Weekend of Riches...

Some time ago, I arrived at the realization that God, in His generosity, has allowed me to cultivate a certain type of friend during my later age. It's funny, really, because the close (in proximity) ones remain distant due to obligations and the distant ones seem more close most of the time. I do believe it is His love for me that prevents any one friend from becoming so bonded as to make for yet one more thing on this Earth to make me want to stay...to turn my eyes from Him. That is a great love.

That re-realization came at the end of a frustrating day of car-shopping (my van is becoming terminal and we have to make a decision of some sort). Would I like a shiny, new Transit (or NV? although, the name...I just can't)? I thought I did...or at least something new and shiny. Then, car salesmen being car salesman (children of God, of course, but a joy with which to deal? rarely), I was repulsed long enough to focus back on reality. The update...a new battery and more time to think about needs vs. wants.

Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly - Colossians:3

The somewhat tumultuous end of my week created even greater joy over what was to follow on the days of rest.

Me: "I'm going to breakfast with my friend, Maureen, today"
DH: "You mean your friend that you've never met?"
Me: "Yes."
DH: "Only in the Internet Age."

It is an odd thing, for me especially (see a much earlier post on friends in the age of Facebook).  A very long time ago, like 7 years, I was on a Catholic Moms email list. The list was national and ultimately responsible for my beginning a group for Catholic Moms in my area...anyway, that was where I first met Maureen and, only 6+ years later, we finally met in person.

I do believe there are people whom God has chosen for you to have in your life. Sitting and sharing breakfast, talking about our kids (she has the most amazing family and equally amazing story behind them) and all the other issues in life...it was so easy and right. I am so grateful that I have her in my life, no matter how infrequently or how distantly. She is another one of those people that help me know the path we try to walk, so difficult at times, is the right one.

That same evening, our dear friends came for dinner on their way through town. They had a stop-over so their older kids stayed with us while they went back to being a "normal" family of four at the hotel. I hope they had a good time because it was so wonderful for our kids to catch up with friends.

Indoor picnic due to rain...I love having 10 kids at the table!

the girl beauty train

My godson is the cutest...you can think what you wish...the truth is the truth ;0)

No reunion is complete without a sword fight

I didn't sleep much but that was mainly because of my bunk mate who was a pitiful boy, head full of mucus and coughing all night

I'm guessing the rest got some zzz's because they were all up for fruit, waffles and bacon before the fast began

and we were out the door in plenty of time for Mass.

It's not often I feel solid in the choices DH and I have made for our family (society creeps in so easily and so often...why don't I know about the new Harry Potter?) but today, hearing the Gospel while sitting in my pew with 8 little people, in direct view of my godson and my baby two pews ahead and the godparents (and their family) of our friend's daughter (who came to this Mass to retrieve a lost umbrella and instead found their goddaughter and family for an unexpected reunion...AHEM), I could do nothing but give so many thanks to Him who led me to take the steps that led us to these amazing, faith-filled people.

The treasure and future of the Church...Praise God!

To finish an already amazing weekend, we took a birthday meal to our dear "Mr. Ray" and then spent the evening with Grammy. How amazing is our God to allow us so many opportunities to store up the riches He has freely offered? How very good it is when we choose to do so.

But God said to him,
‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you;
and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’
Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves
but are not rich in what matters to God.” Luke 12:20-21

Heavenly Father, help us to continue to seek Your will for our lives and to only wish to be rich in what matters to You.

We are blessed.