Sabbath Sunday #34: Friends Are God's Way of Taking Care of Us

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

For this week, I selected a heartwarming story that was shared with me some time ago: Friends Are God's Way of Taking Care of Us. I am always appreciative of the opportunity to be a "friend" in this way.

Sabbath Sunday #33: Vsyo v Papu, Or Just Like Dad

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

For this week, I selected a short, humorous post: Vse v Papu, Or Just Like Dad. I suppose I was thinking of Shane and family today because Shane borrowed my guest cards to take his family to the aquarium this afternoon.

Sabbath Sunday #32: Is There a God?

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

For this week, I selected a short post that garnered a bit of interest, Womb Wisdom: Is There a God?

Have a restful and peaceful Sabbath!

Sabbath Sunday #31: A Day Off?

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

For this week, I selected a fun little thing, A Day Off? A Matter of Definition!

Have a restful and peaceful Sabbath!

Sabbath Sunday #30: DWM: Driving While Mexican

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

For this week, I re-selected DWM: Driving While Mexican, July 11th's post which probably no one got to see because the Blest Atheist blog went down less than an hour after I posted it. I wish I could say that this is an old post and the problem no longer exists. However, it does. The recent disturbances in Oakland over the verdict of a white policeman convicted of manslaughter of a black suspect (the African-American community in Oakland wanted a murder conviction) tells us that even here in California where we think that racial prejudice is a think of the past people still think along lines of race when it comes to critical events. Let's pray for what the Soviets used to call "the light future," but in the broader sense of those words than what the Soviets had in mind.

Have a restful and peaceful Sabbath!

Sabbath Sunday #29: DWM: Driving While Mexican

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

For this week, I selected DWM: Driving While American. I wish I could say that this is an old post and the problem no longer exists. However, it does. The recent disturbances in Oakland over the verdict of a white policeman convicted of manslaughter of a black suspect (the African-American community in Oakland wanted a murder conviction) tells us that even here in California where we think that racial prejudice is a think of the past people still think along lines of race when it comes to critical events. Let's pray for what the Soviets used to call "the light future," but in the broader sense of those words than what the Soviets had in mind.

Have a restful and peaceful Sabbath!

Sabbath Sunday #28: Things Are Not Always What They Seem

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

Since I have had a week of things not always being what they seem, the post on that topic came to mind for today. Here is the link: Things Are Not Always What They Seem.

Sabbath Sunday #27: Dona Nobis Pacem

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

Having just spent some time talking with my daughter Lizzie who lives in South Carolina, I was reminded of the post I wrote about our experiences in the former Soviet Union. Although it was written for a specific purpose - to celebrate Peace Day last November 5 - I think it bears re-sharing. After all, peace is something we always need. Here is the post: Dona Nobis Pacem.

Sabbath Sunday #26 - The Walnut Tree: An Example of God's Bounty

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

Our walnut tree is getting ready to make its fruit now, so the post I did last year about it seems to be appropriately timed for repetition. Here it is: The Walnut Tree - An Example of God's Bounty.

Have a bountiful week!

Sabbath Sunday #25 - Migraines: A Different Kind of Post

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

Recently at a routine exam a doctor asked me about migraines. I guess they are pretty common these days or perhaps just more often recognized by doctors for what they are. When I said I have been migraine-free for more than 20 years, the doctor was surprised but understood why when I explained. I am not exactly migraine-free, but I no longer get migraines. When I feel one coming on, I send it away, using biofeedback that I taught myself. (One can also be taught biofeedback techniques.) A long time ago, I blogged about eliminating migraines and some folks found that post helpful. So, while the medical stuff is a bit off the beaten path for this blog, I decided to blog about it then and repeat it here this week for those who did not get to read it then and might find it useful now. Here it is: Migraines - A Different Kind of Post.

Wishing you a pain-free week, month, year!

Sabbath Sunday #24: Damaged Vessel

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

I prepared this post for automatic uploading before leaving for Ohio with family to attend my nephew's wedding so could not predict what might be most appropriate this Sunday. I hope then that you will find the post I chose, Damaged Vessel, at least interesting.

Have a great week! I will be back on line live before the week is over!

