A New Springtime

Praying with Lior, a Catholic View

 I really enjoy watching documentaries especially the ones about people's lives. People are so different and yet so much alike in many ways. Last night, it took me about 10 minutes to scroll through the choices offered on Netflix in this genre but I really wanted  something that popped out at me. When I came upon "Praying with Lior", I knew immediatlely that this was the right choice. First of all, it appealed to me because Lior has Down Syndrome, just like my lil' Malcie boy. Second,  it was about religion and a spiritual journey. Lior is Jewish and he was about to make his  Bar Mitvah.

 

 The moment I heard Lior's voice I was hooked. It is very difficult for kids with D.S. to speak but I love the way they talk. It is kind of slurry husky sound but knowing they are trying so hard makes me want to listen to them even more. I know my child will speak in this manner as well but I cannot wait to hear that voice of his someday. I never knew I could be so in love with a child with Down Syndrome. It is an experience like no other in my life.

 The movie put me on an emotional roller coaster in a good way. It made me laugh, cry, celebrate, grieve and ponder. It provoked a lot of thinking about my connections and approaches in life with my kids, family and others. I love when the Holy Spirit inspires me through a specific learning experiences. I saw such family bonding, love and responsibility in this families' life. Lior's biological mother had died but she left her family with such a sense of love for God and each other. Her spirit was more alive than ever throughout the movie I could sense her presence.

 Life can be so stressful, routine and fast-paced it is sometimes hard for me to see the beauty that is coming from  God within my own home. I want to be a mother who nurtures more than lectures and connects with my childern. Forming relationships with each one of these special gifts from God and showing them His love is supposed to be my goal in life.

  I want to be a holy person for my children, to be a good example of the love that God has for them and for me that comes from Jesus. I have been blessed with the Catholic faith and its beautiful teachings on life.

 This film has brought me even closer to God in my Catholic Faith. It has enkindled in me the need and want to sing the praises of my Lord. He is such a powerful yet humble, personal God who wants us to engage and connect with in private and in public. The word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

 I will remember this film each time I view the tabernacle and recieve Jesus in Holy Communion remembering my Confirmation. I am a soldier for Christ and that I have been confirmed and anointed as a priest, prophet  and king. He has given His life in the flesh for us all and I want to do the same for him. Lior, means my light, and we are all called to bring the light of God to the world!

Elohim Adonai, the name of God Most High!

My Beloved

  I have been given new life this Easter season through my beloved Jesus Christ. He has given me the graces to attend daily Mass once again. I used to go everyday before the family started to grow and the pitter-patter of lil' feet was the music of the day. It wasn't in season for me until now.

                                                        

 Mass begins at 8 a.m. so I am able to get up at 7 o'clock and get myself ready in time to leave for church. I feel so blessed and loved by God to be able to start my day with Him. The beautiful church filled with flowers and all of the signs of the Resurrection and a God that is Love and Mercy itself, keeps my focus on my mission in this world.

Today, was especially awesome being the feast of the Annunciation, and to be able to focus on  the Blessed Virgin Mary and her humility. I feel so privileged to be a part of the mystery of God taking on human flesh and dwelling among us.
 I was so caught up in pondering that an Angel, we call Gabriel, came down to Earth and visited the Blessed Mother and that this is actually a true story and we are all part of. The immensity of that very fact alone makes me soar way above this material reality and brings my focus were it should be, on my beloved.

 This season of Spring is such a wonderful time of year when it is so Heavenly to observe the green blades of grass and the new shoots of the flowers that are waiting to grow each day. The Catholic Mass is exactly that, LIFE through the death of God who loves us without end.

 This Easter I am filled with gratitude because a very close relative of mine came into the Catholic Church and has been a witness  to me through faith of God's continous renewal to His promises. He continues the covenant with His people to this day in time and His love is never ending. Jesus is the Lamb of god who takes away our sins and I am so thankful for Him.

 Not only is it the Annunciation today but it's my special boy's birthday! This is so grand because usually the feast is on  March 25th but because it was on Holy Week it had to be celebrated on a later date. Last year his birthday was on Easter. Two years, two special feasts.
 He was so thrilled with his new car and our whole family was reaping the rewards of his joy as he showed how pleased he was with it. Today's readings said, " There is life where it was once barren, All things are possible with God." The Catholic Church, the Bride of Christ, is here on earth and I can't wait to meet my beloved again tommorrow and start another day focused on Him and all of His possibilities.

