becomes
tight and more jobs need to be attained to make ends meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We start living to work, not working to
live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayers become shorter at night
and sometimes the Divine Mercy is said because it’s just shorter than the
rosary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Don’t judge).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
made me stop in my tracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are we
doing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I know it, my garden of
life will be filled with weeds and the autumn leaves will have filled the beds
choking off any life within it because faith got put on the back burner to take
care of the daily grind, bills, tuition, clothes and shoes for these kids who
haven’t decided yet to stop growing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
big can shoes really get?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did we teach
our kids all that really mattered in life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Did we show them by example how to be Catholic or did we just tell them
in passing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me realize how
important it is to pull the weeds out while they are still small so the entire
plant won’t come out with them. I pray that one day our harvest will be
plentiful and we will be able to sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labor
instead of trying to weed through to find the goodness and grand picture of a
plentiful garden we started out with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-13673852802947859292012-08-28T06:55:00.000-04:002012-08-28T06:57:56.905-04:00God qualifies the called<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
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This past June, I accompanied our Middle School youth group to covecrest along with some parents and two other core team members. Like the year before, I fully expected the kids to get a boatload out of it and of course they did. What I forgot was how much I would benefit from it. I was so focused on making sure the kids allowed the Holy Spirit to transform them that I didn't worry about the Holy Spirit transforming me.</div>
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During that wonderful week there, I came face to face with myself; my fears, my shortcomings and my self-inflicted obstacles. I was so aware of how not worthy that I was for the call to Religious Life that I found myself asking God if He was sure. I honestly wanted and needed an explanation as to why our wise Lord would choose an undeserving sinner like me to live on this path to Holiness. This brought me great sadness and it troubled me greatly. It wasn't until Thursday (camp was from Monday - Saturday) that I finally stopped to focus on how unworthy I was but rather on how wonderful and merciful our Lord was. Father Rob (bless His heart) kept reassuring the teens that they were wonderful and they were definitely worthy of the Lord's love.</div>
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That evening I went to chapel for evening prayer and as I sat there, reading psalm 139 I couldn't help but sob uncontrollably. That psalm always have that effect on me for some weird reason. I started to realize that the Lord knew me much more than I knew myself and if He saw fit to call me to this life then I should embrace it and Him. The next day we celebrated the feast of St. Peter and Paul (how fitting was that?) I remember clearly how father Rob reminded the kids that "today is the Feast day for anyone who's ever messed up" he also reminded all of us not to struggle with our shortcomings because <strong style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5;">"God does not call the qualified, but He qualifies the called"</strong> It meant so much to me to hear that especially due to the struggles I was having earlier in the week.</div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;">
I wrote that little sentence down in one of my notebooks and I kept reminding myself that God didn't call me because I'm the best person for the job and the most perfect one out there. He called me because out of my weaknesses, my failures he can bring about something beautiful. Early on in my discernment St. Paul and St. Peter were great examples to me of how much one does not need to be perfect. Then of course I remembered David and I realized that I was in "good company" with my less than perfect ways. Years later, I stumbled onto St. Augustine and St. Monica and I found a kindred spirit (oddly enough in both of them) I see how much this wonderful saint loved Our Lord and had such compunction for his shortcomings and all I can think of is how wonderful. Someone who definitely was not perfect but who through the prayers of His mother and through the Lord's grace became a saint.</div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<a href="http://www.monasteryicons.com/graphics/products/regular/703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.monasteryicons.com/graphics/products/regular/703.jpg" /></a>Today, as we celebrate the feast of one of my most loved saints, I invite you to remember that we are called to strive for perfection but that doesn't mean that we are discounted if we are not there yet. All we need is to be sincere in our desire for the Lord and do our best to overcome our shortcomings. St. Augustine recognized his sinfulness but then gave it all to the Lord and allowed Him to transform his heart. I beg the prayers of this wise saint along with that of his mother everyday and I know they are storming heaven for me.</div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;">
In celebrating the feast of St. Augustine today, remember that God qualifies the called; and so if you let Him, He will prepare you for whatever wonderful thing He has planned for you.</div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;">
Happy feast day of St. Augustine,<br />
Hopeful</div>
</div>
Support a vocation to Religious Life<br />
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HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-76554834936797581912012-08-26T19:50:00.001-04:002012-08-26T20:02:16.208-04:00The reality of entering<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi there! Yeah I'm still here. I've been preparing for entrance by being as aggressive as I can with paying down my loans as well as being persistent in my fundraising efforts. I was working on a dinner in which one of the sisters would give a talk but it looks like the dinner won't be happening anytime soon. Initially I had planned on a dinner for October 22nd but with the need to get everything ready to enter as soon as possible, it does not look like I will be able to have a dinner any time soon. I am hopeful though that I can fundraise enough to be ready for entrance.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
