"All I can say is, it's worth the struggle to discover who you really are and how you, in your own way, can put life together as something that means a lot to you."
- from Life's Journey's According to Mister Rogers
[a present from my dear friend Alex Roznowski]
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
To my Godchildren: Brock, Olivia, and Macy,
Brock, Olivia and Macy,
I love you every day.
Let me start by saying that I am so very lucky to be a Godmother. At the age of 18, I was asked to be a Godmother. Twice. I was beyond honored. At the age of 22, I was asked again. So here I am, 23 years old, with God's beautiful children looking up to me.
Brock Gregory :)
Olivia Anne :)
Macy Lynne :)
I have been thinking a lot lately about my Godchildren. Don’t get me wrong, I think about them and pray for them every single day. With the 38th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision to legalize abortion passing recently, I have realized even more so just how blessed I am to have them in my life. Not only did I survive Roe vs. Wade, so did they. And I am thankful.
As I grow each day in my journey with Christ I am always searching to know more about the Catholic Church. Not only that, I am striving daily to be a living example of what it means to be a Christian to the people I come into contact with each day. I don’t always succeed. That’s what makes me human. I get up each day, and try again.
The past two days have been snow days, so I have had some free time to look into the history of Godparents in the Catholic Church, the role of the Godparent, etc. This is what I came up with, and some of the things that touched my heart the most.
As Godparents, we have the obligation to evangelize. According to Canon Law: 11. Before all others, parents are bound to form their children, by word and example, in faith and in Christian living. The same obligation binds godparents and those who take the place of parents. (Canon 774.2)
The Role of the Godparent: “The principal responsibility of a godparent is to give witness to the Catholic faith by his words and actions. When it concerns a child, he or she must be ready to accept the responsibility of being a part of the godchild's life for the remaining of his/her life. A godparent must have his eyes fixed on the Lord, believing that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. [Jn. 14:6] Not only must he believe it, he must be prepared to share his belief with his godchild. Within reason, a godparent must be available to his godchild on a continuous basis. He must have a special interest in the spiritual growth of the child.
Wow, I was blown away. Yes, I knew the responsibilities that were placed upon me each time I was asked to be a Godparent. After reading these words over and over I am even more excited about the responsibilities that have been placed in my hand.
My mom always told me her only real goal in life was to meet all of her children and their families in heaven some day. Until I have a family of my own (God-willing), I have made that a goal of my own – to meet all of my family in heaven someday. Ever since I have became a Godmother four and a half years ago, a new goal has been added. My goal is to see to it that my Godchildren make it to heaven
As I write this blog, I am reminded of my own Godparents, my Aunt Joan and Uncle Donnie. I cannot even begin to put into words how they have helped me in my journey. They are living examples of what it means to be Christ to others. They love and give with everything they have. In my heart I know that when my parents chose them for me, they had all of those things listed above in mind. My parents knew they were choosing the very best for me!
I can’t help but think of my proxy Godparents, who stood in for Joan and Donnie on the day of my Baptism. We lived in Colorado at the time. My parents chose Ken and Jean to stand in on that day. They grew to be longtime family friends, and Ken lost his battle with Leukemia this Christmas. The last time I saw him was the summer of 2007, I believe.
Rest In Peace, Ken. I hope to see you in heaven someday!
I have truly been blessed with Christian examples, and I plan on doing the best I can so that my Godchildren have this in their life. In my high school yearbook senior year, we were asked to choose a quote to put next to our picture. The quote I chose was this: “Live your life in such a way that there will be no regrets if someone were to follow in your footsteps.” Funny how that quote comes to my mind almost daily.
I love you Brock, Olivia and Macy.
I love you every day.
Let me start by saying that I am so very lucky to be a Godmother. At the age of 18, I was asked to be a Godmother. Twice. I was beyond honored. At the age of 22, I was asked again. So here I am, 23 years old, with God's beautiful children looking up to me.
Brock Gregory :)
Olivia Anne :)
Macy Lynne :)
I have been thinking a lot lately about my Godchildren. Don’t get me wrong, I think about them and pray for them every single day. With the 38th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision to legalize abortion passing recently, I have realized even more so just how blessed I am to have them in my life. Not only did I survive Roe vs. Wade, so did they. And I am thankful.
As I grow each day in my journey with Christ I am always searching to know more about the Catholic Church. Not only that, I am striving daily to be a living example of what it means to be a Christian to the people I come into contact with each day. I don’t always succeed. That’s what makes me human. I get up each day, and try again.
