At the end of January/early February, I went to a short retreat by Fr. Jacques Philippe. It was focused on the Fatherhood of God and it was incredible.
Some lovely things I learned:
- COUNT on God's grace. Everyday.
- Jesus is the face of God's mercy- His GAZE, his love- expresses the Father's love and mercy.
- Jesus' GAZE changed St. Matthew. The gaze of others was condemning (he was a tax collector), but Jesus looked at him with eyes of mercy and love and it set him free.
- Jesus sees what is most beautiful in all of us. His gaze says, "You deserve my love because I CHOSE to love you. You are my son/daughter. Believe it." Trust in His gaze.
- After the gaze of mercy is a word, "Come, and follow me." It gives Matthew a mission. He is loved and he is able to love. It shows him the love he is capable of and causes it to flourish.
It was my dear friend Megan's gift to me and I got to meet one of her good friends too.
The church where it was held was gorgeous.
It was a good half hour away so Megan and I got to pray the rosary together and chat on the way there and back which was a lovely addition to the retreat.
Megan got me flowers which just made my heart so happy.
She said St. Therese wanted me to have them and St. Therese is just one of my favorites. (sorry I've been neglecting you lately, Therese! We need to catch up. ;) )
Fr. Jacques speaks French, so he has a lovely translator.
We were each given the Father's blessing (through a priest) the final evening. This is Megan receiving her Father's blessing. We were all on the side of the church that Fr. Jacques blessed which was really special and beautiful.
Some of my biggest take-aways about Fatherhood were:
- We need to pray for and seek a deep conviction that we are sons and daughters of GOD!
- We receive and inherit ALL the Father's LOVE
- A world without a Father (the Father) is at risk of becoming a world without mercy and forgiveness.
- To find PEACE, FREEDOM, and HUMAN DIGNITY, we need God the Father's word of mercy, "No matter what I forgive you."
- The blessing of the father in scripture is meaningful. So when people ask a priest for a father's blessing, it's an act of trust. They are seeking God the Father's blessing.
- We need to KNOW our place in God's heart. (Have we asked Him?)
- It's not about what we do, it's about what we RECEIVE! (when we receive, we do)
- Open wide the French doors of your heart and pray, "COME, HOLY SPIRIT!"
I could go on and on, but that's enough to chew on for awhile.
Hey there, St. Therese!
I was doing my St. Joseph consecration and there was a beautiful statue of St. Joseph.
We learned how to dance some Israeli dances which was really fun.
Kayla and Ava's class recited for us before school this month
Kolbe is SO great
Bible Study with some sweet girls
SNOW!!
this kid
downing the pixie sticks
we're in for it
We got to meet sweet Cianna. She is Chris' brother's girlfriend
Snow cutie!
We had tons of fun with Ethan and Cianna. We played Heads Up and there were several scavenger hunts that were a big hit. And of course, Frozen II dance parties
Saint Go-Fish with Cianna
There were a lot of selfies
and then Sophie wanted to take pics of me.
and of Cianna
and of Nick
And...yeah pretty much everyone.
Here's Ethan
Aren't they cute??
Celebrating Our Lady of Lourdes
the blueberries were supposed to be the blue sash. Crepes were her dress and they're French...
praying with my beautiful rosary that my friend got me from Lourdes.
Check out these icicles!
Valentine's Day!
Kolbe's made up songs are great
Elise's veil for her First Holy Communion (made by her sweet Aunt Laura) arrived in the mail!
Saying good-bye to our sweet neighbor who moved
It's the cutest when they fall asleep together.
And he elbows her in the face.
and she sleeps through it.
The Blessed is She Lent journal was AMAZING!!
amazing work being done at our former parish
Icon of the Annunciation
Some daffodils popping up.
February held some sunshine!
Knight's Gala
Dan and Sarah
Fun with our Knight's family
These two worked so hard to make it awesome!
such a great group
It was just so much fun.
I wish there was a gala every month. Good people, good stories, good food, laughter, and dancing. Yep, sign me up.
