In Holy Company

1.

My friend Bonnie at A Knotted Life always starts her 7 quick takes with a song, so I thought I would copy her. I have been working on a Confirmation Retreat for our parish, and looking for songs to follow the talks that will be given. I came across this song, You’re Not Alone, by Marie Miller, and thought it really captured what I hope that this blog will one day encapsulate: That you are not alone. That we are here for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, stumbling through the journey and picking each other back up as we go. If Marie Miller sounds familiar to you, it might be because you heard her at the Behold Conference.

2.

I have been meaning to tell you to check out the Sisters of Life website, particularly their newsletters. I am linking directly to their newsletter dedicated to friendship, but all of them are great. They get mailed to our house four times a year, and I eagerly await them. I know that’s dorky Catholic talk, but I don’t care. Their newsletters are so well done. Be sure to check it out.

3.

Are you tired of finding meat-free meals for Lent yet? I hope not, but if you need an idea, one thing my kids requested are “Big Chips” AKA: Tostadas. We just do refried beans and top with the usual taco toppings. Then I try to serve fruit of some kind on the side. Cheap. Easy. Quick. Delicious. What more could you want?

4.

I have written before in 7 Quick Takes about my mission to be as lazy as possible. I have decided that we shall not call it laziness anymore, but resourcefulness. Being resourceful is good; lazy is no good. So to follow that trend of resourcefulness, I wanted share this golden nugget of a suggestion: I have found that if you only get cleaned up and put yourself together every three days or so, people are very complimentary about how good you look. They pay off is so worth it! When they are used to seeing your disheveled, skeezy self, they feel compelled to compliment your new put-together look. Just be sure to accept the compliment!

5.

My birthday was last Friday, and three of my girlfriends unexpectedly got me presents. We have never exchanged gifts before, and I was not expecting something from them, but it was so appreciated. What’s even more awesome is they each got me some of my favorite things: a gift card to go guilt-free clothes shopping, beer, and chocolates. Does friendship get any better than that?

6.

I just bought my first pair of colored skinny jeans. I realize they have been trendy for a while, but having been raised in the 80’s, I’m having a hard time embracing some of the inspired 80’s trends that are surfacing. Anyway, I’m wrestling with “Am I doing a good job keeping my wardrobe updated?” or “Am I that mom dressed as a teenage-wanna-be?” I really hope it’s not the latter!

7.

Please pray for the students of our parish who will be on retreat in a week in preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation. They will be on retreat March 2. Pray that they open their hearts.  Pray that they are honest with us, with themselves, and with God. Pray that they be willing to receive all of the grace God wants to give them. Pray for the team leaders, that we will speak on behalf of the Holy Spirit and guide their souls in a loving and fruitful way. Pray that the students walk away from the day more excited about Catholicism than when they walked in.

Be sure to check out everyone else’s Quick Takes at Conversion Diary!