move over P.E.T.A..............

Here comes P.R.O.L.I.F.E.

I love animals.........my family loves animals...........REALLY..........we love animals............but if I see that commercial one more time, I'm going to loose it! For just $19 dollars a month you can save animals.........but what about the unborn babies that so many people conceive while drowning themselves in their passions. Let's just murder them??? The animals are more important??? "if these animals could speak????? Excuse me???? God didn't give them a voice for a reason! People, where are our priorities????? What about all those innocent lives that HAVE VOICES if left alone to be born!!!!! We NEVER get to hear from them............and I'm sure that $19 dollars a month would help those mothers and fathers to get educated on the issue of NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING..................or ABSTINENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I watch Fox news often and that commercial plays often...........come on fox............if you going to claim that you are fair and balanced...........let's get some PRO LIFE commercial going. Let's put an end to Abortion!!

I'm truly sorry for my tone, but it really hits me below the belt time after time when the commercial comes on! I truly think God wanted me to speak out against it. Again, I love animals and I will do what I can to help them. But I will lay my life on the line to see, IN MY DAY AND AGE, an end to abortion!

AGAIN, I HAVE NOTHING AGAINST ANIMALS........WE HAVE PETS...........WE'VE HAD LOTS OF PETS..............BUT I JUST DON'T SEE HOW THIS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAT HUMAN LIFE.........

God have mercy on me, as sinner!
Dodi

oh joy.........more dirt to share

To Live as Francis Lived, Reflection 1,

Question 3 - What attitude in you has been the greatest hindrance to deepening your love of God?......(sigh).......................(dragging my feet)............Oh alright...........I'll come out with it!!!

~NUMBER 1......Sometimes I think I am so perfect that when my beloved husband ask me a question..............it bothers me that I have to answer!
~NUMBER 2........when my children ask for a drink of some kind, it bothers me that I have to put aside what I WANT to do and tend to them!
~NUMBER 3.......ME....ME.....ME.........ME!!! Need I say more?

Who am I? Who is it that I think I am? I know this all sounds harsh.....but if you think about it for a while........we all do this at times. Sometimes more often than others. We are all human. We are not good people..........only God is good! He calls us to be Holy as He is holy, but He also knows that in this world, with this flesh, it will not be complete until we are face to face with Him. Until there is no stain of sin. We ARE BLESSED! He knew that I would go around stomping my feet........feeling all superior! But he still gave Himself up for me! unappreciative me! selfish me! Why? Because of something that we are incapable of having unless we deny ourselves and that my friend is ........UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.........only HE can fully love a miserable sinner like me!

Praise God that I do not sit and sulk in my misery.........I know that I am imperfect. I know that my journey will be a tough one. We are called to be servants. "He came to serve, not be served"............So, I will serve my family and anyone else he ask me to serve and I will fight my imperfections till the very end. Why, because I find my strength in HIM. He loves me so much that He awaits us in the Tabernacle every minute of the day to visit with Him. Just to talk. Just to see how things are going. Just to pray with me. Just to take away all of my burdens if I choose to leave them with Him. You see, He gives me a choice. That's Love. He gave Himself up for me on the Cross so that by His BODY and BLOOD one day I may be spared. He gave me a beautiful role model to follow..............His Mother and our Mother Mary. Why Mary, because he knows that as humans we can better understand the love of a mother than a love who is WILLING to DIE on a CROSS for US! My Mother Mary will wrap me in her Mantle and guide me to her beloved Son Jesus, not for her glory but for the Glory of the Father with whom all things (like us) were made. Not my will Father, but YOURS be done!! Amen! I love you Jesus!

new beginnings

2nd question ~ What mistakes have you made in the past that have kept you from God?

Well, what first comes to mind is.........taking my eye off of the prize. God gives us a gift every morning when our eyes open...........that is the gift of life.............and with that gift we are called to love.........I've allowed distractions to come in and rob me of that precious time to love and be loved by Him and others. What distractions? Pride and Anger are jumping out at me right now!

