Entering into battle :: prayers requested

My FIL had his appointment with his oncologist today.  The news wasn't great.  He's pain has been increasing for weeks now.  Pain that has been unbearable, but somehow he bears it.  There have been telling signs leading to today's news.  And now we know.

The battle against the cancer is renewed.  He'll restart treatment this month.  It'll be aggressive and more than likely weaken him.

Would you please pray!

Prayers for healing...

Prayers for strength...

Prayers for peace...

Prayers for acceptance....

For your faithful servant:

Precious Lord Jesus, I thank you for your enduring love. You came into the world to set me free from the power of darkness. You embraced a violent death on the cross to pay the penalty on my behalf. You suffered the scourging at the pillar, taking the sickness of humanity upon your own flesh, so that I could be healed
~ Isaiah 53

Bring this healing upon your servant and bring his family the same peace that rest in trusting You and You alone.  Amen

Day 2

I thought I'd pop in for a pep talk.  I really need one. 

As I mentioned on Monday or Tuesday, The Lineman and I planned on cleaning out and CLEARING out  our garage.  We are in the middle of some major work and It's been both humbling and embarrassing to say the least; we just have WAY TOO MUCH STUFF!

A lot of what we found were clothes I was saving for the next child.  We have two huge bins of pictures, a bin for books, too many bins of paper work and several bins of felt and fabric.  And this is just MY stuff, I  I was pretty overwhelmed over the amount of it.  Think of a 8ft x 15ft wall of boxes looming over you.  We knew that we couldn't put that beast back in our home.  The Lineman and I just repeated that over and over. 

Now, day 2!

The last few hours were spent going through just the clothes and party stuff I have. So far I have 4 large bags of clothes to give away and boxes upon boxes of other items; including books and curriculum. We are on a roll.

But the evidence of our lack of getting rid of stuff has really made me think. 

I know people who are very good at keeping their home clutter free. They are great at decluttering and keeping only the minimal of what they need. I think I'm just not one of those people. Sorry, I really try to be. Every season of Lent I declutter. Every 3-5 months I go through my children's clothes. Yet, the stuff builds up.  Honestly I know and love the concept of simple-clutter free living. I've seen it! Just not always in my home ;-).

I know my weaknesses though. Now the thing for me to build on is strength, maintenance and saying NO. The garage is our last frontier of the clutter monster.  We are armed with bags and will! 

Be gone clutter!  Be gone!!!

Whew!  Now, back to the beast.

My New Year's Daybook :: 1/9/12

Outside my window...Clear beautiful California weather.

I am listening too...our pastor's Jan 1st homily on Saint Joseph Communication podcast.  We were out of town during the New Year's weekend so we missed Fr. S's homily; they are always so good I'm glad they are being recorded now.

I am wearing...a long skirt and a short sleeve turtle neck.  Not really a winter outfit, except for here in sunny 70 degree California weather.

I am thinking...that I really need to spend some time organizing and de-cluttering the house.  This seems to be a reoccurring thought too.  Perhaps there needs to be less thinking and more 'doing' ;-).

I am hoping...that my FIL latest scan shows some good news.  Hoping to have more time with him and also hoping that The Lineman's surgical procedure of last week did some good.

I am praying...for a dear friend and her family.  Their worries have been many this past year and I just pray for some relief for their family

Guardian Angel,

watch over those whose names you can read in my heart.

Guard over them with every care

and make their way easy and their labours fruitful.

Dry their tears if they weep;

sanctify their joys;

raise their courage if they weaken;

restore their hope if they lose heart,

their health if they be ill,

truth if they err,

repentance if they fail

Praying also for my FIL.  He is receiving another Cat Scan today and by next week he, and all of us, will have a clearer view of how his cancer is growing.  This time last year we were beginning to pray for a miracle and we were granted that.

Praying for The Lineman.  He has been in so much pain.  Praying for his healing and relief.

Praying for our brothers and sisters who have lost their way.

I am grateful...for my eldest girl.  Her help around the house is so appreciated.  It can be hard to be so much older than the younger siblings and have much more of the load to carry.  Oh Lucy, I know honey! And love that you try so hard to pick up the slack!!

From the kitchen...nothing much in the oven right now.  Most of us are still full from all the feasting of the holidays.

From the school room...we just return to schooling today.  Lots of math, phonics and reading going on in kitchen.

Living the Liturgical Year at Home... Solemnity of the Baptism of Our Lord brings an end to the season of Christmas.  Our tree was taken down today, the Christmas books packed away, and we've entered a quieter period. We are mostly prepping Rose for her interview with our pastor.  Hopefully she'll be making her first Holy Communion soon.

In the garden... oh can we say everything is dormant and well, gone.  It's pretty bare out there.

I am creating... A new calendar for the liturgical year.  A revamp of curriculum.  Nothing else creative seems to be able to come out.

Around the house... some rooms are free and clear and simply-simple, other rooms are not there.  Obi the pup's presence is evident around the house too.  I think I'm doing more cleaning now than before; just to ensure that my home doesn't begin to smell of puppy!

I am reading... Surprise by Truth by Patrick Madrid and Peter and the Shadow of Thieves by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson.

I am pondering the words...

“From envy are born hatred, detraction, calumny, joy caused by the misfortune of a neighbor, and displeasure caused by his prosperity.”

~ St. Augustine

Plans for this week...

~ Find our way back to a rhythm that makes sense for us
~ Work on that liturgical calendar
~ Plan our Lucy's 3rd term for this year.  I think there is some areas that need more of my attention.
~ Kadima begins again this week
~ Lots of music lessons! Piano, guitar and viola!

Picture thought I am sharing...

We were in Big Bear Lake over the New Year weekend.  For the second time my brother and his family were able to join us.  This picture has a hidden joke for us.  You see it was read by all of the adults.  Yet, it didn't detour any of them for doing this...

Yes, that is indeed The Lineman with our little Cecilia!  Luckily she only weighs 28 lbs....

Have a blessed week!