cupcake princesses

Isaac's nap time

baby love

My reality, my day in and day out is filled with very small but important tasks. These aren’t so amazing to the average twenty-something. In fact, in our hedonistic (maximize pleasure), individualistic (It’s all about me.) culture, my lifestyle seems a poor choice indeed.

“The Hand That Rocks The Cradle Is The Hand That Rules The World ” -William Ross Wallace.

The other day my other stay-at-home moms talked about being in crisis mode and just trying to keep their heads above water. Yes, this has been a theme on this blog and probably thousands of mommy blogs out there. It occurred to me that I need a change of perspective. Tired of doing the doggy paddle, actively striving to stay above water perhaps I need to turn myself around, look up to heaven and just float a bit.

snow going

Perhaps for me it is being more disciplined in taking time to do nothing and fight the notion that I am “wasting” time. My day, week, month, life is not wasted if I didn’t check off all my bucket list items. I don’t have to visit all seven continents, play ten instruments, own a yacht, be listed in the Who’s Who of the World book to live a meaningful life. In fact, living a meaningful life could be as easy as being at peace and loving those around me. To do that I’ll need to order more of nothing and just float a bit.

Monica and Levi

Several days after introducing soy in my diet I started to break out in a rash. Now I didn’t directly associate the rash with the soy because just days before I had a conversation with my sister, Julie, about bed bugs. She had just taken a class on it for her job at Washington County. I guess the number of cases in the state is on the rise and she gave me tips for prevention. One of the tips was to be very careful with second hand clothes and furniture. It is important to wash them thoroughly before using or placing them in your home.

nativity

Now I was itching and I thought for sure it had to be the sweater and some darn bed bugs that hitched a ride. It is amazing how the thought of bugs lurking behind your pillow or under your mattress can effect your sleep. I slept three days on the couch until my dermatologist appointment. The doctor denied that it was bed bug bites and gave me a prescription for what she thought was a virus.

reindeer days

Lake Harriet in December

The image of bugs lurking in the darkness, reminded me of a homily I heard in college years ago. Fr. O’Brian gave it. He is a very stern, but funny and colorful priest with a thick Irish accent who spoke about roaches and how they scurry to dark places, hiding from the light. He encouraged us to live as children of the light removing any actions which we are not proud of, being careful of the words we speak and the thoughts we focus on. Sometimes we can be blind to our own defects. One way to know, he said, is to look at how we act when no one is around and on those things we are defensive about or topics we avoid talking about for fear it might require a change of lifestyle?

When my girlfriend recommended removing dairy from my diet, I resisted and was even a bit annoyed at her. I love cheese. I didn’t want to give that up. Change can be hard.

scooters and balance bike

Mama Mia! That was a lot more than I wanted to say about the whole itchy experience, but it has been a challenge and I’m glad at least now we know what it is and just having that knowledge alone has taken some of the edge off.

Monica as a sheep

Besides that this December we have had some really wonderful moments like the Holy Family Christmas concert in which Monica played a little sheep. Her whole class went down into the basement after their first song and changed into sheep costumes. Then when the second grade class sang about the manger they crawled on the stage in their little white costumes and encircled the Mary and Joseph with the baby Jesus. They kept the change of costume a secret, so it was an adorable surprise.

They both sang very well and I am always impressed with the amazing job their school does on all their concerts.

The other highlight is Levi started smiling about two weeks ago. He is by far our most smiley baby. It softens those difficult days.

And now for Christmas. Thank goodness Christmas was joyful and relaxing. We had the Larkin and Bureau Christmas celebrations earlier in the month so we didn’t have to go anywhere.Saturday night we went to the Christmas Eve vigil where Monica was an angel and Daniel was a shepherd. It was beautiful!

Daniel and Isaac on Balance Bike

Afterwards we set the kids up for Cinderella in the basement, while my dear husband and I watched Slumdog Millionaire. A funny choice for Christmas I’d agree, but actually it was very appropriate because seeing the poverty in India made me very grateful for all our blessings at home. And that was our Advent and Christmas for 2011.

