TASTE AND SEE

A few years ago, I had an opportunity to take in a lot of movies.  Many good-hearted friends recommended their favorites to me.  That’s when I discovered how divergent movie preferences are!  What is a favorite for one person, can cause someone else to walk out of the movie.  Someone can have their heart warmed by a show and the same show can be boring to another.    

That being said, I want to recommend a TV series to you.  We have been waiting, not so patiently, for the start of the Second Season of The Chosen, and it is finally here!  It is fabulous and just as wonderful as its first season.  I highly recommend it to you.

To get started, plan on enjoying the first two episodes in one sitting so you can get to know the characters.  After that, you will pretty much know most of the regulars.    

We have watched several episodes of Season Two this summer.  Show after show, it does not disappoint.

If you are like me, the Gospel stories are well known to you.  However, as I have watched The Chosen, my appreciation for the mercy of Jesus, the depth of love Mary had for her son, the fiery personality of Simon Peter (my personal favorite actor played by Shahar Isaac), the humor of Philip, and all the miracle stores have met me in a deeper place than I have experienced.   This mini-series about a small band of people has lifted my spirit to seek in a new way for the One who knows me and calls me by name.  

I have many movies, TV series/shows, and books that I would encourage you to relish however The Chosen is in a class of its own! How about giving it a try?

The Chosen | Official Trailer HD - Bing video

And for a short time, the first four episodes of Season One are free if you sign up for The Chosen App.  How wonderful is that!

THE CHOSEN is now FREE! - YouTube

Finally, two articles from Bishop Barron’s Word on Fire Blog about the show.  The first article relates to Season One and the second article speaks about Season Two.    

“The Chosen”: Get Used to Different - Word on Fire

https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/blog/the-chosen-just-gets-better-and-better/32620/?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_term=ig-wof&utm_content=the-chosen-just-gets-better-and-better&utm_campaign=blog-post

 If you decide to take in The Chosen, let me know what you think. 

Thanks for reading (and watching).

Lori

#TasteAndSee #TheChosen  #CarmodyStateOfMind

FRIED PICKLES

 When my daughter, Kaitie, was in college, I had the pleasure of getting to know many of her friends.  It seemed as though two of them were pivotal in where everyone else gravitated.  Kaitie’s girlfriend was famous for her deep-fried pickles plus she always had the best snacks on hand for everyone who stopped by.  Kaitie’s girlfriend’s guy friend was the life of the party with a smile that warmed the room.  I don’t know anyone who didn’t feel uplifted being around him.   

Recently we attended the wedding of this delightful couple.  It was beautiful, as most weddings are.  However, one part of the ceremony has lingered in my thoughts long past the weekend. 

The bride and groom had just said their vows to one another.  The priest asked for the rings so he could pray over them before the couple placed them on one another’s hand.  That is when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a man, perhaps around 40 years old or so.  Somewhat awkwardly he slowly left the pew where he was seated and proceeded to the front of the church where he gave the groom the rings.  Once his job was completed, he turned back to the pews and returned to a seat (not his) and quite loudly announced that he had done a good job!  Although the bride was stunningly beautiful and the handsome groom was smiling, all eyes were on the ring bearer as he so beautifully expressed his joy. 

I found my eyes filled with tears as I realized that the bride and groom had purposefully chose to include their differently abled uncle in their ceremony.  At their marriage, as in their future, all were welcomed.  In their relationship this day and going forward, they created a place where others were at home.  As they started their married life together, they wanted their love to draw people in and to say, “You belong here.”

Back at Linfield when they were dating, I got to witness these two choosing to be poured out like Christ.  Although not in the form of bread and wine, they were offering food and drink for their community (most often ~ munchies and beer).  Like Jesus, all who were around them felt their love.  Fast forward to their wedding day and they still were choosing to “love God with their whole hearts and their neighbors as themselves.”

Being witness to this kind of grace was food for the soul and what bountiful nourishment it was! 

Thanks for reading. 

Lori

#LoveGodLoveNeighbor  #VanToHan  #CarmodyStateOfMind

HOLY MOTHER

 I am a mother of two, a mother-in-law of one, and dearly love and prayerfully support many young people.  Being a mom and caring for “kids” of any age is the joy of my life.  As such, Mother’s Day should be a happy day for me.  However, it is bittersweet.

You see, for many years Mother’s Day was anything but joyous.  My husband and I suffered for a decade with infertility.  Each May, as Mother’s Day approached, we navigated the mind field with dread, knowing we would have to find our way around well intentioned comments, internal questions of why? when? how long?, tears, dashed hopes, and sometimes faking that we were fine.

