What Can I Give Him – Poor as I Am?

Lord, take my energies, fears and delights
Swaddled as gifts for this holiest night
Find in me merit to offer as well
May all my actions of You always tell

by Paula Zwenger

 

Infant of Bethlehem, born as a King,
hear my Hosanna, so lowly to bring.
Naught finds me worthy of gifts you acclaim,
cradled in manger of Bethlehem’s fame.

Wise men on bended knee knew of Your worth,
hidden in essence of lowliest birth.
Keep from my simple heart lure beyond love.
Shield me from lies, under wings of the dove.

Spirit my rescue, as advocate now.
Many, unknowing, continue to plow
furrows so worldly of death and decay,
burying freedoms You’ve planted this day.

~~~

Child, He says lovingly, all that you need
find there inside you as grace given seed.
Here, your compassion – for mercy to start;
here I’ve placed talents to serve broken hearts.

Here your humility, born of the Son,
showing how meekly the battle is won.
No need for distance to seek for a star.
Offer Me everything, right where you are.

Hold nothing back as if measuring worth;
I am Redeemer who called you at birth.
Lo, in your forming, no love has been spared;
trust in My power and never be scared.

~~~

Lord, take my energies, fears and delights,
swaddled as gifts for this holiest night.
Find in me merit to offer as well;
may all my actions of You always tell –

here is an offering of my next breath,
whether spent joyful or feeling bereft.
Here is my poverty, here is my pain,
here every gift You have poured in Your reign.