Hope you had a wonderful day as well. Peace and Joy to your and yours. Merry Christmas and a Happy, Holy New Year!

peek-a-boo

Every Wednesday after daily mass at Holy Family Church there is coffee and donuts. Last week Isaac, Levi and I went downstairs to the basement of the church to dunk the donuts and socialize a wee bit. After about an hour we headed back upstairs to return home. As we were leaving Isaac blew a kiss to the altar and said, “Bye Jesus. Have a nice day!”

Daniel turns 8!

On December 5th Daniel celebrated his eighth Birthday. We had a joint Birthday party with another boy from Daniel’s class. They had a bowling party at Pinstripes Bowl and Bistro in Edina. They had a wonderful time.

Unfortunately, I was unable to make it as I spent the morning at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis getting x-rays for Isaac’s ankle and blood work for Levi (long story, no worries). Isaac twisted a week before and his limping didn’t improve. As it turns out his foot is just fine. He must have tweaked it a bit, but it is on the mend.

Birthday party

Regardless, the party was so much fun. The Birthday boys were the best bowlers.

The party included pizza, drinks and cookies.

As I didn’t want Monica to have to come to the hospital, she went along. Surrounded by boys but she is accustomed to that and did just fine.

Monica's football helmet

Daniel and Monica are really getting into football, in spite of the Vikings horrible record.  Here they made themselves their own helmets.

Daniel plays football outside with the other boys at recess and after school in the basement I enjoy throwing the ball to him while we wait for Dad to get home.

Daniel's helmet

Daniel knows more players on the Vikings football team than I do! It is fun listening to him explain the game to Monica and Isaac.

Greg and I played many games of ultimate football when we were dating. I miss it, especially playing out in a snowy field.

Last week on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, it marked the thirteenth anniversary of Greg and my first official date. It was a Friday. I went to mass after work, as it is a holy day of obligation, and more than that, because I wanted to which is why we should really do anything right! Then after a light dinner I met him at a gym and we played volleyball from about 7:00 pm until 10:30 pm. After volleyball we drove separately to Applebee’s. I remember distinctly being sick and tired of dating by this time (30 years old LOL) and I remember saying 9 memorares for God’s will. I just didn’t want to waste any more time with relationships that were not the right match.

Anyway, at the restaurant we split a strawberry cheesecake, talked about sports, work, life and theology and then there was a particular memorable moment. It happened when Greg asked about my studies in Rome and I told him the story of the building  of the first basilica of St. Peters under Constantine. It’s such a fabulous story. Anyway, I guess I got very enthusiastic and passionate about it. In the midst of describing the events I look up to see Greg smiling at me. I guess he really appreciated my enthusiasm and well as they say, “The rest is history.”

Well, there’s just a few snapshots of what is on my mind this month. Have a holy, blessed Advent!

Just some random thoughts today:

Pain Medication – Why do some people have a high threshold for pain while others do not? The other day I heard from a doctor who volunteered in a third world country. He was astonished at the high pain tolerance of the children and adults. Why is that? Could it be that they don’t have or take aspirin and tylenol like we do in the states? I have a high pain tolerance and we didn’t grow up using much pain medication at all. For that reason, I try not to give my kids Tylenol unless they absolutely need it. Who knows, a little discomfort might just have some long term benefits afterall.

Fishermen on Lake Harriet – Who are these guys that fish during the day throughout the week? What do they do for their day jobs? Do they eat the fish? Do they sell the fish or just catch and release for fun? This morning I went for a run and scanned the lake and was surprised not to see anyone out there, but at the last bend sure enough they were there tucked away in a corner.

Hmm and then I wonder, “Could my walleye at Oceanaire be from a city lake?” Yikes! I just must do an interview. On second thought, they are a burly bunch and I’m frightened.

nov first snow

The First Snow – I just want to take this opportunity to thank the dear Lord for a late snowfall in Minnesota. Just a half hour ago it started to snow. We have got so much done inside and outside the house! For the first time in a long time, I actually feel ready for the snow to begin. According to the Farmers Almanac we might have a colder and snowier winter than last. Last year’s winter was horrible. So I asked my darling husband to help clear out the garage so we can use it for the van. He did. It’s done.