Love of My Twelve Children, Because of My Catholic Faith, Day #3

  My daily life is quite full of activity without ever having to leave the house, there are so many opportunities for me to serve God in my daily routine. Homeschooling and the up-keep  of my home are my responsibilities and enough to keep me busy. I am not perfect when it comes to either one but I stive each day to do what I can to keep the ball rolling and frequently ask myself, how can I improve.

(playing with uncooked rice wakes up his sensories)

  My Catholic faith has taught me to honor every life that I have concevied and I thank God for that perspective. Mother's who may have experienced miscarriages, in our modern day, aren't always given the opportunity to celebrate or grieve the life they have lost. I actually got to have a commital service for Ezekiel Coleman, my preborn child that died at about 8 weeks.

  I was given the opportunity to witness to the Ob/gyn's when he died.  A mid-wife actually didn't understand why I would want to bury my child. She said, " It is only this big" and proceeded to hold her fingers about an inch apart. I felt a sense of sorrow for this college- educated women and her lack of understanding.

 The size of my child was never an issue for me.  I saw him perfectly formed and moving around a week earlier on the ultrasound screen. My husband and I both cried when we realized his heart had stopped beating and he lay motionless on the next ultrasound. Our souls connected as we both mourned the loss of that precious life, we had just met and had already bonded with him. 

  No words could describe the closeness I felt to my husband in that moment. The two had become one flesh and now that soul had passed on. No words were spoken but none were necessary because the tears and the glances said it all. We would be missing that little one dearly until we got to see him in Heaven.
( everyone helping Malcie play with playdough, it helps work out his hands)

 The Catholic Church teaches that children are the fruit of marriage and that they are a blessing to a couple who has come together in love. This is the very purpose of marriage.

  If one had an apple tree and it only produced one or two apples, eventually it would be chopped down. But if a women produces much fruit these days, she is the one who is chopped down. I would have to say this is backwards thinking.

1. Not producing the fruit of children through contracepting is the evil of modern times, it is done because there is too much emphasis put on materialism, education, and keeping up with the Joneses.

 Love and trust in God should be enough and not some phony lifestyle. God says He provides for the birds of the air and they neither reap nor sow, aren't we  much more important to Him than they are.

2. Today women are told they need to go to school and work to have value. This is a lie from the devil.

 A woman's most precious gift is bringing a child into the world and Satan knows it. This that is why he is working so hard to get women to give up there precious gift and try to "make it in this world".

  I have been scorned and looked upon as irresponsible because of my large family. I gladly accept it now but I haven't always felt this way in the past.  I realize this is counter-cultural and unless it has been lived out it may be hard to grasp.

The  Catholic Church is not oppresive to women, as the world makes it seem, a couple can use natural family planning NFP, (not the old rythm method) to space or avoid pregnancy for certain reasons. The Church doesn't have a criteria  for the number of children a family should have. That is up to the couple through prayer with God and each other.

 It is very freeing to know within my faith my femininity is respected and protected and if the teachings are followed the husband and wife will come to grow and respect each other sexually and spiritually.

 The teachings of the Catholic Church give are the most awesome about women and she ( the church is feminine ) teaches that  femininity is  beautiful and sacred not  to be taken for granted and used as  an object.  In the Catholic Church, women are raised  up as sacred and so is their vocations as wives and mothers. On Earth we are the life bearers and the transmission of human life has been given to us by God Himself. We need to look no further than that for our dignity. We have to stop buying the lies.

 As  a catholic woman, I have come to know my Heavenly Father personally. I know my father is the King of the Universe  and that he provides for me in so many ways. The trust I have in Him because of my Catholic faith is incredible, not by my own merits, but because of what He has shown me through all of the struggles, weaknesses, joys, and happy moments.

 ( Malcolm can hold onto and use his pincer grip now, thanks to playing with rice.)

I feel His presence so deeply and everyday, I know it is going to be OK. It 's not the material things, although He provides that, too. It is  in knowing Him that I feel like the richest person in the world. Having a mansion or yatch couldn't even come close to what I have been given in God. When we went on vacation this year, I got to see huge yatchs and mansions and it made me sick to think of the money wasted on such extravagant living. It is such an illusion to love.