The past two days have been snow days, so I have had some free time to look into the history of Godparents in the Catholic Church, the role of the Godparent, etc. This is what I came up with, and some of the things that touched my heart the most.
As Godparents, we have the obligation to evangelize. According to Canon Law: 11. Before all others, parents are bound to form their children, by word and example, in faith and in Christian living. The same obligation binds godparents and those who take the place of parents. (Canon 774.2)
The Role of the Godparent: “The principal responsibility of a godparent is to give witness to the Catholic faith by his words and actions. When it concerns a child, he or she must be ready to accept the responsibility of being a part of the godchild's life for the remaining of his/her life. A godparent must have his eyes fixed on the Lord, believing that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. [Jn. 14:6] Not only must he believe it, he must be prepared to share his belief with his godchild. Within reason, a godparent must be available to his godchild on a continuous basis. He must have a special interest in the spiritual growth of the child.
Wow, I was blown away. Yes, I knew the responsibilities that were placed upon me each time I was asked to be a Godparent. After reading these words over and over I am even more excited about the responsibilities that have been placed in my hand.
My mom always told me her only real goal in life was to meet all of her children and their families in heaven some day. Until I have a family of my own (God-willing), I have made that a goal of my own – to meet all of my family in heaven someday. Ever since I have became a Godmother four and a half years ago, a new goal has been added. My goal is to see to it that my Godchildren make it to heaven
As I write this blog, I am reminded of my own Godparents, my Aunt Joan and Uncle Donnie. I cannot even begin to put into words how they have helped me in my journey. They are living examples of what it means to be Christ to others. They love and give with everything they have. In my heart I know that when my parents chose them for me, they had all of those things listed above in mind. My parents knew they were choosing the very best for me!
I can’t help but think of my proxy Godparents, who stood in for Joan and Donnie on the day of my Baptism. We lived in Colorado at the time. My parents chose Ken and Jean to stand in on that day. They grew to be longtime family friends, and Ken lost his battle with Leukemia this Christmas. The last time I saw him was the summer of 2007, I believe.
Rest In Peace, Ken. I hope to see you in heaven someday!
I have truly been blessed with Christian examples, and I plan on doing the best I can so that my Godchildren have this in their life. In my high school yearbook senior year, we were asked to choose a quote to put next to our picture. The quote I chose was this: “Live your life in such a way that there will be no regrets if someone were to follow in your footsteps.” Funny how that quote comes to my mind almost daily.
I love you Brock, Olivia and Macy.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Missing Haiti as I often do.
I was going through some of my things the other day and came across a letter that my precious sister-in-law wrote me after returning from Haiti last January, just days before the devastating earthquake occurred. (I should probably tell you that she's from Peru). This is what it said…
I just wanted to say I love you my dear sister. I know it should be very difficult for you to see the news about what happened in Haiti since you have been there less than a month ago. I know what an earthquake can do in a third world country. My heart goes with you and with all of the people over there. I know you guys went to help them and I know they were amazing moments and even bonding with them. God sometimes works in some ways we cannot understand but you guys made many adults, children, teenagers and elders happy and let them know they were important to the world. A smile can do marvelous things, a hug can transform a life, and to share the word of God with them was probably the most amazing gift. I love the picture of you and the little baby you were holding. What a wonderful moment!!! I know it is hard but smile my dear because all of you changed lives over there!!
Love YA
JANNETT
It has been just a little over a year since the earthquake in Haiti, and my heart still aches for them. This past year has been a roller coaster for the Haitian people. Not only have they suffered from the earthquake, but also from the cholera outbreak, and a highly controversial election that left tires burning, gunshots fired, and police windows smashed in the capitol city of Port-au-Prince. People are still living in tents, without clean water, and without their families.
And I am still living in the comfort of my own home.
My friend, Brittany, has been living in Haiti for almost a year and a half now. I swear someday she is going to be a saint. She has such a big heart and a love for the people and she truly does inspire me to love and serve others each day. I am so proud of her! I love you and miss you B Galv. The Packs are in the Super bowl just for you my dear!
Another friend, Katie recently returned from a trip to Haiti. I’m so envious of her on many accounts. One, she got to be in Haiti again! Two, she got to see Brittany. Three and Four. She got to see Roy and Jackie. Speaking of which, she got some snapshots of my favorite little guy in all of Barasa. Thanks, Katie. You are the best! (Jackie is the little guy on the left. He is also in one of the pictures closer to the bottom.)