Yes Lord, I understand, all is from You,
bounty for offering, mercies so true.
All from my poverty; riches to place
here at Your manger, proclaiming Your grace.

~~~

Years from this instant, salvation spread far,
still we’ll be guided by Christ-naming star.
Bright for posterity, wonder-marked sign –
lighted for healing of your heart and mine.

 

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Paula Zwenger
is a wife, mother, and grandmother who, upon finding herself an empty nester, tried on the hat of rhyme loving writer. It fit very well. Her joy manifests completely while taking the ups and downs of life and wrangling them into poetry. She also has a passion for creating rhymed treasure hunts with a Catholic flare to celebrate the faith and learn a thing or two along the way. You can find her musings at RhymeLovingWriter.com.

Painting a Thousand Words of Grace – An Advent Lesson

Expectancy of holy heart, in quiet moments set apart,
makes room for Him who came for all as tiny babe in manger stall.

by Paula Zwenger

Quantity does not equal quality. We were several years into family life before proof of this truth presented itself on our doorstep by way of participation in a children’s marigold_garden_pictures_and_rhymes_1910_14566514398Christmas pageant.

Too much of a good thing?

As a young family, opportunities abounded for holiday related preparation. Many were offered through our parish community (Advent family night, Posada, caroling, etc.), but some were part of school or extracurricular commitments. We attended everything.

Before long, our combined activities had us spending more time at practices, rehearsals and presentations than we were spending at home. We knew Christmas was coming, but we were busy, for goodness sake, with all these wonderful activities in which we’d committed to take part.

Captured for Posterity

One year, after dress rehearsal, someone captured a candid shot of my then five year old daughter. She is sitting on the altar step in her angel costume, wings akimbo, halo askew, chin firmly cupped in hands, legs arranged in less than ladylike fashion, appearing weary to the bone.

Likely I was busy somewhere intent on other details…too busy to notice the toll our hectic Advent activity schedule was taking on her.

I’ve pondered this shot annually for over twenty eight years as an examination as Advent begins. It helps answer the questions of how best to spend time in efforts to welcome Christ.

Will the beauty of a rich liturgical heritage be embraced or will we squander the grace of the season on weariness of a worldly kind? Will contemplation, meditation, and wonder be paramount or will a hectic schedule of activities bring our family to the brink of exhaustion?

I keep this precious reminder packed away with our Advent decorations. It finds prominent display space with wreath, candles, and empty crèche, from the first day of each new liturgical year, as a reminder to keep Advent well.

Symbols and signs of faith and family provide valuable encouragement as we enter again into a new liturgical year.  Mementos from seasons past provide a timely reminder that we don’t have to chase after the ‘right’ activities to experience God. He is here, waiting patiently, for us to welcome Him into our hearts and lives.

We find Him in music and pageants, surely; but also through quiet daily prayers at home and sacrifices offered in secret, softening our hearts to become anew His manger bed.

 

Waiting for Jesus like Mary

Expectancy of holy heart, in quiet moments set apart,
makes room for Him who came for all as tiny babe in manger stall.

In Advent days of waiting well we visit stories meant to tell
of God incarnate. Blend our gaze to Love beyond the present days.

No tinseled wrap could well adorn the gift received on Christmas morn;
our swaddled Savior, Mary’s face; a tableau of indwelling grace.

We pause, and offer daily tasks designed to help in what He asks:
to love Him first with all we are, then love each neighbor near or far.

Each waited day, in blest delight, we rush to serve with Mary’s sight;
to honor and uphold His will, remembering His coming, still.

From first to last, our Advent plan, we pray for heart of every man.
No rush to fall, no wearied way. Come quickly Lord, we pray. We pray.

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Paula Zwenger
is a wife, mother, and grandmother who, upon finding herself an empty nester, tried on the hat of rhyme loving writer. It fit very well. Her joy manifests completely while taking the ups and downs of life and wrangling them into poetry. She also has a passion for creating rhymed treasure hunts with a Catholic flare to celebrate the faith and learn a thing or two along the way. You can find her musings at RhymeLovingWriter.com.

Why Stand Looking Up At The Sky?

It never gets easier to see faces of love ones recede into the distance.

by Paula Zwenger

The wonder continues. Confounding to some, comforting to others, Catholics are still celebrating Easter! The past six weeks we daily listened to readings from the Acts of the Apostles. We heard of the growth and witness of the early Church.

Now, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord’s Ascension.  As he left the apostles, He promised to be with them always. He promised to send an advocate to strengthen them. Imagine how they felt as they watched Him vanish. What depth of sadness touched their souls once He was out of sight? Still, they believed and rejoiced.

Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking up at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.

Acts 2:11

We can imagine on some small scale a bit of their sadness. We never grow used to saying goodbye. It never gets easier to see faces of love ones recede into the distance. Often subtle tears, added to sighs of resignation, make appearance unbidden. Yet we too, believe and rejoice.

Beyond Goodbye

Forty days since Easter morn, when the temple veil was torn
Jesus risen from the tomb, conquering all deathly gloom
As they watched, still some confused, He ascended in their view