My heart is content when love is content and that is what God wants and is waiting with open arms to give all of us. It can make you feel like your heart is going to burst ( in a good way)! Love God, trust God and don't be afraid to do His will in this world. It is not what man can offer and his man-made goods. It is the Love of God. He loves us first and then we can return it by loving Him back. Keeping it simple and doing our duties with love is enough for Him.

Like A Kid In A Candy Store, Because of My Catholic Faith Day #2

 I am in need of a Dinine Physician and that is Jesus Christ if I were to rely on my own wisdom and that of the world I would still be in darkness. The Holy Spirit came to me the year before Pope John Paul II proclaimed the Year of the Holy Spirit. I was working at Wal- Mart and called people who talked about their faith, " Holy Rollers".

 I had 2 kids at the time and due to peer pressure told a "Holy Roller" co- worker, who I detested, I wasnted my hubby to get fixed. I really didn't want this but someone had told me I needed to think about it. Well, that's when my co-worker defended her faith and told me that she could never ask her husband to do that because it was against God. I said, " What do you mean and she proceded to tell me what the Catholic Church taught on these matters.

 It was like a lightbulb went off above my head and it made perfect beautiful sense. I wanted more after that. The" Holy Roller" and I became friends through God's Divine Providence. I became like a kid in a Candy store and began to want all of it (the Truth that is). 

I am not a member of the  Catholic Church because of my goodness, I was and still am in need of God's wisdom and Divine assistance. The Church gets a bad wrap because it has rules( teachings or dogmas) but these are not man's rules they come straight from God to heal the soul. If anyone puts them in to practice they will know the true freedom and dignity they bring to a soul.

I have been priveleged to experience 12 pregnancies and I have eight living children. All made uniquely in God's image and likeness. None of the pregnancies where easy and I was tempted  to have thoughts of abortion even after my conversion and sometimes and I even cried at the beginning. It was the Divine Mercy of God that got me through each day and He is my faithful spouse. He stood by me and gave me the strength and courage I needed to stand up tall against the insults of fellow towns people and the Ob/Gyns. I was asked questions like, " What are you going to do with this pregnancy", or, " She is spitting them out like gumballs."

  Society outwardly scorns women who have many children like it's something dirty. My husband and I went through a period of practicing abstinence each month for four years for a space between children but we got comments like, " You two should slow down, Don't you know what causes that?" All of the typically rude comments, I learned not to get angry but to pity the commentors, instead. They were probably having sex much more often then we were do to there contracepting but because it didn't bare a visible fruit, aka children, we were looked at as the crazy sex fiends.
All of these are God's beautiful creations. We played together today with some special play dough to help Malcolm work his hands more. All of us got into it and let me tell you it was fun. having all of these kids was worth every insult, every crazy look, every labor pain, every  cut, every stitch. I am in need of my Divine Physician above all of the medicine in this world with Him and His Holy Catholic Church I would give my life.

Being Educated in His Image and Likeness

This year our core curriculum is from Catholic Heritage Curricula, I wanted the majority of our books to reflect the beautiful moral teachings of our faith. I wanted  pictures of Catholic Culture so that the kids can make their own personal connection with their religion.

 I am in full swing lesson plan mode. Even though I was able to purchase lesson plans, I still need to familiarize myself with what each one calls for. This allows me to add to or change anything if need be.

The kids always start the morning with their core subjects, individual work that can be done basically on their own. If they have any questions, they come to me for help.  I made copies of the first week of each lesson plan to keep close at hand, this way I can keep track  of the work that is being done without having to ask them for their copies. I will continue this practice week by week until the end of the year.

Here are pics of each child's curriculum starting from youngest to oldest.

Pre-K:

She will also be read one Bible story per day and she has many preschool learning puzzles and games.

Grade 4:

Living books and some more historical fiction will be added as we come to each coinciding time period.

Grade 5:

I hope I have enough to keep up with my fifth graderwho loves school! She has been going over her curricula with me and has manyof her own ideas. I love self-directed learners. 

Grade 7:

My son who is going into seventh grade is comfortable with a very simple routine curriculum without to many added extras. 

9th Grade:

This is my second time teaching a high schooler and these years seem to fly by. I like top keep it very basic using  college prep courses. Even if I think the child may not attend higher education, I still want to them to be able to get the credits needed just in case. If the core is kept simplified and  there is a structured  daily routine a student who may not be college bound can still do the work to be prepared in the long run if the opportunity for college arises. 

