7 Quick Takes...It's Been a While!

Hello and Happy Independence Day!!!

If I am going to get back into blogging, I need to write more often, so here I am again.  Two days in a row.  Ha!

Last fall, I started getting into "7 Quick Takes" as featured on the blog Conversion Diary.  It's Friday, so it's time to jump in again!

1.  Happy Birthday, USA!!

Despite all of the garbage our nation is experiencing, I firmly believe that this is the greatest nation on the planet!  We can debate policies and politics...but we can do so without being thrown in jail or beheaded.  That's nothing to take for granted.  So on this Fourth of July, I thank God for the many freedoms and blessings we have.  I thank God for the men and women who serve in the military to ensure our safety, and to promote democracy around the world.  Fly your flags today, and celebrate with as many fireworks as you can get!  

2.  Great Book!!

Last month, I read Something Other Than God by Jennifer Fulwiler.  Wow!  Great book!  I have passed it along to a couple of friends.  I have another copy at home, which I will hopefully share with a certain person who could really benefit from it.  At least, I think so...but I need to pray for the right time to share it.  

3.  Book Inspired Card

So, one of my obsessions, or hobbies, is card making.  In June, I participated in a series of challenges hosted on my favorite craft website Splitcoaststampers.  The  overall theme was summer vacation, and one specific challenge asked us to make a card inspired by a book...whether it was the plot, a character, or even the cover.  I chose the cover of Jennifer's book.  How fun is that?  HERE is my post about the materials I used to make the card...in case you're curious.

4.  Organizing...I still don't like it

Since I am not currently employed, I have had time to work on my home clutter.  Bruce & I hosted 2 young women for a week, while they assisted with a catechism program at our church called Totus Tuus.  Nothing like having company to get me to clean up!  Sadly, I piled some things on a shelf...not too bad.  Except yesterday I needed a notebook from the bottom of that pile.  I now have a new mess that I need to take care of...after the holiday weekend!

5.  Weight Loss?  Me?
I noticed that one of my posts earlier was bemoaning my heaviness, with the hope that I would get moving again.  It's been nearly 5 months, and I have continued to neglect my exercises.  But now that my exercise mat is cleared off, that should change...right??

6.  Appliances...Ugh
Our home dryer gave out on us a couple of weeks ago.  We bought a new one, but our current pedestal isn't compatible.  Why weren't we told this before?  We bought a new pedestal, it was delayed a week (not in stock, of course.)  We reschedule installation...they never show.  I called only to find out the date was changed...but we weren't told.  I nearly lost it with the call center!  Now, we have a different dryer from a different retailer scheduled to arrive Monday, and the other dryer (which is on the back porch) will be returned to the retailer that couldn't handle basic installation or scheduling.  As much as I hate doing laundry, I am looking forward to drying a load of sheets and towels very soon!

7.  Good Friends
One thing I have seen since I left my position at WCC, is how many wonderful friends I have.  I have received phone calls, email and text messages, even little notes on Facebook.  People are surprised about my situation, but they know me well enough to believe it must be what I truly needed to do.  I recently had a call from one of the church secretaries.  She said that she and her pastor had been thinking about me quite a bit, and wanted me to know that they care about me and support me.  Another area pastor called me with words of comfort and reassurance, plus he invited me to help with a special project for the Advent season.  It came at a VERY good time, because I was beginning to feel discouragement creeping in.  Isn't it amazing how God will use people in your life to send messages of His love?  I am BLESSED!


That's my Quick Takes for this week.  Be sure to check out posts on Conversion Diary.  I love reading what other people find inspiring or funny in their lives.



Blessings,
Kim

2 weeks into the New Year...How's It Going?

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

I am sitting in a waiting room at a local clinic, while my husband is getting some kidney stones zapped.  As I am here, I am wearing a mask over my mouth, because I am still coughing a lot with my bronchitis.  In fact, I went to a different clinic already this morning to get checked out again.  Sometime, after Bruce’s surgery, I will have to go back for a chest x-ray.  What a day!

