I Want to Quit Homeschooling

Never, ever, ever, ever, NEVER make homeschooling decisions in January or February.  Here is a great article explaining why:

"I Want To Quit Homeschooling," by Heidi St. John

....You're not alone.  Remember, when there was one set of footprints in the sand, "it was then that I carried you."

....You're not failing.  Remember, however, that some days you might just feel a little frail.  Everyone has ups and downs, peaks and valleys.  Go read Hind's Feet on High Places and be reassured in how very much God really does have every hair on your pert little head counted and every need you have already engraved in His heart.

....You're not missing some Great And Magical Perfect Thing that you, "should," be doing or teaching your kids.  Remember, the Catholic Church teaches us that parents are the primary educators of their children (CCC 2229) and that YOU, therefore, are uniquely filled with grace and qualified to teach the children God has given you.  How and what you teach them naturally can vary from kid to kid and even from semester to semester.  Allow your own curriculum to account for this.

I just want to encourage anyone out there who might be shuffling along, when what you really want is a spring in your step!  Rejoice and be glad!  The Savior of the world has been born (it IS still technically the Christmas season!) for YOU and your family.

And He will take care of you!  Can I get an, "Amen!"

12 Days of Christmas Calendar

Here it is, just in time!  The 12 Days of Christmas coloring calendar!  You can click this link to access the file as a .jpg to print and color.  Merry Christmas!  Enjoy!

Figgy Pudding, Stollen, and Tamales

Knowledge Quest generously has shared a free, 30+ page, recipe booklet, download with Christmas recipes from around the world to augment your holiday table next week.  Here's the link.  Enjoy!

Figgy Pudding, Stollen, and Tamales: Gathering the World Around Your Christmas Table

O Antiphons...for Your 'Fridge!

Here is a lovely, one-page sheet on the O Antiphons by Michelle Quigley, perfect for taping up on your 'fridge, kitchen pantry door, bathroom mirror, or wherever you will see it most often to read the brief meditation thereon.

O Antiphons - In Brief

Beginning on December 17th, as the final phase of preparation for Christmas, the Church recites or chants the O Antiphons preceding the Magnificat during Vespers of the Liturgy of the Hours. The O Antiphons express the Church's longing and expectation for the Messiah, her startled wonderment at the fullness of grace which the Christ-Child is about to bestow on the world. Their theme is the majesty of the Savior, His wisdom, His faithfulness and sanctity, His justice and mercy, His covenant with His chosen people, who in their ingratitude broke faith with Him. They are concerned with His power and love as King and Redeemer of the world, His relation to every soul as Emmanuel, God-with-us. (source: With Christ Through the Year by Bernard Strasser)

According to Professor Robert Greenberg of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the Benedictine monks arranged these antiphons with a definite purpose. If one starts with the last title and takes the first letter of each one — Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia — the Latin words ero cras are formed, meaning, “Tomorrow, I will come.” Therefore, the Lord Jesus, whose coming we have prepared for in Advent and whom we have addressed in these seven Messianic titles, now speaks to us, “Tomorrow, I will come.” So the “O Antiphons” not only bring intensity to our Advent preparation, but bring it to a joyful conclusion. (source: Fr. William Saunders, the Catholic Education Resource Center [CERC})

There also is a nice meditation and explanation of the O Antiphons over at the CERC by Fr. Roger J. Landry.  You can find it here.
 
Lastly, the book pictured above, The O Antiphons: Poetry, Reflection, and Song to Being the Season of Advent, is from Grace Episcopal Church, but much of its content is gleaned from the aforementioned Fr. William Saunders at the Catholic Education Resource Center!  It's a really beautiful PDF that you can download for your private prayer.  It's only 18 pages and that's including the full hymns -- an easy devotion nightly! Enjoy!

O Antiphons Bible Study

(This post is from an invitation to read about the "O Antiphons," which began today, during Advent with Thomas Smith as part of The Great Adventure, a Bible study for Catholics!)

The titles of Christ in the O Antiphons have been invoked by the Church for at least 1,300 years. The Medieval monasteries would ring their largest bell as the choirs of monks intoned Mary’s Magnificat and these Advent antiphons. All seven can be found in the oracles of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, who gives us many memorable images of the Messiah. They are rich meditations on the One who is to come.

Although there are seven titles in the O Antiphons, only one has remained firmly in popular Christian culture, thanks to an Advent hymn: O Come, O Come Emmanuel. This Messianic title is the final of the seven O Antiphons. To help us pray and even SING these beautiful prayers, Thomas Smith uses a translation that matches that familiar Advent melody. The other titles are O Wisdom, O Lord, O Root of Jesse, O Key of David, O Light, and O King of the Nations.

