May 24, 2007
Called to Be Holy Housewives
Here's a great article for us wives & mothers.
What Blessed Mother Teresa Can Teach a Suburban Housewife
Posted by bobbi at 8:44 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 9, 2007
Lent & The Family
Here's a timely article worth reading.
YOU AND YOUR KIDS - Embracing the Lenten Season as a Family
An Interview with Catholic Author Meredith Gould
By Lisa M. Hendey
Posted by bobbi at 10:10 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
June 18, 2006
The Eucharist, Fatherhood and Sacrificial Love
FROM BRIAN:
The Eucharist, Fatherhood and Sacrificial LoveI am always excited when Father's Day falls on a feast day. This June 20th is no exception since Father's Day will fall on the feast of the "Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ," also known as Corpus Christi. I believe this is significant because the Eucharist strikes at the core mission and vocation of fatherhood, sacrificial love.
The Eucharist is the fountain of sacrificial love; Christ gives, pours out, and donates His entire being every time a priest, through certain words and actions, makes Him present on the altar at Mass. Christ continually sacrifices and empties Himself because He loves us and wants us to experience the fullness of life.
In the same way, every father is called to practice this form of "sacrificial love." It is a love that "gives without counting the cost," as Mother Teresa would say. It is a love that rejects impatience, goes beyond duty and stamps out reluctance. It is a love full of joy and anticipation. It is a love that is rooted in the very Cross of Christ. It is a love that is powerful, beautiful, awesome, and life giving. It is a love that shines brightly and dispels all darkness.
Even though sacrifice will always be a part of fatherhood, what really counts is that which motivates it. As St. Paul said in his first letter to the Corinthians, chapter thirteen, "…if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." And as Our Lord said in the Gospel of St. John (13:34), "Love one another, as even I have loved you." Love must be the motivating factor behind all sacrifice.
I know all this is easier said than done. Nevertheless, if we want to imitate Our Lord, especially in the Holy Eucharist, and practice "sacrificial love" we must not grow tired, day in and day out, of giving it our best shot. Each day we should recommit ourselves to this ideal and seek God's help as we give ourselves to our families. With God's grace, nothing is impossible.
May Our Eucharistic Lord give all fathers on this special day the grace, courage and strength to live out their vocation as bearers of sacrificial love.
God bless.
Posted by bobbi at 8:45 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 21, 2006
Baby Wanted
I think Brian and I need to make a pilgrimage here: Baby Wanted: The Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche
Posted by bobbi at 3:56 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 31, 2006
Catholic School Planner for Kids
PfLAUM Publishing carries a number of Catholic teaching resources, including this Catholic Kid's School Planner.
Posted by bobbi at 3:50 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 27, 2006
The Joy and Pain of Adoption
Having not been able to have another child yet, adoption has been on my mind lately. So I found this article interesting - Joy Multiplies.
Posted by bobbi at 12:44 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Happy Husbands do Housework
Now here is an interesting find (which Brian agrees with)- Men Who Do Housework Have Happier Marriages
Marital researcher John Gottman studied men who did housework and found them to not only be happier in their marriages, but also have lower heart rates and better health. In addition, these men were less stressed and less likely to be sick in the four years following the initial research meeting.
My thinking: If a husband is pitching in with the housework, he's most likely helping out in other areas of the marriage. This makes the wife happier because she feels part of a true partnership. And we all know that if Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!
Posted by bobbi at 12:08 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 31, 2005
2/16/05 - "Orderly Days" Planner
I've always been big on using my planner to keep my day somewhat together and on track. Now there is a planner made especially for Catholic Moms. Check it out -
Orderly Days, created by a Catholic mother for Catholic mothers, is designed to instill a God-focus in your life. Each month, a new godly virtue is introduced with four weeks of scripture to pray and incorporate into your daily life...
You can also find a review of the planner at CatholicExchange.com.