I actually decided on today’s post title quite a few days ago.  I figured it would be good to touch base on my New Year’s resolutions.   Oh my.

As the first paragraph indicates, life has started a little bit on the bad side at the Padan house, at least in terms of physical health.  Bruce had surgery last month also, but not all of his kidney stones have passed.  The good news is that he has still been able to go to work.  Me, not so much.  I have been trying to work from home, with varying levels of success.  I am not able to talk much, and right now, I need to be making lots of thank you calls.  Sigh.

So, when it comes to my resolution to make more cards, I could be doing okay…if I could keep my focus.  After all, I have been at home…plenty of time to stamp.  But no creative juices are flowing.

I have been reading a little more…I have also been doing my Divine Office prayers more…so that is good.  But I also have had the silly TV on too much. Hard to ignore that crutch when I am sitting on the couch so much. 

And yet…is that a reasonable excuse?   I’m not trying to get all self-righteous here, and I realize that I should cut myself some slack…I have been sick.   But perhaps this time was meant for me to use for prayer and reading.  Something to consider.

I’ll admit that one reason I am thinking about this is because of the book I have just started reading: a biography of St. Catherine of Siena (by Sigrid Undset).  What an amazing woman!  I am less than 100 pages into my book, and I am deeply moved by St. Catherine’s devotion to Christ, even as a young girl.  Her prayer life was focused, committed, and fruitful.  Of course, one doesn’t get the title “Doctor of the Church” for twiddling your thumbs!

One of the stories shared in the book tells of St. Catherine’s desire to take care of the poor in her community.  She came from a well-to-do family; her father was a successful wool-dyer, a master craftsman.  Catherine had approached her father, asking if she could give some things away to the poor, and he gave his blessing.  It was not uncommon for Catherine to take things from her father’s shop…even from her family’s own belongings.   One night, Catherine was in bed…very sick, barely able to move…and she became overwhelmed with thoughts of helping a local widow with several children.  She prayed to God, that He would give her the strength to get up, gather some food, and be able to deliver it, in secret, to this needy family.  

No self-pity.  No cranky “leave me alone!”  Instead, she was filled with authentic love and compassion for someone else.  This is what holiness looks like!

St. Catherine saw a need, and realized that she could address that need…with God’s help.  At that time, she was physically incapable of doing anything, let alone walk up and down stairs, gather food, oil, and wine, and walk on the steep streets of Siena with her generous bundle.  She actually lived as one who believes “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  She was totally dependent upon God to complete that task…a task He most certainly gave to her.  How often are we given tasks by God and we refuse them?  We excuse ourselves…I don’t have time…I don’t have the right skills…I’m not feeling well.

I don't expect any mission to come to me in the middle of the night...probably not even tomorrow.  I realize God wants me to rest up and get well, so I can return with renewed strength to my work at Women's Care Clinic.  But I do see the importance of taking the mission of each day more seriously...more intentionally.  I love the quote of this great Saint, which I included at the top of this post:  Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire!

Great words to live by...from one of the greatest women and Christ-followers of all time!

So...how are you doing on your resolutions?  Got any tips for me?

Thanks for stopping by!

(Cough, cough)

Kim

Happy New Year! How do you top a Hug from the Pope?

Good Morning!  (Or should I say, Buon Giorno!)

Here it is, the start of 2014.  Looking back on last year, it is hard to imagine how we could top 2013! I usually send out about 100 handcrafted cards with a Christmas letter inserted.  But my stampin' mojo was missing...at least the last 2 months of the year.  I barely got birthday cards done for the family (and many were late...very late.) However, I still can do a letter...but for the New Year.  Technically, we are still in the 12 Days of Christmas, so I am NOT late!  Ha!  (Today's post is my letter, with just a few minor adjustments.)

Work was quite busy for me and Bruce.  He worked a lot of overtime at Quaker again.  Unfortunately, he was switched from 1st to 2nd shift in May.  We are not thrilled with it, but in this economy we are counting our blessings.  His enjoys it, it pays well, there is a very short commute, and he has good benefits.  We would take ANY shift!

