My Journey of German

 German. (Deutsch). Another language I should probably add to my list. Another language that I have been currently pursuing and studying, that has once again piqued my interest. I initially started learning it in 2013 after talking to my cousin who had been learning it and fell in love with the language and traveled there. Throughout those months of trying to learn and pick things up, I didn't find too many resources to assist in my want for learning. On my old blog, I would mention some things with German and was passionate about the endeavor. I eventually ditched the language by the end of that year, and started to think about learning Chinese. 

In some ways I feel like I've been there and come back again. Over a year ago, I started to relearn my first foreign language- French! I hadn't touch it or spoken it since High school days. And now with German, I would never have considered to relearn it and get back into this strong language. It's interesting how inspiration can come and go, and flow through the years and come back again, in similar, yet different ways. I'm excited to see where this other language journey will lead!:) Viel Gluck!

Things I am Grateful For

 

I was recently thinking about a year ago at this time, and all the many changes. Things were different last year, I feel different, in that I have matured and grown. Thanksgiving is tomorrow and there are number of things I am grateful for.

This computer that I am writing on is only about a year old, and it has been so helpful and nice to have in the little ways- such as blogging:) but also for saving files, photos, zoom calls, and of course my Masters Program.

I am also grateful for my Masters Program that I have been pursuing for almost a year! It has been an interesting and eventful journey thus far, a lot of learning and growth and being challenged in exciting ways that I desperately needed and desired. Looking forward to my classes ending and classes at the end of January.

It has been a nice little getaway to my sister's place in Marin County, a little home away for home, and a cozy and quaint place for her. It has been a blessed time to spend more time together, relax and see some new scenery after a busy Fall semester.

I am so grateful for my family! There will be a few of us gathering for Thanksgiving dinner this year and also with a sister and her family visiting from DC, it will be special. I am very grateful for my siblings and coming from a large family. I really grateful for my parents, their amazing example and that I get to spend precious time with them while living at home.

Having a sweet little cat at home is another gratitude recognition. It keeps things fun and light, as well as homey when Navidad is sleeping all cuddled up on a bed or a couch, or nearby for some company. 

My Faith, is always something I will be grateful for. Being able to attend Mass and pray, receive their sacraments, and receive all the graces and inspirations I need has truly been living giving this year and in the past. I'm so grateful that I can keep growing in my faith and continue to learn, grow and draw closer to God amidst life's joys, unpredictability, concerns.

I'm grateful to be the God Mother of my dear sister's baby due in February. Praying for this little life, this treasured gift and all that is to come.

I'm grateful to be in two family weddings next year! To be able to witness and support the dear people in my life, and be there for them on their happiest and joy filled days. It is an honor.

I'm grateful for meeting up with a dear contact recently. We had so much to talk about, so much cross over and goodness, it was truly a joy, and a gift! And it was an inspiration to give understanding as well as receive it. Who would have ever thought.

Lastly, and certainly not least.. I'm super grateful for this beautiful Fall season, and this much needed and served break, a breakaway from routine.

Here's to these last few days of this liturgical year, soon to be Advent. So many good things this year.

xoxo

Words of Comfort

 "Do not be afraid!" Those are the words that I heard from St. Pope John Paul II when I watched a video clip of his sayings. It gave me great comfort, for I know that Jesus said those same words many different times to his disciples, to those seeking to be healed in some fashion, even the archangel Gabriel said this statement first to Our Lady at the annunciation. The angels said to the shepherds on Christmas night after Jesus was born to not be afraid. 

There are so many instances in our lives where there is fear, fear of the unknown, of the future, of possibilities and unpredictability's. Fear grips us of our joy and to be present to the here and now. The present is where God is, with the gifts and graces we receive. I think fear shows up in different moments of our lives that sometimes we don't know that it is actually fear leading us. You may wonder, has fear gripped me at all recently? No, not really. But in some ways it has because it has shown its ugly face in the feelings of stress, restlessness and worries which do not seek to rest in Christ's arms of mercy and confidence, but rather to let the stirrings dictate the heart and mind. 

I primarily wanted to look up this video of St. Pope JP II in order to hear him speak. I never met him in person in this life, so what better way to connect and draw closer to him and his intercession as he is my saint of the year! This video was also a bit different since it showcased the many languages he spoke well. As of lately, I have been immersed and inspired in my head regarding languages and with deciding to pick up some German again. I wanted to know if St. Pope John Paul II also knew or spoke some German, and he did, as well as French which I have also been relearning on the side. He knew a variety of languages and could connect with a multiple of cultures and people, how beautiful! He was the most traveled Pope.