on to Heaven’s watchful throne, King of Kings, our Lord alone.

Would you stare, if it was you, up and off into the blue
skies where He, who saved your soul, rose triumphant, body whole?
Still His promise fills the heart, telling why He must depart
sending One for all our days, Advocate to guide our ways.

Down to earth their gaze return, even while their hearts would burn
long with passion for His face. Soon the Spirit’s strong embrace
filled their hearts to fortify – bold inviting all nearby
“Do repent! Be baptized free. Claim as Savior – Risen HE!

Ours the graces. Ours the hope. Ours the thanks for help to cope
with our fallen nature when shriven, we arise again.
Sure our step, in world seemed lost, paying joyful any cost;
following apostles bold, bringing all to heaven’s hold.

The truth is no one knows the hour or day when he or she will be called to heaven. A relative diagnosed with cancer may well outlive a partner going to work the next day. An elderly grandparent may be scooting around long after the newest grandchild enters and exits the stage of life. What we have is this moment to live well. We also have an Advocate in the Holy Spirit. As a loving member of the Triune God, He consoles, challenges, and instructs.

Perhaps now, when smaller departures are at hand, we can simply say, “May God Bless and keep you. See you soon.” Then believe and rejoice until we are together again.

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image1
Paula Zwenger
is a wife, mother, and grandmother who, upon finding herself an empty nester, tried on the hat of rhyme loving writer. It fit very well. Her joy manifests completely while taking the ups and downs of life and wrangling them into poetry. She also has a passion for creating rhymed treasure hunts with a Catholic flare to celebrate the faith and learn a thing or two along the way. You can find her musings at RhymeLovingWriter.com.

Hidden Jesus and the Dancing Sun

 

Fatima

by Paula Zwenger

One hundred years ago today a miracle occurred
amid the hills of Portugal – I wonder, have you heard
of three young children tending sheep on hillsides near their town
who witnessed our dear Lady when from heaven she came down?
An angel came before her to prepare the children’s hearts.
She then appeared five times to them – a message to impart.

She came to see the children, sweetest Mother of Our Lord.
She came to see the children for she knew that they adored
and loved their Savior very much; but sinners as we are,
we needed her to help us see we’d wandered very far
away from Him, who loves us so with love to last all days.
She came with love and remedy to help us mend our ways.

She brought Jacinta, Francesco and Lucia a sign.
A daily rosary she asked, and sacrifices fine
to mend the sorrows of her heart, Immaculate and thorned;
without a heed to what she said, dire consequence was warned.
Our Savior’s hand of justice would be tempered if we gave
attention to her message – sent for all the world to save.

The youngest two, when all began, were too young to receive
Our Eucharistic Lord, yet still they followed and believed.
They loved the Hidden Jesus while His Mother they’d attend,
enduring even glimpse of hell where sadly, some souls end.
They sacrificed their whole day long to make amends for sins;
so none would turn from loving God and all invite Him in.

The final time she came to them upon the hilltop fair
a crowd of thousands also came to witness  Mary there.
The mud was thick upon the ground for rain had fallen too.
Then sun came out and dried their clothes, and danced in thousands’ view.
A miracle she said they’d see so all could know in truth
the message of Our Lady she had given to the youth.

These children loved Our Lady, they were persecuted long
but never lost their courage though their trials were dark and strong.
The youngest two would perish young. Lucia took the veil,
away to cloistered life she chose, submissive without fail.
She told the stories, as was asked by popes, about her friends,
but fame was never once her goal or means to reach an end.

“Oh my Jesus” so she taught and, “forgive us our sins”
“Save us from the fires of hell and lead all souls” again
“to heaven, especially those,” sweet Jesus, “most in need
of thy mercy” was the prayer she gave to intercede.
Now we say these special words at every decade done,
praying for salvation by the mercy of God’s Son.

Our rosary beads we deftly finger each and every day
to honor our dear Mother as she leads us on our way.
The sun will dance with certainty in our hearts, who believe;
for light of God is meant for truth and never to deceive.
Sweet Fatima, your message clear, we celebrate this day;
may faithfulness and sacrifice abide with us to stay.

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Paula Zwenger
is a wife, mother, and grandmother who, upon finding herself an empty nester, tried on the hat of rhyme loving writer. It fit very well. Her joy manifests completely while taking the ups and downs of life and wrangling them into poetry. She also has a passion for creating rhymed treasure hunts with a Catholic flare to celebrate the faith and learn a thing or two along the way. You can find her musings at RhymeLovingWriter.com.

Eight is Great – But it’s Only a START

Each day within the Octave of Easter is ranked as a solemnity, the highest liturgical designation on the Church calendar. That means for the next eight days, right up to Divine Mercy Sunday, we’ll be celebrating as if each day is Easter Sunday!

by Paula Zwenger

After the forty days of Lent and the Triduum, we’ve arrived at the apex of the liturgical year. The joy of Easter brings with it a new season. Though the Easter Season will last a EightSidewalkTilesfull fifty days, it begins with a very special eight days. We are now living the octave of Easter!

The octave of Easter comprises the eight days which stretch from the first to the second Sunday. It is a way of prolonging the joy of the initial day. In a sense, every day of the Octave is like a little Sunday. – United States Council of Catholic Bishops