Posted by bobbi at 12:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 4, 2005
Mother's Rule Of Life
I have been enjoying Holly Pierlot's book A Mother's Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home and Peace to Your Soul. I just realized from a friend that she also has a website with a lot of great info. Check it out.
Posted by bobbi at 9:03 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 13, 2005
The Doc Is In
For those looking for parenting tips, check out one of my favorite sources - Dr. Ray Guarendi. He is a clinical psychologist, author, public speaker, radio host, and Catholic dad of 10!
Posted by bobbi at 8:14 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
July 7, 2005
Doing My Little Part
A person can only take so much bad news before they either get really depressed or really angry. Thankfully Bella just woke up (she's asleep on my lap) and she tightly wrapped her arms around my neck and said. "I love you Mama, but I have to go to bafroom and you forgot my bweakfast." It's time to get to work and do my own little part in making the world a better place and building the Kingdom of Christ through work and prayer.
With that note - that our littleones can teach us so much - I leave with a post from Danielle Bean entitled "Practicing Her Faith".
Gabrielle might be only 2 years old, but the girl knows she is Catholic.When she enters a church, her demeanor becomes suddenly business-like. First things first: she finds the holy water fonts. Then she is systematic in her approach. Every holy water font in the church must be visited, after all. She balances precariously on teetering tiptoes, stretches one arm high above her head, and manages to dip the very tips of her chubby fingers into the water. She then makes an elaborate show of blessing herself, her naked dolly, her little brother, and any other person or object within reach. Then it’s on to the next font...
When the soaking…er, blessing is completed, she commences an elegant procession to the pew. This involves taking three or four steps at a time, pausing for dramatic effect, and then performing an elaborate bow, a curtsy, or a genuflection that lasts for several seconds. She then stands, takes another few steps, and kneels again. In this way, she calls attention to herself…er, recognizes Jesus’ presence in the tabernacle four or five times before we sit down.One recent Sunday morning, as I watched her predictable performance, I reflected on the fact that so far, Gabrielle’s religious devotion is entirely exterior. She makes all the right moves because she copies what she sees, but of course in her 2 year old mind there is little connection between these exterior actions and her relationship with God.
I wondered if perhaps even I do a similar thing. I may not genuflect every couple of paces, but maybe there are some parts of my spiritual life that have become little more than exterior practices, done more out of habit than devotion. For example, when we say grace before meals, do I make the sign of the cross with reverence? During bedtime prayers with the children, do I think about the words we are praying?
Gabrielle is 2 years old. What’s my excuse?
Posted by bobbi at 8:07 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 31, 2005
Fitness Ideas for A Busy Mom
We received this email from a reader of RoL:
QUESTION: I am a mother of four young (7, 5, 3, and 1 yrs.) children. I understand and believe in being open to life, but the demands are overwhelming. Additionally, I am now 40 lbs overweight because I cannot ever exercise. This is a very real struggle for devout Catholic mothers. I can tell by looking at the others I know. I need help to get back in shape. What can I do? My husband does not have a weight problem and is not very supportive at all. Please help! - Jane Smith
ANSWER: Hi, Jane. Your question is an important one and one that most of us have asked ourselves! Personally speaking, I've taken a step to get back into shape by joining Curves. The half-hour workouts (at least three times a week) provide strength training and aerobics. Everything is laid out for you, which makes it much easier. There is no thinking about where to start or what to do next. It is much easier to schedule a set time for exercise when I know I can be in and out in 30 minutes. As for babysitting, God has only blessed us with one child so far so it is easier for me. Some Curves have daycare centers for kids, although the one I go to does not. Fortunately, my father-in-law is eager to watch Bella so I drop her off at his house in the afternoon before I work out. (If I can't leave the house I use Leslie Sansone's Walking DVD's.)
