My Reading Challenge 2018 + my January Reads

In the past, I've tried several different styles of reading goals.  At times, I just pick up what looks good at the library, around the house, and even get a few recommendations from friends here and there.  Another year, I did more research and got more recommendations and committed to reading a book about a different Saint each month as well.  This year, I've switched it up a little again.  

I looked up some interesting book challenges online and combined a few of them, plus added my own ideas. 

So here's my personal 2018 reading challenge:

• A book you chose because of the cover
• A book you've previously started but never finished
• A book by an author you already love
• A book that everyone is raving about
• A book about a Saint you weren't really familiar with
• A book recommended by your spouse or a friend
• A book to 'expand your horizons'
• A book considered to be a classic
• A book published in 2018
• A book by an author you've never read
• A book you've been meaning to read
• A book set in a city you want to travel to
• A book that has been turned into a movie
• A biography/autobiography
• (Listen to) an audiobook
• A young adult title
• A mystery
• A book by an author whose last name starts with B
• A book about or set in Africa
• A book with a red cover
• A book of poetry
• A book from the dewey range 600-699
• A travel memoir
• A book that strengthens your faith
• A "Mommy" book

I don't plan to stick so closely to this goal that I don't read a book simply because it doesn't fit into my goal list.  In fact, in January I read several books that fit into the goal and a few that didn't.  I love a goal, but I also love some spontaneity.  

I got off to a great start reading in the month of January.  I was excited, I carved out time (usually little snippets here and there between chores, teaching, and all that busy life stuff), and I learned the wonder of audiobooks, which I can borrow through our library using the Hoopla app on my phone.  I can listen to them while I cook and clean and even while I drive the girls to dance and run errands.  

My first audiobook of the month was recommended to me by my friend, Megan.  It's called In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer by Irene Gut Opdyke.  It was a beautiful and heart-wrenching book as any that relates memories of the Holocaust is.  It definitely has some adult/mature aspects (as one would expect), but it merely mentions thing and does not go into great, horrifying detail of a lot of that portion of the events.  I cried through a good deal of this book, but highly recommend it.  Irena was incredibly brave in her quest to help the Jews, though she admits it all started so small...but eventually God gave her great tasks.  I listed it under the book recommended by a friend for my challenge. 

A favorite thought that Irena's book left me with:

"Listen to the whisper from above.  Trust guidance given by God, even when {you're} filled with fear. "

  I have seen several blog and/or Instagram posts that raved about The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson, so I borrowed it on my Kindle and marked it under 'book everyone is raving about.' A World War I novel that is full of interesting and delightful characters, wit, and has all the feels. I enjoyed her writing so much that I snatched up the author's other (debut) novel on my Kindle and read it next.  

Also by Helen Simonson, I read Major Pettigrew's Last Stand.  It was an interesting story weaving in themes of the class system, race, family dynamics and obligations, and the characters are wonderful.  Her dialogue is fun and engaging and I laughed out loud many times at the witty banter and the realness of the characters, who grow and learn throughout the tale.  It was a spontaneous read and didn't really fit anywhere into my challenge. 

The one and only actual book with real pages that I finished this month was The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay.  She has quickly become one of my favorites authors.  I love her books and the way she weaves Austen elements into her books.  I was not disappointed as this book was another that was just lovely to curl up with on the couch with a warm cup of tea and cozy blanket.  

With the great amount of cooking, cleaning, and driving I do, I was able to finish many audiobooks in January.  My next one was lighter than the first and was the sequel to a book I read several years ago, Emily of New Moon, by L.M. Montgomery.  This second book, titled Emily Climbs was delightful as L.M. Montgomery always is.  I love her beautiful language and imagery and the whimsical, lightheartedness of Emily.  I marked this one down as my official audiobook for the challenge.  

And because I simply had to read the next and last Emily book, I listened to it as well after finishing Emily Climbs.  The last book in that series is Emily's Quest.  It was lovely, but also drove you slightly bananas as L.M. Montgomery strung out Emily's "love life" in a way that made you wonder if she ever would find true love at all.  I shall leave you wondering yourself, should you want to read the scrappy tale.  

And those were my January books. A perfectly lovely bunch to be sure.  

 I very nearly finished another couple, but those just barely ran over into February so I'll share those in my February books post.  

Until next month, happy reading!