We also put up the Christmas lights and finished sheetrocking the basement. It is warmer in the house now and finally, I have all hats, gloves, snow pants and boots purchased and ready for the kids. In fact, they have them on right now as they frolic in the snow and I type holding sleeping Levi. Aaah! It feels wonderful to be prepared. Let it snow. Let it snow. Let it snow.

Coffee Addictions – It is a common sight to see people walking with their Starbucks or Caribou Coffee cups. Reminds me of toddlers carrying around their sippy cups or babies their bottles. Just another comfort beverage I suppose. Fill her up to the rim!

A Runner’s Pet Pieve – It is cold outside so I see this less, but why do runners carry water bottles in their hands? Isn’t that uncomfortable? Annoying? Now, for a long distance run of 5 or 10 miles, I understand because you might end up in the middle of nowhere and not want to get dehydrated, but usually they carry the bottle on a pack or belt around their waist. It would drive me batty to run with a water bottle in my hand. Doesn’t all that sloshing of water make you want to toss it as far as the eye can see? And Lake Harriet and Calhoun both have water fountains every mile and a half. Even if the water fountains weren’t there do they really think they will drop from dehydration on a mere 3 mile jaunt around the lake? I know it sounds snobby, but I just think it is a bit silly.

Fantastic Returns on Your Investment -Does the stock market got you down? Do you need a better quality of life or a better return on your investment that won’t go sour?

I have two ideas: take a cooking class or pick up and learn an instrument. Don’t quit your day job of course. I’m not advocating a switch of careers here, but instead perhaps a life changing or just an eye opening experience. A whole new world of food and music is right around the corner for you to enjoy with a mere $20 or so of an investment. I appreciate good food so much more because of the many cooking and nutrition classes I’ve taken through the years. There’s no comparing the amount of enjoyment I get from food now versus before the classes.

And there’s nothing that can change a bad mood faster than good music. Can you recognize the various instruments in a piece of music? Do you have at least a rudimentary knowledge of the various composers and the different genres of music? To this day, I reap the benefits from a mere six years of playing the flute in grade school. In fact, I just might take it back up again. My two favorite pieces: Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony” and Handel’s “Water Music”.

Isaac at play land

It turned out to be pneumonia, with an ear infection and pinkeye. A prescription was made but unfortunately his symptoms got worse in the next couple days. Holding feverish Isaac at 2 a.m. and worrying whether or not to rush him to the emergency room made me realize that I have crossed over into a whole new reality, a reality of vulnerability.

As C.S. Lewis put it in his excellent book, “The Four Loves”:

a hands-on, fatherly love

To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket – safe, dark, motionless, airless – it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. The alternative to tragedy, or at least to the risk of tragedy, is damnation. The only place outside of Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell.”

Lil Levi

Is that why, God gave us the command to be fruitful and multiply? Is it to teach us how to love? As soon as a child enters the world, they are completely dependent on us. In order for them to survive, we must serve them. Hopefully through service, we learn to love.

“Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant.” Mark 10:43

I knew a guy in Rome who came from a very wealthy family. He told me quite proudly that he had never had a job in his life, and would never need one as he had inherited a large fortune. He thought it would impress me and it actually had the opposite effect. I couldn’t help thinking what a poverty it was for him to have never had to work and pay his own way.  I also thought how hard it would be to relate to the 99.9% who do have to work.

When I became a mom for the first time I remember how connected I felt to other moms.  Now with each new stage of development there is a deepening in my appreciation for children and connection to other parents. I feel like I have entered into a greater communion with my fellow human beings. I can relate. But, like all things it has a price, like 2 a.m. wakings. But if that is the price I have to pay, then it is a small price. However out-of-control my life may seem, the fruit of this labor, the fruit of this faith, is a beautiful, blossoming love.

Levi nice and cozy

Little Levi had a few bumps in the road with extra blood tests after returning home, but in the end he is doing just fine. They thought he might have some adrenal issue which turned out to be a misdiagnosis based upon his premature birth.

Back at the homefront things are a bit unkept. I romanticize about leaving the United States for some small African village where our children play in big groups, I weave basket with other woman folk, my husband goes off and hunts and we are surrounded by generations of wisdom and loving, supportive arms. There are very few stay-at-home moms in my neighborhood. Our closest relative lives a half an hour away. Was life meant to be this isolated, so disconnected?