Kim began the year at Women's Care Clinic with the Sanctity of Life Sunday prayer service being hosted at their own church, St. Paul Catholic Church.  The rest of the year was filled with the usual fund raisers, and the ministry actually broke a record for the spring banquet.  The BIG news is that the ministry purchased a huge building for future expansion.  Kim tells everyone, "It needs a lot of love!"  In the coming year, she will be working with the board and staff on a capital campaign.  While she is nervous about it, she trusts that God will provide...2014 promises to be intense!

In April, Kim began attending a small group of Lay Dominicans that meet monthly on the Purdue University campus.  She was invited by her friend Kari, and felt this new prayer/study format might be what she really needs to dig deeper in her faith.  She is still an "Inquirer," and plans on making her temporary profession sometime in 2014.  Dominicans are known as the Order of Preachers, and while she won't be preaching at Mass, it definitely fits her love for sharing both her faith and her commitment to the sanctity of human life.

Those Quaker benefits mentioned above came in quite handy this year.  In February, Kim needed minor surgery to correct a developing hammer toe on her right foot (a common issue with Dejerine-Sottas.)  It's amazing how something so small can be a big issue!  Bruce also had health issues; experiencing kidney stones for the first time in 5 years, just before Thanksgiving.  In early December, he had out patient surgery to deal with a very large stone, and it looks like he will be fine in 2014!

Many people know what REALLY topped the headlines for our year..our 3 week vacation to Italy!!  Celebrating 20 years of marriage  with a big trip was more fantastic than I can express.  Doing it in a country filled with so much Catholic history made it even better!  We saw beautiful churches, ancient ruins, world class art...and then there was The Hug!  One October 23rd, we went to a General Audience at St. Peter's.  If there is ever a good time to be in a wheelchair, it is at the Vatican!   We had amazing seats in the middle aisle, and the "Pope-mobile" went passed us twice!  After the audience, we stuck around for a bit (the crowd was huge, so no rush, right?)  Good thing we waited, because Bruce saw that Pope Francis was greeting everyone who was in wheelchairs!  There's more to the story, which you can read HERE.  But suffice it to say, we both felt remarkably blessed!! There were numerous photographers, and one company allowed for orders of digital files...that is why you get to see this pictures.  I look at them, and still can hardly believe it!

I am guessing next year will be a bit more "ordinary," but in all reality, if you try to see the blessings, all the blessings, than life is always EXTRAordinary!  You don't have to go around the world to see something (or someone) amazing.  We pray that 2014 will be filled with blessings for you and your families.  May you experience all the joy that God has in store for you!

Merry 8th Day of Christmas...and Happy New Year!!

Kim & Bruce

Feast of the Holy Family!!

Merry 5th Day of Christmas!!

Today while at morning Mass, I saw several young families.  They caught my eye, because today is the Feast of the Holy Family (at least in the Catholic Church).  I love this feast day, because we are encouraged to renew our commitment to our own families...to live with gentleness and patience...and especially with forgiveness.

As a kid, the 2nd reading on this day always made me giggle.  "Children, obey your fathers...Fathers, do not provoke your children..."  I think we all just looked around at each other, trying not to laugh out loud while in church.

But in reality, these words from Scripture are so important and true.  Our American culture is suffering from a serious lack of strong fathers. I see it all the time at Women's Care Clinic.  Women whose boyfriends leave when they find out a baby is coming, or young men who are convinced that the best way to support their girlfriend is to sit by passively as she chooses to abort their baby...HIS baby.

What happened in their lives that made these men so apathetic?  Do they know their own dads?  Do they have any sense of love or acceptance from the man who should have been around more?

It can be easy to get discouraged.  But then I see young couples with young kids at church, and  think "Thank you, Lord Jesus!"  I was singing in the choir, mostly with my eyes closed today because I was trying to pray more and be less distracted during Communion.  For some reason, I opened my eyes, just as a young father was receiving the Eucharist, while holding his toddler asleep in his arms.  Just behind him was his young wife, carrying their younger child...also asleep.  As if that wasn't precious enough, I saw yet another couple with their four little ones coming to the table of the Lord.