Lent 2016--- Read, Pray, Play

I could tell you of all the grand plans I have for Lent this year because that's usually how I treat Lent.  It's like New Year's Resolutions except Bigger!  Better!  More spiritual!  And usually my Lent fizzles about 2 weeks in.  Some things die out after only a few days because I just. can't. even. 

So this year, I was all set to do probably that exact same game plan except in my mind it would be better because instead of like 20 things on my list I'd have only 15!  Most years, Chris and I have picked a couple things to do together as a couple.   So in my mind, we're already back up to like 17 things I really should be doing (at least that's what my brain keeps saying).  But , this year is different.  Here's why.  

Lent came early.  So early.  

I wasn't ready for it.  I just didn't have time to prepare my huge long list.  My little sister just got married at the end of January and all my siblings were out in CA for the wedding and I turned around and it was Mardi Gras.  Whaaaaaa?

So I get this invitation in Google Drive that Chris has shared a document with me.  It's a plan for Lent.  And it's simple.  Really stinking hard, but simple.  

***We usually sit and watch a show together in the evenings. *** 

Not during Lent. 

No shows.

Read more
 (individually--we both have some book lists we've been working on but never seem to get through...)  
Play more games.  Play guitar and sing together more. 

 Share more dreams and reminisce about the past. 

Not easy, but a trade.  A trade that is good for us. For US. 

***We usually sit and watch a show together in the evenings. ***

***And snack on something.***

Not during Lent.  

No snacks. 

Exercise together.  Laugh together.  

Not easy, but a trade.  A trade that is definitely good for us. 

***We usually sit and watch a show together in the evenings, snack on something, and chit chat a little about the day and often the frustrations. ***

Not during Lent. 

No negativity. 

Pray more.  

Love these workbook journals from Blessed Is She (still available as a digital download)

Take turns going to the Abbey for a night each week to spend some time in Adoration and go to Confession.   
DAILY thankfulness, a decade of the Rosary and a Station of the Cross each night as a family.  

(The Rosary and Stations books we've been using are these.  My mom purchased them for us)

Chris is also taking each of the girls on a one-on-one each week.
 He should get 2 dates with each of the three oldest during Lent.  He and Kayla are on their first one-on-one today--Can't wait to hear how their adventure goes!

So there you have it.  A Lent that I didn't plan (or rather OVERplan!).

And everything we are doing, we are accountable to and/or dependent on each other in order to make it happen.  I'm pretty grateful for my hubby right about now, because I think that this "encouraging each other path" that he has chosen this Lent is perfect.  It's not easy, but we are in it together. It's not complicated though.  It's just moving our schedules around and making time for different, more important things.  Together.  On our own.  Together.

What about you?  
I'd love to hear from you.
What prayers are you loving this Lent?  
What books are you reading?  
How are you slowing down some?
Share, share, share!

Barbara's Lake hike

Not all hikes go as planned.  This was one of them.  

We are very careful about planning hikes, and backpacking/camping trips.  You probably read in Chris' post about his trip with Kayla and saw that he researches carefully, has contingency plans, prepares for weather changes, and how he is a firm believer in hiking with others AND not pushing them past their abilities or comfort simply to reach a destination.  I was not surprised, but very proud to hear him recount his and Kayla's try at Mt. Langley.  They were so close, and yet, he didn't push her beyond her comfort because he fully understands that the point of hiking isn't to mark something off on some checklist or even to see the best views possible.  The point of hiking is to get out in nature to view and be a part of God's glorious creation and to make your own unique journey.  Sometimes the journey will result in seeing beautiful sights and conquering mountain peaks, but sometimes you will not make it to your proposed destination.  Sometimes things will not go as planned and you will have to change your plans and sometimes you will fall short of your goal.  But the trip is only a "failure" if you have a bad attitude and/or if you put your own life or that of someone else in danger because of your stubborn unwillingness to let go of your original plans.  Every hike is an opportunity to get out and appreciate the beauty of God's creation as well as keep your body, mind, and soul in shape.  Even if you don't get to the top of the peak or make it to that beautiful mountain lake.  

All that to say, the hike to Barbara's Lake was in many ways a hiking fail.  We didn't research as well.  When a hike is close to home, there's a tendency sometimes to do less detailed planning. We were never put in harm's way because of the planning, but we definitely could have avoided some extra discomfort and helped everyone maintain better attitudes with some different planning next time around.   There were a lot of expectations and there were a lot of bad attitudes.  Besides Sophie, I think just about everyone participated in that.  We did try at times to lift our poor attitudes to new and better heights, but we just didn't really ever get our attitudes properly adjusted.  

