Busy but Blessed

It has been a busy but blessed week.

Most every day from Monday to Friday has been spent across the street
with three of the most beautiful kids in the world.
Running around with strollers, bottle feeding, building blocks, fun!

Days of playing nanny and mother's helper from 8:15-4:30
doesn't leave much time or energy for anything else,
but as I told a friend, it doesn't matter all that much in the end.
God's will, God's providence, has placed me here,
given me these things to do, and if I can do them with love, that is enough.
And over the last two weeks, I have been learning to love what I do.
God has given me a growth in confidence,
more than I had when I started out
trying to fill my sister's shoes in that household.
May He be blessed forever!

Today, on my day 'off', I spent several hours
helping out at a yard sale for the local Woman to Woman crisis pregnancy center.
I was a little bit nervous about this, but in the end it was a very good experience.
It was wonderful to see so many different people, and to pray for them,
and to know that a few hours of my service could make a difference in the life of a woman in need.
So I am exceedingly grateful to the woman who not only put it all together,
but also invited me to help out with the children's games,
and also to my mother, who not only helped make some of the games better,
but also baked the best chocolate chip cookies ever.

Home again, I found this beautiful video on In the Heart of my Home.

Just beautiful. The last few moments sent chills down my back.

That's enough for now...
I have to look at the Mass readings for tomorrow,
listen to Word to Life,
and work on a surprise for my littlest sister (something I got for a donation at the yard sale)

Sweet Jesus, Jesus Love,
before I go, a few words, please.
I ask that You bless all the kids and families who came to the yard sale,
all the volunteers and people who contributed to this day in any way.
Bless also the women who will benefit from the proceeds, Lord,
You know what they need, and will give it.
My Jesus, I love You.
My Jesus, I trust in You.
My Jesus, I adore You!

Praise be to God
for the grace of this day,
for the grace of this week,
and for the promise that next week holds in store (including more nanny work!)

Giving thanks after Irene

Giving thanks today...

for the gifts and graces of this beautiful weekend and day:

-sharing laughs with family over the escapades of Sister Bertrille + co.
-babysitting one of God's most precious little angels : : she lives and I am blessed : : hidden grace
-reading the Word on the bridge as she slept in her stroller : : more peace in my soul than I'd had in days
-I sang my favorite songs to her, not embarrassed or self-conscious at all : :  moonless night : : home safe
-F's move to college went well
-the mystery of God's will and providence making good out of my failure : : new arrangement for girls' room
-We made it safely through the storm : : the basement did not flood : : K'nex on this side, Legos on the other
-his gentle reminder that I need to be more patient
-understanding her and loving her more : : good neighbors "roughing it" together
-deep sleep in the pitch dark : : morning dawning beautiful and clear
-the example of John the Baptist, whose feast day is today: "I must decrease, and He must increase!"
-morning clean-up teamwork: : oreos, melted ice-cream, + cherries as a snack for hungry workers
-Our Lady's Statue is back in the garden!
-power came back quicker than expected : : enjoying the luxury of a hot shower at home! : : internet access

Joining the Gratitude Community at A Holy Experience today and every Monday:

 

Blessed be God forever!