However, perhaps you do not want to spend money on a gym or cannot leave your kids with someone. I've asked a number of other Catholic moms with young children how they would address your problem. There are some excellent suggestions - many of which I will follow myself! I hope these are helpful to you. May God bless you and give you strength! Take care and keep in touch. In Christ, Bobbi
The Importance of Time for You
It is really important for moms to take time for God first at the beginning of the day and also for themselves before the day begins with the children. When my military husband is here, I wake up every morning 1 hour before everyone else, read my Magnificat and walk or jog for 20-30 minutes. (Easy in California but a bit more challenging to bundle up in Virginia in the winter.) Even a video in the basement for 20 minutes of stretching would do the trick.
It is important for a woman and the heart of the home not to lose herself! ...
I would encourage you to pray on this and express to your husband that you need his support. Often this requires sacrifice on your part in your sleep, but I will tell you that an hour alone with God and exercise not only gives you more energy, but a clear and positive outlook on the day before anyone needs something from you...including your spouse. I have been able to manage my mental and physical health this way for the past 6 years. It has been different now with my husband deployed but I do still manage the time with God.
One thing I know from friends of mine who are Catholic with multiple children is that the women do not take this time for themselves and begin to look and feel worn down. By reclaiming yourself, not only will you improve as a mother, but as a wife and the benefits to the whole family are very rewarding.
I would encourage you to start with this before addressing more children. I think you have already been open to the call to motherhood, but God also calls you to take care of yourself. Balance, mentally, physically and spiritually will most likely clear your head and heart and allow you to see clearly if you are called to have another child.
My prayers will be with you. Even if your husband does not do a lot to support you, you need to pray and look inside yourself so that you will be able to reap the benefits of this special time as a woman of God, mother of four and wife. In Him, Cindy (Mom of four - ages 5, 4, 2 and 6 months in the womb.)
Exercising Suggestions from Other Moms
---I am 7 months pregnant with 3 children running around (ages 8, 4, 3). Due to extreme pain from varicose veins and a hernia, I wake at 5:30 am, say prayers, due 20 minutes or so of exercise (Denise Austin - Low Impact Aerobics), shower, and usually the troops are up. Sad but true, I then put on the TV most mornings so I can at least finish dressing in peace. Bedtime for me is anywhere from 9:30 to 10:30 at night. I exercise 5/6 times a week. It has increased my energy and reduced my pain. Peace, Susan (Mom of four - ages 8, 4, 3 & 7 mo. in womb)
---A friend of mine gets up and goes to the gym at 5:30 in the morning. She is back in time for her husband to go to work. I prefer going out to walk after dinner (during the time of year when it is light at that time) and my husband is able to be home with the kids. Two kids on a bike and a double stroller might be an option. God bless, Karen (Mom of three - ages 11, 8 and 6)
---Circuit training is a great option for someone who has a tight schedule. You may want to ask your doctor to approve any new routine before you begin. If you have not been exercising at all, I encourage you not to rush. It is better to do part of the routine and gradually do more than to rush and get injured. A great place to begin is http://exercise.about.com. Type "Circuit training" into the search bar. Good luck, and God bless you, Sara (Mom of four - ages 5, 4, 3 and 1)
---For my exercise, I got a machine called the Gazelle. It takes very little space, and is low impact, almost like walking. After Andrew's birth, while my husband was in the Police Academy, I really wanted to take off the baby weight. I had gained almost 40 lbs when I was pregnant, and was at my highest weight ever. I put the kids to bed at 8 PM every night, pulled the machine in front of the TV, and started working out. At first I could only last for 10 minutes, and that was tough! Afterwards, I would lie on the floor and do leg lifts and as many tummy crunches as I could (sometimes this was about 5!) I made a deal with myself that I could only watch TV, (whether a show or a movie) if I was working out. I had to be doing some physical activity.
After about 2 months I could work out on the machine for a whole hour. By the time my husband came home, 4 months later, I was at my lowest weight since being a teenager. I had not only lost the baby weight, but an extra 10 pounds too. I never deprived myself, but would only eat a treat if I finished my whole workout. If I was craving ice cream, I would tell myself that I could eat it after I worked out. Usually by the time I was done I didn't even want it anymore, but if I did I ate it.