The need to be acknowledged! wow, that can speak volumes. We shouldn't look for acceptance here on earth and we shouldn't put all our trust in humans! This is where I've gone wrong lately and in the past. Matt 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well." We are humans and therefore we are sinners. The battle is on from this moment on. Which will you feed.........the sin or the virtue? Today I choose the Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity. My faith of steadfastness in the belief of the world to come, Hope of not giving up under continuous battle from this world and selfless and unconditional Charity of loving everyone as I love my savior Jesus Christ! May God continue to bless all of you!

my new journey to Chirst

For a while now, I've been saying that I wanted to live simple, be simple, eat simple...........and just simply BE! Well here I go!!

My Favorite Saint is St. Francis of Assisi, and I've pray his peace prayer often so I decided to learn To Live as Francis Lived. I'll use this blog for my journal entries and hopefully it will inspire others to become more like Christ. I already know that this journey will be tough...........anytime you want to become more like Christ..........you have to deny yourself! Let me just say..............I have lots of faults and short comings. But the decision is made. I want to one day be a Saint in heaven and there is no other way of becoming one!

This book ~ To Live as Francis Lived, "will lead you to a closer life with Jesus Christ. Through a process of prayer, reflection, study texts, questions and connections to Scripture, you will be formed in the Franciscan way of life as Francis lived it in his own time."


Reflection 1 ~ Beginning Again
"Let us begin to do good, for as yet we have done little." ~ Saint Francis

1st Question ~ In what ways do you hope to deepen your love of God?

I feel like lately, I'm not giving Him enough quiet time. Only in this time of silently listening to the Holy Spirit can I be aware of what His will is for my life. I've been too busy for Him and I am ashamed! To deepen my love for God I want to put Him first in my life again! I will work on a set schedule to pray and have one on one time with Him. I will set this schedule this week and post it!

Life sometimes gets in the way if we let it! I am to blame when I don't give Him the time He needs to renew my soul. Thank you Jesus for NEW BEGINNINGS!

God Bless all of you!
Dodi

"Fiat"

Today, I have a challenge for everyone.

When I was on a retreat with Fr. Frey, he told us to say "YES" to Jesus right then and there. No matter what He is asking of us, just say "YES".


Say "YES" to Jesus right now before you even know what He will ask of you! If you need an example of a woman who has taken on this very challenge before you, her name is Mary! Ask our Blessed Mother to accompany you on this journey and she will! God bless all of you!

falling leaves

Have you ever watched Autumn leaves fall to the ground? None of them fall straight down to the ground purposely destroying what's underneath. They ride the wind, flipping , swirling, swaying from side to side and ever so lightly they reach their destination.

God's grace is the wind beneath our wings and if allowed He will take us on journey after journey to becoming purified and made Holy. When a leaf touches another tree, a roof top, a car, a swing etc. it is making a brief stop on its path where it is being purified from its faults and short comings . Floating on God's grace from destination to destination is God's way of bringing us back to Himself. He is a jealous God and He wants us back. Our Goal is to keep afloat and stay in God's graces so our journey towards or inevitable worldly end will be a glorious and triumphant one. Enjoy the breeze!

"sowing"

"Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." ~Matthew 19:24

When it comes to "Sowing" their are many different ways of completing your Heavenly Garment. Sometimes we get off track and forget where we last started off! This can cause lots of unraveling. I know I get overwhelmed when I am on overload. If we make a firm resolution to start each day in prayer, the rest of the day will fall into place and less stress will consume you. When we have our "Sowing" kits in order, it is easy to make reparations.

The very basic "Sowing" kit can be this simple. Keep God in a prominent place so He doesn't get lost under all the different threads. Secondly, make sure all of your "Quilting Squares" (Vocational responsibilities, such as your spouse first then your children etc....) are in place. When "sown" in order, the pattern is clearly seen and makes for a wonderful peaceful witness. Thirdly, your needles (work). If God is still in that prominent place these needles will help you to gather every loose end you come in contact with. (co-workers, friends, family etc.) We all have our snags, but if we live the gospel as Christ has asked us to we can help Him to gather more "sowers" for a complete work of art! May God bless all of you!

everyone loves a good tote bag

(19" x 15" x 6")

Someone very sweet, designed this bag for me.

I may use them as gifts.

Two freshly picked "Rosaries" From the Lilies of the Valley

I haven't posted them on my shop yet, It takes me a little time to write the descriptions! I am also working a few pieces of jewelry, I just have to add the finishing touches and get pictures taken! Thanks to all of you who have supported us on our new ministry. To God be the Glory!