Only one other liturgical season of the Roman Catholic calendar shares the favor of this beautiful and solemn celebratory custom. Can you name it? If you answered “Christmas”, then your liturgical connect-the-dots skills deserve an A+.

Why an Octave? What is the Significance of Eight?

It’s important to remember that there is no ‘magical’ property found in use of any particular number. Though early Church Fathers gave attention to the sacredness and significance of some numbers, they strongly warned against the practice of assigning superstitious meaning based on any type of numerological system.

Over time some numbers gained association with certain ideas. There are Old Testament roots which carry the designation of eight (i.e. Jewish feasts of Passover or Tabernacles), New Testament scriptures (i.e. the Beatitudes), and finally, over time eight has come to signify resurrection or baptism (i.e. on the eighth day after entering Jerusalem Jesus rose from the grave).

In current day, we celebrate the Easter octave. Each day within the Octave of Easter is ranked as a solemnity, the highest liturgical designation on the Church calendar. That means for the next eight days, right up to Divine Mercy Sunday, we’ll be celebrating as if each day is Easter Sunday!

As Catholics, we are called to evangelize the truths of Christ’s teachings not for eight days, or to eight people, or even through eight seasons. We’re called day in and day out to live as Easter people.

To help you enjoy this special octave and carry on in days beyond, the following riddle-rhymes take a look at the readings for each of the next eight days. Find a hint within each rhyme by using the bolded letters. Rearrange them to find a word or phrase contained in that day’s readings.

Take them one day at a time, or do them all in one sitting. Find answers as a group/family, or if you like competition, answer separately or form small teams and keep points. Bonus for the little ones in the family – how many times can you find Easter “eggs” in the riddles? Count them up to remember how many days are in an octave.

An Easter Octave Eggs-travaganza

Introduction

YOu know you’re In precisely the righT place
where all who love oUr Risen Lord should be,
so celebRate this octave in His grace,
Deciphering some hidden words To see.
Each day will have a specIal little rhyme,
Containing letters bolded by design
Do readings Of the day ahead of time,
theN rearrange to find aN answer fine.

Example: (bolded letters) O-I-T-U-R-D-T-I-C-O-N-N (rearranged) I-N-T-R-O-D-U-C-T-I-O-N

 

Easter Sunday
Acts 10:34a, 37-43/Col 3:1-4 or 1Cor 5:6b-8/John 20:1-9

The stirring in our heartS this Easter morn,
arrives with joy to greEt this gloried day
when Jesus roSe and Hope in men was boRn
that all might one day overcome the grave.
Believe in Him and preach hIs holy Word,
embracing all wIth wondered thaNks to fill
the heart of every man. May they, so stirred,
Eggs-ude all ways His ever holy will.

Hint: Three Word Answer

 

Monday of the Octave of Easter
Acts 2:14, 22-33/Matthew 28:8-15

The Coming days you’ll See eggs-emPlary
behavior by the FollOwers of Him
who Taught the world To hEar and know the truth –
their bravery not founded on a whim.
Now each Arrives with boldness, ovErjoyed –
to share the Good NewS freely, near and far
The HoLy Spirit fires The Hearts of those
whO follow JeSus giving All they are.

Hint: Four Word Answer 

 

Tuesday of the Octave of Easter
Acts 2:36-41/John 20:11-18

Eggs-ceptional the gifts that they portrayed –
the way their lives were Blessed to follow trUe
Through sAdness of the days before the grave,
they’re promised after death a life anew
We recognize the Savior aNd His words,
soft spOken when we weep at soRrow’s door”
Yet always He is standing By our sIde
to lead the way to heaven’s holy shore

Hint: One Word Answer

 

Wednesday of the Octave of Easter
Acts 3:1-10/Luke 24:13-35

WheN Peter told thE lonely, crippled maN
to “rise & walk” in JeSus’ Holy name,
we take this as A sign of how to live.
With faithfulness may we do mUch the same.
While on our walks, like Cleopas and friend,
may we be meT, eggs-static for the spark
to fan to flame, withIn ouR numBered days –
and seRve as light to world Grown ever dark.

Hint: Two Word Answer

 

Thursday of the Octave of Easter
Acts 3:11-26/Luke 24:35-48

ImAgine the eggs-hilirating feel,
wheN Israelites Saw wOnders being done
while apostles Urged “Repent!” and could hEal;
theY pointed straight to Jesus, God’s own Son
We pray thaT Christ will opEn up our mInds,
as He did thE Apostles’ long ago
we tuRn aWay from evil tie that binds,
and focuS on the One who loves uS so.

Hint: Three Word Answer

 

Friday of the Octave of Easter
Acts 4:1-12/John 21:1-14

The leaders of that time would nOt embrace
thE truth of Christ as God; they tuRned away.
Eggs-onerated, He beCame our base,
establishing the ChuRch we love tOday.
Apostles, back at fishing, saw a man –
He stood oN shore of Tiberias Sea
Dear JeSus cooked, and sErved them all again.
They didn’t ask, but kNew that iT was He.

Hint: One Word Answer

 

Saturday of the Octave of Easter
Acts 4:13-21/Mark 16:9-15

The leaderS of the time would do their best,
whiLe waRning with egGs-acting words to stOp
the spreading of the news of Christ.
The blest apostles still on fire would never droP
their PreAching. They, on fire would bOldly Tell
of wonders Jesus worked. Yet stilL He came,
assuring whEn theIr new-found Courage fell,
coMmissioning them – sEt all Hearts aflame.

Hint: Three Word Answer

 

Second Sunday of Easter or Sunday of Divine Mercy
Acts 2:42-47/1Pet 1:3-9/John 20:19-31

The early churCh communiTy was known,
dEspite the trIals and hardship thEy endured,
with pUre eggs-ultant joy their Basic tone,
with confidEnce in God’s almighty Word.
Dear ThOmas doubted, as some may today,
Yet Jesus then appeAred to Him to say
“Believe – do not Persist” in errant way,
My peace is With you. Go, and give the same.

Hint: Four Word Answer

___________

Answers:

Easter Sunday: HE IS RISEN
Easter Monday: ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
Easter Tuesday: RABBOUNI
Easter Wednesday: HEARTS BURNING
Easter Thursday: YOU ARE WITNESSES