So, today, as I enjoy the blessings that eventually came my way and to acknowledge the incredible value of Motherhood holding all moms up as my champions, I want to also affirm and recognize my friends (including those I haven’t met yet) who are simply getting through this weekend as best you know how ~

·       Some of you have walked the sad journey of loosing your beloved mother or a child this year

·       Others are struggling with trying to have a relationship with your mother/daughter/son

·       Some lost your chance to raise your children but love them just the same

·       Others, similar to our story, are battling infertility and know intimately that the “why” isn’t an easy answer

·       A lot of you have mothers physically present but dementia/Alzheimer has robbed you of the essence of who you know your mom to be

·       Some mothers/children battle with mental illnesses or substance abuse and the ties that bind have gotten tangled

If, for any reason, you are feeling as though this holiday is not a “Hallmark” weekend for you, I hear you.  I have been there.  I may not know your particular heartache but I know someone who does.    I reach out to you with this song.   It is my hope that you may find, as I have, that Mary will be there in your darkness “hearing your cry and holding your hand” until your heart is at peace once again being able to fully embrace your life with all it’s blessings, desires, joys and sufferings knowing that it is a gift from God exactly as it is. 

Thanks for reading.

Lori

#HolyMother  #ClaptonPavarotti #MothersDay2021 #IHearYou #CarmodyStateOfMind

THE BEST IS YET TO BE

It was around 1972 when Tom Carmody told me that he wanted to work with his father at Carmody Company Inc., an electrical engineering and sales firm in Seattle.  

After high school, Tom went to WSU and pursued electric engineering, moving closer to his goal.  During his Cougar days, Dad Carmody told Tom that it would be best to go work for someone else after college for a number of years and let them be the ones to correct and instruct him and hopefully compliment him.  Tom did just that.  Three and a half years later he joined CCI and has been there ever since.

Tom will tell you that working alongside his Dad was one of the highlights of his life.  He also had the amazing fortune of getting to work with his younger brother, Dan, and with a wonderful group of sales and support folks over his 40 years at CCI.

Friday was Tom’s last day with Carmody Company.  In typical Tom fashion, he spent a large portion of it on the phone.  Countless times I heard him thanking people for the particular way they enriched his professional life.  I heard hearty laughter over memories, kindnesses exchanged about loved ones gone on before them, hopes offered for what the future will bring.  Above all else, what I listened to was Tom expressing gratitude.   

One thing I know is true; if Tom did business with you over these past 40 years on any level (customer, principle, vendor) you became his friend.  And more times than not, you appeared on our prayer list after you had a conversation with him sharing your professional or personal struggles.

Tom, congratulations on a career well lived.  I have been proud of the person you are and how you have conducted CCI from day one.  You thought you were just selling electrical and mechanical equipment.  No way!  You have made a difference in the lives of so many.  You have been an employee, co-worker and employer of the highest integrity, kindness, work ethic and humor.  Job well done.

I can’t wait to see what God has in store for the future!

Thanks for reading.  

Lori

#Retirement  #CareerGoals  #OutOfOffice  #CarmodyStateOfMind  

 

OFFER IT UP (TO GOD)

I don’t know what your experience was but for my sis and me, we had a praying mom who had many short phrases that have stayed with me over the years.  One of her favorites for when we were facing something challenging or if we got hurt was “offer it up.”  I can’t recall how she explained what exactly that meant however, over the years, I tried to make sense of it in various ways.  

In this short video that Matthew Kelly posted yesterday, I received a new understanding of what my sweet mother might have been trying to impart to us.   

Perhaps as we open our hearts and our minds to nudge closer to the One who wants us to entrust all the little details of our lives to Him every day ~ hour by hour ~ we will realize that in His presence we are covered by Grace no matter what the day brings.    In so doing, we will remember that we are not alone and our small offerings to Him are transformed by a mighty God who intimately desires to give us all that we are ready to receive.  

https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/best-lent-ever/2021/transform-everything-into-prayer.html?utm_source=pardot&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ble%202021&utm_content=032321%20button

Thanks, Mom. 

And thank you, for reading and watching. 

Lori

#MatthewKelly  #OfferItUp  #MomWisdom  #CarmodyStateOfMind

BUDDY

 

HOW CAN I SAY THERE IS NO GOD?

We were hiking up a strenuous incline recently.  We passed a man who had stopped, we assumed to catch his breath, on his descent.  He spoke to us as he motioned to the valley below saying that there were some Big Horn sheep just beyond sight.  He suggested that we keep an eye out for them as we climbed.  Then, with his staff in hand, he returned his gaze to the valley. 

We progressed up the hillside not giving his advice a second thought. 