In other news, my discernment is going as can be expected. I went through a good week of anxiety and fear of the unknown shortly after I gave my boss official notice that I was leaving. We both knew that I was leaving but giving her my letter of resignation made it all too real and I got the gist of what I was doing. I didn't have any regrets or second thoughts but I didn't realize how much I needed to trust in the Lord as I continued to make steps to enter Religious Life. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So these last few weeks have been a wave of emotions for me as I prepare to face the unknown. I have experienced true happiness and joy at the anticipation of my entrance and the beginning of a life lived in Community. I have experienced anxiety when I think of the fact that I not only need to get additional items for my trousseau but also must be just about debt-free by the time I enter. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last night in Adoration, I told the Lord that I was going to spend the next hour with him in silence and I barely made it. After about half an hour I wanted to pull out my rosary to pray the rosary and I just about did and I was reminded gently of my promise. Fifteen minutes after that I wanted to pull out my book to do some spiritual reading; it wasn't until the last ten minutes of Adoration that I finally decided to stop and silence my heart and mind and hear the Lord. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I have been soo looking forward to my entrance that I haven't been thinking too much about what it would be like. Now that's it's approaching, I think about it more and more and I realize that I won't be visiting anymore and I keep thinking and worrying about that. While I am exited on one hand, I can't help but be worried about "messing" up. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I wonder if this is how a new bride feels after the wedding, when she and her groom are finally under one roof and she suddenly feels as though she is under a microscope. I will never know since I have never been a new bride, but I do know that when I think of life in the convent I do feel as though it will be like living under a microscope; I don't want to "mess up" nor do I want to be unnatural. I guess I need to continue to remind myself to just be myself, just as I was on my previous visits. </div>
<div>
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I need your prayers now more than ever as I prepare for this very exciting and radical move especially as I work on eliminating my loans. Please consider making a donation or inviting someone to donate to support my vocation.</div>
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May God Bless you always,</div>
<div>
Hopeful</div>
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</div>
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HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-80800430506945113152012-07-09T16:29:00.000-04:002012-07-09T16:30:30.440-04:00Remembrance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So over the past couple of weeks I have been thinking of my unworthiness. Not only in terms of this beautiful vocation the Lord has called me to but the fact that he has seen fit to invite me to His table. It brings tears to my eyes and I get so overwhelmed. I was thinking of a way to express my feelings and then Matt Maher came on and this song just dotted the i.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, how could it be<br />
That my God would welcome me into this mystery<br />
Say take this bread, take this wine<br />
Now the simple made divine for any to receive<br />
<br />
By Your mercy, we come to Your table<br />
By Your grace, You are making us faithful<br />
<br />
Lord, we remember You<br />
And remembrance leads us to worship<br />
And as we worship You<br />
Our worship leads to communion<br />
We respond to Your invitation, we remember You<br />
<br />
See His body, His blood<br />
Know that He has overcome every trial we will face<br />
None too lost to be saved<br />
None too broken or ashamed, all are welcome in this place<br />
<br />
By Your mercy, we come to Your table<br />
By Your grace, You are making us faithful<br />
<br />
Lord, we remember You<br />
And remembrance leads us to worship<br />
And as we worship You<br />
Our worship leads to communion<br />
We respond to Your invitation, we remember You<br />
<br />
Dying You destroyed our death<br />
Rising You restored our life<br />
Lord Jesus, come in glory<br />
<br />
Lord Jesus, come in glory<br />
Lord Jesus, come in glory<br />
Lord Jesus, come in glory<br />
<br />
Lord, we remember You<br />
And remembrance leads us to worship<br />
And as we worship You<br />
Our worship leads to communion<br />
We respond to Your invitation<br />
We respond to Your invitation, we remember You </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZmEil2jJYX9wqESNVyFl3hvpxPhgy6QlAwP0GzITvcfonOLQUTi8h1z7UPBCZWOIeLKjfvRf02GpS9wofOU37rPzKI2MR33thRvQ5_s7xOs21zoaou2aa8D-KsWgEP_KpAMc-eFHBPav/s1600/Adoration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZmEil2jJYX9wqESNVyFl3hvpxPhgy6QlAwP0GzITvcfonOLQUTi8h1z7UPBCZWOIeLKjfvRf02GpS9wofOU37rPzKI2MR33thRvQ5_s7xOs21zoaou2aa8D-KsWgEP_KpAMc-eFHBPav/s320/Adoration.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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picture from <a href="http://www.savior.org/" target="_blank">savior.org </a></div>
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I just want to sit at His feet in adoration and just let him into my heart. I don't need to tell Him anything, he knows it all; He knows what I'm feeling, what I desire more than anything is to have time with Him in silence. </div>
</div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-41883176351816064532012-05-29T07:00:00.001-04:002012-05-29T07:05:03.918-04:00Hello There<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am still here, really I am. I have been planning for my August 22 entrance and trying to keep on top of my work and ministry obligations and have completely ignored my blog. I want to thank everyone who has been praying for me and supporting me. I am preparing to find out from the Laboure Society about a grant, I a praying that I am awarded enough to help continue make a dent in my student loans. I have reached out to a local business that didn't yield much however I am continuing to reach out and trying to garner enough funds to make my entrance a reality.</span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been looking at ways to raise funds and I stumbled on <a href="http://razoo.com/" target="_blank">razoo</a>, I decided to look into it and now I have a page set up to receive donations. This link (http://www.razoo.com/story/Dyna-S-Vocation) takes you straight to my page complete with my story and my goal. I'm working on adding some more info but in the meantime, I have gone ahead made the page public. Since I am not able to be a part of the Laboure Society's new class for 2013, I have spoken with the sisters and will be working with them to raise funds. All funds donated will go to the sisters on my behalf.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you take a look at my page, please consider sharing a link to my <a href="http://www.razoo.com/story/Dyna-S-Vocation" target="_blank">razoo</a> via twitter, facebook or email. I am trying to spread the word and raise the needed $40,000 by July 31st. Please continue to keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I continue to prepare for entrance. 63 days left and my entrance can be made a reality with your help.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pax!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dyna</span></div>