Easter Friday: CORNERSTONE
Easter Saturday: PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL
Divine Mercy Sunday: PEACE BE WITH YOU

Hidden Easter “eggs” – Eggs-ude, Eggs-emplary, Eggs-ceptional, Eggs-static, Eggs-hilarating, Eggs-onerated, Eggs-acting, Eggs-ultant

 

Art: Marigold garden; pictures and rhymes  Greenaway, Kate

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Paula Zwenger
is a wife, mother, and grandmother who, upon finding herself an empty nester, tried on the hat of rhyme loving writer. It fit very well. Her joy manifests completely while taking the ups and downs of life and wrangling them into poetry. She also has a passion for creating rhymed treasure hunts with a Catholic flare to celebrate the faith and learn a thing or two along the way. You can find her musings at RhymeLovingWriter.com.

 

Guest Post: Finding Your Little Way -Rhymes & Riddles and Role Models for Lent

Put some lift in your Lent by solving some riddles that point to some excellent examples of “saintly” devotion.

Paula Zwenger has a lovely way of using rhyme to bring joy and inspiration to any subject – Hopefully her guest post of rhymes and riddles will liven up your Lenten journey. Find more of Paula’s wordplay at RhymeLovingWriter.com.

Lost and Found

Have you ever arrived at what you thought would be your intended destination only to find it had moved? Perhaps a favorite store expanded into a larger space, or an office found more favorable rental terms and relocated? Surely a practical minded person would double check on a detail like this before striking out to travel any appreciable distance, wouldn’t they?

Well, maybe – or maybe not. My husband and I recently scheduled an appointment across town, approximately a forty minute drive from home. Having been to this particular location several times in the past, we confidently left plenty of time to account for possible traffic jams.

Except when we arrived, with minutes to spare, the business we sought was empty. The main sign still displayed on the outer street marquee, but the office space stood unoccupied.

Thankfully we had a simple cell phone and contact number, so quickly called the business. We learned that they relocated three weeks prior (yes, they’d mailed a notice but we’d both missed it somehow). We then used that most ancient of all devices, a paper street map, to chart our course to the new location.

Although potentially embarrassing, the experience provides fodder for reflection. In today’s age of advancing technology, there seems little need to do advance planning. You research your intended destination from home to get a drive-time estimate. As for particular turns or detours, those take care of themselves with smart phone updates as you travel.

Unless you don’t have a smart phone or app that provides that service – then what happens? How will you travel in a good direction and arrive at your desired destination? Is the newest technology necessary to make for smoothest transition between point A and point B?

Sometimes old ‘tried and true’ methods hold merit worthy of examination.

Tis’ the Season

We’ve begun again – the wonderful, penitential season of Lent, gifted to us through the wisdom of Holy Mother Church. These forty days before Easter afford time for renewal and repentance, manifested through disciplines of prayer, fast, and almsgiving.

We travel, as did our forefathers in faith – as did Jesus – through the desert. We prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the Paschal mystery and renewal of Easter promises. One step after another, we surrender to grace.

We won’t fall into developing good habits by accident. Instead of ‘business as usual’, resembling a slip into minimal awareness of our dignity as God’s chosen people, we focus with intent on all we can become, by His grace. One thing that helps focus our efforts is a plan, a road map of sorts, to provide direction.

Where there’s a Will – There’s a Way

Beyond general guidance and minimal requirements proscribed by the Church, she encourages us to choose activities which help us center ever more closely on taking up our cross and following Christ. These choices entail a certain amount of sacrifice.

Sacrifice is a personal thing. What works for one person may be inappropriate for another. What sufficed for a child no longer challenges as an adult. How do we decide each year which particular disciplines honor God at this point in our spiritual journey? Certainly, the counsel of a spiritual director or wise Christian friend helps us discern possibilities. Whether found via a search on a smart phone or within the volumes of pages published on the subject, numerous Lenten guides are available as well.

One other possibility holds promise – learning about choices made by our older brothers and sisters in faith – the Saints. Though unique to each, as is our particular call and path, we find inspiration and perhaps discipline for adaptation in their ‘tried and true’ life stories.

Five Little Ways in Rhyme

The following rhymed riddle verses hint about particular Saints and how each followed a distinct path to take up his/her cross and follow Christ. Try to puzzle out who each verse marigold_garden_pictures_and_rhymes_1910_14566514398describes. (If you get stuck, answers are listed at the very bottom of this post.)

Perhaps you’ve already determined and implemented your plan for the 2017 Lenten season. If not, maybe the footsteps of those who successfully lived lives of heroic virtue point to a new ‘little way’ of inspiration.

 

 

 

She faced an illness, then was cured; devoted to His holy Word
Her mother died at tender age, yet never against God did rage
Instead she focused all on Him, with disregard for selfish whims
She died on Holy Saturday in passion’s ecstasy displayed
From Lucca was her hailing place; accomplished all through God’s own grace
“Daughter of Passion” once was known – surrendered life to build His throne
A victim soul, for all repents – now known as patron of students
Christ’s Passion did become her all – she answered Him with Love’s own call