Here are some pictures from my past trips. Enjoy. And always remember to keep our Haitian brothers and sisters in your prayers.
"We had gone far enough together to listen easily in the quiet spaces."
You girls have forever changed my life. I love you all!
I just wanted to say I love you my dear sister. I know it should be very difficult for you to see the news about what happened in Haiti since you have been there less than a month ago. I know what an earthquake can do in a third world country. My heart goes with you and with all of the people over there. I know you guys went to help them and I know they were amazing moments and even bonding with them. God sometimes works in some ways we cannot understand but you guys made many adults, children, teenagers and elders happy and let them know they were important to the world. A smile can do marvelous things, a hug can transform a life, and to share the word of God with them was probably the most amazing gift. I love the picture of you and the little baby you were holding. What a wonderful moment!!! I know it is hard but smile my dear because all of you changed lives over there!!
Love YA
JANNETT
It has been just a little over a year since the earthquake in Haiti, and my heart still aches for them. This past year has been a roller coaster for the Haitian people. Not only have they suffered from the earthquake, but also from the cholera outbreak, and a highly controversial election that left tires burning, gunshots fired, and police windows smashed in the capitol city of Port-au-Prince. People are still living in tents, without clean water, and without their families.
And I am still living in the comfort of my own home.
My friend, Brittany, has been living in Haiti for almost a year and a half now. I swear someday she is going to be a saint. She has such a big heart and a love for the people and she truly does inspire me to love and serve others each day. I am so proud of her! I love you and miss you B Galv. The Packs are in the Super bowl just for you my dear!
Another friend, Katie recently returned from a trip to Haiti. I’m so envious of her on many accounts. One, she got to be in Haiti again! Two, she got to see Brittany. Three and Four. She got to see Roy and Jackie. Speaking of which, she got some snapshots of my favorite little guy in all of Barasa. Thanks, Katie. You are the best! (Jackie is the little guy on the left. He is also in one of the pictures closer to the bottom.)
Here are some pictures from my past trips. Enjoy. And always remember to keep our Haitian brothers and sisters in your prayers.
"We had gone far enough together to listen easily in the quiet spaces."
You girls have forever changed my life. I love you all!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Granny Eights, As Some Would Call Her
My heart breaks a little more each time I walk through the doors of room 307 at Monroe City Manor. It’s not because my Granny is suffering. She’s as happy as a person could ever be. It’s because the person that sits in that burgundy recliner is not the Grandmother I grew up with.
My Granny Yates was a brilliant woman. Let me start from the beginning. My grandparents were married at a very young age. My grandfather was a handsome sailor (I don’t blame my granny one bit for wanting to marry him!) and he was away at war for the first part of their relationship.
My grandmother was told in the beginning that she would never have kids. After having 2 miscarriages, 11 kids, and one child lost shortly after birth….. my grandmother proved everyone wrong. They were devout Catholics, which is probably why my love for the beauty of the Catholic church is so amazingly strong. They instilled it so deeply into my mother’s heart and she has so willingly passed it onto me as well. (Along with my father – who is a Deacon who has taught me more than I ever thought I would know about the Church.) My grandfather died when I was only 9, but I will never forget his love for the Blessed Mother, Jesus Christ, the Blessed Sacrament and everything else he taught me about my Catholic faith. He truly was a wonderful man and I think about him every single day. (St. George, Pray for us!)
My Granny Yates was an author and columnist for many years. She wrote 5 or 6 books that I know of, and wrote for multiple newspapers about the random musings of life. She has always been somewhat of a forgetful woman, but this past year her mind has slowly started slipping away.
In June, her children decided it was time to put her in a nursing home because it wasn’t safe for her to be on her own anymore. I moved to Kansas City a couple of weeks later. Of course it was hard – new school, new people, new city, completely new journey ahead of me. But even more than that, I was so unsure of what would happen next with my granny. I love going home for many reasons, but I love being able to and see her every day while I’m back in Monroe.
Since I’m not able to go home as often as I would like I sometimes write her letters. She gets so excited about snail mail. It makes me smile just picturing her opening up the letter! This past November, on my 23rd birthday, I received an envelope in the mail from none other than my dear old Granny Yates. I was so excited! I thought to myself… there is no way she remembered my birthday! Well, I was right… She did not have any idea it was my birthday. But I know that it was meant to be for me to receive that letter on my birthday, and it made my day complete.