</div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-56415173523117289792012-04-12T10:14:00.000-04:002012-04-12T10:15:17.021-04:00Happy Easter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wow. I think this writer's block has lasted much much longer than I thought it would. I have been so focused on worrying about not worrying that I have not really had the time to reflect or share anything with my followers.<br />
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There is not much going on with yours truly; as I reported in an earlier post (I hope I actually posted that one) I visited the sisters right before the beginning of Lent and it was wonderful. I am now working on making my entrance a reality. I am organizing a nun run to help raise more funds, the details of it are still in the works but I am really hoping to be able to have the run in June. My hope was for June 27th because I love everything Marian (duh!) but that will not be possible due to another commitment with the EDGE youth group.<br />
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I have a meeting with a friend sometime next week to discuss the course for the nun run along with securing sponsors for T-shirt for the runners and drinks. Please pray that this goes well.<br />
<br />
On another note, being the complete ADD crazy, paranoid person that I am, I have started some Novenas for the elimination of my loans. If you wish to join me, please let me know and I will send you the documents that you may pray along. It doesn't matter if you start later, the plan is to pray for my intentions and that of all discerners who have educational debt as an obstacle.<br />
<br />
I am making a Novena to st. Rita, St. Joseph, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and Our Lady of Good Success. I believe a few of my friends are also praying to St. Therese and St. Jude. We basically picked these saints and I told them to pick who-ever they wanted to make the Novena to.<br />
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Blessings to you on this Easter Thursday,<br />
Hopeful</div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-60860964612381201902012-03-24T17:56:00.000-04:002012-03-24T17:56:36.121-04:00Birthday Celebration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So today is my birthday and my brother and nephew are here to help me celebrate. I honestly see today as just another day and I am not overly excited about dining out, having a glass of my favorite wine or even that I get to spend time with my nephew. What excites me is the idea of being with Our Lord, I am just so excited that my adoration hour falls on a saturday and I get to spend an hour one-on-one with the Lord on my birthday.<br />
<br />
Last night as I thought of what to do for my birthday and the fact that I was not excited about another birthday I only got excited about adoration and the fact that I get an hour with the Lord by myself. In 45 minutes I will be headed to the chapel for adoration. I am indeed excited and can't wait :)<br />
<br />
As always, you are all in my prayers.<br />
<br />
Pax,<br />
Hopeful</div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-28173729077549422962012-03-23T23:54:00.002-04:002012-03-23T23:54:30.261-04:00Happy Birthday to me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So in 6 minutes it's my birthday and I will officially be 32. I don't feel it...I guess that's a good thing?r</div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-1588508950954237082012-03-04T22:00:00.002-05:002012-10-02T08:31:59.629-04:00The gift of the cross<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When we are in the midst of carrying our cross we are never willing to embrace it nor do we open our eyes to its beauty or the graces that can flow from it. More than once I have found myself asking God why can't he give me an easy button in the form of a wealthy and willing donor who wants to help me live my vocation. I know however that the journey that I have been on over the past couple of years has been for my benefit and the benefit of those I have and will continue to come across.<br />
<br />
I am so grateful for this Lent but I am also in a way struggling to embrace it. I heard someone say that each Lent should be the best Lent we've ever had. Well I can honestly say that though this Lent is proving to be the hardest for me spiritually, it is also shaping to be the best Lent that I have ever had.<br />
<br />
As I prepared to begin the season I began to see that the Lord's will for me this Lent would be to take up my own cross, rather embrace it and follow Him. I don't know how many times I begged the Lord to let me suffer like Him, to let me come close to experiencing what he had. I have on occasion been a bit jealous of James Caviezel because I feel that in the making of <i>The Passion of the Christ </i>he got to experience a fraction of what Our Lord went through. I know that I am not able to endure what the Lord endured but I have come to realize that I am to embrace my own cross and endure whatever suffering the Lord sees fit to gift me with.<br />
<br />
My suffering has always been the fact that I am very private (who knew?) about my discernment. Many of the folks in my life are not aware of it and neither are some of my family members. It is because I fear rejection from them and a lack of understanding about this call from God. However, despite myself I have come to embrace that fact and I am fighting to be more open, to share my story to those who ask and to not be shy about telling others about my future. Usually when I'm asked about children or a husband I tend to smile, nod and give some generic answer. Lately, however I've been owning up to the fact that I am in fact discerning and I freely share my story to those who inquire.<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago, I was speaking to my adoration partner and she asked me if I had children, I replied in the negative and she asked about a boyfriend/husband. An hour later, I had told her my discernment story and she shared with me the story of her aunt the Benedictine nun and of her uncle the priest. We truly connected and I must say it felt great to share my story with someone and connect with them. <br />
<br />
Today, she told me that she wanted to give me a gift (a 1962 missal - the very one that is needed by a new SMMC postulant!!) I was absolutely overjoyed and couldn't believe it. I had been her partner for about a year and had not said more than hello to her and now two weeks after our chat and learning of my pending entrance, she wanted to help me with my list.<br />
<br />
Time and time again I'm told that people would welcome to the opportunity to help me live my vocation but yet there is a fear that keeps me closed off. It keeps me locked up and unable to share, fearing the rejection fearing that I will "put them out". Over the last couple of weeks the Lord has been guiding me and showering me with more graces that I could ask for. The average person might not think much of these small confirmations but for me, the reluctant one they are just the thing to get me going on my path to embrace my cross. I am allowing myself to accept this cross and to let go of my tendency to be closed off and private about my vocation and instead share it with those who the Lord is asking me to share it with.<br />