I'm hoping to do this again after the new baby is born, and hopefully I'll lose the extra weight quickly. This is what worked for me. I know some women get up early and exercise, but night worked better for me because I knew the kids would stay in bed. Most mornings they seem to sense when I'm awake and then I could never get a full workout in. I know some people do more rigorous routines, but I could do the Gazelle, leg lifts, and tummy crunches. It wasn't too involved or intense and I knew I could, and would do it. Hope this helps. In Christ, Allison (Mom of four - ages 9, 5, 2 and 9 months in the womb.)
---This is my morning routine: If it is a nice morning I go for a brisk walk down the block for 7 minutes and return, another 7 minutes. If hubby goes to work late, I get to go for a 20 minute walk. It is so beautiful in the mornings listening to the birds sing, the sun is just rising and there is clean air to breathe! My Great-Grandmother who lived til' 96 would stand by our back door and take 3 long breaths of air. I do this and think of her!
Then I do morning stretches. There is an excellent book, The Core Program, by Peggy Brill, a physical therapist. Just 15 minutes a day doing these stretching exercises will help your core areas; neck, pelvis, back, hips. When I do these exercises, I do feel better! The key is to be consistent and making time for yourself, because you are better for yourself and Family.
If the kids wake up, I tell them I am doing my exercises. They can eat breakfast or lie down and do them with me. I have also done leg lifts with the kids on my legs, and 'airplane rides' when they are on their tummies on your feet. I also think you have to like the exercise you are doing; swimming, walking etc. Are there any other Moms who live close by that you could 'walk with strollers' and the older kids could walk or bike ride? Thank you for asking for help and for encouragement for us too. Amy (Mom of five - ages 13, 8, 5, 2, 6 months.)
---As a mom of an almost 7, almost 5, almost 3 and almost born I can relate. Exercise WITH the kids - get them on the bikes, baby in the stroller and GO! We walk 3.5 miles everyday to pick up the first grader from work. 1.75 miles there and 1.75 miles back. I walk, my daughter bikes, my son naps and my other son walks home. If you homeschool, figure in major exercise - don't cheat yourself or your kids. To keep it simple I will just list my practical ideas...
Fitness Isn't Just Exercise. Fitness Is A Lifestyle.
1. To make more time for yourself, get the kids to do chores, lots of them. My friend who has 5 kids was getting on me for enabling my kids and shocked me how her 4 yr old knows how to fold laundry, empty the dishwasher and make her bed. I have been incorporating more chores since and am amazed.
2. No junk food for anyone. No processed food for anyone. Eat as much from scratch, limit snacks and kick sugar out. We keep it a treat. How many kids are loaded up with fruit snacks, juice boxes, and cereal bars that are loaded with sugar! We have gone back to basics, baked potatoes, meat and green vegetable. Cheese sticks, not goldfish. Peanut butter sandwiches not graham crackers. Ham rolls not fruit rolls. Water not juice. If it's pre-made it's loaded. Also items with fructose increase desire for more sweets.
3. We've beefed up breakfast and lunch - more protein, less snacks. Eggs, whole wheat pancakes, with flax seed, chicken sausage etc.
4. Get a hobby to fill your evening hours so snacks don't tempt you so much. Cross-stitch, piano, do your nails, write letters. Keep your hands busy so food won't go in them. Really if you eat better meals there will be less snack attacks.
5. Meal plan. Get a menu. Chicken, brown rice and gorgeous salad. Beef and bean chili with gorgeous salad. Sprouted bread, fresh turkey, and home made coleslaw. Pork, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. etc. Limit pasta AND cheese for you.
6. I am almost 20 pounds lighter than my last pregnancy and I think it is because I have limited cheese and ate these simple and filling meals. Do this walk while weeks away from birth.