My high schooler has difficult  with reading but I am confident that with some extra help he will be able to complete his requirements for this year. I will allow for vocational skills( carpentery, etc.) to be done as electives so he will be getting the best of both worlds. 

My son, who is attending his second year in college,  was also a slow reader, I remember he was the last to finish his driver's ed test but got the highest score in the class. I truly believe with prayer and perseverance all of the children will be directed by God to the vocation he wants them to have.

The best thing I ever did for my kid's  vocation was a prayer through the intercession of St. Joseph. It gives all of our vocational concerns to God. The most important thing is a strong foundation and a personal loving relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, because once the children have grown up and are out in the world there will be many other people they come in contact with, especially in the colleges, who have not been given any spiritual teachings This will be a challenge of faith for our kids to be a witness to others about God's love. This is why I have been praying the Divine Mercy for myself and the whole world.

 A beautiful curriculum based on the moral and sound teachings of the Catholic Church and building up a child in the image of God is the sum and total of what education  is really about. Bringing peace and love into the world until Jesus comes in all of His Glory! I would like my children  be a part of this. Praise the Lord for we are a people being made well disposed for the Coming of the Lord!

Homeschool and a Well Balanced Day

 The days around our house are always filled with many activities. It is very important to balance out the day, learning can include many different facets. Keeping our minds, bodies and souls healthy can be a challenge. This requires a well balanced diet of work, prayer, and play. Because I have the duty of making sure everyone else is keeping up with their daily chores, hygeine and school.

 My own needs can be easily left by the wayside but I try not to let that happen. Simple tasks such as brushing my hair can be challenging if I get caught up into the hustle and bustle of the day. Finding nice second hand clothes allows me to have a decent wardrobe and new clothes for spring usually gives me a sense of refreshment. Our community center has a thrift shop and it sells clothes for $1 a bag!!

 We have been using the Core Knowledge Series," What Your 3rd, 4th, and 6th Grader Need to Know", for school this year. In each book there is information for each grade level, divided by subject.

 The kids read a section in history and science, write about it and draw a picture to go with their journal entries. They can look it up on the computer or use another book for more info.

 We always take a break starting at 12:00 for lunch and a bit of play, too. If is nice weather the kiddos always go outside, the older ones play b-ball and the younger ones watch or do their own thing while soakin' up some sun.

 Even though they can get on each others nerves at times, I can usually find one or two siblings taking some time out to do good things together. An older sister or brother will help a a younger one learn how to play a game. We have been into Dr. Suess lately since we went to see the Lorax earlier this month. We were thrilled to get this game free at our community center. The ladies there are so good to us. They usually spoil the kids and get a few hugs in return.

 I am not always so good at getting the meditational prayer part in so that is what I will be focusing on the rest of Lent. I do offer my works, joys and sufferings each day in union with the sacrifice of the Mass.

 Although my efforts are meager these days, I do enjoy decorating. I am not Martha Stewart but I try to put up a few seasonal decorations. It isn't a priority any more but it is enjoyable.

 The main thing I try to do is maintain some kind of order with the toys and have them look neat so they don't take over the house in an unsitely mess. Keeping a balance can be difficult when managing a household, a school, playtime and my own sanity but when I focus on offering it all up to God it all falls into place.

 It is like a vocation of a monk or hermit not doing things for the self. I often have to get back on track and not worry about being praised or appreciated but doing it  as a prayer in union with Jesus for the Father above.

  At the end of the day when the battle has been fought and my will has been submitted, there is always something good to look back on.  A  peace-filled well balanced day between work and play can be the best prayer of all!!

Lead Us Not Into To Temptation

Lately I have been missing out on the joy of life due to my lack of faith in Jesus. It is a hard thing to admit since He has shown me His great love and faithfulness many times over. I have been a bit angry at some of the things that have taken place in the Church, forgetting my own imperfections and listening to the opinion of others and their misconceptions  about the Catholic Faith.

                                          
The whole time I have been saying my routine prayers and sort of going through the motions and finally asking Jesus if He could once again prove himself to me. I know that sounds so horrible but that is the place I have been these past couple of weeks.

It hasn't been a very bright place for me. The kids have been sick and I have been trying to re-establish a relationship with my oldest son. There has been spiritual battle raging but as always God is The Victor. He worked a miracle in my life yesterday!

Sweet lil' baby boy had become quite sick so off to the doctor we went. He had a rash of tiny prickly red dots and the doctor diagnosed it as petechiae. She wanted blood work done, STAT,  because it can be associated with Lukemia. Children with Down Syndrome are more prone to getting it.