Barbara Lake is the biggest and only natural lake in Orange County.  I was excited to hear that we'd be hiking to a lake as most of the scenery in the near vicinity is very dry and desert-like.  Don't get me wrong, I actually love and appreciate that, but it is nice to have some variety.  

Without describing every detail, suffice it to say that there were expectations of a hike to a beautiful lake along a partially shaded trail with perhaps some wildflowers along the way.... 

We got to the trailhead around 9am and our first oversight was not realizing  how warm a day it was going to be and just how early that heat would set in.  It was hot from the beginning and almost no part of the trail was shaded.  Fortunately we remembered sunglasses (for everyone).  Unfortunately we did not remember any sun hats.   A good part of the hike on the way to the lake was also uphill.  Not usually a problem, but the kids all starting whining about the heat after about 5 minutes, so the fact that is was also uphill just kinda added to the overall negativity and general complaining.  

This delightful picture was taken in the first 2 minutes when they were still excited and not yet whining. So cute!

When the kids are all tired and whiny, I try to keep a good attitude and encourage, but it was relentless.  The whining only ever stopped for brief snippets and I agreed with them.  It WAS hot and Chris and I each had a kid in a pack, so it was really tiring and did I mention HOT?  All the attitudes started dipping even though Chris and I each tried at different times to raise the bar.  I tried songs, I tried asking the kiddos to name body parts and make animal noises.  I tried the color game.  All of those things worked to stop the whining for a time, but as soon as I stopped the "entertainment", the whines immediately ensued again and more forcefully.  

And then we reached the lake.  If you can call it that.  It was bone dry.  I mean, I realize we are in a drought and have been for awhile, but I was expecting it to be lower, not dry.  It was so dry, the earth was cracked in places.  

That is where the lake should be...I did take a brief moment to admire that little bit of lovely green of the plants growing in the lake bed....

But, as I looked at our "beautiful" hike destination, I could feel my attitude plummeting downward.  I tried really hard to find something positive to say, and pointed out the bottom of the lake to the girls, discussing how normally it's covered with water so you don't get to see what is actually there.  Meanwhile, inside my expectations were crumbling down around me and my own personal disappointment was creeping in.  I shed a few silent tears as I realized the hot, tiring, whiny hike we'd endured to get to there was not to be redeemed with a beautiful lake view.  That was what I had been holding out for.  So as we moved on to finish our lollipop hike, I mostly lost my cool.  

That painting was lovely though... :)

I complained about the heat and the poor planning a little and as I walked having to nearly drag along the once-again whiners, I had many a nasty thought to myself.   I still tried to keep the girls' spirits up a little, but I kept falling back into the negativity.  When we reached the trailhead, there were water fountains and we refilled our water bottles/cups.  It was then that I finally took a moment to breathe again and clear my head a little.  

We walked across the street to a nearby playground so the kids could swing in the shade for a few minutes, and I sat there watching Sophie giggle in the swing as her sisters took turns pushing her and realized that it was an opportunity lost.  

We could have all learned something from Sophie. 

 She was hot and sweaty in the carrier on my back, but she remained a quiet observer on our hike.  And when we finished she was the only one with a smile on her face.  Her smile slowly spread until we were all smiling and appreciating each other and the world around us again.  

 

                               

It reminds me of several Mother Teresa quotes, but especially this one.  

"Let us always meet each other with a smile, for a smile is the beginning of love."

In Summer!!!!!!!!!!!

This year we chose to homeschool our oldest daughter for Kindergarten.  I could tell you about what a fun year it's been, but that's another post.  Today marks her official last day of school as a homeschooling Kindergartner, so we are looking ahead to summer.

And yes, I am going to be totally cliche (we have Disneyland annual passes; how can I pretend that we don't love Disney?) and share this video.

      

Hopefully, watching that video got you all excited for summer fun and relaxation like it does for me. 

In the past few days, I've read some blog posts about summer that have also evoked that same sort of thrill for summer fun and relaxation.  

My friend, Stephanie, writes her summer "Mom Self Help" manifesto , which encouraged me to actually make some concrete goals this summer so that I can achieve a summer that both calms my body and soul as well as exhilarates them.  

So without further ado, here is a list of some of my own self help goals, some of them quite similar to Stephanie's and some a little different.