7. Limit or exclude caffeine. I am a true caffeine girl, so instead of excluding I've switched from coffee to tea (no sugar.) Remember the sure way to gain weight is to drink sugar - No pop and that means diet pop too. Water is your friend.
8. When you buy ice cream, sour cream, mayo, butter etc. Buy the real deal - it encourages moderation. Really, if you have a gallon of Fat Free ice cream in the freezer it is tempting and still loaded with sugar. If it is real ice cream you are less tempted and it takes less to satisfy you. (I learned that one from my skinny sister-in-law) Be satisfied. Also don't get those fake fat free cookies - that encourages over eating.
It will take a few weeks to go through detox. Who knows, maybe you are doing these things already. Hope this helps. God bless, Jolene (Mom of four - ages 7, 5, 3 and 8 months in the womb.)
Posted by bobbi at 10:18 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 31, 2004
12/10/04 - More Advent Ideas
I received another idea of how a family incororates Advent into their family life. Check out these great ideas from AM in CA. (We posted these ideas on RoL - Keeping Christ in Advent and Christmas 2004.)
As for Advent, we are doing things quite different this year. Every year we have always gotten out all the Christmas decorations and the tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. This year we got out some decorations for the fireplace and the stockings for St Nick Day. (Dec. 6) Everything else, will be put out the 3rd week of Advent (pink week) as we show signs of Joy! Our tree will go up the third week also or we might wait for Christmas Eve.We have several Advent calendars and our Advent wreath, which we gather around every evening as a family to light the candles and say our Advent prayers. We emptied our basket of reading books in the living room and filled it with religious, advent and Christmas books.
We have been celebrating the special feast and Holy days as a family. We celebrated St Nick with stockings in the morning filled with several religious gifts and a few small treats, then read books about him. We celebrated The Feast of the Immaculate Conception with Mass, prayers, and a SPECIAL new book called Angel in the Waters. We will also try to celebrate other special days this month.
We have been talking everyday about the presents we are going to give Jesus, and have been trying to teach the kids that these are gifts we can give him all year long( being nice to brothers & sisters, helping Mom or Dad without being asked, saying extra prayers, playing a game with sibling, doing a chore for someone else, etc.) We are trying to steer them away from talking about what they want to get, and lead them toward talking about what they want to give (this is very challenging at times!)In years past, I have been so overwhelmed during December that I never got to enjoy Advent, or teach the kids about it, just spend it as a time of prayerful waiting. I have always been so busy with activities, Christmas shopping, and general business, that I missed the whole season, and always said, "I'll do it different next year." This year, I'm actually trying to do it different. We streamlined our Christmas shopping and did it all in one day before December arrived. We got out our advent materials early, and had them ready, when the first Sunday rolled around. We are just simplifying, and really enjoying it so much more. I feel peaceful, and happy, and have time for spontaneous book reading and prayers with the kids.
Posted by bobbi at 12:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
12/9/04 - Bringing Advent Home
Some of the local Catholic families were talking about how they are incorporating the Advent season into their home. One of our friends had an excellent idea so I thought I�d share it with you. She says:
In previous years I've waited until the last minute to decorate, cook, etc, but that puts a huge strain on the season in those final days of Advent. This year I wanted to keep Advent as a waiting period and a time of penance, but also try to avoid the last minute rush. This is what we're doing this year.Once "Pink week" comes this Sunday (the third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday) we will slowly begin to decorate (dragging it out for the next 2 weeks) since "pink week" invites us to recognize the hope and joy to come. But our biggest change is we have our tree up and decorated with wonderful PURPLE balls, silver garland, and PURPLE and PINK lights. I saw all these things at Target and now we have an "Advent tree!" This way our tree is up and ready to go and is getting the water it needs. Closer to Christmas we'll take down the purple and put up the Christmas decorations.
We also have Advent calendars, Advent wreath, candles in the window as a sign of waiting, etc.
