7 Quick Takes

--- 1 ---

Last week's 'Engaging  Young Church Conference' went really REALLY well. It was the first time I presented my lesson plan on Homosexuality to a group of professionals (twice! Yikes!).  You never know how something like that is going to go, and I had asked for lots of prayers in advance.  And...it ended up being really REALLY successful.  I love that the Holy Spirit has guided this particular lesson plan and I love that I am going to be able to continue to present it.  Talk about a need in our Church!  This week, I am facilitated two retreats with my buddy in BOLD MINISTRY crime, and speaking at a retreat.  Did I mention I had a kid 3.5 weeks ago?  Someone didn't plan their life very realistically, so this week is bound to be interesting.  The good news? I am psyched about all these opportunities!  Woot woot!

--- 2 ---

lil A
courtesy of Russ Wasylyshyn

I wrote about this on 'the facebook' but thought I would further reflect here. Lil' A and I got to go to Mass on the Feast of the Guardian all by ourselves (well, our Guardian Angels came with us). It was so awesome.  First, turns out the little dude is somewhat capable of behaving without his two brothers to distract him, and he even did the sign of the cross and said Amen!  WHAT?!?!  Plus, I was able to vaguely aware of the readings and even had a hot second or two to pray. I have decided I might try to do the Daily Mass thing once a week, rotating children.  Today is the Feast of St. Francis- maybe I'll bring John Paul Francis tonight!  In other Lil' A news, he still takes my breath away sometimes when I look at him and think that with God, Big and I created something so stunning (Sorry, it's true).

--- 3 ---

Speaking of Francis...you guys, Pope Francis is REALLY challenging me. Like, to the point where my head hurts.  My family doesn't live a super extravagant lifestyle, but we don't exactly live super simply either.  Pope Francis's view on poverty and the poor is jolting actually and I am not sure how to apply it on our lives.  The husband and I spoke about it for awhile yesterday.  Poverty and simplicity is a tricky thing....understanding to what level we are called to live it within our little family is super tricky. I am going to continue to wrestle with the words of our Pontiff.  But one thing is clear, the poor must be fed, clothed, housed and given healthcare...and it is our duty as Christians to ensure this, judgment free and without relying on our political systems.

--- 4 ---

Speaking of.. the Affordable Health Care Act (or obama care, or the other really long name) is a really hot topic this week.  Big A did some research.  A family of four, living on $90,000 is entitled to a tax credit under this law.  My family is entitled to a tax credit as well.  So, there's that.  Aaron was writing about the absurdity of this situation, and was challenged on 'the facebook' by a woman claiming that in some parts of the country $90,000 for a family of four is not enough money...good to know we are not entrenched in our entitlements at this point ;)

--- 5 ---

We watched this movie, 'Seeking a Friend for the End of the World' this week.  And while I didn't love the whole movie (it was just eh...) the ending scene was absolutely beautiful.  SPOILER ALERT- STOP READING IF YOU ARE GOING TO WATCH THIS MOVIE.  It was the couple, laying in bed, just looking at each other before an asteroid hit the earth to end civilization.  The girl was very scared, but she just kept looking into the eyes of the love of her life and found comfort.  I often think about dying and how scary that last moment will be (thank God for the Hail Mary, right!?!?), maybe I can die at the exact same moment as Aaron and we can hold hands as we approach our final judgment?  no?  yes?  maybe?  Well, one can hope.

--- 6 ---

Our newest kid is awesome, but a few nights ago, he had a really rough time sleeping (this is NOT normal, he pretty much eats, sleeps, stares and then repeats the process).  So I was up with him, a LOT . Around three in the morning, I remembered that some bloggers had talked about sound machines being helpful with sleep and babies.  Anyway, in my sleepy state, I downloaded not one, not two, but three sleep machine apps on my iphone.  I woke up the next morning, shocked to see my downloading activity!  I probs didn't need three, but man, are they fun.

--- 7 ---

I am writing my Quick Takes and my Joseph Michael just comes up to me and snuggles. I mean the really good kind of snuggle. The snuggle that starts first with a kiss and then burying the head in your neck. I am so blessed friends.  So very blessed by my three boys and husband.  sigh...

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