Join us for What's in a Name? Reflections on the O Antiphons with Thomas Smith as we prepare for Christ’s coming and kinship by meditating on his names. This free 10 Minute Study began December 16th and ends December 23. Enjoy!

Little Sisters of the Poor and the HHS Mandate

The government abortion/contraception mandate (the so-called, "HHS mandate,") has receded from the forefront of news headlines.  But, once again, it is about to rear its ugly head in threat to the good conscience of Catholics everywhere, this time against the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Here is an explanation from EdMechmann, Director of Public Policy for the Archdiocese of New York:

    Three federal appeals courts have heard cases brought by religious non-profit organizations, challenging the so-called "accommodation" (see my blog, explaining this "accommodation": http://blog.archny.org/steppingout/?p=3276).  Unfortunately, all three courts have ruled against the religious organizations (which included the University of Notre Dame, the Michigan Catholic Conference, Priests for Life, and the Archdiocese of Washington DC).  While there have been many lower court rulings against the HHS mandate and accommodation, these rulings by appellate courts (which are just one step below the Supreme Court) are very troubling.

    

    The next major court battle is just around the corner.  On December 8th  the Little Sisters of the Poor will have their day in court in the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver.  This is a critical moment.  The Little Sisters present perhaps the best and clearest example of a religious organization that is faced with an existential threat by the HHS mandate (see my explanation here: http://blog.archny.org/steppingout/?p=3076).  A victory by the Little Sisters will send a clear message to the Supreme Court, and will increase the chances that other religious non-profits will be protected from the ruinous fines that would be imposed under the HHS mandate.  A defeat could subject the Little Sisters to as much as $50 million in fines for following their conscience -- that would put them out of business, and also send an ominous message about the future of religious liberty in America.

    

    Sincerely in Christ,

    Edward T.Mechmann, Esq.

    Director of Public Policy

    Archdiocese of NewYork

And here is some encouragement from the Respect Life Coordinator for the Archdiocese of New York:

    

    I would urge you to spread word of this via all social media outlets (e.g. Facebook and Twitter).  It is vitally important that we show our support for the Little Sisters of the Poor http://www.littlesistersofthepoor.org/ and pray for the attorneys who will be representing them at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty http://www.becketfund.org/littlesisters/  and also pray for wisdom for the three judges who will be hearing their case.   If you are able to offer some form of fast/sacrifice for this intention that would be great.

    

    Finally, since December 8th is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, let us ask our Lady, Patroness of the United States of America, to powerfully intercede to protect our nation and its God given freedoms.  For prayer resources see http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/prayer-resources.cfm 

    

    Thank you and God bless you.

    

    Sr. Lucy Marie

    Respect LifeCoordinator

    Archdiocese of New York

    1011 First Ave, 7th floor

    New York, NY  10022

    646-794-3192

    Mon-Thurs 9:45am-4:45pm

The Anticipation of Advent

Catholic Sistas has posted here a wide variety of articles, lists, tips, and simple ideas for making your Advent less focused on materialism and more focused on the coming of the Christ Child, Our Savior!  There's something here for everyone, without overwhelming your life and your Advent season with, "one more thing to do."

Take a deep breath, turn a blind eye to the visual, decorative cacophony in the stores, and quiet your soul in the peaceful presence of the Prince of Peace Himself.  Focus on Our Lord, the Infant Jesus.  Let Our Lady gently guide you to the Manger, drawing you ever closer to the Sacred Heart of her Son, Jesus!

Vive Jesu!

Your Handy-Dandy List to an Intentional Advent

Kerry Baunach over at Catholic Sistas has posted a lovely list of, "Your Handy-Dandy List to an Intentional Advent," filled with both easy and more intensive ways to make your Advent a spiritually enriching time of preparation for the coming of the Christ Child.  Enjoy!

Vouchsafe, OMG

Allison H. over at, "Catholic Sistas," wrote a beautiful, succinct blog post last year about the St. Andrew's Christmas Novena, "where the theological truths of our Holy Faith crash like waves upon the rocky shores of our real lives."  You can read it quickly here:

http://www.catholicsistas.com/2013/12/23/vouchsafe-omg/

Are you still praying your novena?  Remember, 15 times a day can seem overwhelming, so you always can break it up into five recitations, three different times throughout the day, etc.

Blessed Advent to you and those whom you love!