I love that idea and will keep it in mind next year. (This year we were so excited to have a real tree and house to decorate that we put up our Christmas decorations now along with our advent things.) For a refresher you can also read last year's article Keeping Christ in Advent and Christmas. If you have an advent idea you'd like to share, let us know!
Posted by bobbi at 12:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
12/9/04 - Trying to Save Her Marriage
Marie MacFerlane is in the news again as she continues her fight to save her marriage with Bud. Ohio Catholic wife takes marriage case to Vatican tribunal to prevent �no fault� divorce.
Posted by bobbi at 12:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
10/20/04 - Child-like Faith
Okay, okay, just one more quick post since I've got to get packing. (I'm leaving early tomorrow morning to visit my family in So Calif while Brian is away on a men's retreat for 3 days. Please keep us both in prayer!) Here's a little story from a homeschooling mom about the simple wisdom of children. She wrote:
My son and I were finishing up our religion time, just the 2 of us, by discussing the Catechism questions. The topic was Sanctifying Grace. I was telling him that although Baptism gives us the Mark of Christ, after removing original sin, and allows us to go to heaven, it's no "free ticket". We have to work on knowing, loving and serving God every day.He looked real serious for a moment. Then he said, "Mom, it's kinda like playing Chutes and Ladders, isn't it?" I sat there like one electrified.
"Yes, CJ, it is. Most days we move forward a space or two. Sometimes we even get caught on that spot were you have to roll double to get to move again. BUT, eventually the day will come... when you will slide down a chute or ascend the ladder. And, if you're REALLY lucky, you'll get to go up one of the BIG ones and your life will never be the same again."
Next time you wanna illustrate "getting to heaven" for your little ones, pull out your Chutes and Ladders game. Come to think of it, I CAN'T think of a better analogy. Outta the mouths of babes.
Yeah, the kids will really teach us. I've been working with Bella on making the sign of the cross and saying her simple prayers throughout the day. The other day I was in a hurry and gave her her lunch and walked back into the kitchen. She then said to me, "Wait Mama, you forgot da pwayers" (the prayers). I apologized to her and we said our grace. After she made the sign of the cross she smiled and said, "Now Jesus happy." Yes, I'm sure He is.
Posted by bobbi at 12:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
7/20/04 - Saint Coloring Books
A few weeks ago I purchased the saint coloring books mentioned in the article below. The books are bilingual in English and Spanish and cost $5 each. (Proceeds help the excellent apostolate Catholic World Missions.) The titles available are:
Fresh Flowers in Winter: Story of St. Juan Diego (The one that started it all.)
Let the Children Come to Me: Blessed Imelda's First Communion Miracle (Also available in a special First Communion Packet.)
Viva Cristo Rey! The Courageous Saints of the Knights of Columbus (as mentioned in the article below.)
The Story of St. Faustina, Missionary of Divine Mercy (This one is tri-lingual in English, Spanish and Polish.)
God's Little Flower: The True Story of Saint Therese of Lisieux (This is a Co-promotion with Luke Films to aid the release of the motion picture THERESE.)
From an Angel in a Dream: The Story of St. Joseph, Mary's Husband (This one was illustrated by John Webber, formerly an animator at Walt Disney Feature Animation.)
And Coming Soon � Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta
You can order the books individually here or get one of the package deals to save on S&H.
Also check out the Glory Stories Radio Dramas on CD/tape. (kids can read along with their coloring book.) We bought the grand-slam packet with all the books and CD's and we think they're great. Check it out!
Posted by bobbi at 12:00 AM | TrackBack
3/24/04 - More prayers for Bud & Bai
Sparki at Fonticulus Fides posted this at her site:
I've been in contact with Bai and she asked me to post this letter, written by her sister. Bai believes that more prayer will help, so please, please pray for her, her husband and their marriage.Dear friends,
Please pray for the grace inherent in the Sacrament of Matrimony to be unleashed for the purpose of healing the marriage of my sister Bai and her husband Bud Macfarlane.
