A Little on Friendships

I talk about friends of mine often here. I'm amazed with how supportive my true friends are. 

When I first made the decision to seriously start discerning, it was one friend in particular that really helped. His response shocked me...it was an "of course you are. You will be great" type of response. It was exactly what I needed to hear.

It was a group of friends that I told first that I was discerning. I was more comfortable telling them then telling my own family.

On the flip side, I had friends I was terrified of telling because they had told me in passing how stupid it would be to pursue such a way of life.

Then there are "friends" I would love to tell, but, for some reason, they no longer acknowledge my existence.

The school I attended for 1st and 2nd grade had just 6 of us in my grade. 5 of us attended the same school through high school. 3 of us still regularly attend our home church. 2 of us are registered and active members. It was this other person that has inspired this post.

Last Saturday, we were sitting within "sign of peace range". (Meaning different pews, but didn't have to over stretch to offer the sign of peace) I had my hand outstretched to offer her and her  husband the sign of peace, she turned the other way.

Wow! What had our former friendship turned to?!?! At a church bingo, we were working near each other and I couldn't even catch her eye to give her a smile. I would LOVE to share my good news with those I grew up with, but they don't seem to want to acknowledge my existence! I wonder what I did to receive this kind if treatment.

She isn't the only one. Back in August, 4 of us were at mass. It was like everyone had blinders on, afraid to make eye-contact. At our church picnic, I almost dislocated my arm waving at one of them.

Part of me wants to think that they are jealous of me. I often attend mass alone and volunteer in a few ministries. But I don't see how this is something to be jealous of. Another part if me wonders if I somehow offended them. Did I ignore them at some point? Did I not go to something I was invited to?

All of this makes me that much more thankful for the friends that I have. Friends who want to go on adventures with me. Friends who know what to say when I'm freaking out about the future. Friends who I know will be there for me and I will be there for them!

CSW 2015

This past week was Catholic Schools Week. This was also the first CSW I have experienced as an educator!

We had a lot of fun!! I must say, I'm proud to say I work in a Cathoic school! It is helping me in my discernment process and it's helping spark other's onterest in religious vocations!

When I would sub at public schools, I wouldn't even wear a cross necklace in fear of offending someone. Now, not only do I wear this necklace daily: 

But I also make sure we pray before snack time.

The students are always asking me for updates on my discernment. The 8th graders consult me about their confirmation saints. I get to re-assure them that they will be fine abd that the bishop isn't as scary as people say he is.

So, I'm proud to say I work in a Catholic school! I will be missing these kids when I take the next step in my journey!

Signs from God

This is how I feel tonight. 

2 months in a row now I have left a board meeting wanting to cry and quit. Why? Because of people who make me feel like I'm stupid.

I know some will say I can control how others make me feel, but you can't. There will come a day when you snap because you have had enough belittling from someone. I have reached that point. If this particular person does such a great job, then she can do it alone because I'm done! I'm not going to be around people who take my joy! She has taken the joy I once had serving on TEC board. I use to LOVE the 4th Monday of the month, now I dread it.

This was the sign I got that I shouldn't delay my discernment for TEC board and  I shouldn't try to make TEC board work if/when I become a novice. I was secretly hoping for a bright pink rose as a sign to stay and finish my term, but I don't think it's going to happen. 

TEC has been a HUGE part of my discernment and for that I am grateful for my time on board!

More on Being Pro-Life: Roe V. Wade Edition

I wrote awhile back that I am pro-life. That hasn't changed. Today, I just wish to talk about the most common human life that is taken, that of an unborn child, a child who has no voice for itself.

This image...wow!!!

Has this what our society come to??? While watching the news tonight, I saw a report about a puppy mill getting shut down. While scrolling through my Facebook feed, I see people posting about trying to find homes for cats abd dogs.

Why don't we have a similar type of compassion for the unborn? Can we get the police to raid Planned Parenthood and rescue the unborn and find new, good homes for them? Can I get my friends to share a picture of an unborn baby around the world and find it a living home?

Hopefully, one day soon, we will be hearing about abortion clinics getting shut down as often as we hear of puppy mills getting shut down!

#prolife

#ALLlivesmatter

So you wanted an update...

So much happening right now... But this is how I feel:

It's SUPER cold here and under the covers is the warmest place! I don't want to leave them!!!

Anyway, I will update while cocooned in multiple blankets!

This came in the mail this week!! Excited to get started and deeper into discernment!!

At the same time, I feel conflict. I have about 1 year left of my term on TEC Board. If I would have been asked 3 months ago if I would step down early, I would have said yes in a heartbeat!! However, things change...

We are replacing about half of our board this year. I don't feel comfortable "jumping ship" and abandoning my seat on the board. Talking to a friend who is also on board made me feel like I need to finish my term. He did say he was being selfish, but I also feel like I should help mentor our new board members.

St. Terese of Lisieux is the patron saint of TEC. I have asked her for a very specific sign if I am to finish my term and if I am to step up chair a committee...I'm still waiting and praying.

The 3rd grade at the school I work at is discussing vocations. The teacher asked me if I would be willing to talk to her class about discernment because they all had a lot of questions about it! (This is the class that asked me awhile ago if God called me on my cellphone) I will be doing this on Friday and I'm super excited! I love sharing with students because it take the mystique out of religious life. Many get such limited contact with religious sisters that they may not realize that God is calling them to something greater!

The March for Life is tomorrow in D.C. I went when I was a senior in high school and I still think of it as a life changing event! I remember walking the route and at one moment there was a group of priests chanting a prayer on one side of us and a group of older adults on the other. It really symbolized the whole experience for me. It was bringing many people from every walk of life together for a common cause! I will be praying tomorrow for all those marching and for all of the unborn!

While it may not seem like much has been going on, a lot has been going on. Many small big steps are being taken and a lot of praying about my involvement in TEC.