merge?

Hello there!
I'm just leaving a link to a post I just wrote on my other blog! I'm thinking I might merge the two of these soon -- the personal and the spiritual. Hmmm... we shall see.
God bless!
:)

On Latin Mass

Many of the people I know hate going to Latin Mass. Fair enough. Here are just a short list of reasons why I love it:
1.) It makes me slow down and reminds me of all that is due to my God by the repeated incensing and careful external signs of respect and love. I know I can often get caught up in counting down the minutes, or having a mental check list of the parts of the Mass; but the slow, reverent pace of the Latin Mass helps me get lost and forget time entirely. 
2.) INCENSE. Dude, that smell tho...
3.) It is not busy. There is constant time for me to just sit silently absorbing the beauty around me. It has a slow, mediative quality that strikes calm to the core of my heart.
4.) The music is often more intricate. Many harmonies and mixing rhythms cascade together into one gorgeous call towards God. 

But with that said, to each his own. I believe God calls each person to Him uniquely. One method of worship is going to appeal to one person over another. People will argue forever over one external sign of worship being higher or greater than another but at the end of the day, the most important part is the internal aspect of worship -- the heart, the soul, the core of a person in communication with God. 

cry of recognition

Productivity is one of the best home remedies for depression/anxiety/suicidal thoughts... at least for me. Therefore, I edit photos =)

recent awesome little things :)

Checking my mail on a bad day and found a letter from a wonderful friend back home.

My friend showing up to the 10am class we have together with a big cookie to split.

Actually getting homework done and not being a slacker :P

Fun, perfectly witty text conversations with a friend from high school.

Sunshine and weather above -5.

Sore muscles from a good work out. 

Just generally feeling more alive and hopeful.

Your storm will pass. Your heart will pound again and you will be alive.

breathe warmth

The first fresh sent of spring air scurries between snowflakes, brings joy, renewal, and hope. 
You breathe warmth in the midst of a cold, dead winter, intone the song of sparrows perched on freshly thawed branches, and urge the little violet to bravely show her head above the ground, contrasting the white. And Mary, sweet Mary, you tend with gentle force these frigid hearts. You tend, sweet Mother, to this frosted garden and make it beautiful for our Beloved guest.

cliche

After a friend told me about three awful situations he was in I had nothing left to do but offer prayer. I felt so cliche about doing it but his response was beautiful.

Me: I'm praying for you, said the Catholic. But really.

Friend: I appreciate it. I really do.

Me: I'm glad. And the end of the day it's all I really have to offer.

Friend: Prayer is the best the human race has to offer. Reaching to touch the divine nature on someone else's behalf? There's nothing I can think of that is better. Thank you.

let sing

"Be joyful, seek the best, and let the sparrows sing."

-- Pope John XXIII