<br />
Thank you for all of the prayers; I ask for your continued prayers as I navigate this Lent. Know that you are all in my prayers as well.<br />
<br />
United in Christ,<br />
Hopeful</div>
HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-62893386087579008752012-02-23T22:21:00.000-05:002012-02-23T22:21:25.233-05:00Take your cross and follow me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>177</o:Words> <o:Characters>1014</o:Characters> <o:Company>Home - TCC</o:Company> <o:Lines>8</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>2</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>1189</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>14.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: #e637f4; font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Today's Gospel Reading is a reminder for me of what it means to desire to follow Christ as a Religious. I attended a day of prayer yesterday (Perfect way to begin the Lenten season) and Father's theme was all about the cross and its importance. He reminded us that we need to embrace it or risk losing any accompanying graces.</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #e637f4; font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Through prayer, I have discovered what my cross is. I have a tendency to be closed off and be a bit unwilling to share of myself especially when it comes to my vocation. Sure I'm sharing it via my blog but only under a pen name and behind an avatar. For some reason I fear that if I expose all of me then I will be "naked" so to speak and I don't wish to be naked. I am now realizing that the Lord is calling me to give up the comfort of being closed off.</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #e637f4; font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I know and trust that the Lord will make my entrance this year a reality however I have realized that in order to this to become a reality I must do my part and "help" the Lord by sharing my journey openly.</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #e637f4; font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">This is truly going to be a task that I need to rely on your prayers for. Please keep me in mind as you offer your Lenten sacrifices. You shall continue to be in my prayers.</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #e637f4; font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Pax,</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #e637f4; font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Hopeful</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment--></span></div></div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-84965214349941205882012-02-22T09:35:00.003-05:002012-02-22T09:39:47.421-05:00Decisions Decisions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660066;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>646</o:Words> <o:Characters>3686</o:Characters> <o:Company>Home - TCC</o:Company> <o:Lines>30</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>8</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>4324</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>14.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660066;"><span style="color: #4b1250; font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Lent is here and though I thought I was ready for my favorite Liturgical season I am finding out that I am not quite there.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660066;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #4b1250; font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I have been racking my brain over the past weeks trying to figure out what I must do for Lent and what I needed to "give up" There were so many decisions to make. In other news, I found out the decision of the MEFV board and I was not awarded a grant. I don't take this to mean that I will not be able to enter this year, I take it to mean that I will have to trust the Lord to work out another way for me to enter this year.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #4b1250; font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I am currently visiting the sisters, no I am visiting <i>my</i> sisters and of course I took the opportunity to be here to speak to Mother. We spoke for a couple of hours and it was really wonderful to be able to talk to her. In the middle of our conversation SrMJ who was copied on the email came in and gave the news that the MEFV board was not able to award me a grant. I took this opportunity to continue speaking to mother about one of the things I wished to do (which was to move closer to the sisters should I be unable to enter this year) we left it up to discuss in May after the Laboure Society makes their decision on grants.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #4b1250; font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">In the meantime we discussed possible ways I can fundraise and I've got homework. I got very excited at the prospect of working with my local Serra club for assistance in fundraising. I also got the chance to speak to one of the Local Catholic bookstores in Spokane and the owner was gracious enough to allow me to put my rosaries in her shop as a way of fundraising. I of course spoke with Mother who was definitely in agreement, so if you know anyone in the Spokane area direct them to ABBA's bookstore and invite them to support me and the sisters in my vocation journey.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #4b1250; font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Working out ways to make my entrance a possibility this year made me realize what I needed to work on giving up. It is not something tangible but it has been a big obstacle for me, it has even been the cause of me not being able to grow in some of the virtues I so desperately want to grow in. The big monster I am speaking of is <b>PRIDE</b>, I have been telling myself that the reason I am not too forward about asking for donations is because I am worried about folks who are struggling. The fact is (as I am often being told and I keep conveniently forgetting) many catholics want the opportunity to support vocations in the Church. Due to my pride I have decided on my own not to even give them that opportunity because I either don't want to share my story or decide they won't receive me in a positive way. I've realized that in either case I would be in good company. Jesus Himself wasn't well received by his own townsmen! so who am I to be apprehensive about that? The face to face meetings that I have had have proved to me that I've been wrong about my worries and I only need to be open and willing to share myself with others and give them an opportunity to help me in any way their station in life allows them to. Perhaps all one person can do for me is pray but it is also possible that another can give $5 while another can give $20 or another $80. