Be sure to visit Jen at Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!
{One}
My great escape was wonderful, lovely, and so needed. There were so many little fruits of going away that could never be accurately confined to words alone. Experiencing God in His created world – apart from the hustle and bustle of technology – is just something you have to experience for yourself. He will teach you and show you different things than He did for me. If you open your heart to experiencing Him, He will flood your heart and soul. Be sure to read “the Stillness” in which I talk about my getaway (and share some lovely pictures!).
{Two}
I’ve done Advent the Catholic way. Translation: I am SO not ready for Christmas, at least in the material sense. Many presents have yet to be bought/made/otherwise acquired. I’ve spent so much time focusing on Advent, not listening to Christmas music yet (a HUGE victory for me), and preparing my heart and soul for the coming of the Christ child that I’ve basically neglected all shopping for others. Time to get creative!
{Three}
I just have to share a few more pictures from my trip. I decided (on a whim, which is pretty typical for me) to drive out to Pine Bluffs, WY to see a 30 foot statue of Our Lady of Peace because I read a tiny blurb about it in a travel magazine upon arriving at my hotel in Cheyenne. (I am so much like my grandmother in this sense!) Out at the statue there were Stations of the Cross. When photographed from the right angle (so as to avoid capturing the RV/trailer park in the background) they came out pretty awesome, if I do say so myself!
{Four}
National Catholic Register. I got a shout-out last week for my post about Mary! What up?! (Third one on the page, and a mention in the title, so I’ll say it again, what up?!)
{Five}
I don’t like blog clutter. I read a lot of blogs (shocking, I know). I’ll read a lot of things, but I definitely prefer blogs that aren’t cluttered with stuff up and down the sides. I just want to read the blog, and if I like it then I’ll surf around their site. That isn’t to say that there aren’t good things that come from the cluttered blogs, but my slightly-ADD brain prefers less clutter, more clean and efficient designs. Expect to see less clutter and some design changes coming up soon (see also the new “About Me” banner on the upper right side and the new “Writing & Guest Posts” page under the “About” section – now you can quickly locate all of my other writing projects and guest posts!).
{Six}
Song of the week is…“Don’t Be Afraid” by Tyrone Wells. The video below is an acoustic recording, but it is lovely nonetheless. I mentioned Tyrone’s new album in last week’s Quick Takes. His music is just so very, very good. This song is so comforting to me, especially after the rough week I’ve had. (Not to mention that I may have slightly freaked out the first time I heard it and found the Scripture reference in it, can you find it?)
{Seven}
Back to Biblical goodness this week. Somehow I’m miraculously 4-ish days ahead in my Catechism reading, I just start reading and don’t feel like putting it down!
“In you, Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice rescue and deliver me; listen to me and save me! Be my rock and refuge, my secure stronghold; for you are my rock and fortress. My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked, from the clutches of the violent. You are my hope, Lord; my trust, God, from my youth.” – Psalm 71:1-5
Like I said, this was a pretty rough week with some serious spiritual struggles and battles going on and this psalm (which came from this Wednesday’s readings) has given me great comfort.
Until next time (provided that the world doesn’t end…) 😉