Feliz Cumpleanos, Maria

Today is the Feast of the Nativity of Mary - in other words, the day that we celebrate Mother Mary's birth. Happy Birthday, Mary!
Please enjoy this beautiful song "Labor of Love" written by Andrew Peterson, performed originally by Jill Phillips, and covered here by Cassidy, whose version I found on YouTube. It's a little early to be foreshadowing the Christmas season, but it fits so perfectly in this week of celebrating labor...and Mary. Enjoy. :)
So on this Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I give a special "shout out" to all mothers out there. I am thankful for the unconditional love of my own mom. Also, to Kristina, the newest little momma I know, and her baby boy Ben, who will be baptized on Saturday ("this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased!").

Labor Day - A beginning

I've been aware for some time now that I am in the process of being "in labor."
I'm giving birth to something much bigger than *me.*
What I'm working on getting out is very much inspired by the Spirit.
It's something that aches to be out of myself and shared with the world.
It's not perfect - in fact, it's messy, and screaming and so, so needy -
but it's mine to give.
Whereas once I thought it would seem foreign to me,
what I've seen of it looks a lot like me,
only more pure and more beautiful and much more powerful and trusting than anything I've ever known myself to be.
What is this being born? and when will it come?
I'm not sure and, I'm not sure.
But I think I'm ready to say that it's not for me to know.
It's only for me to push forward - to move forward.
So, I start up this blog as a diary for my soul.
It is my soul that sings and yearns and labors in this work
of birthing something new, true, pure and real into this world.
I hope that you enjoy, and accept the gift that I'm giving.
And that you'll give it, too.