1.  Prayer Process

I'd like to spend more time with Jesus. I love the simplicity of this prayer process that Matthew Kelly formulated.  I also love the complexity of it.  I love that it asks us to thank God, ask forgiveness, get to ourselves better, pray for others, and listen to the Lord.  My hope is to begin this habit each night, for a mere 10 minutes.  And let the Holy Spirit take it from there.

2. Limit sugar intake

My dress size doesn't necessarily give away my sugar addiction, but it is quite real.  When I am overwhelmed, tired, angry, sad, bored, (and yes, sometimes when I'm really happy to) sugar is where I turn almost immediately.  Sometimes it's just a quick fix handful of M&M's , but I have also been known to raid the pantry and grab fistfuls of chocolate chips at a time or have secret afternoon bowls of ice cream.  And lately I feel like the sugar intake is become more like a major food group for me. 

Then I read this post about sugar, which really didn't have any information that was new to me, but it was convicting to me because I have definitely been shutting out the voice inside saying "Too much, you'll regret that..."  

So good-bye candy and sweets!  I'll be enjoying only the occasional baked good item and limit my ice cream addiction to two times per week.  

3. Limit social media and time on the computer

Since we're being honest here, I should probably just admit that I spend more time than I need to or even truly want to on social media.  And it takes time away from relationships, chores, and the me-time that I'm trying to achieve with these goals.  So I'm removing the FB app from my phone for the summer, answering less phone calls, and spending less time scrolling.  

I will set aside a few days a week to blog/read blogs during naptime, after bedtime, or arrange time that the hubby can take the girls for a little daddy park date and then step away.  

And I will use my time on the internet to learn more about my faith, be encouraged, encourage others, and speak life.  I tend to only start my day with these Blessed Is She daily reading devotions about half the time.  This summer it's how I will wake up every day.  

Blessedisshe.net


4. Frequent Confession and Communion

I put the Sacrament of Reconciliation off a lot. It will take some planning and setting aside time (1-2 times a month), but I need it.  Bring on the grace.  I'm also planning to take the girls to daily Mass at least 1 day a week.   Again, bring on the grace.  I'm not super mom.  I need as much grace as I can get to love and guide these little ones to heaven. 

5. Exercise more

My routine is off.  Time to get back into it.  Running 3X a week and some core/toning 3-5X a week. 

A quick youtube search found some of my favorite 10 Minute Solution Pilates videos...

I always feel so much more energized, sleep better and more soundly, and just feel happier when I am exercising regularly. 

6. Look sharp

As a mom it's easy to get so caught up in everyone else's needs that you forget that you have some too.  Feeling beautiful may not seem important, but for me it is.  I don't shower everyday (it dries out my skin and hair anyway), but I can take 5 minutes to do my hair and not just slip it into the easy pony tail every day of the week.  I can take 2 minutes to apply just a touch of mascara.  And I can put the maternity shorts away and go out to search for a couple pairs of shorts that I love.  I love my the style of my maternity shorts, and they are definitely comfy, but my preggo body stretched them out a bit so they sag a bit in places that I'm not (currently) sagging.  So I guess I should do myself a favor and actually get shorts that fit my body right now.  Add to that getting my hair cut on a regular basis to keep those split ends away and I think I will start to feel more confident in my current mommy skin. 

Now for some summer plans!

My friend Laurel, wrote this piece about her summer plans using pictures from summers past. I loved it so much and immediately after reading through her post, I was already formulating a picture compilation in my own mind of what I hope our summer will look like.  

So to coin her phrase: 

This summer will probably look like..........

family hiking adventures

 sensational art projects

homemade ice cream (in moderation, see above!)

puzzles sprawled out on the floor

restful nap times

oodles of dress-up

silly faces and giggles

summer gardening

Daddy reading in silly voices

endless swinging

sunny pool time!

sandy feet and jumping in crashing ocean waves 

rib-eating (and grilling, of course)

more reading

park play dates

sister bonding

bunny hunting

drool-y, teething gnawing fests

beer brewing and drinking

gorgeous ocean sunsets

(other sunsets too...)

even more reading

visits to see Jesus

baby wearing (Photo credit: Hubby)

music and park fun with friends (Photo credit: my dear friend, Jacinta)

kite-flying (Photo credit: Hubby)

Disneyland adventures (counting down the days till blackout days are over-only 2 more months...)

observing the fish

trips to Nana and Granddaddy's

Togetherness 

(Photo credit: Hubby's bro, Nick)

What are your summer plans?