I recently came back to Kansas City after a 5 week Christmas vacation. I was able to see my Grandmother as often as I pleased and I loved every second of it, although it was very hard for me to see just how quickly her memory is fading. While she doesn’t always remember a lot of people, she has yet to forget who I am and I can hold onto that for now. I don’t know when I will see her again. I don’t know if she will know who I am. I do know that I have been blessed to have a Grandmother who loved me with everything she had, and that I have had twenty-three years to share with her.
Did I mention I was named Cecelia after her?! Thanks, Mom & Pops.
My Granny Yates was a brilliant woman. Let me start from the beginning. My grandparents were married at a very young age. My grandfather was a handsome sailor (I don’t blame my granny one bit for wanting to marry him!) and he was away at war for the first part of their relationship.
My grandmother was told in the beginning that she would never have kids. After having 2 miscarriages, 11 kids, and one child lost shortly after birth….. my grandmother proved everyone wrong. They were devout Catholics, which is probably why my love for the beauty of the Catholic church is so amazingly strong. They instilled it so deeply into my mother’s heart and she has so willingly passed it onto me as well. (Along with my father – who is a Deacon who has taught me more than I ever thought I would know about the Church.) My grandfather died when I was only 9, but I will never forget his love for the Blessed Mother, Jesus Christ, the Blessed Sacrament and everything else he taught me about my Catholic faith. He truly was a wonderful man and I think about him every single day. (St. George, Pray for us!)
My Granny Yates was an author and columnist for many years. She wrote 5 or 6 books that I know of, and wrote for multiple newspapers about the random musings of life. She has always been somewhat of a forgetful woman, but this past year her mind has slowly started slipping away.
In June, her children decided it was time to put her in a nursing home because it wasn’t safe for her to be on her own anymore. I moved to Kansas City a couple of weeks later. Of course it was hard – new school, new people, new city, completely new journey ahead of me. But even more than that, I was so unsure of what would happen next with my granny. I love going home for many reasons, but I love being able to and see her every day while I’m back in Monroe.
Since I’m not able to go home as often as I would like I sometimes write her letters. She gets so excited about snail mail. It makes me smile just picturing her opening up the letter! This past November, on my 23rd birthday, I received an envelope in the mail from none other than my dear old Granny Yates. I was so excited! I thought to myself… there is no way she remembered my birthday! Well, I was right… She did not have any idea it was my birthday. But I know that it was meant to be for me to receive that letter on my birthday, and it made my day complete.
I recently came back to Kansas City after a 5 week Christmas vacation. I was able to see my Grandmother as often as I pleased and I loved every second of it, although it was very hard for me to see just how quickly her memory is fading. While she doesn’t always remember a lot of people, she has yet to forget who I am and I can hold onto that for now. I don’t know when I will see her again. I don’t know if she will know who I am. I do know that I have been blessed to have a Grandmother who loved me with everything she had, and that I have had twenty-three years to share with her.
Did I mention I was named Cecelia after her?! Thanks, Mom & Pops.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Reunited with Abby Rose
Six and a half years ago I was in between my sophomore and junior years of high school. My youth group decided to take a group to Catholic Heart Work Camp in Lexington, Kentucky. Of course I went… I did everything that had anything to do with Holy Rosary’s youth group, especially if it meant getting out of Monroe City for a week! Little did I know that it would change my life forever, and that I would meet someone who would end up being a lifelong friend. After this week of service, I had a completely different outlook. It was then that I decided I wanted to take part in service trips each year (and went on to take them to New Orleans, LA; Twin Cities, MN; Natchez, MS; Lake Waccamaw, NC; and Haiti twice).
That was the week I met Abby. Abby was in my small group and as soon as we met I knew we were going to be friends. We both came from big families, played basketball (#24!!!), high jumped (although she is much, much better than me. Division II champ, yes!) and had a love for Jesus and what we were doing. Everyone that week thought we were sisters, or related somehow!
A few weeks ago, I got on a plane and flew east to visit Abby. I hadn’t seen her in six and a half years (we write letters, facebook, text and call each other frequently) but when I stepped off the plane I felt like it was just yesterday that I had seen her. I absolutely love that about true friends. I love that God places people in your lives and allows your lives to cross again many years later. I felt so at home in the Kacsandi household. They took me in as if I were their own. I miss the nightly cups of tea, the endless supply of Christmas cookies, and constant eating : ), the 5 or was it 6 different girls calling daily for Alex, Abby’s adorable nieces, Cane’s and Graeter’s, the "Abby I usually double that recipe", hearing Abby's Dad say "Good night, sleep tight, God bless you" every night before bed and feeling as if I were telling my own Pops good night, and just simply feeling surrounded by people I felt like I had known all my life. Simply put, it was a good week. I just wish It wouldn't have taken me so long to get there!
