Exhaling

Still here. Too busy living to write it down , and none of it seems blog-worthy. But I wanted to let those who have emailed know that all is very, very well here.

I’ll share a writer’s moment:

Some time ago, a newer member of our OCDS group read my nametag and said energetically, “Did you write To Sing You Must Exhale?” And I replied energetically, “YES! Did you READ it?!” To my utter amazement, she said, “I LOVE that book!”

Well. You never know who might actually READ something you’ve written.

I will try not to stay away quite so long again. But of course, we can continue to pray for one another in the interim.

Be inspired to take up this beaded weapon.

(I tried to post this yesterday, but … uncooperative computer!)

To avoid repeating myself, I’ll refer you here .

My father passed  away very suddenly over the weekend, and it has been a whirlwind of activity and tears and out-of-town relatives.

It began with a police officer in our driveway to tell us there had been a “medical emergency” (he declined to give me a status, but my gut read his grave manner), a frantic drive to the hospital (while praying over and over, “I don’t know what I’m walking into, but I know that nothing happens today that You haven’t planned. I trust in You.”), taking my mother in to see the body, and then the many phone calls to let everyone know, the children gathering to grieve. As so many at the hospital said to us, “This way is easy for the deceased, but most difficult for those who are left behind.” Es verdad.

It has been difficult for all of us, especially his 21 grandchildren, who will miss “Papa.”

We buried my dad yesterday and are just now finding our equilibrium; it will be some days before we resume our routine here. In the interim, we are eternally grateful for the kind thoughts and prayers that so many have already sent our way, and for all that we do not know about.

May God repay you as only He can.

Your Brain is Blue

Of all the brain types, yours is the most mellow. You tend to be in a meditative state most of the time. You don’t try to think away your troubles. Your thoughts are realistic, fresh, and honest. You truly see things as how they are.You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about your friends, your surroundings, and your life.

What Color Is Your Brain?

I should have known. I really should have known. And I needn’t have spent any time taking a quiz on a Sunday afternoon

Your Aura is Blue

Spiritual and calm, you tend to live a quiet but enriching life. You are very giving of yourself. And it’s hard for you to let go of relationships.The purpose of your life: showing love to other people Famous blues include: Angelina Jolie, the Dali Lama, Oprah Careers for you to try: Psychic, Peace Corps Volunteer, Counselor

What Color Is Your Aura?

Ok, well. I don’t know if I would lump myself with those famous “blues,” and I am certain I would not choose “Psychic” as a career (though my children are pretty sure I am, and my dad is still wondering why I don’t use my “powers” to help him win the football pool at work…), but my kids insisted I try this one.

One thing is correct: the purpose of our lives is to show love to other people.

Thanks for your prayers and encouraging emails - the new book, Scriptural Stations - a Way of the Cross, is now ready for ordering directly from the publisher. Both print and download versions are available for this, as well as for The Way of the Cross for Children coloring/prayer book and Walk New - a Way of the Cross for Teens. You can see a preview of each book on the order page.

Lent is coming, so if anyone you know is looking for something new for their Lenten devotions, or you are blogging about books for Lent, maybe you’ll consider suggesting they take a look at my storefront.

I appreciate anything you can do to spread the word!