This is something that I have not brought to most of your attention since it was a personal matter. However, it has now become public because of a front page article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer last Saturday and a related e-mail to ARCHE members.
I figured there is no further reason to delay in making a plea for your prayers. During their courtship and earlier years of their marriage Bud and Bai have appeared to all to be a devout Catholic couple. But now, Bud is filing for divorce with no apparent interest in working for reconciliation, while Bai is leaving no stone unturned in her efforts to keep her family intact. (The letter continues...)
Please pray for Bud that his heart will be softened and open to reconciliation, for Bai that she would know what is the most wise and loving course of action, and for their four young boys who are caught in the middle of this sad situation.Many of you may be particularly concerned about this unfortunate situation because of your positive experiences with the Bud and Bai's ministry through the Mary Foundation, CatholiCity, and Bud's novels such as Pierced by a Sword. Many people who have benefited from the work of the ministry are confused and concerned. Another prayer intention would be for the good work of these ministries to be able to survive and perhaps even be refined by this family crisis.
Surely there is only one "person" who will benefit from the dissolution of this marriage. I invite you to pray that he will be defeated decisively.
Thank you for your support,
[SIGNED]****************
Here is more from Bai's Sister:
****************
Dear FriendThank you for your prayers and your concern. Below you will find some items that Bai sent me that she would like to share with interested people and those who are supporting their ministry and marriage in prayer. I know this is rather lengthy, so feel of course, do not feel obliged to read it all, but to use it as you think best.
Something that is kind of remarkably evolving from this suffering is my sister's being swept up into the "marriage movement", a force in the legal and Church circles working to see that reference is given to keeping marriages intact rather than making divorce and annulment so easy. Bai's whole purpose in doing an interview with the Plain Dealer was to heighten awareness of the weaknesses of the system. (She never intended that Bud's name be in the article, nor that people would be able to figure out who they were. She really wanted to remain
anonymous, but she was not allowed that option. That's why she used her given name "Marie", a name by which she has never be known.)Bai has never been intimidated about fighting for what she believes is right, just one example of which was her being thrown in jail years ago for protesting abortion. There is a hope which I hold onto that some greater good may come out of all this pain. Many lives could be touched if the Macfarlanes' marriage is healed because so many people know them and have looked up to them.
In addition, with Bai's fighting spirit the system itself in whatever small or large way could be impacted for good, or at the very least other abandoned spouses may be encouraged and made aware of options that they didn't know were available to them.
I keep praying that Bud will have a St. Paul conversion experience and that Bai's suffering will not be in vain just as Joseph' s (son of Jacob - colored coat) unjust treatment by his brothers ended up bringing about a greater good than if he had never suffered at all.
I have been truly amazed as people respond to me, with a new awareness of the tremendous amount of good that has come from Bud and Bai's work, and the fact that those who have been touched by that good are not inclined to respond in anger, but rather in prayer. It's actually quite beautiful to see the mystical body of Christ in action.
Thank you again on behalf of Bai and our extended family,
*************
LETTER FROM BAI TO FRIENDS OF MARY FOUNDATION
*************Dear friends of the Mary Foundation
I do not know the true reason for Bud's recent behavior. Of course I want an intact family for my children and myself and I pray and that Bud will eventually be inspired to discover the reasons he was unhappily married and work to solve our problems.
I also pray that his mysterious behavior will cause the minimum damage to those I love. As co-founder of the Mary Foundation, I always have loved the Mary Foundation because I love what it does. It disseminates high quality evangelical information to countless souls through the work of evangelizers who want to spread the good news, through audio recordings, cd's, books, and the internet. Besides asking for prayers for our marital situation, I ask that evangelizers continue using good Mary Foundation information as they had in the past.
Some people have suggested that the Mary Foundation shouldn't survive because of Bud's behavior.
