The Simple Life

I have to admit first and foremost that I was inspired by something said in the homily I heard yesterday but here goes, I hope my jumble of thoughts and words make sense.

Father was talking about what Mary, Mother of God, was doing when the Gabriel came to her. He noted that throughout history there has most commonly been depictions of Mary kneeling and reading her Torah. Which got Chris and I thinking, would she really of had her own copy? But that's besides the point! In reality Mary could of been doing numerous things, and it was most likely something "menial" like sweeping the floor or helping with a meal.

This stirred up a debate between Chris and I. There was some discussion about whether or not this "down played" Mary, hence what got my little wheels a turning!!!

It got me thinking about what I would be doing if one of God's messengers appeared to me to tell me I was going to help change history and the lives of all of His people, from now till the end of time. Unfortunately, the best I could come up with was watching TV, checking my emails or running around trying to finish one of the many tasks on my never ending TO DO List, I mean we all of one of those don't we (even if you're not planning a wedding)?

Which again got me thinking! Oh, the wheels are a turning! Those of you who know me know that I spent some time living in Canada, staying at an apostolate there. To me one of the most beautiful things about Madonna House was their simplicity. There are no TV's (well one but it didn't get watched except when JPII died), no Wi-Fi, and the only thing on your TO DO list was to be in the moment with the people around you, whether that be your daily work, prayer or mass. There wasn't worry about what was for dinner because everything we ate was either grown on the farm or donated by the generosity of someone else. The biggest lesson I learned there however is that your work IS a prayer. I learned to pray even sweeping the floor, something as simple a prayer as Lord, please bless all of those who walk across this floor. I have found though that once I returned to "the real world" that I forgot to pray UNCEASINGLY, as I had once done, as Mary did.

Stick with me here, it will become full circle here in a moment ( I hope).

If the Mother of God can do something as humble and as simple as sweeping the floor and the Angel of God appears to her, why can't we strive to be simple too? You hear about families who don't have television and we all wonder, what do they do with their time or for fun, it must get so boring! What I ponder now is, how rich their lives must be!

I am giving myself a Christmas gift, a challenge. Find the simplicity in life, the richness of it all and to pray without ceasing. And if for some reasoning beyond recollection a messenger of God appears to me, I will be able to say with certainty that I was not watching TV and wasting my time but hopefully doing something enriching for myself and others.

The "perfect" man

As usual, of most little girls turned young women, I dreamt of the day I would find my Romeo, my night in shining armor, my future husband. Now those of you who know me know that I kissed a lot of frogs, hoping to find my forever in one of them. All the while my friends and Mom wiped away my tears after each one and they told me about how one day I'd find the perfect man. My mother especially reassuring me I'd discover a guy who would find my snort adorable, along with all my other quirks.
Now I will tell you I wanted to believe them all, sure I'd find that guy one day. All the while in the back of my head thinking what I'd really have to do was settle for someone who didn't find me completely annoying.

Well after many bad dates and lots of inpatient patience, I did stumble across that man. What I am finding along the way ( 15 months into our relationship and 6 months into our engagement) is that he is perfect.... for me. NONE of us are perfect and we can't search for someone who is, they DO NOT exist. But finding the one who is perfect for you.... (to be cheesy is) PRICELESS.

I know that Chris finds my snort adorable and listens ( and I'm sure silently laughs) at my random spatting of statistics. He loves me for exactly who I am and we are learning to love the other's hobbies too. I have gone to the airport to watch planes take off and land more than I can count and find myself watching to see if they are in a holding pattern or not. But probably the cutest thing, and made me laugh the hardest was this..

I am a lover of books, Chris .. not so much. I asked if he would ever listen to an audiobook with me and he said no thanks, that he wouldn't like it. Well with my parents being several hours away and us taking trips there, I snuck a book I hadn't  quite finished in the car. He obliged and let me listen, I told him it would only be til it got to a slow part, then we could turn on the radio. Well when it was time to turn it off, he said "no no we can keep listening". Now if you've ever listened to an audiobook, they tend to be longer than our trips to Tennessee and back. So this particular book we finished together over a couple of evenings. WELL the last trip we took to Tennessee, we were MINUTES from finishing but we were EXHAUSTED. So we turned it off and the next day when I asked when he wanted to finish he tells me, "oh I already did, it just turned on when I was headed to work this morning..."
I could help but laugh. I couldn't believe he has finished without me, the guy who doesn't listen to audiobooks, but how could I be mad?

Long story short.... The perfect man isn't perfect but he's perfect for you.

"Glorified Housewife"

It was not too long ago that I came back from doing mission work in Canada (before N. Dakota) and was talking with someone about my experience. They told me I had gone up there to just be a "glorified housewife", the comparison being - I was "unpaid" and doing laundry, cooking, ect. They didn't understand. For a long time this comment didn't sit right with me. How do you explain to someone that you are doing what God is asking you to do, even if it is "just laundry". No, I don't have a college education or a super high paying job and I don't drive a fancy car but I do find happiness and joy in where God is taking me.
Regardless, the comment has always been in the back of my mind. Especially now that I am a nanny, and was highlighted when I called to try and get a loan for a car and the woman said, "well you are JUST a nanny". Well just the other day it all came together for me.
 I am called, by God, to be a Glorified Housewife, a housewife for the GLORY of God. 