Abby Rose, I miss you already! Let’s not wait another 6 and a half years to see each other!
Though miles may lie between us, we’re never far apart, for friendship doesn’t count the miles, it’s measured by the heart.
That was the week I met Abby. Abby was in my small group and as soon as we met I knew we were going to be friends. We both came from big families, played basketball (#24!!!), high jumped (although she is much, much better than me. Division II champ, yes!) and had a love for Jesus and what we were doing. Everyone that week thought we were sisters, or related somehow!
A few weeks ago, I got on a plane and flew east to visit Abby. I hadn’t seen her in six and a half years (we write letters, facebook, text and call each other frequently) but when I stepped off the plane I felt like it was just yesterday that I had seen her. I absolutely love that about true friends. I love that God places people in your lives and allows your lives to cross again many years later. I felt so at home in the Kacsandi household. They took me in as if I were their own. I miss the nightly cups of tea, the endless supply of Christmas cookies, and constant eating : ), the 5 or was it 6 different girls calling daily for Alex, Abby’s adorable nieces, Cane’s and Graeter’s, the "Abby I usually double that recipe", hearing Abby's Dad say "Good night, sleep tight, God bless you" every night before bed and feeling as if I were telling my own Pops good night, and just simply feeling surrounded by people I felt like I had known all my life. Simply put, it was a good week. I just wish It wouldn't have taken me so long to get there!
Abby Rose, I miss you already! Let’s not wait another 6 and a half years to see each other!
Though miles may lie between us, we’re never far apart, for friendship doesn’t count the miles, it’s measured by the heart.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
He is Real.
He is real. I know He is real. But some days..... I feel His presence more than others.
I'm not sure why last night was any different. St. Joseph's chapel was on fire for Jesus. I could feel him all around me. I had chills as Rob began singing "Mighty to Save" and the congregation of students from both UMKC and Rockhurst joined in. He is real in this place and I'm so thankful to be right where I am today.
Some days I wonder why I have been so blessed with the life I've been given, the people that I'm surrounded by, and a God who loves me like He does. Days like today, I'm thankful.
P.S. For anyone who was at Mass last night. Fr. Rocha's slippers. How awesome. That was God 100%.
Mighty to Save......
Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.
Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Saviour;
The Hope of nations.
Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.
Yes, I surrender
Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus
Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus
I'm not sure why last night was any different. St. Joseph's chapel was on fire for Jesus. I could feel him all around me. I had chills as Rob began singing "Mighty to Save" and the congregation of students from both UMKC and Rockhurst joined in. He is real in this place and I'm so thankful to be right where I am today.
Some days I wonder why I have been so blessed with the life I've been given, the people that I'm surrounded by, and a God who loves me like He does. Days like today, I'm thankful.
P.S. For anyone who was at Mass last night. Fr. Rocha's slippers. How awesome. That was God 100%.
Mighty to Save......
Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.
Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Saviour;
The Hope of nations.
Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.
Yes, I surrender
Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus
Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Why I love Jesus... (For Claire)
The other day I was having a conversation with my dear friend Claire. She asked me, "Why do you love Jesus?" Here's the thing... I know in my heart why I love Jesus, but it's sometimes hard to put it into words. Ever since that day last week, the question has been on my mind. So here is just the start of a list that I hope and pray never stops growing.
1. He is unchanging.
2. He is jealous for me.
3. He never lets go.
4. He died for me. (And for you!)
5. He draws me in →He is asking me to surrender to His will.
6. He KNOWS me. And wants me to know Him!
7. He is the source of my existence.
8. He has blessed me with a beautiful life and a beautiful family.
9. He is REAL! And He wants to be my friend.
10. He has let me walk with the poorest of the poor.
11. He has opened my eyes to the beauty of this place.
Thank you, Claire. For making me think about why I love Jesus. :)
1. He is unchanging.
2. He is jealous for me.
3. He never lets go.
4. He died for me. (And for you!)
5. He draws me in →He is asking me to surrender to His will.
6. He KNOWS me. And wants me to know Him!
7. He is the source of my existence.
8. He has blessed me with a beautiful life and a beautiful family.
9. He is REAL! And He wants to be my friend.
10. He has let me walk with the poorest of the poor.
11. He has opened my eyes to the beauty of this place.
Thank you, Claire. For making me think about why I love Jesus. :)
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