Hail and blessed by the hour and moment
in which the Son of God was born
of the most pure Virgin Mary,
at midnight,
in Bethlehem,
in piercing cold.
In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God,
to hear my prayers
and grant my desires,
through the merits of our Savior,
Jesus Christ,
and of His Blessed Mother.
Amen.

Christmas Novena - START TODAY!

While a novena is normally a nine-day [or nine hour] prayer, the term sometimes is used for any prayer that is repeated over a series of days. The Saint Andrew Christmas Novena is often called simply the "Christmas Novena" or the "Christmas Anticipation Prayer," because it is prayed 15 times every day from the Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle (November 30th) until Christmas. The First Sunday of Advent is the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saint Andrew.

The novena is not actually addressed to Saint Andrew, but to God Himself, asking Him to grant our request in the honor of the birth of His Son at Christmas. You can say the prayer all 15 times, all at once, or divide up the recitation as necessary (perhaps five times at each meal).

Prayed as a family, the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena is a very good way to help focus the attention of your children on the Advent season.

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.

(source: by Scott P. Richert at Catholicism.about.com)

Christmas Novena - START TOMORROW!

While a novena is normally a nine-day [or nine hour] prayer, the term sometimes is used for any prayer that is repeated over a series of days. The Saint Andrew Christmas Novena is often called simply the "Christmas Novena" or the "Christmas Anticipation Prayer," because it is prayed 15 times every day from the Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle (November 30th) until Christmas. The First Sunday of Advent is the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saint Andrew.

The novena is not actually addressed to Saint Andrew, but to God Himself, asking Him to grant our request in the honor of the birth of His Son at Christmas. You can say the prayer all 15 times, all at once, or divide up the recitation as necessary (perhaps five times at each meal).

Prayed as a family, the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena is a very good way to help focus the attention of your children on the Advent season.

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.

(source: by Scott P. Richert at Catholicism.about.com)

Christmas - Just a Peek!

It's here.  The absolute avalanche of recommended "preparations" for Christmas.  From Jesse trees to Christmas shopping, from decorating to baking, from Advent countdowns to spiritual reading, there are a plethora of resources out there to help you "prepare" for the Coming Of Christ.  And often, people place the visual, decorative preparations as if they are diametrically opposed to the interior, spiritual preparations.

Not me.

One year, I attempted the virtuous practice of banning the majority of Christmas decorations and paraphernalia until Christmas Day.  This works for some families.  Their lives remain uncomplicated and focused on the coming of Christ by making their surroundings calm and uncomplicated in the weeks leading up to celebrating His birth.

Not me.

One year, I tried this.

It was.  The worst.  Advent.  Ever.  For our entire family.  EVER!

(Almost as bad as the year I gave up chocolate for Lent.  Whew.  Bad idea.  Not pretty.  Good thing I didn't do them both in the same year!)

As a Catholic, I am enormously grateful for the visual richness of our Faith!  Our historical churches are filled with statues, stained glass, and breath-taking architecture, all of which tell the Scriptural and Traditional stories of our Faith for what was once a largely illiterate human population.  Visual beauty in our churches provides a worthy inspiration on which to meditate and place ourselves completely -- body and soul -- in the Presence Of God.  It raises our eyes, our minds, our hearts, and our souls to the True Artist, the Author Of All Beauty.

God.

At Christmas, God's Only Begotten Son became present among us.  We believe and pray this every day around lunchtime at our house when we pray the Angelus:  "The Word was made Flesh. [all bow] And dwelt among us."

Similarly in our house, before Christmas, we rejoice in the anticipation of His coming by leaving no horizontal surface bare.  Anywhere our eyes rest, there is something of beauty to remind us of Him.

The creche, with its manger empty, though filled with a bedding of fresh hay, waiting to cradle His soft, warm, newborn baby's body.

The pine boughs, fragrant and evergreen, their pungency pleasantly reminding us of the eternal life His coming promises that we may share with Him.

The tiny, flickering, dipping flames of the Advent candles, touching the kitchen -- the soul of our home -- with a soft, suffused light in the evenings, just as He will touch our souls with the gentle light of His grace.  If we let Him.


All in all, by Christmas, our house is bedecked and bespangled to the rafters.  Alert.  Readying.  Waiting.  Hoping.  With barely restrained JOY*!  We look forward to the coming of the Greatest Guest Of All - JESUS!

This Christmas, take a page from the book of the early evangelists to the British Isles, especially Ireland, the sole country wherein Christianity was accepted without the bloodshed of its messengers.  In Scotland and Ireland, countless pagan Celtic traditions were washed anew and imbued with Christian significance.