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #4b1250; font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">A perfect example is a parishioner who asked me to fix his rosary, of course I didn't intend to charge him anything but the cost of the materials. Well He wrote me a check for $80! Now had I been planning a meeting with him, I would have been reluctant to because my pride would have had me convincing myself that he has little ones and therefore should not be bothered by me asking for a donation. In speaking to him he openly answered "I only wish I could do more" If only he realized what he had done. He has opened my eyes to my issue of pride and reluctance to share my journey.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #4b1250; font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">As a religious you do not belong to yourself; you belong to the Christ, His Church and His people. I am perfectly willing to belong to Christ and His people and I know that will be my life as a religious. In keeping with my desire to live my vocation now, I must therefore be willing and open to sharing my life with Christ's people today.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #4b1250; font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Please keep me in your prayers this Lenten season. This task will be hard and I know only with the Lord's grace will I be able to do it. I entrust it all to Him and I ask Him for a converted heart that I my replace my pride with true humility.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #4b1250; font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Pax,</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #4b1250; font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Hopeful</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment--></span></div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-74406978314121880542012-02-21T12:45:00.001-05:002012-02-22T09:03:54.768-05:00Trust and Dependency on the Lord<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: left;">Today's gospel reading reminded me of how important it is to be wholly dependent on the Lord. I am reminded of how I must have the faith of child; not childish but child-like.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I am at the cusp of something very decisive (I get to find out whether or not I am a MEFV grantee) I am in between the waiting and the living. This has made me realize that the life I wish to live (a total self-gift to the Lord) does not have to be lived within the convent walls. In fact time and time again I have seen and heard reminders that I must live out the Gospel daily and in turn must begin to live out my vocation now. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">No longer is it acceptable for me to use the "once I enter I will do better" excuse. I must realize that I am called to do better as I am and where I am. It is my growth as a Christian woman that will help me be a better religious (not the other way around) It is my love for the Lord and my gratitude toward Him ow that will make me be a more grateful and truly dependent sister.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't know how many times I found myself falling and had to be reminded that it is not my falls that determine my worth in the eyes of the Lord. God has called me not because of the infrequency of my falls but rather because of the times I have fallen (many times) and continue to rise to run to Him. Time and time again however, I know I must be careful not to be complacent and therefore rely on the fact that there is nothing I can do to lose the Love of the Lord. I must continue to strive for perfection and a life of holiness despite the fact that I am outside the convent walls.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">God is calling me to this life now so ti tis now that I must begin to strive for holiness, strive for a perfect dependency on and trust in Him. There will be no magic button to push and become perfectly reliant on the Lord at my entrance so I must therefore begin to live this life of "yes" and "I trust You Lord" today.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Jesus, Come into my heart</div><div style="text-align: left;">Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in You.</div></div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-40446422407857587782012-01-30T10:58:00.001-05:002012-01-30T10:58:56.860-05:00Detachment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This morning in adoration I was reading today's mediation which happened to be on detachment. I expected to read something profound about the need to give up material things for a closer relationship with the Lord. In fact, I did read something to that effect. However, what struck me was the realization that in my quest for closeness with Christ, I should not stop at my smart-phone, my boots, or computer. I need to look at particular friendship and how they affect my relationship with Christ. The ones that do not affect it for the better, I must give up.<br />
<br />
I started thinking about my friends, some of them I love dearly but the reality is that they are not helping me live my life as a true child of God. In fact, I find that I often have to repressed that side of me in order to put them at ease and to not seem "preachy" or "self-righteous". How do I turn my back on a friendship that is 3, 4, 5 and in some cases over 8 years old? How do I say to someone, I love you but I love Christ more? How do you tell someone that the very reason you must part ways is the very thing about you they do not know let alone understand?<br />
<br />
Today's meditation draws from today's gospel and I would have never made the connection to the need for detachment had it not been for the meditation. The villagers chased Jesus out of their parts because to them the life of the man saved was not worth the life of the herd of swine lost. Unfortunately they could not see beyond their material needs and wants. Up until today, I can honestly say that I was just like them, I was unable to see beyond the need to have my friends in my life, beyond the need to keep my social circle as it is and I never made the connection that some friendships were in the way of my relationship with Christ and my development as a Christian woman. I have been thinking of some friendships that I might need to distance myself from but was never fully willing to give them up, I could not see..... correction, <u><b>I was not willing</b></u> to admit the truth about what effect they have on my relationship with Christ.<br />
<br />
I don't know how but I know that I must say some goodbyes. I will continue my prayers for strength and hope that the Holy Spirit remains with me when I come face to face with those hard decisions.<br />
<br />
As always I beg your prayers.<br />
<br />
Pax,<br />
Hopeful</div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-21515513288836280562012-01-03T23:19:00.001-05:002012-01-03T23:19:56.479-05:00New year, same goal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Happy New Year everyone!<br />
<br />
I cannot believe it's 2012 already. It seems like just yesterday I was ringing in 2011 and making resolutions for the new year. I've thought about the resolutions that I could make for 2012 and what I think needs to be changed in order for me to become the woman God wants me to be.<br />