On our way back down, a good hour or more later, we came across him again.  He was sitting on a large boulder.  Somewhat excitedly he began a conversation with us.  “Look down into the valley!  There are three grazing Big Horn sheep.  They travel in packs for protection against coyote.  Usually they are in larger groups; never alone.  Here, you can borrow my binoculars if you would like.  I have taken pictures of them on this small camera.  I have taken this camera to Africa.  It takes great pictures….”

Gradually we went from a quick pause along our hike to entering a conversation with this stranger named Buddy as he helped us appreciate the world God placed at our feet.  Without thinking or planning, we were literally invited to stop and witness the miracle of these beautiful creatures and the valley they were grazing in.  Because of Buddy’s joy of nature, wild animals, and hiking, we got a glimpse of God’s vision of the world.  How can I say there is no God?

In a small way, I believe Buddy is living out Jesus’ call in John 13:1-15 for us to be servants to one another; to “wash one another’s feet”.  As Jesus washed the feet of His disciples at the Last Supper, so we too are invited to serve others by how we live.  Buddy opened our eyes to beauty.  How has someone “washed your feet” recently?  How have you been the one to serve so that someone proclaimed, “How can I say there is no God?” 

I so much want to be aware of God’s vision of the world and my part in it.  Time and again, to do so requires an openness to the “Buddy’s” that show up unexpectantly in my day-to-day life, and also to be willing to serve others and the world.  I say “yes” to both and I believe because, as the song says, how can I say there is no God?

https://www.andiesisle.com/magnificent/creation_calls.html

Thanks for reading.

Lori

#John13:1-15 #IBelieve #BigHornSheep #CarmodyStateOfMind

GOD SHOWS UP

 Yesterday I witnessed God showing up. 

I was having a cup of coffee.  Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a young guy watching a movie on his phone.  Near him was an elderly gentleman with his phone, a set of Bose earphones and some cords in his large, rough hands.  He approached the young guy and asked him a question.  My curiosity was peaked.  I could not hear what he had asked.  The young guy, seemingly a little annoyed, pulled his own earphones out of his ears and started explaining to the gentleman how to set up his phone so he could watch a movie.  The gentleman thanked him and began fiddling with his phone while the young guy went back to listening to his movie. 

Having my attention, I observed the two for several minutes.  The young guy seemed oblivious to his surroundings.  However, much to my surprise, moments later, out came his earphones again, and he paused his movie.  He reached for the gentleman’s phone and, with much gentleness and compassion, explained to him how to work the devices again.  It took several minutes (perhaps 10 or so).  I could hear because he was loudly speaking this time so the gentleman could clearly hear him. 

After the tutorial was complete, they continued their conversation ~

“My daughter gave me these because I am lonely some days.”

“I am a freshman in college.”

“I like to learn new things but these newfangled phones are confusing to me.”

“My psych class is confusing to me!” 

I had a front row seat to witness God showing up in the compassion of a young guy and the vulnerability of an elder. 

And I thought I was just having a cup of coffee. 

 

2 Corinthians 12: 5  My grace is enough for you because power is made perfect in weakness.

Psalm 95:8  If today you hear His voice, harden not your heart.

 

Thanks for reading.

Lori

#godshowsup  #carmodystateofmind 

LEAN IN

A few years ago, I received a gift that is technically not “religious” but is one of my favorite spiritual books in my collection.  Funny how that happens.  It is a story about a lonely boy, a hungry mole, a horse and a fox who venture into the wild.  It is called The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy.

Some of the wisdom within these pages is beautiful:

 “Sometimes I feel lost,” said the boy.  “Me too,” said the mole, “but we love you, and               love brings you home.  I think everyone is just trying to get home,” said the mole.

“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy.  “Help,” said the horse.

“One of the greatest freedoms is how we react to things”

“Often the hardest person to forgive is yourself”

“Life is difficult ~ but you are love.”

“Sometimes all you hear about is hate but there is more love in this world than you could possibly imagine.”

 I appreciate that God takes what is generally considered outside the sphere of religion to bring us unexpectedly to a place of worship.  That is what happened for me in this book.  It’s a story of a boy who has so many questions.  I can sure relate to him!  A mole shows up with wisdom that brings clarity and peace.  Haven’t we had conversations that have done that?  However, the boy continues to have doubts of his belonging in the world. The horse and fox, with their loving friendship and enduring presence, speak directly to the boy’s heart.  In the end, what sacred gifts they all offer! 

The truth this book reminds us of is that our simple gifts of presence, friendship, listening, and encouragement are holy.  I invite us to allow that to sink in.  When we are present to one another, we are partnering with God. 

What way this week might God be asking each of us to LEAN IN to part of this story?

