The Mother of God?

Mother of God? YES! And for all Catholics, and others, confused about why this day is celebrated, click here for more info.

I hope I do not get into trouble posting this beautiful picture. Hopefully some art expert will provide the name of the artist and tell me it is open for use in blog postings. Otherwise I'll have to draw my own picture will not look near as beautiful as this one!

Yes I am typing this at 2AM on the first day of the year 2009. Had to. It seems like a long time since I posted. There is an image that keeps coming to mind... If you've seen that classic movie called "The Wizard of Oz" you will know what I am talking about when I say, stopping in Arizona feels like that point in the movie when Dorothy and friends reach the Emerald City and get all spruced up; the Tin Man gets shined up, the Scarecrow gets stuffed with new straw... you get the idea.

It seems like we are being put back together here this winter. Any weariness we have now is from the blur of catching up with old friends and seeing familiar places.

So we've celebrated a few big Feast Days... CHRISTMAS, St. Stephen, St John the Evangelist, The Holy Family, and today the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

It was on this day, almost 14 years ago, that a friend approached us after mass saying he had all the paperwork ready for us to sign in order for our ministry to become a full fledged 501 (C) (3) not-for-profit. God bless him for that gift. So many people have walked with us off and on over the past years and each one has played a role in helping us be where we are today.

And where are we today? After more than two years full-time on the road, we are thinking we may need to stop for a month or two now and then just to 'regroup'. We've seen a lot of wonderful places along the way and still Oklahoma feels like home to us. The fact that our house remains on the market (unsold) since before the market went into a tailspin might be an indication God intended to preserve it as a place for us to land from time to time. We are open to whatever He wants of us - and that usually includes a great deal of waiting.

We are gearing up to hit the road again before long. Thank you for the emails and comments about the Advent offerings. Call it a practice run for things to come.

Thoughts for this new year: Do not let news of wars and economic woes cause you to worry. Direct your thoughts to God and let his peace fill you. Distance yourself from sin and peace will come. Pull down any idols that have been draining your spirit of zeal for God and breathe in the Holy Spirit that heals and restores and brings back to life. God is still on His throne and all will be well... All will be well.

I'm excited about the new music that is coming. Stay tuned by checking in on this blog from time to time.
Happy Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God!
Michael, Mary, Joseph, John Paul, and Therese