<br />
Over the past years I have fallen short of my resolutions before the week was even out. This led to discouragement and eventually giving up on my goals. This is especially true for spiritual matters, I would vow to say certain prayers daily spend a certain amount of time in adoration and of course regular reception of the Eucharist. <br />
<br />
I think after all of these years I have learned a little bit about making resolutions. They aren't bad in and of themselves, however I have found that when I focus on my resolutions I tend to forget the reason I make those silly resolutions, it's to grow close to Jesus and to become a better Christian. <br />
<br />
This year I am making one resolution, to continue to make every effort to live my faith from minute to minute and from day to day. I am finally learning not to focus too much on my fall but to wake up the next morning determined to live my faith anew.<br />
<br />
As you ring in the new year and think of ways that you may grow in your faith, I am keeping you in my prayers and ask you to keep me in yours.<br />
<br />
Happy New Year!!!<br />
Hopeful</div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-48488653202239518942011-12-18T04:37:00.001-05:002011-12-19T06:44:34.152-05:00Happy Birthday Elijah<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Today is 4th Sunday of Advent but it also is another reason for celebration. My nephew turns three today and though I can't be there to celebrate with him in person, I am very excited and can't wait till I see him for Christmas.<br />
<br />
It's funny with birthdays, for little ones every year is a big deal. For the past three years I have been excitedly looking forward to every milestone (a year, 18 mos, 2 years, etc.) expecting to see this overnight change. I haven't noticed any changes in me since my 18th birthday (I really think I haven't changed much) folks who haven't seen me in over 18 years still recognize me. <br />
<br />
I am looking forward to a chatty Eli, a big boy who doesn't have to cling to his tia in order to fall asleep and one who is now open to sharing. After all, he's a big boy today :)</div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-88362577125269209902011-12-14T07:00:00.000-05:002011-12-14T07:00:01.425-05:00My Holiday give-away is coming to a close<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just a quick note to tell my readers that the last day to enter for the give-away is Saturday December 18th (I need time to have it created before Christmas) so don't forget to tell your friends and to start talking about </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Inspired Treasures.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Like the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/inspiredtreasures or follow this blog. If you would like to get ideas on how to get your Rosary customized check out www.rosarieschaplets.com. Remember, if your name is not pulled you can still get your own customized rosary by placing a customized order through my <a href="http://www.rosarieschaplets.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">As always thanks for your support of my Vocation.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Pax,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Hopeful</span></span></div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-66482189580985392442011-12-05T17:53:00.002-05:002011-12-05T17:53:56.268-05:00Rosary Giveaway!!!! (and you can customize it too :) )<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Since the Holidays are approaching, I am doing another give-away. The prize can actually be customized!! The winner will get to decide the saint and will have a choice of colors for the beads. (Check out my album or my website -<a href="http://www.rosariesschaplets.com/shop" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.rosariesschaplets.com/shop</a> - for a quick look at my rosaries)<br />
<br />
To enter, you can do one of the following:<br />
- Like the Facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/inspiredtreasures" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span>www.facebook.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>inspiredtreasures</a> (1<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"> entry)<br />
- Follow the blog <a href="http://www.dynasvocation.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span>www.dynasvocation.wordpress.co</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>m</a> (1 entry)<br />
- If you have a blog or a twitter, blog/tweet to your followers about my fundraising efforts and refer them to my Friends asking Friends page on the Laboure Society's website (2 entries) super long link below (<a href="http://aspirant.labouresociety.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=998882&lis=1&kntae998882=0D93CFCA1621439197016CE2CED988E8&supId=344645767" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span><span>aspirant.labouresociety.org/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span><span>faf/donorReg/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span><span>donorPledge.asp?ievent=998882&l</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span><span>is=1&kntae998882=0D93CFCA16214</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span><span>39197016CE2CED988E8&supId=3446</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>45767</a>)<br />
<br />
<b>IMPORTANT: If you blog or tweet about the fundraising blog, be sure to send me the link to your tweet/blog post.</b></span></span></div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-8040902628774666042011-12-05T15:27:00.000-05:002011-12-05T15:27:56.591-05:00New Blog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hey everyone!<br />
<br />
I have created a new blog that I will be using to keep everyone abreast of my fundraising activities. There is so much that is in the works now that I figure the best way to do that is via the blog. It is also a spot where I will be doing my fundraising campaign and appeals so please share it with your friends, family members and fellow parishioners.<br />
<br />
It is a wordpress site and the address is <a href="http://www.dynasvocation.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">www.dynasvocation.wordpress.com </a><br />
<br />
Please continue to pray that I may be able to begin formation next year.<br />
<br />
Pax,<br />
Hopeful</div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-80474398717067650132011-12-04T14:19:00.001-05:002011-12-04T14:21:33.037-05:00Confuzzled<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Went to adoration today for my usual hour and I was just blah. I couldn't pray and didn't really know what to say to Jesus. You know how you feel beat down and then you decide not to fight anymore? Well that's me today. <br />
<br />
In the first half hour I was trying to figure out what to say to Him so I just sat there, before I knew it I was sobbing and fighting really hard to keep the sobs quiet. Later I realized that I have been fighting Him these past weeks and the struggle between Him and I have me exhausted and ready to surrender. I was finally ready to give up and let him truly lead me. Lead me to what I don't know; I am terrified but yet I feel a sense of calm. I don't know how that makes sense (still doesn't make sense to me) I am truly ready to stop fighting and struggling, I am trying to do everything I can to let him lead but I know it will be difficult.<br />
