Something very cool to share....February 2, 2011 The Most Reverend John Balthasar Brungardt's Episcopal Ordination and Installation

February 2nd was an amazing day because I was blessed to attend
the Episcopal Ordination and Installation
of
The Most Reverend John Balthasar Brungardt
as
'The Sixth Bishop of Dodge City'

"May God's blessings be on Bishop John Brungardt all the days of his life"








     On this Wednesday morning it was only 1°, one of the coldest days in Kansas. Luckily the night before we parked the Bravada in the center of the driveway. Planning ahead was a very good idea because if we didn't, we would have been snowed in for sure.
      Yesterday, July 18th it was (believe it or not) 109° here in Wichita. What better day to finally make this post and drop off ice cream to some of 'my favorite Sisters' in the world? The photos were taken on the morning of February 3rd. I just couldn't believe the snow slopes on our walkway. On the morning of February 2nd, I wasn't sure my husband was going to be able to get us out our driveway much less drop me off at work to carpool with friends from Wichita to Dodge City. My heart filled with gratitude, thank you God, thank you husband and thank you 'car pool friends' for a day full of blessings. Do you see my smiling eyes?    

     In Bishop Brungardt's own words written in a note of thanksgiving "We celebrated a glorious Ordination and Installation Mass". Yes, it was a glorious day touched with God's grace on every fine detail at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dodge City on 'The Presentation of the Lord'.



              From the prayer of consecration at Holy Mass:

Father, you know all hearts. You have chosen your servant for the office of bishop.

May he be shepherd to your holy flock, and a high priest blameless in your sight, ministering to you night and day; may he always gain the blessing of your favor and

offer the gifts of your holy church.

On Bishop's Prayer card, a prayer for all ~

"The Lord crowns you with love and compassion." Psalm 103:4

Colors of our Faith 'Holy Family Camp' June 13 - 17, 2011

Take the helmet of SALVATION
Knowing full well that Jesus died for all mankind. He paid the price for our sins.

EPHESIANS 6:13-17 You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires, and hold your ground. Stand fast, with the truth as the belt around your waist, justice as your breastplate, and zeal to propagate the gospel of peace as your foot gear. In all circumstances hold faith up before you as your shield; it will help you extinguish the fiery darts of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, the Word of God.

TRUTH as the belt around your waist
Be honest!



Sword of the SPIRIT
Giving us the power to conquer sin and darkness!



 

In all circumstances hold FAITH up before you as your shield, it will help you extinguish the fiery darts of the evil one.
Tell everyone Jesus is your best friend!





JUSTICE as your breastplate
Choose doing right instead of wrong!

 

The campers had a tremendously good time again this year at the Holy Family Camp and so did I. The theme 'Colors of our Faith'. The tie dyed Tees they created were awesome! Each day they had a color lesson, here are a few and what they represented-Purple - Jesus redeems us through His death and Resurrection, Green and Blue Baptism unites us with the Christian Community, Black - God's Mercy, White - Grace

     It was such a blessing to be invited to help with two lessons. I prayed and decided to share the message of 'putting on the armor of God. It was so much fun putting on each piece of armor and simplifying what each item represented. We need all the help we can get and it was a plus for even me to be reminded about how my faith is my strength. It can be yours too.

     Never does it fail that whenever I volunteer...I end up leaving with SO MUCH MORE than I came with. It was truly a blessing spending time with the friends I made last year again, serving with our amazing Director and team of volunteers. The group rolled with laughter when I actually squeezed into my black cowboy boots. I guess I can honestly said I got a real kick out of being at the Holy Family Camp!

ZEAL to propagate the gospel of peace as your foot gear
Love your neighbor and share the good news on your journey. 

I have always liked that Z word!

Blessed!

Some little matchbox gifts created for Cursillo & sweet insights to go with them...

 For the Spring Cursillo #99 I put together these seven little matchbox gifts. Altering matchboxes make me smile...they are so sweet and fun to make. A few little insights that are even sweeter...
Jesus Christ knocking at the door 'art'. Do you see that there isn't a door knob?
'Will you let Him in to your life?' It's really as simple as that. The little guitar earrings... for the Coordinator because she prays through the gift of music God has given to her.

Jesus and the Children 'art'. One of the most amazing young Mothers on the team chose this one. She is one to be at the feet of our Lord in prayer smiling....delighted to 'just be there'.
Jesus smiling 'art'....if a picture is worth a thousand words...this is one I love. Don't you think He smiles when he watches us as we try our best to imitate Him? As we 'ladies' try to imitate Mary, His mother? They say there isn't anyone who needs a smile more than the one who has none to give. A smile is an unspoken message that says 'I accept you'. Please smile at a stranger today. It could make a difference!

If you would like view the matchbox arts 'closer up' go to - http://www.bloominginkansas.blogspot.com/ Spring Cursillo #99 DeColores!  

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton ~ January 4th

Today, January 4th we take time to remember and celebrate

 

the most lovely Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.

 ~

To share a little about this amazing lady...

Did you know Saint Elizabeth was a wife and widow, mother of five children and of a new community of religious women, teacher and administrator? Yes, there are 'Married Saints'. The best thing is that she was a very holy person who inspired others to love God more. To inspire others, I believe is truly 'a priceless gift'. She was also the first saint in United States of America. It is said she was rich in kindness to everyone. Until she died, she continued to compassionately serve her family, her sisters and all the needy people who came to her.

I really like this, one of her writings about friendship-

Saint Elizabeth said "Friendship with God only makes human friendships more possible and more precious. I find in proportion as my heart is more drawn towards the summit, it looks back with added tenderness to everyone I have ever loved; much more to those who have long possessed its entire and truest attachment"

(Joseph B. Code, ed., Daily Thoughts of Mother Seton, April 4).