Sabbath Sunday #23: Robbed Again!

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

Since Padre Julio was recently in town, I happened to look through past posts about him and came across one that might be helpful to share one more time. It is about Padre's being robbed. While living in the USA, he was robbed more than once -- something I understand since that has happened to me, too. I am happy to report, though, that Padre Julio, now in Chula Vista, California, was able to get his school in Palomar, Colombia up and running during his 2009-2010 return there. (You can read more details about that on his website: Por Amor a Los Ninos de Colombia.) Here is the post: Robbed Again!

Wishing you a mundane, calm week without robberies or anything that might cause any perturbation!

Sabbath Sunday #22: Stand Back and Let God Work

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

The post I chose for this one was not written by me but by a guest poster, Anne Bander. I was touched by the post at the time that she wrote it. It still touches me, and I hope it will touch you. Here it is: Stand Back and Let God Work.

Let us all commit to doing as Anne recommends at least for the coming week -- stand back and let God work.

Sabbath Sunday #21: God Took Care of Me Again

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

Yesterday I blogged about a young lady in need of help whom God placed in my path. I was delighted to be able to help her and am always grateful when God lets me help. There is a reason for that, you see. Often I am the one needing the help. In those cases, God puts me in someone's path. One such case is the story of my arrival in Kiev last fall. Here is the link to the post: God Took Care of Me Again.

Have a great day and week, knowing that when in need God will take care of you!

Sabbath Sunday #20: God and My Job

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

For this week's post I chose is one I referred to in yesterday's post on Temptation so it seemed appropriate for today. Both posts are essentially about submitting to the will of God and what God does when we do not! Here is the post: The Jobs God Would Not Let Me Have and the One He Insisted I Take and Keep.

Wishing you all a blessed Mother's Day, whether you are a mother or have a mother!

Sabbath Sunday #19: When God Says No, God Means No

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

For this week's post, I chose When God Says No, God Means No, a story of a clash of wills: mine and God's. God won. The story seems appropriate for a Sunday. (The priest in that story, by the way, went into cancer remission for three years, but now he needs prayers again because the cancer has returned.)When

Sabbath Sunday #18: Happy Birthday, Nikolina!

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

For this week's post, I chose not an old post, but a new one. Yesterday I posted pictures of Nikolina's first birthday party on the Clan of Mahlou site and thought that BA readers might enjoy them, too. Here you go: Happy Birthday, Nikolina!

Have a blessed Sunday!

Sabbath Sunday #17: Beautiful Churches

Fr. Christian Mathis Blessed Is the Kingdom has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

For this week's post, I chose share again some pictures of churches I have been able to visit in my travels. Thank God for churches (and congregations) that are welcoming to visitors for probably about 25% of the time I would miss Mass if I were not to be able to join friends and strangers at other churches. You can read view the pictures here: Falling in Love with Some Special Churches.

Have a blessed Sunday!

Sabbath Sunday #16: The Boy in White

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

For this week's post, I chose what might be a prequel to the angel story that involved my daughter Lizzie that I posted last week or what might simply be a human story of impoverishment that came from a childhood experience. You can read it here: The Boy in White.

Have a blessed Sunday!

Sabbath Sunday #15: Angel Story

Fr. Christian Mathis (Blessed Is the Kingdom) has made the suggestion that we "rest" on the Sabbath by taking a break from our normal blogging and sharing an older post of which we are particularly fond. Rest? Gladly! I don't get to do that very often, but now, thanks to Fr. Christian, I get to do it at least once a week -- and it gives me more time to spend with God, which is a wonderful gift.

I am a little late posting today. Donnie and I spent the morning with a friend from Egypt who has been doing some consulting work here but heads back to Cairo on Friday (and I head out to Baltimore early tomorrow morning -- plane departs at 6:00 a.m., so I have to leave here at 4:00 a.m. for the airport. Yikes!) For this week's post, it being a bright, sunny, absolutely charming and angelic day in San Ignatio today, I chose an angel story that involved my daughter Lizzie that I posted last year. You can read it here: Lizzie's Angel Story.

Have a blessed Sunday -- what is left of it!