Every moment of my life has been leading me to my calling. From my parents way of raising me (even though I hated it while it was happening, not understanding why I had so many rules) to every other aspect in my life. Always being drawn to Our Lady, the ultimate "housewife" and mother. Mission work, learning to make things last, being organize and making do with what you are given. Culinary school, being able to cook and the always love that I have had for preparing meals. The list goes on and on...
So this comment, though not meant in a good way at the time, has made it's beautiful full circle. Realizing that it truly is my calling to be a Glorified Housewife.

Watching Airplanes

Chris and I went to the downtown airport a couple nights ago and sat on the trunk of the car and watched the lights and the planes take off. It was perfect and just what we needed. I was shocked that we were able to even sit outside, it's been so stinkin' hot here, but the night was cool and inviting. It was amazing to me how such a simple outing was so peaceful and relaxing. We often think to see God in the big moments in our lives, but it was in that small moment that we shared that I really thought about how much and how often God does bless our lives.
So having said that, I have to quote one of my favorite saints
"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." - Mother Teresa

Peace and Tranquility

I was thinking about this prayer today, I think most people have heard it.I was pondering what would happen if we all lived our lives this way. 
1:We would be asking God, our creator, to guide us. I'm pretty sure it doesn't get any better than that.
2: We would be taking on acceptance. I don't think, and maybe I'm just plain wrong, but I don't think we can reach this peace and tranquility, without some sort of acceptance. I believe that our world today is telling us we should just want more and more and more and more. Wanting what God wants for our lives is the ultimate goal, not having everything the world has to offer.
3: Wisdom could enlighten us. Wisdom to know the difference. I think that sometimes you can chalk wisdom up to something as simple gut feeling, that doesn't feel right, or I feel like this is the right thing to do. 
Peace and Tranquility .... does anyone really reach for this goal anymore or are we reaching for pieces and treasures?

MORE PLEASE!

After writing last night about God giving us what we need and how He often gives us what we want too, I got to thinking, WOW is there a LOT I want! I was called today and offered the job position that I applied and interviewed for with the county library here. After saying yes, I got to thinking, is this really what I want, is this what God is showing me to do? I mean it puts me working when Chris is off work, it's only part time, and it will be just working the circulation desk (a fraction of what I did at the La Veta Library). Will I like it, will I get bored....all of these many things are racing through my mind, when I finally stopped myself and realized.....

THIS IS WHAT I ASKED FOR!!!!!!!!!!

Me, what I asked for! A job and I got it, so why on earth am I letting my mind wander and think but but but (whining like a child who hasn't gotten their way)!!!!

So as they say I am going to put on my big girl panties! And taking this opportunity for all it's worth! I mean I can work less than full time, fill up my car, fill my belly, pay my bills and have a little extra to go with it. Besides, HELLO I have a wedding to plan, that takes time!!! God indeed does give you exactly what you need, and a lot of what you want.

Red Pants

God does not ask much of us but there is one thing He asks us to do with all our hearts, minds, and souls and that is to LOVE Him. I would think the next greatest thing He asks of us is to trust Him. I know that not many of us can trust those we " know" so why on earth would we trust in one we cannot see? What  I  do know is that when you start to trust, that's when all the blessings start to pour down.
I was reminded today of a story a friend told me once. She said when she was a teen all she wanted was a pair of red pants! I know I know you're thinking silly, red pants really? Well she did, and she prayed for those red pants. Long story short, she got the red pants. And if I remember correctly, she was actually given the red pants as a hand me down and they fit perfectly :)
I guess my point is, that God, even when we don't know how to trust completely gives us everything we need and oftentimes some of what we want, even if it is just a pair of red pants.

18 days and counting!

WOW O WOW!! Time is flying!!! We have 18 days left here, and 13 days of school! HOLY COW!!

I was initially a little concerned that the last couple of weeks would go slow SLOW slow! But total opposite!! We have an Appreciation Dinner tomorrow night, put on by the PTO. Then Friday we have a half day and our 3rd grade class is receiving first Holy Communion and Confirmation, that evening. 

My awesome roommate and I are going to finally do what we said we would ,and are headed to Canada on Saturday. We're only 10 miles away, so it would seem silly not to!

Next week we have a field trip to Bismark and Field Day on Friday! No idea weekend plans, although it's Chris' birthday on the 22nd and his surprise will finally be revealed!

THEN THE LAST AND FINAL WEEK OF SCHOOL! We have another Field Trip to Minot on Tuesday, Awards on Wednesday and my 6th graders will graduate Thursday Night. 

So so many things happening and I am thankful for that. I hope the rest of my time here goes quickly, smoothy and continues to be fruitful.

On May 29th Chris arrives, and then we're off to South Carolina for good!

Wish us luck and lots of prayers!

97 days.....

Wow, so in some ways it came very quickly, in others it did not!! But I have less than 100 days here in North Dakota. Since getting back from my little holiday, spent in Tennessee with my parents and Greenville meeting Chris' family, things have been busier than before I left! I have taken over several classes that another volunteer was teaching, who did not stay for this semester. So I've been a busy beaver with that! As well as preparing to leave. Yes I know I know I'm a planner!!! But I've been working on my resume, looking at jobs and apartments in Greenville, as well as maintaining life here in Belcourt.

I know I've not written for on this blog for awhile and I'm not sure if I will continue it when I leave..... but I still have my other blog, www.onceiread.blogspot.com and I know I will continue with that one.
Hope everyone is well!!!
Jordan