The household is a bit unkept, a little crazy with the basement almost finished and the basement toys stashed in any free space we can find, but thank God for my parish, Holy Family, which set up a meal plan after his birth. At least I don’t have to meal plan and prepare dinner. We have had dinners delivered from friends and parishioners every Monday, Wednesday and Friday since Levi was born back on September 23rd. The meal calendar is filled through October and into November. It has been a huge help. If not for the meal plan, my children would be subsisting on “sticky rice” (which is coconut milk and brown rice with a bit of sucanat) and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Instead our plate has overflowed with delicious home cooked meals. In fact, many people who follow this blog have helped out. Carey, Annamarie, Shellee, Pamela, Ann, may God bless you abundantly for your thoughtfulness and generosity. Want to move to a small African village? We could weave baskets together?

When I was little we bounced around quite a bit from parish to parish. I never really felt connected with any one church or community. As a result, I really want that blessing for my family. It is a priority.

“Relationships are the most important thing in the world.” a theology teacher once said. It all boils down to relationships. Our relationship with God. Our family, spouse and children.  When we die we won’t care two figs about our weight or the size of house we have, but having intimate relationships, being surrounded by loved ones, those moments that cannot be bought or sold. That is what it is all about. So I really cherish being a part of a community that is hands-on, caring and concerned for its members. When I look around the Church on Sunday, I see so many lovely people that our family has become friends with. It is a blessing and I feel wealthy beyond words.

Okay, so it is not perfect. We would like to see something healthier offered after mass in the hall, instead of just coffee and donuts. Bagels anyone? But, if that is the worst of it, I will take the sprinkled donuts any day.

Speaking of donuts. Today, is my second day of giving up sugar. Will post more about that later.

Levi minutes after birth

Then, if that wasn’t special enough, we were told a “legend” among  the midwives within the Twin Cities help deliver the baby. She was awesome. A self-proclaimed “straight shooter” who was not only direct, but attentive, empathetic and very motherly, helped me deliver in what was the quietest, most peaceful delivery for me to date. It was a beautiful experience. Extremely rewarding.

We sat down afterwards and talked about the birth. She said something very interesting. She said it is very important to “surrender” to the whole birth process. Many women get into trouble because they want to “control” the process and they cannot surrender. So they fight the pain which in turn causes more tension in the body and prohibits the body from opening up and dialating. “To dialate effectively you need to relax.” she said. One way to do it is by focusing intensely on breathing through the pain and letting go between contractions.

Surrender. Breathe. Relax.

Where was I? Oh yes, so then after birth they scooped up Levi for tests as he was early (35 weeks), but weighed a respectable 6 pounds, 4 oz. The hardest part was not seeing for 2 hours after initially holding him as they had to make sure all his vital signs were okay.

Dad and Levi

Then we were told of some minor respiratory issues which would be 5 days of antibiotics and an extended stay for Mom and baby. Levi was put in the “special care” room at St. Josephs with monitoring 24 / 7. They would call me in to nurse and if he fussed a bit and needed some consoling. Due to keeping germs at bay, Dad and siblings had to wait 5 days before holding Levi for the first time which was such a tender, happy, sweet moment for all. The love and joy present on all their little faces was priceless.

A sad moment was going to mass at the St. Joseph’s hospital chapel where for the first time since becoming pregnant I realized with great sadness that I couldn’t ask Jesus to go say “hi” to the baby in my womb anymore. It struck me hard this time, and I wanted to cry, but instead asked Jesus to bless all four of my children in a special way this day.

at home

Now we are home. The kids are in school for the most part which makes the day easier, but they are very excited to come back and see Levi. Daniel, Monica and Isaac gave him the nick name “Squinchy” because of his little facial grimaces. They cannot get enough of him and even little Isaac calls him, “Silly!” and “funny!”

We are currently waiting to hear back on some additional tests, will know more on our first pediatric visit on Friday. Will keep you posted and thanks to all those who have kept our family and baby Levi in their prayers!