But I wonder, who REALLY runs the Mary Foundation. Bud and I used to say it is MARY'S foundation; we are just instruments. If it is the devil's plan to destroy the good work of the Mary Foundation by somehow inspiring Bud to act so "contradictorily", then let the devil be tested. If God allows the Mary Foundation to 'go down' under these circumstances, He can raise up other works, but I hope all of your prayers will melt Bud's heart, and the Mary Foundation can continue to do good work.
Holding on to Hope, while fighting fear,
Bai Macfarlane
Posted by bobbi at 12:00 AM | TrackBack
3/23/04 - A Comment about the MacFarlane Post
I just want to mention that I did not post the news about Bud and Bai Macfarlane on 3/22 to gossip or bash Bud M. Rather, I am hoping we can join in prayer not only for Bud, Bai, their kids, and the apostolates but for all Catholic couples and marriage in general.
It goes to show that we are all prone to sin and Satan will work overtime to knock down Catholics who are an example to others. In this way he damages not only the individual but all those around them. All our sin damages the body of Christ but some sin is a lot more visible and a lot more damaging. Whether our lives are public or private we have to pray and work dilligently to stay united to Christ and do do all we can to help other do the same.
Posted by bobbi at 12:00 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
3/23/04 - Parenting Quote
I was visiting a commenter's blog - John Holmstrom and I read this quote on his baby daughter's page.
A baby is an adorable little creature sent by God to show you and your wife exactly how selfish you are. --Bob Geigerhahaha How true is that?!
Posted by bobbi at 12:00 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
3/19/04 - Blessed Feast of St. Joseph
A blessed Feast Day to you! St. Joseph is very dear to our family, particularly to Brian. Here is a beautiful Prayer for Fathers from Pope John XXIII.
St. Joseph, guardian of Jesus and chaste husband of Mary, you passed your life in loving fulfillment of duty. You supported the holy family of Nazareth with the work of your hands. Kindly protect those who trustingly come to you. You know their aspirations, their hardships, their hopes. They look to you because they know you will understand and protect them. You, too, knew trial, labor and weariness. But amid the worries of material life your soul was full of deep peace and sang out in true joy through intimacy with God's Son entrusted to you and with Mary, his tender Mother. Assure those you protect that they do not labor alone. Teach them to find Jesus near them and to watch over him faithfully as you have done.
Posted by bobbi at 12:00 AM | TrackBack
3/17/04 - Virtue of Innocence
There's a great article at Catholic Exchange.com called Virtue of Innocence. Here is the first paragraph:
"How many of you are 'pro-choice'?" she asked her grade school pupils. Immediately, all hands shot up, except one. "Why are you not 'pro-choice'?" the teacher queried her lone dissenter. "Because I am 'pro-life'," she said, with a confidence that seemed to belie her tender age of seven years. "And why are you 'pro-life'?" the teacher continued. "Because my Mommy and Daddy are 'pro-life'," was the youngster's firm reply. But her stern examiner had not yet completed her line of inquiry. "Suppose your parents were morons?" "Then," said the little girl, and quite emphatically, "I'd be 'pro-choice.' "/blockquote>
Read the rest here.Posted by bobbi at 12:00 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
2/20/04 - Attn: Home-schooling Families
Lesley Payne and Karen Horton, editors of the Catholic Home Educator magazine have announced their new independent magazine, Heart and Mind: A Resource for Catholic Homeschoolers. Contributing editors include the following: Laura Berquist (a column on classical home education); Maureen Wittmann (thrifty home-schooling); Cay Gibson (literature); Pattie Kelley-Huff (special-needs column); and Nancy Carpentier Brown (resource reviews).
Each issue will feature a pull-out unit study. The magazine will focus on issues unique to Catholic homeschoolers, including resource reviews from a Catholic perspective, religious education, tips for managing large families and ideas for observing the liturgical year with children. For more info check out their website at heart-and-mind.com.