If you’ve read it: I’d love to hear if any of you choose a new friend too!
As of late, I’ve been spending a lot of time with my sous-Saint, St. Therese of Lisieux.
Trust me – the Holy Spirit has reallllly been working over-time showing me exactly WHY she was chosen for me.
And let me tell you – we have become very fast BFFs!!
In a vulnerable, wounded world like ours, where nevertheless the Holy Spirit is addressing all Christians with a ringing call to holiness and inspiring them with a desire to live out the Gospel message in all its depth, I think there is no better path than the one St. Therese of Lisieux offers us: her little way of trust and love.
“Jesus, Son of the Father, you show me how you live by your Word. Let your lessons be bound to my heart.”
Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network
For the last 31 weeks I have been participating in an Online Retreat offered through Creighton University. Anyone may start the retreat at any time; however, it was developed for and encouraged to be made following the Liturgical Seasons. Which simply put means: an outlined calendar provides a guide for making the retreat according to a schedule that conforms to the Liturgical year!
In early September our Pastor, Fr. Larry Richards, encouraged parish members to consider making this retreat. I was intrigued, looked into the specifics, and then invited a few others to join me in signing up for the 34 week retreat.
“Ahhhh!” deep exhale. It’s 3hugs&blessings Thursday!
Papa exchanges a warm gesture with one of his Swiss guards. How thankful he must be for their care of him.
And just like Pope Francis in the photo above (courtesy of Pinterest,) I am lifting up thanks for the special care I have been receiving these past several weeks!
Some have inquired why my blogging habits have changed…“Why so few posts as of late?” one asked. “I miss you. Will I be hearing from you more regularly soon?” asked another. Sweet, dear gestures reaching out to touch my heart.
And the answer to both is: “Yes. By the grace of God I hope to get back to my normal publishing calendar.” said I.
Jared catches Helen & I working on a Christmas post!
But for right now I’ve had to put my feet up to care for myself body, mind, and Spirit. Mostly body; however, the mind and Spirit are grateful for the extra time being provided to them as well!
And so it is that today I seek to give thanks in those 3 very categories, as each of them have received warm gestures reaching out to touch my very whole (self) and I am so thankity-thankful for their care!
Body:
My therapy continues & I am so thankful for the wonderful PT’s at Hertel & Brown who are helping me get ready to snow-shoe again! Everyone is wonderful there from the greeting at the door to the “see ya’ next time.” A few I’ve had the pleasure to work with like Michael, Jeremy, Matt & Lori always kindly remind me to at least “try” and ice 3 x’s a day and are always polite enough to agree…I am NOT a baby.
Lori is the sweetest!
Peddling…because I am not a baby!
Stim work!
Mind:
I am counting my blessings for the DECISION to commit to ‘clean eating’ once again. I cannot tell you how much clearer my focus is. My thoughts are crisper and I can concentrate with less effort, which restores my peace of mind.
You would never know today but in the early 2000’s I struggled just getting out of bed. I would often fall, my hands would lose their grip and sometimes, especially following exertion, go so deeply asleep they’d curl & palsy. But the worst was the terrible brain fog! A once fully organized person I’d somedays have no memory of where I’d parked the car and was always opening/reopening the calendar because I just could not focus long enough to remember where I needed to be next. It took over a year for the final diagnosis, with everything from lupus to Parkinson’s being considered, but finally fibromyalgia was the diagnosis.
Close to two years we experimented with medications, which greatly helped to get me back on track, but through my own research I began exploring more holistic ways to treat the illness. I have been med free for close to 12 years, yippee! Part of my holistic management; however, is key to what I do & do not chose to eat. Carbohydrates (especially the processed ones) are my worst enemy!! As well as white flours and processed sugars. So when the brain-fog begins to seep back in I need only look to two different triggers: the cupboard or the pillow! (Because restorative sleep is also vital at keeping fibro-flares at bay.) The holidays & my injury took big hits in both those areas but today I am counting my blessings at having each back on track!
Plus it is good to remember where I parked the car again! Now if I could only remember to fill it up with gas…giggles!
Spirit:
I am especially blessed to have the most wonderful Spiritual Director, Fr. Dan, who though I do not deserve it…keeps my Spirit fit as a fiddle!
Fr. Dan in Rome!
He guides me, challenges me, and always makes certain I am staying Spiritually Fit! At our last gathering he instructed me to begin a Do-It Yourself Retreat using Fr. Michael E. Gaitley’s book, Consoling the Heart of Jesus , as my guide. Opening the book today during my time in the adoration chapel I was so grateful that Fr. Dan knew, just as he always does, exactly what was needed to refresh my Spirit.
Maybe you will join me to0? Which will it be?
Snow-shoeing? Better eating? Or Retreat?
Hey, how ’bout all three????
AND please be sure to let me know if you’ll be joining me…
for I will be sure to count my blessings for thee!!
may these hugs n’ 3 refreshed blessings go out & touch you by the hand!
to care for myself body, mind, and Spirit. Mostly body; however, the mind and Spirit are grateful for the extra time being provided to them as well!
hugsnblessings 