Sunset: Wonderstruck

This challenge was to watch a sunset, giving thanks to God for His majesty in the world. I was finally able to catch a sunset on the way home from Chambana after a good day with Bill. Usually our sunsets are broad and multi-hued, over reaching the prairie. This sunset was like this day; small, private. Just a little area of salmon pink, some dusky clouds above that, then streaks of gold above the clouds. Intimate. Just for us. The gold faded quickly ( "nothing gold can stay" ). The clouds thinned and dissipated. The pink lingered; in the sky and in my heart.

I didn't have a camera, so couldn't upload a picture with #livewonderstruck, but that's how I live anyway. The memory of that intimate moment is the wonder of sunset!

Pixie Dust: Wonderstruck

Today's challenge was to pray for pixie dust; asking God to shower His grace, favor, and delight. Then watch for the unexpected ways that might come about. I felt silly praying for "pixie dust", but knew God would work with it.

I borrowed my mother-in-law's car to run errands in Chambana with my son Christopher while she and my husband went to Decatur. We went to the credit union, grocery, library, pharmacy, restaurant, and gas station. At every stop I got to know my son. His great sense of humor, especially. His helpfulness. His joy. Relationship; that's the wonder of pixie dust.

Vacation: Wonderstruck

There's been a long hiatus in this series; but I'm ready to get back on track now. This challenge is to arrange a vacation to enjoy the abundant life God has given. I actually have two getaways planned. Both are Boy Scout functions and will take place at our local Boy Scout camp.

The first is our troop's week of summer camp. I am one of the adult leaders. This will be my third year; it's a lot of fun. The second is an adult  advanced training course held over two weekends in mid-September and mid-October. I'm really looking forward to Wood Badge; it's an honor as well as a challenge.

I will plan an outing with our whole family and my parents, too. That's a tradition for us now. That's where we really see the joy and wonder of a vacation.

Appreciation: Wonderstruck

This challenge was to express gratitude to three people who have made a difference in my life; who have been couriers of God's wonder. I chose my parents, my husband, and my mother-in-law. I chose to thank each of them with a handwritten note.

My parents were the primary shapers of my faith. They got it going and molded it well, I think. I don't think I ever really thanked them for that, even in the note that told them I was converting to Roman Catholicism (or in their minds, turning my back on my faith). So I wrote a note detailing exactly what I thank them for in regards to faith. It went out in today's mail.

My husband helped guide me to the fullness of faith in the Catholic Church. He continues to guide and guard our family. I couldn't be more proud of him, nor love and respect him more.

My mother-in-law gives me an example of a truly simple, yet deep belief. Perhaps because she's had to rely on God for the most mundane things all her life, she just knows she will be taken care of somehow. She was just diagnosed with cancer; she's facing it with a serenity I am envious of. I needed to thank her for the gift of her example.

These are the wonders of appreciation. Thank you, Lord, for each of these people. Please bless them.

Restore: Wonderstruck

Once again, I was wrong. The title of the book is one word. And the next challenge encourages me to find something in the house that needs restoring. There is plenty in this old farmhouse that could use some TLC; the problem is there is no money in the budget to get what is needed to provide it. So this challenge will go unmet.

However, I can meditate on the wondrous work of restoration God has made in my life. He took someone who had given up and raised her head. He took someone who was certain she would be alone always and gave her a family. But more than that, He drew me to Himself. I now have the fullness of faith available in the Catholic Church. I am strengthened through Reconciliation and fed by the Eucharist. THAT is the wonder of restoration!

God: Wonder Struck

The challenge for day 17 is to be in the presence of God. To write down names for, characteristics of, attributes of, and promises of God. Then spend time thanking and adoring Him.

He is El Shaddai, God Almighty. The God who listens. Lord Most High.

Lord, you are worthy, mighty, holy, just, merciful, loving, omniscient, omnipresent, marvelous, awesome, good, light.

You are the bread of life, the door, the only way to the Father, a strong tower, The way, the truth, and the life, the creator, the Savior, the comforter, the shepherd, the judge, vindicator, stronghold, my strength, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my shield, my saving horn, perfect, trustworthy, right, clear, pure, true, host, compassionate, faithful, my salvation, my life's refuge.

As for promises, there are so many! I only wrote down some that were true for me; and I'll only post some of those. What an amazing God!

The Lord Himself will fight for you; you have only to keep still. Ex 14:14

For the sake of your name, Lord, pardon my guilt, though it is great. Ps  25:11

Blessed be God, who did not refuse me the kindness I sought in prayer. Ps  66:20

I, the Lord, am your God ... open wide your mouth that I may fill it. Ps 81:11

Show us, Lord, your love; grant us your salvation. Ps  85:8

The entirety of Psalm 103

Gives the childless wife a home, the joyful mother of children. Hallelujah! Ps  113:9

Sirach 2:1-6

How great the mercy of the Lord, his forgiveness of those who return to him! Sirach 17:24

Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never forsake you or abandon you." Heb 13:5

Oh, the wonder of the presence of God!!

Rest: Wonder Struck

This challenge was to take a break, thanking God for the chance to refresh and renew. I know the wonder of rest because of the health issues I have. I generally nap every day because I have to in order to meet my obligations and be kind to my family.

This has been an odd week. No naps for me until Thursday. I lay down with a sigh and did not move for three hours! My body felt better, but my mind was groggy for awhile. But, oh! I thank God for the wonder of rest!