Cozy Favorites – warm sweaters on crisp mornings – maple leaves in bright red and yellow hues – jeans and cowboy boots – mums in light purple with decorative kale and pansies.

Fun Family Favorites -

greg and isaac on merry-go-round

family on Azul the train

Afternoon spent at the Mall of America with free rides thanks to the nice neighbor down the street.

Best moment of the outing: scared look from kids as they went down the log ride.

monica and mom on merry-go-round

Thanks to the log ride, we think we have successfully cured them of any possible wild ride habits.

Thank heavens for the old reliable merry-go-round.

pumper cars

Proud Moments – Daniel mastering the bumper cars and biking without training wheels!!

Dude! gotta light?

The Hair Cut – By the end of the summer my boys started to look like they belonged on some beach in California with a surf board. Their hair was long, wild and crazy. Both Daniel and Isaac got a haircut and Isaac for the first time actually sat nice and still without throwing a fit.

As a good,  health conscious parent I rewarded his behavior with a cigarette. Just kidding. It is actually a sucker.

Favorite First Day of School

first day of school - 2011

Bright eyed and bushy tailed the kids were up early and excited for the first day of school. Pancakes with strawberries and real whipped cream, sausages and orange juice have become a first day of school family tradition.

A quick photo before entering school, then much to my surprise both Monica and Daniel got a little shy.

Thank goodness that was short lived and the rest of the day went smoothly. With great big smiles they ran to the car at the end of the day.

Favorite Prayer Moment – Daniel’s prayer intention before going to bed that night: that the new kid in class learns all the prayers and everyone in the class learn a lot and be good listeners. He said much, much more. It was delightful!

before school on the first day

They both have very sweet teachers and their friends were missed over the summer months.  It is fun to see how much the kids have grown.

I thought for sure Daniel would be towering over the rest of the kids, only to find out that he is still in the middle of the pack.

Favorite Creative, Hard Working Moments –

lemonade stand 2011

Lemonade Stand to Raise Money for the Annual Holy Family Academy School Fundraiser in October

“Lemonade, Cookies and Art!” – the kids shouted from the sidewalk. The “art” line definitely caused heads to turn. They sold 7 of their 9 pieces on the first day!

When business is low, Monica or Daniel sit on the public piano behind their stand pounding out a few notes while the other jumps around dancing. “Where’s my video recorder!” I wonder. Very fun, creative moment.

Tired of knocking on doors and asking family and friends for donations we started in August to have lemonade stands with cookies and artwork for the kids to sell. Anything they make over the goal they get to spend on toys.

art for sale

Each child in school needs to raise about $150. On the first day we made $84. On the second day in half the time we made $33. We almost halfway there.

I am using the lemonade stand concept to counter our crazy “entitlement” culture and help them acquire some financial skills along the way. The goal being to:

daniel at lemonade stand

- help the kids develop a goal and a plan to get there

- make them aware of the value of money and how hard you need to work to attain it

-  be cognizant of covering costs for supplies

- work on the marketing aspect (what sells and what doesn’t)

cookies!

- emphasize gratitude and the importance of saying “thank you!” after each sale

- encourage sticking to a task even if you are tired and want to quit

- work hard for your own money and not depend on free “hand outs” and mooching from mom and dad

monica - sweet smile

- and last but not least introduce them to the whole “first fruits” concept. That is the importance of getting in the habit of offering the “first fruits” of your labor to our Lord (via the poor or other charity).

Each sale they take out 10% of the earning to give to charity and put some into savings.

This weekend we have the Linden Hill’s Woofstock. An annual event catering to all the pooches in the neighborhood with fun doggy booths, supplies, services, food and music. It is a very, very fun day to see every type of dog under the sun.

Lemonade, Cookies and Art!

And, as can be expected, we will be out in front of our house selling (well actually our neighbors house on the corner of the street), shouting “Lemonade, Cookies and Art!” and passing out free doggy treats.

Come one. Come all. Enjoy the activities and buy some lemonade, cookies and art!

Woofstock – Saturday 10th from 10 am – 3 pm – Downtown Linden Hills.

Just a few of my fall favorites!

First, what is it in my daily walk with the Lord that nullifies, silences or makes ineffective the “Good News” within me?