THE BOY:  Vulnerably asking deep questions of life or of God or perhaps of someone in our life?

THE MOLE:  Deeply listening to another or God and then responding wholeheartedly?

THE FOX:  Although hurt by life, courageously showing up none the less?

THE HORSE:  Being present with gentleness and love?

THE WILD: (representing life) Although it is beautiful, it can be frightening.  Saying yes to going into the wild with our heads, hearts and actions?

May we all have the courage to LEAN IN, if only with one of the above, because, as the horse says, “the truth is everyone is winging it.”

Thanks for reading.

 # charliemachesy  #sacredliving  #bookworm  #carmodystateofmind

MAKAYLA

Do you want to fast this Lent?

·       Fast from hurting words and say kind words

·       Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude

·       Fast from anger and be filled with patience

·       Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope

·       Fast from worries and trust in God

·       Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity

·       Fast from pressures and be prayerful

·       Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy

·       Fast from selfishness and be compassionate

·       Fast from grudges and be reconciled

·       Fast from words and be silent so you can listen

~  Pope Francis

 

What if?  What if, in this time of division in our country, each one of us chose kindness, gratitude, patience and hope to begin bringing reconciliation to the communities we live in?

What if we chose simplicity, prayerfulness, joy, and holy listening to our families, our neighbors, and our God/Higher Power to be able to offer a more compassionate response as we interact with them in our day-to-day life? 

Recently a young girl, whose job it is to restock and clean the bathrooms at the grocery store where I shop, spoke kindly to me.  I think of Makayla as I write today.

I doesn’t matter where we are or how our day happens to be going.  If we choose to walk in the footsteps of the One who went before us, striving to imitate Christ in how we treat others, we will be in step with the awareness that we do not walk alone.  We, like Makayla, will sense that our God is very much alive and within us asking that we be his presence in the world.

Both Pope Francis and Isaiah 58: 9b-14 gives us important stepping stones for our Lenten fast. 

God bless you, Makayla.

The journey continues.   

Thanks for reading.

#popefrancisfasting  #isaiahfasting #lent2021w #Whatif  #carmodystateofmind

REARVIEW MIRROR GRATITUDE

 It has been almost two years since I have regularly blogged.  After the challenges I faced in 2018 with my eyes and then in 2019 with my snowmobile accident, it took a long time for me recoup and to appreciate, in the depth of my being, the tender care God had granted me. 

    ~  When I was at the end of my abilities and needed to depend on others occasionally for sight, shopping or even at times for putting on my socks, God was showing me that He was near with a fierce love. 

    ~ When I was frustrated at myself and/or my condition, God brought compassionate visitors who shared with me insight into how to ask for what I needed, to better give up control of what I had no control over, to add the word "yet" to the end of my sentence when I would say, "I can't do this", and to remind me that vulnerability is courageous.

~  When I could not attend church services, I did less and God spoke more. 

For most of the two years of recuperation, I sat in a comfy chair and visited with friends and family when they stopped by.  During those visits, two symbols that were on the shelf opposite my chair, spoke to me ~ a small pot of yellow flowers that brought me such joy and a prayer card that centered me on God's mercy.   Although I wasn't able to give much joy nor mercy to my visitors, they showered me with both!  Not only that, our "Father who sees in secret" knows our hearts ~ yours and mine.  He knew that I yearned not only to be whole but to be His servant of mercy and joy to those around me.  He held me close to His grace for over two years until I could once again sense His loving embrace. 

Your 2020 may have challenged you in ways beyond what you thought you could endure.  Quite possibly your trials may still continue today.    

In the midst of mine, had I been asked if I could imagine a time when I would be able to look back at those years with gratitude, I would have said that would be impossible.   

But here’s the thing.  Now, in the rearview mirror, I have the ability to see that God's grace  surrounded me when I was at my lowest.  Back then I didn't know how things would turn out but God knew the whole story.  He could see far enough around the bend to know that hope, healing, strength, endurance and health were up ahead for me. 

I certainly can't say everything in your life or in mine will turn out as this did for me.  What I say wholeheartedly is that I have come out of a storm and I feel grateful for the One who knew the whole story and stood with me until I was able to see His grace through it all.  I even can say I am grateful it happened because God broke down my walls and softened by heart.  He has shown me His mercy though so many people.  My life will forever be changed.  The yellow flowers that brought me joy and the prayer card that reminded me to trust Jesus because He will be merciful were not only symbols of a trying time back then; they are gifts for today.   

I trust with a hopeful heart that you will experience the same as you look at 2020 in your rearview mirror.  

Thanks for reading. 

#RearviewMirrorPointOfView #Gratitude #HisGrace #2020Pondering #CarmodyStateOfMind