I'd love to hear!

On Love and Obedience

Obedience. Obedience can be tough.  I mean, I see the value in having laws, and I've always been one to follow rules.  I was not the kid who my parents worried about because I always did what they asked me to (with a few exceptions of course).  I actually liked following the rules, and I liked knowing that it made my parents happy when I did. Following the rules without questioning indicates that not only do you see the value in following the rules, but you completely trust the person(s) making those rules enough to abide by them. 

Saint Ignatius tells us, "It is not hard to obey when we love the one whom we obey."

Now I'm not saying he's wrong, but it's good to point out that it's not hard to obey when we are ACTIVELY loving.  My daughters love me, and they disobey me all the time.  It's because in that moment they are not actively loving me; they are choosing to think more of themselves and their wants/needs.  They don't understand sacrificial love yet.  Mom wants me to get dressed and put my shoes on?  Nah, I'd rather finish coloring.  Or drawing on myself with a pen.  Or eating this morsel of goodness found in the little bitty corner of the kitchen where the broom doesn't quite reach.  So how do we go about learning to love in a way that causes us to stop and obey even when we'd rather do it our own way?

St. Francis de Sales says, "All that we do must be motivated by love and not force. We must love to obey rather than fear to disobey."  

As a parent, this quote is especially meaningful to me.  I worry that in disciplining our kids, they might not learn the lesson that they should obey out of love rather than fear of losing a favorite privilege etc.  No, I'm not saying that we are pushover parents and we don't discipline our kids.  We totally do.  But for discipline to be effective, it must be consistent.  And I believe that consistency is also a key factor in developing obedience that is motivated by love. We must not be afraid to tell our children and show our children that we love them.  Even when (and especially when) they have done wrong.  

image found on thesepeastastefunny.blogspot.com

I'm certainly not a perfect parent or person and tend to begin yelling when the kids don't obey.  On mornings when we have to be somewhere at a certain time, this is especially the case.  Sadly that means that often, we are all frazzled on Sunday mornings by the time we get into the car to go to Mass.  I am rushing to get something in the girls' tummies, get their dresses on and their hair done, and I hear my volume getting louder and feel my head begin to explode when I try to rally the troops in the very simple task of putting their shoes on, and get no response.  Hellooooo, did you hear me? Bueller?...........Bueller? 

I'm slowly learning to slow down with parenting and remember that consistency doesn't just mean that I dish out the consequences that I say I will when the kids misbehave.  It means that I do it in a way that assures them of my love for them and God's love for them.  

Today my daughter Kayla was banging on a metal bowl that I had out for her sister to use to throw up in if necessary since she had an upset tummy.  I was upstairs, but her dad asked her to please stop banging on the bowl.  Slight pause, and then the banging resumed.  He asked again.  Same response.  I then called her upstairs and she knew she was in trouble, so she started screaming at me, "No!  I'm not going to do it!"  

I sat her down and we discussed the situation.  I asked her if she loved me.  She just stood there sullenly.  I told her that I loved her.  Then I asked her why she didn't obey when Daddy asked her to stop banging on the bowl.  She said she liked it and she was just having fun.  So I asked her if she had thought about anyone else in the situation.  "Do you think Daddy may have had some reasons for asking you to stop?"  

"Because it's for throw-up." 

 "Yes. We also live in a small space.  Some activities are fun but they are too loud for small places with lots of people around." 

"Oh. Yeah."

 I added, "Besides isn't someone trying to sleep right now?" 

She looked around.  "Baby Sophie?" 

 "Mmhmm. Do you think we can try to find something else fun for you to do that doesn't bother people?"  

She nods. 

 "Do you think you should go tell Daddy you are sorry that you didn't obey when he asked you to stop banging on the bowl?" 

 She nods.  And then she apologized to me, too, for yelling at me.   

image found on Pinterest

We celebrated the Solemnity of the Annunciation a few days ago, and I blogged about it. And I thought a lot about Mary and her resounding "YES!" to the will of God.  I mentioned that I'm a rule-following, letter of the law kind of person.  What is harder for me is following Christ and loving with my whole self: body, mind, soul, strength.  But it's all connected.  Faith without works is dead, but deeds without love are also dead.  Mary's declaration, "I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to thy word!" was made with her whole self: body, mind, soul, and strength.  She loved God so much that she wanted to obey Him and fully trusted that His love was enough to cover any fear or suffering she would face as a result of her willingness to follow His plan and not her own.   

image found on Pinterest

"I am the handmaid of the Lord.  Be it done unto me according to thy word!"
"He must increase, I must decrease."