~~~~

This man became a priest though weak, His served the Lord in all ways meek
Though Satan often battered him, His faith in God would never dim
He’s known for gift of ‘reading souls’, confessing hours on end untold
He’d bi-locate and counsel give, to souls in need so they could live
Though Rome showed care in early days, to sanctity his cause was raised
The stigmata his sign to bear; with other crosses hidden there
A hospital was built nearby to help the poor to heal or die
His motto – it is said to be : was ”Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry”

~~~~

A powerhouse of Godly strength, this woman’s life of shortened length
Mere years of thirty-three she spent, yet nearly all showed heaven’s bent
From tender age she vowed so pure to live for God alone, so sure
was she about this calling true; it focused all she chose to do
Though born a twin, her sister died in infancy, but she survived
Her writings now, prolific then; give stir to hearts of many men
She counseled popes; she served the ill; She’s known for her persuasive skill
Dominican and mystic both, to Jesus Christ she was betrothed

~~~~

Next comes a man, from France he hailed; a holy man thought sometimes frail
His Latin teacher had a chore to help him reach some passing scores
Yet holiness and love for God were central to the way he trod
Though drafted for the army range he never served for reasons strange
Then after war and amnesty he finished up seminary
Then sent to a small town to preach; his heart for all set him to teach
So many came – forgiveness sought; in confession God’s graces wrought
We celebrate his August feast; and hold him patron for our priests

~~~~

This final riddle of a saint tells of a person some found quaint
Yet as a child so sensitive, her youngest years were tough to live
Her mother died, some siblings too, though older sister helped her through
Her Mom made lace, the best around, her father’s work with watch renowned
She often struggled as a child, to find a way so meek and mild
She even asked the Pope to give permission so as nun she’d live
He said to wait, and so she did; but soon enough she would be bid
to join Franciscans, as was planned; though short, her time with them was grand

~~~~

So think on these, some ‘little ways’, which could become your own one day. 
A life inspires if lived full well – and every life a tale can tell.
Will ours unfold as holy too? Let’s pray for Love to see it through.
We’ll pray and live as Saints have done – the cross of God’s redeeming Son.

 

 

Answers:

St. Gemma Galgani
St. Pio of Pietrelcina
St. Catherine of Siena
St. John Marie Vianney
St. Therese of Lisieux

 

Art: Marigold garden; pictures and rhymes  Greenaway, Kate

Guest-Post: Introducing Paula Zwenger

In marriage, those small blessings we can offer our spouse tend to go a long way. Paula Zwenger captures their beauty in her poem, “This Man of Mine”


Recently I camthe_marriage_of_mary_and_joseph-_engraving_by_s-a-_bolswert_wellcome_v0034533e across a poem by Paula Zwenger that really speaks to the subject of sacrifice in a beautiful and inviting way – particularly as it pertains to the vocation of marriage. I wasted no time in asking if she would allow me to post it here. Thankfully she said yes – please enjoy her contribution below:

 

Easing Into the Ordinary

Who doesn’t love a good party – times when you gather with family and friends, partake of really delicious food, and wile away hours in fun and games? Perhaps you commemorate festivities by exchanging gifts, traditional mementos or souvenirs?