<br />
I don't know what He is doing but I am ready to let Him do it. Please help me pray because I am really truly afraid of getting in His way.<br />
<br />
Yours in Christ,<br />
Hopeful</div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-81666783602597676512011-11-22T20:11:00.001-05:002011-11-24T10:13:25.535-05:00WOW<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Happy Feast day of St. Cecilia!!!!<br />
<br />
I knew that it's been a while since my last post but I didn't realize that it's going on a month!!! I can't believe just how busy I have been. My deepest apologies for the neglect on my part, so much has been going on with me that I am not sure where to begin. I think the best thing to do is to give you updates in sections.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Discernment</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Well things have been going well, I attended a retreat in the beginning of the month that still have me spinning but I think it is a good thing (still praying about it) I spoke with SrMJ about a week ago for the first time in almost a month and I am hoping to see the sisters sometime soon. In fact I need to see them because it will help in dealing with this curveball.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">I met with my Spiritual Director last week and he encourages me to continue to focus on my prayer life rather than trying to deal with curveballs and the unexpected. I mean Religious Life is not about having security or all of the answers it is about trust so in dealing with what is going with me I need to continue to trust the Lord and remember that. I know I sound all cryptic (sorry) everything is fine, I just need to be mindful of fact that closeness with Christ is the first thing that I need to work on.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Fundraising</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">A couple of days ago mom called me to let me know that she saw father G and he says that a check has been sent to the Laboure Society to help with my student loans. It has not made it yet and I do not know how much the parish was able to donate. In either case I am utterly grateful; I am thinking of doing something as a means of saying thank you to father's secretary for being such an advocate on my behalf. I was thinking of making her a rosary, what do y'all think?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">I should probably have started by pointing out that the Laboure Society has changed the way they work with Aspirants a bit and so now the donation works differently. Check out my <a href="http://aspirant.labouresociety.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=998882&lis=1&kntae998882=0D93CFCA1621439197016CE2CED988E8&supId=344645767" target="_blank">Aspirant page </a>on their web site. So as part of the new fundraising campaign with the Laboure Society I have been meeting with folks face to face to request donations (it was such an intimidating idea at first but I've gotten over my fears) If you are interested in donating and/or have any questions, feel free to send me an email and I will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Oh something else that I almost forgot, I applied for the Mater Ecclesiae grant so please please pray that I am selected as one of next year's recipients. I had applied last year but they were not able to award me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Rosary Making</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">I have been steadily making rosaries to put on the website (though lately it seems that most of the ones I have been making have been for birthday presents or special occasions) I was finally able to set up the website to allow me to take custom orders for customers outside of my local area. Check out the last couple of orders (I didn't take pictures of the local ones)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">If you are thinking of giving out rosaries for the holidays, consider my <a href="http://www.tcc.fl.edu/" target="_blank">website</a>. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuI3D4abcH93CgrpzVVWMtt3097JMyA4iUT9AILTYIBxArK_mxl6XPi7XGwSR2pft4EK4sGToPPhdYorwzIrziitT51O4GT8Sau3XJYdddenfjj-1B62RZLiWNogJTwGcRKiAY41U_5wZi/s400/Pic1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rosarieschaplets.com/shop/product.php?id_product=45" target="_blank">First Communion rosary </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOJ6NvwJjDIQZpEKf9-PNzx7nPlTLBl4LcDjUCulguI9Pq5A7HMRLokwynUzf1Qbdw8gab3KE4mPDlugmQHJjz_yTOPNFD4vWTnopYWt1eBiD4jVpqTgbxV5-nGwXGGEiqZ5KLaEVaklU/s1600/Cover.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOJ6NvwJjDIQZpEKf9-PNzx7nPlTLBl4LcDjUCulguI9Pq5A7HMRLokwynUzf1Qbdw8gab3KE4mPDlugmQHJjz_yTOPNFD4vWTnopYWt1eBiD4jVpqTgbxV5-nGwXGGEiqZ5KLaEVaklU/s400/Cover.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rosarieschaplets.com/shop/product.php?id_product=39" target="_blank">St Anthony/St Francis Rosary</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So this is about all that has been going on with me in terms of fundraising, discernment and rosary making. I am soooo looking forward to advent and the new mass translation.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!!!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">In Christ,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Hopeful</div></div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-77296858273351545642011-10-27T12:51:00.001-04:002011-11-01T15:39:11.286-04:00Feeling loved even in hard times<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So I'm headed to a bodybuilder's conference in Minneapolis and I don't think it could have begun any worse than it has. It took a lot of prayer and discussion with trusted ones before I decided to let go of my fears and anxiety and go on this conference but in the end I decided that it is something that I needed to do.<br />
<br />
Las night I realized that I did not have the donation check that I needed for the seminar fee. This morning while on the plane I realized that I didn't have some paperwork that I needed to have completed for the conference (now I'm going to try and re do it - first I have to reprint it but where do I find a printer now?) Anyways, I threw my hands up and realize that I am definitely being taught to let go and must really learn what it means to completely surrender to God.<br />
<br />
As I get ready to freak out and panic about the fact that I am probably not going to get the discount or be able to make the most of this seminar, I suddenly remember Tuesday morning's events. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><i>Cue flashback</i></span><br />
I woke up early enough to make morning mass but with all the things I had to do around the house it was after seven when I left the house. I had every intention of heading straight to work but somehow I found myself in front of the chapel. I went in for morning prayer and a few minutes of adoration. By the time I was preparing to leave Monsignor O walked in and started what looked like preparations for mass, my heart was soooo giddy!!!! I was going to get to go to mass after all, and this was an intimate one (about 4 of us)<br />