Do the same in your own home.  As you prepare for Christmas, make every tiny touch something infused with His grace, His significance, His gifts, His coming.  Be reminded of HIM at every turn!

The picture of the candy cane and roses centerpiece above is a simple little gift of an idea from me to you!  The red roses remind me of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  And the candy canes originally were made to be a "J" for Jesus, with the white candy representing His purity and the red representing His Precious Blood.

This is a quick-cheap-'n-easy centerpiece, perfect for so many places!  Pop it on the table before your treasured family and friends arrive to share a meal.  Place it in front of a favorite statue in your home (ours is the Sacred Heart!).  Or maybe make one up as a house-warming gift for someone you love, whom you are visiting.  The possibilities are endless for this simple yet creative piece.

This Christmas, let the light of Christ reach every corner of your heart and your home by transforming your physical surroundings into a visual symphony of JOY!  Joy in the coming of Him, the Light of the World, the Mighty God, the Prince of Peace!

* = JOY (JESUS first, OTHERS next, YOURSELF last)

Advent Coloring Calendar

Inspired by similar Lenten paths, I drew for you today an "Advent Coloring Calendar," to enjoy coloring with your children, grandchildren, nieces, or nephews.  (C'mon, admit it -- YOU enjoy coloring sometimes, too!)  The First Sunday of Advent is next weekend...ALREADY!

May Our Lady be your Joy this Advent as she leads you through the Rosary, drawing you ever closer to the manger and the Sacred Heart of her Son, the Infant Jesus, the Prince of Peace!  Vive Jesu!

Enjoy!  :-D

The Virtues of Minimalism

I doubt anyone who's ever been to my house would describe me as a minimalist.  Ever.  As a matter of fact, the opposite is true.  I seem to be a bit of a, um, an accumulator, shall we say?  Almost zealously an organized string-saver.  And a sentimental one, at that.  Talented, however.  "A functional hoarder," my husband maintains.  I decorate with most of it and justify the rest by organizing it into well-labeled boxes and bins.

But, after our recent move over 700 miles with two full size moving trucks, I'm sure my dear husband wishes I weren't so attached to...things.  And quite so many of them.

In some ways, so do I.

Oh, I'm not ready to part with my great uncle's paintings or my late father's favorite shoes yet.  But now, after experiencing first hand the effort it takes to MOVE one's belongings, I have a much greater appreciation for my husband's utter and nearly complete detachment from...things.  Items.  Stuff.  Belongings.

Baggage.  Literally.

(No, I'm not kidding.  I have two sets of luggage and haven't traveled in years.)

It seems that at no prior time in human history has there been a society wherein its individuals were such colossal collectors of clutter!  And I am one of them.  It's a byproduct of America's staggering general wealth, compared with the rest of the known world.  Just look around.  Look around your own home and see the piles -- literally small heaps huddled about -- of papers, books, clothing, toys, pillows, shoes, etc.

So, perhaps it's time to pare down.  A bit.  But, how does one purge?  Where on earth does one start!?  Especially when faced with numerous colossal heaps like mine?

Well, as a dear friend of mine likes to say, "How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time."

Amidst the overwhelming avalanche of, "Clear Out The Clutter!" advice out there (which, personally, just makes my brain feel even more cluttered), I found a very quick, simple link (Pinterest, baby!) to a list of, "20 Things You Can Get Rid of Without Even Missing."

http://www.ticoandtina.com/20-things-can-get-rid-without-even-missing/#_a5y_p=2579245

The list is simple, divided up by rooms, only two or three sentences per item.  No calendars.  No arduous 40-day schedules.  No household colonoscopy preparations.  No goals to feel guilty about, because you fell short.

And if you're not sure whether or not to purge something, try my personal tactic of putting the item(s) in a black garbage bag in the garage for six months.  Tape a slip of paper on the bag with today's date.  If, in six months, you haven't fetched back or needed the item(s) (or even remember what's in that bag!), then tell yourself it's time to let the contents of that bag bless someone else's life and throw it in the front seat of your car to donate it quickly to your nearest charity or thrift shop.

Believe me, you'll be amazed and thrilled with the fresh air, new space, and light that literally will swirl through your heart and your home when you clear out even just a few things that you truly don't need.

Either that, or your kids are gonna have one helluva yard sale when you're gone.  Don't worry, I won't be there though.  I've already been told I'm grounded.  Forever.

See you at the church thrift shop drop off!