Life is full of reasons to rejoice. We make merry at birthday parties, graduations, or if good health and grace allow, high-number anniversaries in our vocations. We may travel different paths to arrive at our milestones, and express our thanksgiving in unique and creative ways based on our cultural traditions, but the logistics of our celebrations hold a few things in common.

Each one starts with preparation, building anticipation proportionate to the length and importance of the feast. Do you need to choose and send invitations? Are out-of-town guests expected? Where will they stay? Who plans and executes the menus for meals (don’t forget that Aunt Susan is allergic to nuts and Cousin Joe is diabetic)? Is special clothing required? Will there be a photographer? What about decorations? ‘To-do’ lists span columns or pages and require many hands to accomplish.

Finally . . . the ‘big day’ arrives! Everything goes off without a hitch (or not).  You spend yourself in joy, creating memories to last a lifetime. You may even arrive at this day exhausted by your preparations, but still luxuriate in what goes right, and bask in the joy on faces of those around you. This is what life is about – the very feasts that help make life worth living. Gratitude is simple to attain and acclaim in the midst of such blessing!

Then . . . a new day dawns. The party is over. It’s now time for post-celebration clean-up and return to day to day living. No more dancing in the streets, or aisles, or banquet hall – now you roll up your sleeves and return to work.

As Catholics, our faith tradition provides us with a liturgical calendar of seasons which help to focus our prayers, thoughts and actions.  We cherish the beauty of an extended Christmas season, which lasts far beyond the influences of secular society. Yet even with all the opportunity for special feasts and solemnities, we can wax nostalgic for the beauty of the crèche and stockings and beautifully lighted tree as it comes to a close.

In fact, in our house we’ve been known to ‘extend’ this season, as evidenced by holiday decorations, by as long as two weeks into Ordinary Time. If your family is anything like mine, everyone is excited to put up Christmas decorations, but no one is excited to take them down. The house looks a bit empty for awhile when the colors, lights, and precious heirlooms have been stowed away again for another year, out of sight.

This year, once again, I was dreading the chore of ringing out Christmas and ringing in ordinary time. My husband, Patrick, and I had talked on January 6th, the traditional calendar date of Epiphany, about needing to take things down on the following Saturday (the day this poem arrived to be written).

That morning he, an early riser by nature, held to his usual schedule while I slept in.  I was upstairs longer than usual, puttering around and reading online articles while listening to the local radio station, not looking forward to the chore ahead.

As it turns out, a plan beyond my own was already in motion. You might say I had a little ‘epiphany’ of my own about easing into the ordinary – which prompted the poem below.

This Man of Mine

I’ve never fully understood, not even ‘til today
how bonds we formed so long ago have blessed us both to stay
It’s got to be a gracing, giving strength beyond our own
that holds this love together all through choices we have grown
You take two different people and conjoin them up for life,
a model tried through centuries, this husband with his wife

He’s not given to praising and perfection’s not his game
but oh, he works in many ways at loving, just the same
Today, for instance, when I rose, ‘to-do’ list on my mind
I came downstairs with heavy sigh and what gift did I find?
The tree and lights, near put away (Epiphany now passed)
he did a chore I didn’t like without it being asked

Some frown at my believing and they wonder at my hope
yet every day, some way I’m blessed with gifts that help me cope
My answer is in trusting full that come good days or bad
this sacramental bonding tarries not as passing fad
It’s choice each morn on rising new to honor and to bless
in ways the other may not know, or ever even guess

I don’t pretend all answers in this riddle that we live
but time and time again it seems we get more when we give
I share with you if you are blue that times can turn around
not Pollyanna pandering but truth that I have found
I’ll write the blues when they appear but sunshine rays this day
right now it’s time to ‘walk my talk’ with no more word delay

I’ll find the chore that blesses him and makes for brighter day
I’ll love it into being and amend my past delays
When gratitude is lacking I will turn my heart to prayer
And offer even that to God who meets me in His care
There’s nothing that I cannot do when guided by His call
In loving you, in loving Him, whose mercy saves us all

 

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Paula Zwenger
is a wife, mother, and grandmother who, upon finding herself an empty nester, tried on the hat of rhyme loving writer. It fitted very well. Her joy manifests completely while taking the ups and downs of life and wrangling them into poetry. She also has a passion for creating rhymed treasure hunts with a Catholic flare to celebrate the faith and learn a thing or two along the way. You can find her musings at RhymeLovingWriter.com.

 

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