YES!  This is God's design for family!  Being together...husbands and wives supporting each other...raising their children to know and love God.  This is what we celebrate this day!

I hope you and your family have a blessed day.  Whether you live alone, with your spouse, or with a bunch of kids...take this day to truly treasure the family God has given you!

Blessings,
Kim

The Feast of the Holy Innocents

Good morning.  I started writing these thoughts on Facebook.  It was too long for that page, I think, so I decided to come here instead.  Turns out, I needed lots of room...


Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents, marking the brutal slaughter of babies, ordered by an enraged and jealous King Herod.  He couldn't handle the prophecy about a Child becoming King.  Actually, Satan could not handle it...so he had Herod to do his dirty work.  This Child Jesus was posing a real threat to Herod's kingdom because Herod assumed Jesus would be a military-ruler-type of King.  Satan understood the threat was more spiritual...and in his pride, he thought he could kick Jesus off the Throne.  Pride, this kind of intense, ugly, self-serving pride, only leads to destruction.

While Herod ordered the slaughter of boys, undoubtedly little girls died too.  Think about it...babies and toddlers are often wrapped in blankets.  I doubt the soldiers were very particular in checking the gender of these children before they committed the crime.  They may have killed older children too...trying to get the ugly deed done as quickly as possible..."Just following orders."  Many cringe, thinking of killing so many innocent children...as well we should.  But I have often reflected on the similarities in our modern culture.  Sure, we dress things up a bit under the terms of "reproductive rights" and "mercy killing"... but abortion and infanticide are evidence that the Enemy still can't handle seeing these babies.  Satan has worked for decades, convincing our nation that there are "too many" babies, and that sick babies would be better off dead.  I don't know anyone who favors legalized abortion who would see him/herself as doing Satan's work.  In fact, many believe they are doing God's work...if you can believe that.  That is because Satan is conniving and deceitful.  He is not going to put himself out there blatantly.  Just think about the arguments made for keeping abortion legal, they often sound so "compassionate."

• "These babies would be growing up in poor homes, with little chance for a future."  We should never assume all women seeking abortion are poor.  Nor should we assume all poor people have miserable lives with no future.  Those are elitist notions.  But even if these things were true, the problem is POVERTY, not the baby.  Address the poverty.  People of good will can disagree on how best to do that...welfare, job training, material assistance, pregnancy resource centers.  But we must fight poverty, not babies.

• "A baby born with a disability will suffer so much."  As a person born with a disability, it irks me to no end when people suggest babies should be aborted if an anomaly is detected. And as the mother of a son who was stillborn due to severe anomalies, I was livid at the suggestion that I get rid of him.  It reeks of Hitler's method of exterminating the "unfit."  Yes, I compared aborting disabled babies to Hitler's reign of terror.  If you think I am way off base, well, I just don't know what to say.

• "These teenagers are unable to be good parents now.  They should finish school and wait to have babies."  Again, we should never assume those seeking abortion are all teens (poor teens, of course, according to some).  Many women are in college, or they have established careers, or they are happily married with 3 kids in school, and thought they were "done."  But even in the case of teens...who says these girls cannot finish school?  Or go to college?  How about promoting ADOPTION as a loving, safe alternative?  How about supporting the programs at pregnancy resource centers to assist them in completing school?

• "The woman was assaulted.  It's not her fault that she is pregnant.  She should not have to be reminded of her attacker every day."  This is one of the most difficult and sensitive issues. In fact, in the political realm, this one gets a lot of "pro-lifers" all tangled up in a web.  Let me first say this:  I have met women who have been victims of rape and incest, and who have gotten pregnant because of those violent attacks.  My heart goes out to them.  But as one who believes that life begins at conception, I cannot accept abortion as a solution to this trauma.  Why?  Because it doesn't get rid of the trauma, it only gets rid of the baby.  Do you really think that aborting a baby will let the woman forget she was raped?  And in the case of incest, do you not see that the abuse will likely continue because the evidence (aka BABY) was destroyed?  It is true that it is not the woman's fault...but it also isn't the baby's fault.  In these cases, it is the man's fault...how does abortion hold him to account for his crime?

