Here Comes Advent!

 Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope you are all blessed with a spirit of gratitude for all we have to be thankful for!  God is so good and ever Present, even in the difficult moments.

Advent is just around the corner!  We have so many reflective resources at our fingertips whether it be through our parish, online, or in books, for the new liturgical season.  I encourage you to choose one or two, but not be overwhelmed that you have to do all of them.  I say this with my own thoughts of overwhelm and praise to God for these many sources to put us in the spirit.  

But I would also encourage you to just be still with Our Lord and the Blessed Mother.  How did they prepare, on that journey to Bethlehem?  Even to be still with the daily Readings can help us draw closer to God.  There is so much preparation this time of year, be it in the shopping, in the putting up of decorations, and our getting together as a community.  

But what about our hearts?  I feel like putting in bold letters: it's not Christmas yet.  It's Advent!  Let us not "miss the boat."

An Additional Note to Vocations Awareness Week

 I recently posted a video on Vocations Awareness, and I hope that it has been informative for you and your understanding of the diversity of vocations within the Catholic Church!  

I wanted to reiterate the importance that everyone is called to holiness.... so no excuses that you don't "qualify" as a lay person!  In fact, there are many rising saints who come from the laity.  I am learning this as I continue to seek God's will for my life in the different seasons as a wife and a mother.  I've got to admit, sometimes I feel like an inspired ministry I pray about depends totally on me.... then I wonder if God is calling me to do it while taking care of my children?  I'm realizing I need to build up the domestic church, that is my family, first.  But I needn't be discouraged if I need to back out of such inspirations.  I have a beautiful vocation that God wants to work with me through, and lead me to holiness!  Motherhood is amazing!

We recently celebrated the Solemnity of All Saints Day, and I hope you are feel inspired to go forward a saint yourself!  Pursue God, He is already- and always- pursuing you.