The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy...

We DID it! With Gabriela's help, I was able to come up with another Mini Poll! Again, it is based on one of the subjects that was studied recently in their theology class.

I thought I would include this wonderful passage from Mathew as it is, I'm sure, part of the basis for the Coporal Works of Mercy. ( I was not around for class that day...)

Mt 25:34 "Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ’Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ’Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink?’ And the King will answer them, ’Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of my brethren, you did it to me."

Parents, I'm sure can easily answer in the positive as doing this almost daily for the first six. What mother is not giving a drink to hot thirsty fellow who has been playing ball hard out in the sun. Or providing dinner for her hungry brood? How many times a day does a mother change a diaper or help a toddler get dressed? What about the father who leaves the house, day after day, to drive to work through the miserable rush hour so as to provide a roof over the head of his family. Siblings too, should be able to answer in the positive. Do they not rescue a younger sibling from their crib after nap, or release them from the play pen in which they are imprisoned. Do they not also rush to draw a 'get well card' for Mama when she has a headache or to get a band aid for a fallen comrade?

As it is so often said, charity begins at home and by practicing the Corporal Works of Mercy within our family we are preparing our children to know how to sacrifice for others long after they have left home.

I hope you enjoy our new biweekly mini poll and that maybe it provides for some interesting dinner conversation as we challenge each other to think of what Corporal Works of Mercy we have done today.
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Sacramental Mini Poll Results

Answers			Votes	Percent
1.		Rosary, including beads and the prayer.	27	23%
2.		Holy Water	8	7%
3.		Statues	3	3%
4.		Scapular	1	1%
5.		Holy Candles	6	5%
6.		Icons	6	5%
7.		Images of a Holy Person	1	1%
8.		Crucifix	61	51%
9.		Blessed Palms	0	0%
10.		Medals	6	5%

I think that we had a very interesting mini poll the past two weeks. A large portion of readers voted and it was fun to watch the initial neck and neck race between the Rosary and the Crucifix. I have a hard time choosing one of the various sacramentals available as a favorite. I have many attachments for as many reasons. I do have a beautiful gold crucifix that I have worn for many years. It was the gift of my two oldest daughters gave me for Christmas one year. It has been with me through many births and teethed on by many babies. However, Elsa proved to be the last straw forcing me to retire this cruifix until I can replace the chain. In the meantime - my old metals on a sturdy silver chain has replaced it. Elsa is as delighted iwth them as hse was with the Crucifix and I have to admit, while I liked being able to reach up and touch my Crucifix just below my throat, I am enjoying my old friends again. On my chain hangs the medal of St Theresa the little flower with Mary of Mt. Carmel adorned with baby Jesus on her knee. Then there is St Benidict, and St Michael.

They are all good reminders for me to keep my eyes on Jesus and I like the idea that they are praying for me.

I am, again, brain dead and will remove this poll but possibly I will not have a replacement for it until next Saturday. I apologize but I am terribly worn down from health problems and sometimes - my brian just won't engage past third gear! If anyone has any ideas for the mini poll please feel free to post them in a comment section or email them to mum2twelve at gmail.com Read more!

Here we go again!

We are under a severe storm watch, it is the remenants of what hit Tennesse last night. We are a little more prepared than the last time and already have our scanner on. All outdoor machinery is under anchor outside and the bathtubs filled with water in the event of loss of power.

The sky is rapidly growing dark and the wind is picking up. Thunder is rumbling ominously and a few strikes of lightening have already been seen. Prayers more than welcome. I will be powering down the computer for a few hours!

Blessings to everyone... stats on the mini poll will be posted after the storm passes through, all though this might be an all day event. Read more!

The joys of being a large family...

Every Friday this winter a very good freind has been traveling out from the city to teach a theology class to five of our children. As if that was not enough, she always brought lunch so as to give me a little break. Yesterday, she brought a plateful of sandwhiches and much to MY delight, brownies.

Wanting to leave the sandwhiches for his younger siblings my 19 year old son put some fries in the oven for himself. As he was waiting for them to cook he grinned at me.

"I put some fries on for Elsita and me." His grin widened. "I can't wait to watch her tiny fingers pinch together to pick up her fries, one at a time."

His joy at anticipating the feeding of his baby sister and his delight at the thought of watching her culinary habits filled me with immeasurable joy as well. Moments like this remind me, why having been open to life and raising such a large family was exactly the right thing for my husband and I to do. Read more!