7 Quick Takes Friday (vol. 2)

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    WOW...And...we are "Popeless" for a time...

The crazy thing is that the Sunday at Youth Group before we found out the Pope was retiring, we had a good conversation about how we really are living in the most exciting times as Catholics.  Who would have thought the next day we'd be hearing the Pope put in his 2 week notice!?!?  I'm sure many of you have seen these or similar things floating around the world of social media about the resignation/upcoming conclave/etc.  But these are two neat websites I found...

Adopt a Cardinal
No not these cardinals...                                                                             These cardinals

Your are assigned a cardinal from around the world to pray for him as he enters into the conclave in the coming weeks.  I ended up getting Cardinal Dolan from NYC.  I just think its a neat way to really be connected to the momentous task ahead of the Church right now.

The other on is Fantasy Conclave.  Its a website to help folks learn about the papacy and learn about the whole process we're about to head into. neato burrito:)

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Tonight Jim and I are going on a double date with my folks.  Because its a Lenten Friday, we'll be getting our fish n' chips on at a local grill.  Afterwards, just coming back to our apartment for some dessert and pink moscato. Yum.

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This week I had gotten a coupon to Hobby Lobby in my e-mail.  I headed over there on Monday and found these two bulletin board lovelies (2 for $20!?!?).  I was a little geeked!



I LOVE a cute chevron pattern!!
This will look great in our 2nd bedroom :)



This burlap number I thought would be cute in the kitchen...
Hubbard Command Central ;-)

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I've had this idea brewing in my head for a particular post.  I haven't had much time lately due to studying for my Trinity/Christology mid-term and starting to do some research for a paper.  Recently a priest was telling me about this book and the title struck me.  Don't worry I'm not about to get all preachy or controversial on you; but let's just say I didn't used to be very good at the first part of the title 'how to defend your faith without raising your voice.'  It's more a personal reflection on learning from the mistakes I made in trying to be a good witness to what I believe, but instead I came across as judgmental and kind of un-Christian.  Stay tuned for further reading!

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The 1st Thursdays of the month are quickly becoming on of my favorite days of the week.  That's the night we head to Ann Arbor for a young adult group.  If you are a young adult from south-eastern Michigan you DEFINITELY want to check out 'i.d. 916.'  Like their Facebook page or check out their website.  The evening starts out with Mass, fellowship, a dee-lic catered meal (only $10 with adult beverages!), a young adult testimony, and some type of talk relevant to young adults trying to live their faith.  Seriously. Just do yourself a favor and check it out.

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Prayer. is. sometimes. a. struggle.  The other night Jim went to bed early and I was finishing up the end of an episode of 'The Office' (the one where Michael burns his foot in the George Foreman grill?? hysterical!!!  After I finished it, I was debating to perhaps watch another.  I really just wanted some time to veg out and relax.  And then began the internal wrestling match: relax with more TV and veg time vs. the need to pray. I really didn't feel like praying (sorry Jesus!), but knew I had really checked in much that day and with it being Lent and all thought it would probably be a good idea.  So after some quiet time and writing in my prayer journal, I pulled out a devotional Jim and I were reading during Advent-the present.  I really liked this part: "Jesus is not Santa Claus or a magical ATM that spits out any amount you ask for.  He is a person, and prayer is a relationship.  The heart of prayer isn't about trying to get what we want but trying to love God (and experience his love) in a deeper way."  In my head I get that prayer is about a relationship, but it is a constant work in progress to live that out in my thoughts/actions.  The part that really knocked me upside the head was that part that said 'and experience his love.'  In talking with my spiritual advisor, I have realized that this is an area in my life I need to work on: letting God love me.  I struggle a lot at times with comparing myself to other woman/not always having great self-esteem.  And I think that's an area that God wants to work on with me; getting better at loving me!  And Lent's as good a time as any for a good spiritual makeover right?? ;-)

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Jim graduating with a bachelor's in Philosophy!

April 9 is a big day in our home: Jim's commencement ceremony for grad school!  He will receive a Master's in Social Work, and is very eager to work as a family/individual faith based therapist.  He's been a busy bear for the past two years going to school full time and working an internship...its exciting to see the light at the end of the tunnel for him!  Yahoo cuddly! So proud of you!

Looking forward to seeing him all cute n' handsome in a cap and gown :)

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