As you can imagine, I was worried. I tried to pray the Divine Mercy in the office but I just couldn't get it together.  On the drive to the hospital to get the blood, I called my good friend and asked her to pray. She said she already did that she was inspired to pray at 9:45, the very time we were on our way to the doctors. The prayer she said was the Divine Mercy. Heaven had us covered.

 

At the very moment she was telling me this I spotted our parish priest in the hospital parking lot. My heart began to swell and I knew Jesus had sent him there. I pulled up to him and beeped the horn as he was about to get in his car to leave. I told him about the possibility of the Lukemia and without hesitation he asked me if I wanted him to give Malcolm the Anointing of the Sick.

   

We walked into the hospital and sat down in the lobby where he gave Malcolm the sacrament, crossed his forehead with the oil and we prayed the Our Father together. I began to cry and felt as if I  had a healing, too. I had such peace and knew once again my faith had been restored. I had been searching for answers to questions and I should know better.  Jesus doesn't make it that difficult for us to know Him. I am humbled once again by God's love and humility.

Two hours later the tests results came back negative for Lukemia, Malcolm has a case of Bronchiolitis but has recieved the best care and treatment from his doctor and is already on the road to recovery. I am sure all is well due to the awesomeness of the Sacrament of the Sick.

The Catholic Church has many wonderful signs of God's love to offer and there are many members who do wonderful acts of charity and service. There are also many priests who sacrifice their time and lives for the care of others. I am so thankful to Jesus for giving me His mercy through them.  Next one will be confession!
 

I Prayed Before my Game

These are the words I heard my son say to his younger brother in the dorm room after the game on Saturday, "I prayed before my game." That's all I needed to hear! Joseph was named, Rookie of the Week, by the NECC. I am so happy for him!!

September 5, 2011

 

Coleman Named NECC Rookie of the Week in Men’s Soccer

 

ATTLEBORO, Mass. – Elms College freshman forward Joseph Coleman (Easthampton, Mass.) was named the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) Rookie of the Week in men's soccer as announced by the league office on Monday.

 

Coleman netted his first collegiate goal which was the equalizer in a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over New England College in the Blazers' 2011 season-opener. Coleman's score came with 23:48 remaining in the contest and set the stage for Elms' impressive comeback win

Down Syndrome and the Not So Moody Blues

God gives a peace that surpasses all understanding. Sometimes things aren't perfect or they do not turn out  the way I think they are supposed to but lately I am able to experience joy in these events.

 
Having a child with Down Syndrome is nothing like I ever expected it would be. I am just so absorbed in all of the love and blessings that have been poured out upon our family from the gift of this precious little one. His siblings feel the same way and are always entertaining him with toys, hugs and even music.

 
I am learning to give thanks to God even when things do not go my way. By no merit of my own, only by His grace I have come to understand His love in the " less than perfect situations" in my life. When things look bad there is always something beautiful that God brings forth from it.  I am becoming enlightened to think even more in the opposite direction of what the world says.

 
"Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven and all things shall be added unto thee."   Down Syndrome has no power over God and I am seeing so much beauty in imperfection. 

 
So as my ears  hear the harmonica play I am savoring the tunes of the not so moody blues. The melody is sweet and the tunes are up beat even when times are a bit out of sync.  Play that song  baby and praise God in all things!!

Human Dignity

 
The wonder of God shows through each one of us as human beings because we are all made in the image and likeness of God who revealed himself to us in the man of Jesus Christ.

 

 
God became man to show us how much He loves us and we only have to look at each other to see this is true. I ran into some people this weekend while going to tag sales who believe that energy or the universe are the source and power of healing but when God became man He told us, " I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

 
Turning away from God and worshiping His creation instead of Him takes away from our own human dignity. It puts as equals with a rock, a tree or a piece of grass. God says humans have dominion over these  things, they are there for us to utilize and to advance ourselves.

 
Many times when I look at my children and the younger and more innocent they are I can see the face of God. He reveals himself to us through the beauty of His creation of nature but no where is His revelation  stronger than in His creation of mankind.

 
Our human dignity is under attack in many forms today but we know God himself took on life as a baby in the womb of a virgin and manifested Himself to us on this Earth.  His great love for us shows us that we are lifted up to a level of holiness and divinity because He created us in His own image.