Post – Page 135 – hugsnblessings

Papa Pepperoni!

Published on September 21, 2015September 27, 2015 by Dawn Marie2 Comments

it’s the Monday giggles and…

I remember when I heard he was first coming!

“Really?? Here to the U.S.? And to my very own state of Pennsylvania???”

I was verklempt! (Choked with emotion.)

And thus my mission began…How could I navigate through the various personal obstacles I must over-come and make the pilgrimage to Philadelphia to be near our Holy Father, Pope Francis? A daunting task, (if you knew the full-story,) so it was of no great surprise when just two weeks ago I abandoned the notion of accomplishing my goal. And truthfully, I was disappointed…but rather quickly I swapped my disappointment with enthusiasm for all the others from our Diocese who would be making the 404 mile journey to be with the Vicar of Christ, as he visited our great Country! I was genuinely excited they would be experiencing the great grace of being near him!

3am Scones & Tea for the Royal”s Wedding.

Launching into Plan B I began researching & gathering all the information necessary to watch the day-to-day coverage at home; beginning September 22 until his departure September 27, as well as listen on Sirius Channel 129 when away from a television! I’ve set up similar “coverage marathons” before like: the wedding festivities of both Princess Diana & Prince William, prior Papal conclaves, or the OJ Simpson trials (I made that last example up in hopes of a giggle!😂) My excitement was growing as I collected the necessary data to partake in a personal experience with my Pope, even if it were to be across the air-waves!

Doesn't everyone eat Pope-tarts for breakfast during a Conclave? — Doesn’t everyone eat Pope-tarts for breakfast during a Conclave?

Imagine my surprise and great giggles, when just three days after resigning myself to waving my Pope flag alone in my living room, I received a phone call from our Diocesan office with a special request:

“Would YOU be willing to serve as an emergency substitute Bus Captain, leading our Diocesan Pilgrims to the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, where our holy Father will be attending?”

I was verklempt! (Choked again with emotion.)

And so it begins!

With the blessing of my family

and affirmation from my Spiritual Director…

off I go,

(in just a few short days,)

toward Philadelphia, Pa!

*Along with an anticipated 1.5 million others,

(with their own giggle of what led them there,)

to be near Him!

And just because it’s the monday giggles I will share with you this (private) little giggle:

“Wouldn’t it be great if I could return and say: “I had some pizza with the Pope while I was away!” (Even if he was just on the cover of the box, per-say? 😉)”

Be sure to check in periodically to see what’s happening throughout the pilgrimage. I will do my best to share a “slice or two” of information with you!

Until then this hug n’ blessing is for all those in Philly preparing for

our arrival!

Cool Kids

Published on September 15, 2015 by Dawn Marie4 Comments

romans_001 — Photo courtesy of Brent Hamilton on google.

“Romans One. First of all, the letter is written by the apostle Paul and is addressed to “God’s beloved in Rome.” (Romans 1:7) It’s to my understanding that Paul wrote the book of Romans when he was in the Greek City of Corinth during the winter of 57-58 A.D. Paul starts off his letter by first saying how he thanks God through Jesus Christ for all of them, because their faith is begin reported all over the world. He says he wishes that he could visit them so they can encourage each other in the faith and he hopes one day that will be made possible. Then comes my favorite section of scripture: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed – a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.”” (Romans 1:16-17) I love that verse, because it is pretty point blank…Paul is saying “I am NOT ashamed of the Gospel!” This is exactly how I feel and that is exactly why I share the gospel & the Lords love with people every day. I feel that too many Christians live their day to day lives being secretive about their love for Jesus and their faith in Him. They tend to hide the fact that they even go to church as if they are afraid or think they will be judged or looked at as uncool. It’s time to STOP being afraid and STOP worrying about what people think. Reality is, the eternal salvation in Christ Jesus is the greatest gift you could ever receive.” ~ James Ellis

I’ve decided…

I’m hangin’ with the cool kids;

maybe not of this world,

but most certainly the next!

Here’s just a few of those cool Ironmen (Proverbs 27:17) below! Each helping to raise funds for our Church, St. Joseph Bread of Life Community, at our annual Oktoberfest this year!