Link-up found here at BlessedIsShe.net

Sacrifice: He did it better ..

As I reflected over the past few days on what the word Sacrifice means in my life, my mind was filled with an array of things.  

As a wife, I sacrifice for my husband.  I get up early to make his lunch.  I take packages to the post office for him with 4 kids in tow.  I get up with the girls on weekends so he can sleep in.  I send him off for beer night with the guys at a local Catholic brewery and stay home with our kids.  I change most of the diapers....

You get the idea. 

As a mom, I sacrifice for my kids.  I give each of them my body to live in (read: possibly ruin forever) for 9 months.  I give them my time and energy.  I answer endless questions.  I clean up countless spills.  I give up time with friends, family, and dates with my hubby.  I haven't really slept a full night in years....

You get the idea....

I know I sound like I'm blaring a trumpet for myself, but my next thoughts were about my heart and my attitude when offering these sacrifices day in and day out. How often do I feel sorry for myself or keep a list of all the sacrifices I've made so that I can throw it back to the person when they hurt me or I feel tired?  Sadly, my answer is often.  

I get discouraged, too, that all the sacrifices I make seem to be so small.  So ordinary.  I want to be a Saint. How will I ever get there if my life is so filled with ordinary house-wifey sacrifices?  

All too often, I look at the sacrifices I make as mere tasks that need to be done each day.   

Matthew 20:28

Yesterday this verse was the end of the gospel.  He came to serve.  Jesus ransomed his life for us.  He sacrificed everything.  

It hit me that, for Jesus, healing the afflicted wasn't a task.  

Preaching the good news of the Father's love for us wasn't a task.  

Spending time in prayer in the desert wasn't a task.  

Feeding the 5,000 wasn't a task. 

Washing his disciples feet wasn't a task.

Dying on the cross wasn't a task.  

Sacrifices? Yes. 

Mere tasks? No. 

Because there was purpose.  

There was LOVE. 

Isaiah 53:5

He died for me.  He died for me, so that I could live.  

And yet, so many days, I can't even die to myself and offer myself in service to my family. 

Why?

1 Corinthians 13:1

Because sometimes my purpose is to be noticed, to receive praise or affirmation.  Because sometimes I don't have love.  Sometimes I'm just going through the motions and my heart isn't in it.  Sometimes I forget why I am even sacrificing in the first place.  

We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19).  

We serve because he first served us  (Matthew 20:28) 

Ephesians 5:2

When I find that my sacrifices have become tasks, it's a wake-up call to make more time for prayer.  To make more time to bask in His love for me.  To take more time to reflect on HIS sacrifice.  

And I can do it while I am doing my daily tasks.  

When I'm tempted to be angry that my husband can more easily go out for an evening with friends than I can, I can remember Christ hanging on the cross for me.  When I'm cleaning up a diaper explosion, I can remember Christ reaching out to heal the leper.  When I'm washing the dishes, I can remember Christ washing the feet of his disciples.  

Because the truth of it is, there is nothing I will ever do on this earth that can ever top what He has done for me.  

But I can praise Him for His sacrifice and love for me. 

Hebrews 13:15

And I can offer my daily sacrifices up to Him, even the things that seem menial.  

Yesterday at my mom's group, we read this prayer by Brother Lawrence and it was perfect. 

 Just what I needed. 

"Lord of all pots and pans and things, since I've no time to be a great saint by doing lovely things, or watching late with thee, or dreaming in the daylight, or storming heaven's gates, make me a saint by getting meals, and washing up the plates.  Warm all the kitchen with thy Love, and light it with thy peace; forgive me all my worrying, and make my grumbling cease.  Thou who didst love to give men food, in room, or by the sea, accept the service that I do, I do it unto thee. Amen."

It's easy to thank God for obvious blessings, but it's harder to praise him for the little things and even the sufferings.  

Today my hope is that I can view my daily sacrifices as love offerings to the One who did it better, and perhaps quench His thirst for love of us just a drop at a time. 

Link-up at blessedisshe.net with your post or comments about sacrifice.  

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