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The F.U.N. Quotient... happy Christmas traveling edition...

Feeling better, but I need to simplify...the next Among Women podcast comes next week.

Nothing like a couple of sick days over the last two weeks to put a hiccup into ye ol' makin' of the list and a-checking it twice. I am feeling better, but now I have a slightly elevated fear of "lost time" from a productivity standpoint. Now I wish I could hire a few elves to help me dig out of the hole that I am in. But at least I still have my sense of humor! (Fortified by green and red M&Ms among other goodies.)

My list is becoming radically simplified, and I'm just doing what I can.

To wit, simplifying means the last podcast for the year will be delayed till early next week. Simplifying may include sending Christmas cards deeper into the Christmas season, and baking a whole lot less, just to name a few things. In the meantime, I've just had the blessing of a little year-end work that needs my attention, as well as a few busy chores needing Momma's coordination skills. I am one woman, taking one step, and one prayer at a time.

So, until we talk again, let's continue to pray for one another as we zip and zoom along. Oh sure, we all have good intentions about keep a good and calm Advent. I know. I just came from adoration. But I also know that many of the folks who listen to Among Women, or read this blog have obligations to meet for their families and their jobs as we prepare for a Christmas weekend that will follow this long fourth week of Advent. It is not often that we get a full fourth week, so let's try to embrace it, and all its expectations and demands.

So let's just be mindful and remember each other... somewhere we are all lifting a prayer for one another. If you are reading this. Take a brief moment and take a deep breath. Then say a "Hail Mary" for the last person who read this and the next person reading this. There. You see? In 30 seconds, you just performed a spiritual act of mercy for someone else.

Here's another little something I'm trying to keep in mind: I love Psalm 89 that we will pray this Sunday: "For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord."


That would be "for ever" I will sing of the Lord's goodness. Not just when I feel like it -- when everything is going great. Not just when I've "got my act together", or gotten through the "to do"list. No, it is very good counsel to sing of the goodness of the Lord wherever we are.

Singing frees the soul, and singing to God allows me understand that everything we are and everything we have is from God's Providence. The to-do is a gift. The people I'm going to see this Christmas are a gift. The unexpected work I've encountered can be a gift. Even the sickness and difficulties can be gifts that slow us down and bring us to him. Everything in our lives passes through His hands... and it is a gift.

"For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord."


"Sing Forever" --St Philip Choir on youtube.  

Among Women ReadHER 10.29.11... motherhood, confession, prayer, gratitude, singing & more

Among Women ReadHer

10.29.11

Pilgrims of Truth, Pilgrims of Peace
By Pope Benedict XVI
The Pope spoke in Assisi this week with many varied religious leaders -- Christian, non-Christian, and agnostics -- and this is the text of his only talk. It is very readable. Consider giving it your attention and note his analysis of the intersection of spiritual realities (or their lack) with all sides of life.

The Fellowship of the Unashamed (note, this opens to a .pdf)
By Patrick Madrid, at PatrickMadrid.com
First read this in Magnificat, and checked it out at Patrick's website. Something worth praying on, doncha think?

Donating My Hairshirt
By Lisa Schmidt at The Practicing Catholic
Got annoyances in human form? 

Showing Our Gratitude in Our Tweets
By Maria Johnson, guest post at SnoringScholar.com
This has been a fun and enriching way to start the day. I've only been at it a couple weeks. If you tweet, check it out. (You can follow Maria Johnson on Twitter: @bego , or me @PatGohn .)


Fr. Z's 20 Tips for Making a Good Confession
By Fr John Zuhlsdorf at his blog WDTPRS?
To-the-point, easy-to-remember suggestions. H/T Lynn Wehner.


10 Ways to Pray Without Ceasing
By Colleen Spiro at CatholicMom.com
Add one of these ways to your daily duties!


How to Pray Badly
By Marc Barnes at Bad Catholic
Out of the park, Marc! 


Couple Married 72 years Dies Holding Hands
By Deacon Greg Kandra at The Deacon's Bench
Inspiring.

For Happy Children, Put Your Marriage First
By Mary Beth Hicks at Family Events
While not a Catholic periodical, I have found Mary Beth's content at Family Events universally solid and grounded in Christian virtues and the moral law. It's free to subscribe.

If You Quit You Can't Blame God
By Patrice Fagnant MacArthur at CatholicMom.com
We've all been there. Then what? Thanks Patrice! (Who has been a previous guest on AW 6!)


Saintly Soda for All Saints Day
By Lacey Rabideau at Catholic Icing
Fun idea! And Lacy lets you copy her idea! Lacey was a guest on the podcast, back on AW 90 -she's got great stuff!


Saint-o-Lantern Link Up
By the contributors at Catholic Cuisine
More Halloween and All Saints Day Fun -- great photos!

Are You Working Too Much?
By Kathy Schiffer at Seasons of Grace
Fun video... especially if you type/keyboard for your living...


You Gotta Have Friends
By Rachel Balducci at Faith and Family Live
So true. You know who you are thinking of. Go call her.


The Church Has Three New Saints
By Vatican Radio at New.va
2 men, 1 woman, (whom we'll be profiling on a future AW)


Here's the legacy of an amazing Catholic Mom:

Read the story of Emmanuel's Catholic Mom Moira.


Finally, here's something cool that I really like. If you like what we do at Among Women, then you can trust me, just do this.

image credit