A Letter to Myself

Dear Lisa,
I am writing this letter to you from the past, but I want you to know and remember a few things in the future! Always remember your children will still be your children, even when they're grown. They'll still need your love and support for the rest of your life. Just because they're 20, 30 or 40 doesn't mean that they won't need their mama and daddy! God gave them to you and asked you to take care of them and there's no time limit on this responsibility. Sure, you hope they'll grow to be independent, well-adjusted, loving, and giving adults; but that doesn't change the fact, that sometimes...you just need your mother!! One day, life will hit them square in the face. They'll have troubles and hardships, be they physical, emotional, or spiritual. You should be the place they run to, you should be the first person they call!! They'll need a safe place, one where they know they can always return. Don't you always turn to your Heavenly Father?? So too, let your children return to you!! Always have open arms,large ears, and a small mouth!! Remember to give advice lovingly, knowing they may or may not take it. Remember, there'll be a time in life, where they think they don't need you. They'll push you away and refuse to take your advice. Remember, this is part of growing up and becoming independent. They're achieving a developmental milestone. Does this mean that you'll never be needed again? NO!! Will they ever take advantage of you?? YES!! Haven't we all taken advantage of our parents? They'll have to make their own mistakes, but when their world crashes, never say..."I told you so"!! They'll understand your wisdom as they get older. Lisa, I've made you a list of things that are important and you should try to follow them as your children grow into adults.

Always show up to events and functions for your children and grandchildren.
They'll never remember the things you came to, but will always remember the
things you didn't!!

Cook dinner for your children as often as time and location allows!!

When their funds are tight, help them with food, and clothes!!

Be generous with your grandchildren...help buy their clothes, school
supplies & lunches!!

Call your children, even if they don't call you!!

Tell your children you love them, even if they're 50!!

Always be available!!

Talk less and listen more!!

Remember you're still the mama, and they're the child. Always comfort their aches and pains!!

Never let anything separate you from your children!!

p.s. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know!!

Keep On Dancing!!

The Cross Without Christ

On Tues., September 14th, we celebrated a special feast day, The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. In my church, you will find no shortage of crosses. In fact, they are usually crucifixes. A crucifix, is a cross with the body of our Savior, Jesus Christ upon it (Corpus Christi). I'm often asked by non-catholics, "Why do you only use crosses with Jesus on them"?, "Don't you know Jesus isn't on the cross anymore, He rose from the dead"? Yes, we do know he rose from the dead, and it's true that the cross without the Resurrection lacks meaning. But, likewise, there would be no need for the Resurrection without the sacrifice of Jesus Christ! When I see an empty cross, I don't see the whole picture. I want to remember what Jesus did for me!! The crucified Jesus helps me identify with my own sufferings and crosses in life. It reminds me that our God, became flesh and lived, loved, laughed, cried, suffered, and died. Our God has felt the same things we feel! He's not just sitting on a throne, looking down on our sufferings; he has lived them and understands our every pain and groan. Yes, I wear this intrument of torture around my neck and yes, it has the body of my Savior upon it; because for me...the Cross without Christ is nothing!

Keep On Dancing!!!