Hearing him speak in English, 'Do not be afraid' among other words was comforting, and I could sense his vigor and strength and love for Christ. At work on Friday, since it was a day after a holiday and not busy, I had the idea to look up and write down some of his famous and beautiful quotes to help me feel more connected with him at my job. When it wasn't very productive for me, I knew I could be pleasing to him as he always tried to be busy and productive throughout his days. 

A Little Reflection

 November is a very reflective month. I don't recall how special it is until now, with prayers for those holy souls and those who have gone before us, as well as the beloved saints. Its the anticipation of transition to the holiday season, and the change in liturgical year, Advent! 

Today is Veteran's Day, and I'm thankful for those who have served, but also very thankful for this much needed day off. It feels like a burn out of always thinking of the next thing, going from here to there, and thinking of how to keep my much needed busy and inspired mind to stay just like that when work doesn't pale in comparison. I realize more and more how much of a break that I need, as well as so many others who have been crunching through the daily grind, and the beautiful Fall leaves!

Its easy to forget the beauty all around me when I become so preoccupied of other things- things I need to get done, or things in the future that set my mind in a time or place that doesn't exist yet and therefore there's no reason to fret. Its far too easy to forget at times how God is working and moving, His inspirations and grace when it feels like the daily grind has too large of a grip over me. On the days I go to daily Mass, the scales over my eyes fall and I can really feel and embrace His presence and grace amidst the ordinary. 

In the little moments, I can reflect upon all that I have been given and gifted with. Little inspirations can come, like the time last week when I went to library on my lunch break to peruse through the books. I came across the language section and hopped on to the fun idea of learning German (again), and a book by Harold Kushner. It brought some joy to my day and some fun inspirations to think about the rest of the day.

The little things are something I want to focus on since that's where God is, and as St. Mother Teresa said, "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." How often I need the Mother Teresa and her wisdom, outlook and holiness as well as other favorite saints to help remind me of these truths.

Now for some Fall leaves and inspiration:) 

Oct. 2020

A good reflection piece from my Professor's slide presentation, INFO 202

Navidad near my books

Joke from Professor slides about 'site mapping' and websites, Info 202

Prayers and confidence to Our Lady, inspired by St. Pope JP II, from my sister

All Saints Day

 I love this time of year. The anticipation of Halloween has passed and all things holiday, festivities are upon us. I have come to realize my love for this anticipation for Advent. Our culture has Christmas music playing constantly, decorations neatly put up and a mad dash for buying from now till the Dec. 23rd, a mission to accomplish and something to celebrate for the remaining of the year. 

But I love that the Catholic Church allows for the process of it all, the process of gearing our homes and hearts for Christ to come, to be born in a humble stable born for the world. And the enjoyment to celebrate with family and food, Thanksgiving and all we are grateful for before the true meaning of the season comes upon us. 

Speaking of festivities, yesterday was All Saints Day. A beautiful and profound feast day to remember and celebrate the great many known and not as well known saints in heaven. A number come to mine that are my 'go to', and my favorites as well as those I want to grow a closer relationship to and learn more about.

Some of my favorites:

-Our Lady

-St. Joseph

-St. Maria Faustina

-St. John Paul II

-St. Padre Pio

-St. Gemma Galgani

-St. Anthony of Padua

-Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati

-St. Zelie and Louis Martin

-St. Therese of Lisieux

-St. Mother Teresa

-St. Gianna Molla

-St. Augustine

-St. Oscar Romero

-Bl. Miguel Pro

-St. Anne

-St. Josemaria

St. Michael, St. Gabriel, &St. Raphael Archangels

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`~~~~~~~~~

Saints I want to learn more about/grow in devotion to:

-St. John Vianney

-St. Francis de Sales

-St. Catherine of Siena

-St. Teresa of Avila

-St. Charles Borromeo

-St. John the Evangelist

-St. Andrew the Apostle

-St. Monica

-St. Edith Stein

-St. Maximillian Kolbe

-St. Jerome

-St. Gertrude

-St. Margaret Mary

Last year for Christmas, a friend gave me a cooking with saints throughout the year cookbook. It's a wonderful gift and I love looking through it and reading the anecdotes of saints mentioned and what dish goes with them according to their region or something from their life. I've made a few different recipes and I love that its not just cooking delicious food and new flavors to try, but also connecting with the saints in a fun and unique way!

May the Saints continue to inspire and help us on our way to Christ! May their faith, conviction and good deeds encourage us with all the graces we need.