<br />
I mean I felt that the morning's psalms were speaking to me in a very special way, it was as if God was shouting at me how much he loved me and would give me the strength to persevere (boy did I need to read those psalms that day) I happily participated and went about the rest of the day on cloud 15 (yeah I was that happy) the Lord was sooo good to me and knew how much I yearned to go to mass that day and afforded me that opportunity. Usually on days that Monsignor is not the celebrant for daily mass, he says a private mass late evenings so for him to have decided that morning to have mass in the chapel was just a Godsend. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><i>End flashback and return to present moment :)</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
As much as I am scared that the conference might not go too well, I am comforted in the knowledge that even when it feels like things are not going to improve, the Lord shows his hand and his might. I am apprehensive and I am still anxious because I don't know how things might turn out with these curveballs but I do trust that the Lord will work it all out.<br />
<br />
Please keep me in your prayers as I prepare to board (especially that I continue to remain hopeful in the Lord)<br />
<br />
Pax,<br />
Hopeful</div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-52537457591073160222011-10-23T09:25:00.001-04:002011-10-23T09:28:18.832-04:00Trying something new<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Happy Sunday (and sorry for the big lag)<br />
<br />
OK so I'm getting ready to go teach Religious Ed and I realize that it's been weeks since I updated on my fundraising progress. I am still waiting to hear from Father G about the committee's decision on helping me with my student loans.<br />
<br />
I thought that in the meantime, I would try something new as far as my fundraising. I am sure you see the cute little donate button on the sidebar, I am calling on everyone (followers and non-followers) to please consider donating 1, 5, 10, 20 dollars or whatever you can afford. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNr4JYOMcwqb6keiucRzgAFHwponmQZh4jRktTug6x1umy6pM0mwc59t9J0nyOdyl202PsDuNY4qozfOhTDmBA5IBSToCf11jyvXwjGjyXSZMrz8-_dabhmK32SNnmGgggno-cAMiolSvD/s1600/DSCF2485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNr4JYOMcwqb6keiucRzgAFHwponmQZh4jRktTug6x1umy6pM0mwc59t9J0nyOdyl202PsDuNY4qozfOhTDmBA5IBSToCf11jyvXwjGjyXSZMrz8-_dabhmK32SNnmGgggno-cAMiolSvD/s200/DSCF2485.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Lady of Lourdes rosary with water from Lourdes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For anyone who makes a donation of 50 dollars or more, I will make a custom rosary. If you cannot make a donation would you please commit to share my story with 5 others in the hopes of helping with getting donations?<br />
<br />
If you are thinking of making a donation and are in need of a rosary, chaplet or rosary bracelet consider going through my <a href="http://www.rosarieschaplets.com/">website</a> and purchasing one of my items (that way you get more than my gratitude and prayers :) )<br />
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Feel free to send me an email if you have any questions.<br />
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United in Christ,<br />
Hopeful</div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-65609386172183134572011-10-22T09:27:00.000-04:002011-10-23T09:28:42.009-04:00Yep, I'm still here<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hello readers,<br />
<br />
I looked and it's been a little over two weeks since my last post!! I know things have been crazy with me but wow, that is a sign a lot of craziness. <br />
<br />
God has been so good to me that it's unreal. <br />
<br />
I go on the boot camp training on the 28th and I am looking forward to it.<br />
<br />
Pax!<br />
HB</div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1185945995285051929.post-2959228882963804962011-09-28T19:21:00.001-04:002011-09-28T19:22:46.588-04:00Update on my meeting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #282828; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">I got to Orlando at about 4:15 and barely had time to inhale my food and relax. Mom and I left the house at about 4:45 and we were there before 4:50 (I'm telling you right down the street) When we got there the receptionist told us that Father was running behind and would see us as soon as he could. We waited until about 5:50 to be seen. While I was waiting, I pulled out my little book of prayers and said a prayer of abandonment as well as a quick little prayer to my guardian Angel. I asked the Holy Spirit to guide me and help me to be open and humble enough to lay it all out and not be afraid to wholeheartedly ask Father for some help.<br />
<br />
As I walked in he asked me how he could help me; I gave him a quick background as far as how long I had been discerning and that I was accepted to enter this year but had to wait until next year. He asked me how much I owe and I told him, he then did this number <img alt=":o" class="bbc_emoticon" src="http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; padding-right: 10px; vertical-align: middle;" />... Then he asked how much was it before and I told him; so he did THIS number <img alt=":twitch:" class="bbc_emoticon" src="http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/twitch.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; padding-right: 10px; vertical-align: middle;" /> I told him that I was looking to see if the parish could work with me on a dinner or if the Serra club or K of C could help financially with my loans. He asked about the community and of course I told him (I happened to have had a copy of one of their newsletters with me so I gave that to him)<br />
<br />
I told him that any way they can help me would be great (either a financial contribution from the parish, the Serra club or K of C, a parishioner/business owner or something like that) He said that they would definitely be able to help and are willing to help. He said that he would take it to the finance committee at the next meeting and they would decide how much they can contribute.<br />
<br />
He has asked me to write him a letter that he can take to the committee with him. I told him I would share my vocation story with them and information on my debt. He's also asked me to provide him with contact information for the community.<br />
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I am exhausted right now so I am going to lay down for a quick nap and then I am going to start writing my letter to give to mom so that she can deliver to the office first thing tomorrow.<br />
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I don't know what the Lord has in store but I have never felt so hopeful regarding my student loans before.<br />
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Please pray for me that the Holy Spirit continues to inspire and guide me.<br />
<br />
Pax,<br />
Hopeful </span></div>HopefulBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998756060539296noreply@blogger.com5