Answer: it’s those damn weeds again!

lilies

No, I’m not talking gardening (although Thank you Jesus I picked up a whole bunch of day lilies and hosta that were free on the side of the curb yesterday and we need them for a new garden we are adding). God provides!

Sorry, I digress. Where was I? Oh yes, those damn weeds or thorns. This calls for a parable: the parable of the sower and the seed. What does the weeds signify?

“He that receives seed among the thorns is he that hears the word; and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.” – Matthew 13:22

Ah yes. There it is, “cares of the world and money, anxieties, worrying and obsessing about moolla that darn bouncing stock market and dwindling 401K.” Sigh.

Those days I am particularly nasty to the children or anyone else in the vicinity that is. Those quick to pounce, on their backs, irritable, wrathful and controlling days. What moi? Yes indeed, if you think I don’t have those days, just ask my husband. It is those days, when my peace and trust are being choked out by the cares of the world.

“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:24

“Therefore I say to you, take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body what you shall put on. . .Matt 6:25

consider the lilies of the field (insert smile), how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say to you, not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed like of of these. . .Matt 6:28

but seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you.” Matt 6:33

So trust. Breathe deep. Let go and hit the “control, alt, delete” button. Reset your focus. Priorities baby, priorities. First things first. Begin with the end in mind. God first, everything else second. It will be okay. I’m in good hands.

Next concept.

Second thought goes like this: with the Christian conversion that is authentic, personal, intimate and transformational, along with it comes a deep, confidence and peace about what happens after death. In my college days as a waitress at the Cantonese restaurant it would be like getting the fried rice and egg roll with the entree.  It’s a combination package. . . no substitutions (wink, wink).

I didn’t fully realize what a tremendous gift this was until about two months ago. We went on our annual extended family vacation and while we were  sitting around the campfire late one night  my brother-in-law mentions that for the first time in his life he is not afraid of dying.

Now, it is interesting because I automatically thought of the whole process of dying and was in awe at him because I’m afraid of the process of dying. There are many ways to go and some quite unpleasant: see St. Isaac Jogues and the North American martyrs if you need an example.

Then I realized he wasn’t referring to the process but what happens after dying. “Oh really?” I thought. “Wow!” It was as if a bucket of cold water was splashed on my face.  It was shocking to even think of being afraid of the afterlife because the first thing I think about is meeting Jesus and I cannot wait to look into his warm, beautiful and loving face. “Can I hug you! Please, please, pretty please!!” I wonder. Then I think about wanting to see and talk to my guardian angel and thank him for all those crazy close calls. Then meeting my Mom again and my sibling she miscarried and all those people I’ve met and prayed for along the way. That is exciting.

Now, it doesn’t mean that I am this sinless, perfect human being that presumes to have a non-stop, first class seat to the great vacation land in the sky. I’ve screwed up (see wrathful, controlling, irritable days above) and expect to pay retribution for my failings. And, I don’t look forward to this retribution (purgatory time in the Catholic understanding). But, I also understand quite clearly that it wouldn’t be just or loving of God to let Hitler sit across the eternal banquet table with Mother Theresa or my lazy butt as a matter of fact. Justice is giving to those their due. But, and I think this is where so many people miss the boat, “All the evil and sin in the whole world is but a drop in the ocean of God’s Divine Mercy” paraphrased from what Jesus told St. Faustina. But, people must repent and Trust in Him. Not a “Get out of free card”. We do have to do something and that means getting up, shaking the dust off and trying once again. However, so humbling and courageous it may be.

“On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’ ” – Mark 2:17

He came for sinners. C’est moi! That is me! And that is Good News.

Now, some may wonder, “Don’t leave me hanging! What was your brother-in-laws source of hope that made him stop fearing death?” Well, interestingly enough it was a book he read on reincarnation. That gave him hope and I wish I could have sat down one-to-one and asked him more about that.

Reincarnation’s modern day popularity is a topic for another blog, but suffice to say I think it is a substitution for many spiritual deficiencies in our fast food spiritual diets these days. Ouch. I know, another topic for another time.

Have a blessed day and do some weeding if the garden is getting a bit overgrown.