• "No one should tell a woman what to do with her body.  She needs the freedom to choose what is best for her life."  This is the most common argument that I hear in debates or read in social media.  "My body, my choice!"  Sounds so logical, doesn't it?  Especially if you don't like big government "intrusion."  But it falls short in a big way:  It is NOT just "your body."  There obviously is another body in there, or we would not be having this conversation.  Trying to define the unborn baby as not being fully human is just as wrong as it was to define African slaves as not fully human.  The attempts to de-humanize a group of people in order to justify some "right" of another group of people is always wrong.  Always.  I'll probably write more about this later, because my head is swimming with thoughts, and this post is longer than I anticipated it would be!

These are just a few of the arguments for keeping abortion legal (or even making it a global "human right.")  And my responses can be summed up with my personal mantra...The Baby is Never the Problem.  After all, each baby, each child is created in the image of God Himself.  He made every child intentionally, with a purpose!  We need to build a culture that helps all babies grow up to fulfill their purpose!   I pray for the day when the Innocents are no longer slaughtered by some order from a king (or judge or president.)  I pray for the day when our culture strips away pride and jealousy and fear and selfishness...recognizing that babies are not burdens at all, but BLESSINGS from the Lord.

Gabriel's Mom
Kim

Nothing tops a Hug from the Pope!

Buono Sera!

October 23rd was a day like no other!!  Frankly, this post sat in my drafts for weeks!  I am just posting it in the right sequence, for those who are just now following our vacation.  I could have started earlier, but was at a loss for words.  Strange, I know.  That is because I wanted to get just the right words to tell the story.  But instead, I will just jump right in.  And for my non-Catholic friends, please read to the end...I have some thoughts just for you.  But here's the short version..

Yes, dear friends:  I got a HUG from Pope Francis!!!  And my beloved husband shook his hands!! 

My Facebook friends have gotten a glimpse of some proof of this incredible event.  We were able to post a link to the Vatican website's page of photos from the General Audience on October 23rd.  We're near the end of over 1700 pics so it takes patience to find us.  The pics are copyrighted of course, and I have tried to order some, but something about the website isn't working.  Shucks.  The good news is that I was able to get digital files from one photo company, and Bruce got some pictures as well.  Not of The Hug, mind you.  Bruce wanted to experience the moment, be present...as my sister advised, "Don't live your vacation through a lens."

Here's a bit of background, in case you are curious.  We spent 18 months dreaming, planning, saving for this anniversary trip...and put a General Audience with the Pope on the must-do list.  Early on, I thought that perhaps I should write Bishop Jenky (Peoria Diocese!) to see if he could get us tickets.  Frankly, I thought it was a long shot...I had NO idea that tens of thousands of people attend.  I never did contact our Bishop, but I did have our local pastor, Father Greg Nelson, write a letter to the Pontifical North American College mentioning our anniversary and active parish life.  Found out those details were not needed, but hey, they didn't hurt!  I sent his letter with an email...and had a response within 48 hours!  SO EASY!  I think every Catholic who travels to Rome should do this!!

What was different for us is that I am in a wheelchair.  Sometimes, that is a real drag.  Unlike many of the great Saints, I do not always accept my physical struggles so graciously because, well, there are days when I am in pain or when I just want to move better on my own (I can walk with a cane for very short distances.)  I do accept that this is how God created me, and I know I am made in His likeness and image.  That doesn't mean God has arthritis or Dejerine-Sottas...it means I have dignity by the simple fact that He chose to create me.  Simple as that.

But having a wheelchair at the Vatican proved to be a blessing.  I would have been knocked down by the crowd...or simply would have fallen trying to walk to a seat.  St Peter's Square is quite big!  The set up allowed for wheelchairs to be lined up in front and in aisles where the "Pope-mobile" travels.  Oh.My.Gosh! Please forgive me as I sound like a teenager, but we had AMAZING seats!  We were in the center aisle!  He went passed us TWICE.

