Generous Hearts

Paige and Grace know we are running to raise funds for the Alpha Center crisis pregnancy bus. They insisted on donating from their very limited $ stash (from picking weeds and bag worms): Paige ($5) and Grace ($1.10). Blessings to all who sacrifice to protect the Unborn (and parents).

We believe in Santa Claus!

Paige asked me today if I believed in Santa Claus. I said yes. She said some kids told her that parents are Santa Claus. After visiting with Angi, we decided it was time to have the Santa Claus talk. I reminded Paige that Santa Claus is St. Nicholas who was a generous bishop who gave to the needy (from Turkey). I asked her who St. Nicholas imitated..."Jesus." Then, I explained that Angi and I followed the example of St. Nicholas in imitating the generosity of Christ...that we carried on the Spirit of Santa Claus rooted in our Christian faith. Therefore, we believe in Santa Claus!

"a practice" confession

Fr. Chris (Alton IL) took me fishing on Monday. I did the Sacrament of Reconciliation with Fr. Chris on the drive back home...mobile Sacrament...a first for both of us! Angi made us a yummy dinner. After dinner, Fr. Chris also offered the Sacrament of Reconciliation to Paige and Angi. Paige said she had the Sacrament scheduled next week at school, so this could just be "a practice." Fr. Chris smiled and said it would be for real. We all had grace-filled confessions. Thanks be to God!

Heaven

What is the first thing you are going to do when you get to heaven? Paige, "Say hi to God!"

ProLife

Began the day-trip with a sorrowful rosary outside of the St. Louis abortion mill. Paige (9) said, "I don't get why they call it Planned Parenthood...sounds like they should be helping babies." Later that day, Grace came into my office with the ProLife banner and joyfully shouted, "Let's save some babies, Dad!" http://www.40daysforlife.com/

Our Lady of the Snows Shrine

The shrine was even more meaningful after Paige watched the movie about St. Bernadette (from Grandma Kathy).

St. Mary's (Alton, IL)

* Today's devotion picture is our daughter Paige (9) praying at St. Mary's church in Alton, IL on 10 Oct. Paige asked Fr. Chris if it would be ok topray at the tabernacle. [I met Fr.Chris the weekend prior at the St. Louis airport when I was heading to theTC Marathon (for ProLife).] Paige's role model is Blessed Mother Teresa, ever since we watched a movie about her. Paige wrote me a note that said,"Be like Mother Teresa"...I have it posted in my home office (aka man cave). Let's encourage our children to consider all vocations and to listen for God's call.

* Grandma Kathy wrote: "Dear Pat and Angi, This was the picture of our precious Paigy I took home with me from our visit. My guess is that it is one you will always retain this in your mind too. With much love, Always, Mom"

God sightings

Before Mass, Paige asked Angi why we don't see rainbows more often. The reading was then about a raindow. Coincidence? I think not!

Angi offered this story regarding today's devotion verse..."Whatever you did for one of these...you did for me." Matthew 25:40 Angi said: "This Bible verse is very fitting as I just pulled this out and said it to the girls on Sunday after we gave a man a Mcdonald's gift card-he was standing at the exit of king soopers holding sign saying "out of work with 3 kids to feed"-He said God bless you thank you so much-I then blessed him back and told the girls about this verse-Paige said that God was probably right there with the man."

Angi sent this clarification: "Grace said that God was standing right by the man-they corrected me last night-good to know that Grace is getting it also."

Favorite Food? "Body and Blood of Jesus"

* Our daughter Grace (5) recently asked our daughter Paige (8), "What is your favorite food?" Paige said, "the Body and Blood of Jesus...and then mac & cheese." Jesus said to them (John 6:54), "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day." Hopefully, the Body and Blood of Christ is our favorite food, based on eternal nourishment (top of the "food guide pyramid"!). Let's consider saying this when asked about our favorite food (hopefully they will ask why...and we will share our faith!). The word Eucharist (Body and Blood of Christ) literally means "give thanks" (to God!). Thanks be to God for Paige's gift of faith...and thanks to Paige for another great "Christian ID" tip.

First Holy Communion

Dear Family,

An important celebration is happening this Sunday. Dearest little Paigy will be making her First Communion. As the love of God shines down and within our sweet Paigy lets flood her day with our special prayers and love!

Wish I could be there, but in my mind I can imagine the sweet purity of her sweet little face and soul.

Paigy, We will call you on your very special day with Jesus.

We love you SO SO MUCH!!
Grandma Kathy and Papa Joe
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Hi, Friends in Christ:

Please join us in celebrating Paige's First Holy Communion at 1030, Sun, 4 May, St Peter Church in Monument...followed by a picnic in Fox Run Park (bring comfortable shoes if you want to play catch with the frisbee or football). The Mass will be packed, so please arrive no later than 1015 to get a seat. We will provide the picnic food and drink...just bring yourself. If the weather is bad, we will have the celebration at our house. Please let us know if you are able to attend by Wed, 30 Apr. Hope you can join this sacred event and joyful celebration!

Cheers,
Pat, Angi, Paige, and Grace
Phil 4:13
life-devotions.blogspot.com

"Be like Mother Teresa."

A few months ago we all watched a movie about Mother Teresa. Afterwards, Paige prayed that she would be more like Mother Teresa. Later I gave her a picture of Mother Teresa to tape to her bedroom door next to her Disney princess poster. I recently found a note that she wrote in Dec 2007: "Be like Muther Chresa."

Paige recently received a fortune in a fortune cookie that stated, "Your happy heart brings joy and peace where there is none." That is our Paige!

"You are my big horse."

We met Aunt Kay and Aunt Teresa for Mass and then dinner in Woodland Park yesterday. During Mass, while snuggling Paige, she said to me, "You are my big horse. You are a hero." I am honored to be her big horse while she is little...I hope to always be her hero!

* On a side note, the priest knelt down and blessed Paige during the Eucharist. Paige was genuinely touched that the priest took this effort to recognize her as a child of God!

Dancing with Jesus

On Thurs, 21 Feb, Angi went to the "Spirit of the Marathon" movie with her running partner Courtney. Paige, Grace, and I were jamming to some Christian music (News Boys). At one point while we were dancing, Paige and I held one hand and lift up our other hand in praise. Paige said, "Dad let's hold hands with Jesus!"