I am preparing for my second year of formation. I return to School very soon. My reading has been completed, my notes have been taken, and my back-pack is full!
But nothing is more important to take with me than Him.
Because He is my shield!
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”
Genesis 15:1
After the death of our dear Pope Francis on Easter Monday and his funeral and burial at St. Mary Major, the Cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel to prayerfully elect the next Pope.
Mere days before I was to depart for my 30 Day Spiritual Exercises’ Study at Broom Tree in Irene, South Dakota, during the Papal Conclave on May 8, 2025, white smoke billowed from the raised chimney announcing to the world, “Habemus Papam, We have a Pope!” The Holy Spirit’s work was complete, and the College of Cardinals had selected the next Successor of St. Peter.
Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost was elected the 267th Pope who took the name Leo XIV.
The first American-born Pope!
I know all of this is old-news to most! But heaven sends messages, and dates are not accidental, especially in major events like the election of a new Holy Father. Which is why I am giddy over a few discoveries on the matter & couldn’t wait to share them with you!
Continue reading “timing matters”
If I told you, “It’s been a heck-of-a-week!” I would be understating matters.
Sweet magical Helen’s passing was the straw that broke my heart.
Sweet Helen’s quality of life would not recover and would continue to deteriorate, so I made the agonizing decision to put her to sleep.
Anyone who has ever needed to do the same understands, the teetering of thought between, “Is it selfish of me to not step-aside from my own needs to have her here with me, while she continues to suffer?” Or “Is it selfish of me to relieve her of the suffering, because I can no longer continue to watch her deteriorate?”
By the grace of God and a kind & caring Veterinarian, I knew I needed to step aside so that Helen could finally rest in peace.
I have had a lot of wonderful, loving family members and friends ministering to me in these most recent days, for which I am extremely grateful. It is both comforting & humbling to have others supporting you in your grief.
As a result, I have found myself asking “Is it wrong for a Christian to mourn an animal?” I admit that I cried a great deal when I had to put Helen down, both before and after the fact. I brought Helen into our home in 2014, at a period of great despair and tumult within our family, and I sometimes believe if I had suffered through that period alone, I might have completely fell into an unrecoverable despair.
Continue reading “farewells”
hugsnblessings 