Of course, we didn't know if we would have another chance, so the first time he went by, Bruce handed a Walk for Life t-shirt to one of the security guys!  Yep!  I joked about bringing one to the Pope.  So we packed one in the suitcase (plus Bruce wore his) and as we were waiting for things to start that morning, I actually wrote a note to the Pope.  Nothing to lose, right?  I told him that Women's Care Clinic just got a bigger building...that we want to reach more families and save more babies.  I asked for his prayers.  I have no idea if he saw it personally, or if someone on his staff did.  But there is a Women's Care Clinic Walk for Life t-shirt somewhere in the Vatican!  As if that was not enough, the sun was shining, the sky was blue, the crowd was joyful and friendly...and we could see the Pope give his message.  That was remarkable...he has such a gentle spirit about him.  I can't wait to see what God will do through this man!

Bruce looked at news briefs after our busy day, and there were estimates ranging from 80,000 to 100,000 people in attendance!  Wowza!  One thing I found remarkable was that everyone was so well behaved...seriously.  Not shoving or screaming (well, there was a bit of chaos as we tried to enter St. Peter's Square.)  Even as the Pope spoke, everyone was quiet and respectful.  I truly believe people wanted to hear what he had to say.  There was a group of firefighters from Florence, and an Italian army troop that was getting ready to be deployed to Beirut...all seeking the Pope's blessings.  We also saw many tour groups from all over the world.  Truly a Catholic (i.e. universal) experience!  Amazing!




Just before his message, a passage from the Gospel according to Luke was read...the story of the Visitation!  Pope Francis used this as the inspiration for his message.   I was so moved, literally to tears.  The story of the Visitation is one of my favorite pro-life passages: 2 pregnant women with two unborn babies!  The remarkable faith and love that Mary expressed through her willingness to say YES to God's plan, which included a BABY!  How perfect is that?  It just seemed remarkable that we were there that day.

After  the audience, we decided to wait around, in case the Pope-mobile came out again.  But what we saw instead was that he was greeting everyone sitting in a wheelchair up front!  We knew we needed to get up there!  The front of the center aisle was blocked by lots of photographers, but eventually a space opened up.  As we started moving forward, a man told us No.  I could not take No for an answer!  We were only about 15 feet away from the end of the wheelchair line... "Permesso, per favore!"  I pointed to the wheelchairs...I pointed to my wheelchair.  Another man heard the commotion, and took pity.  So, we got in place, and I was suddenly struck with awe.  The Vicar of Christ was just a few feet away...and coming towards us! (Bruce took this picture.)  This man, whom I believe was chosen by the Holy Spirit to lead the Catholic Church for such a time as this, was taking time to greet us.  I was tearful before he even got next to me.  He didn't say a word, but his eyes were so gentle, and it was clear to me that he was praying and offering a blessing.  I can't really describe it.  Bruce shook his hands, and barely uttered the words, "My wife of 20 years."  Neither of us will ever forget that moment!



Now, why is this so special to us, being greeted by Pope Francis?  Well, just in a human sense, it's pretty cool.  I mean, there were over 80,000 people there, and he is the leader of the world's largest Church.  Statistically, it's amazing.  But there is so much more than the mere odds involved.  As Catholics, we do NOT worship the Pope.  He is not God, he is not equal to Jesus Christ.  But we do see him as the Vicar of Christ here on earth.  He is our head pastor.  That is a very big deal.  We can trace the papacy all the way back to St. Peter himself.  I had planned on trying to articulate this, but others far more knowledgeable than I have already done so.   If you are curious, I encourage you to read a bit by clicking here...good stuff!  

This experience was one that made this vacation become a pilgrimage.  Some things cannot be fully explained or expressed...they must be experienced first hand.  If you are Catholic, I pray you can make a trip to the Vatican and sit in on a General Audience.  If not, maybe you can go anyway...but look out!  You might be inspired to join the One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church!!


Ciao!
Kim