I guess I'm growing

It seems like not so long ago I was smack dab in the middle of the rainy season. I can still feel a few drops here and there but for the most part, deep down in the valley, the only water I see is the constant river of grace that keeps me company. I've come to this one garden of mine that has been overgrown for some time and the weeding has become a bit overwhelming. Every time you think you've gotten down to the root of the problem, a sprout shows his not so pretty little head. I have many different types of weeds in this garden. The most prominent weed is smothering my Day Lilies. Every day God gives us graces and if we don't ask for them, or even if we do ask for them and don't accept them with an open and willing heart, they can be quickly taken over by distractions. I find myself "OFTEN" drifting off on a different path, that is not my own, and I see beautiful flowers, but they seem to keep my mind away from my own. My vase is filled with God's beautiful creations and it is placed at His altar. That is where my Heart needs to be. Doing God's will for your life doesn't necessarily mean that it will be easy! Your bucket of weeds may be heavy, but if you don't pay close attention to the watering, cutting back, fertilizing and weeding you may find yourself heavily burdened with unwanted weeds and a wilting spirit. Every thing you need has been given to you. Search deep down inside, within that quite little garden, and God will renew and enliven you beyond belief.

Fall is here! This is the time of year that we need to FALL on our knees and ask God to help us with our daily burdens. Ask Him to lead you to the garden of His choice. "Show me Lord what it is that is keeping me away from Your Will!" May God bless you all abundantly on your path!

"Prayer is to our soul what rain is to the soil. Fertilize the soil ever so richly, it will remain barren unless fed by frequent rains."

~ St. John Marie Vianney

In the Valley I grow

Sometimes live seems hard to bare

full of sorrow, trouble and woe,

It's then I have to remember

...that it's in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountain top

...and never experienced pain,

I would never appreciate God's love

and would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn,

and my growth is very slow.

Sometimes I need the mountain tops,

but it's in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand

why things happen as they do,

but I am very sure of one thing,

My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing,

when I picture Christ on the cross.

He went through the valley of death,

His victory was satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord for complaining,

when I'm feeling so very low.

Just give me a gentle reminder,

that it's in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord

and use my life each day.

To share your love with others,

and help them find their way.

Thank you for the valleys, Lord,

for this one thing I know.

the mountain tops are glorious,

but it's in the valleys I grow.

~Tracy Mayfield

just blessed

We are still here. I haven't posted in a while, but my ministry is keeping me busy. Good sign, but my season of writing in a journal has changed to having plastic fingers. Wire wrapping Rosaries is hard on the hands, but God designed our skin to repair itself so I'm not worried. He always takes care of the little details. We are truly blessed.

Danny loves school, and he loves working with the little ones too. A man needs to feel needed and when they ask him for help with their math his eyes light up! I'm amazed at how well they are all doing. Even Drake can keep up with the rest of them.

The Lilies of the Valley ministry is going well. I just joined the ETSY Rosary Guild which is a group of 64 ladies now that share their faith, rosary making and business skills. It is so wonderful to have the support you need when you are starting a new journey. Alice has been wonderful. Every time her phone rings or checks her email I'm sure her family hears a slight sigh.

The other day I was thinking!!! YEP!!! that's a scary thing!!! :-P Well, what if I could start an organization to help others. I've always wanted to do something that my children could be involved in. So Project HOPE came to mind. Now I did no research and I have no clue if there is one out there.........but I was thinking
HOPE..........H handing.........O out.............P prayer.........E everywhere. If any of you have an idea let me know! It just all came to mind at once and I have no clue what to do with it. Eventually when my ministry starts to pay for itself I would love to donate a percentage to a worthy cause. I'm looking for ideas..........does anyone out there have something on their mind that they would like to do? Email me and maybe we can get something rolling..............It has to be all for GOD! I will not work for anyone else!!!

God bless all of you!

Shout outs

1st and foremost I want to say THANK YOU JESUS for this wonderful journey you have our family on. It's hard to find the words to express the changes that are going on under our roof. There is more laughter, peace, sharing, building up and the list goes on. It truly is amazing.

2nd I want to thank ALL of our Family and Friends for supporting us during this time in our lives. Major changes have happened and your love, gifts and prayers have carried us through.

3rd I want to thank God for inspiring my husband to get me started in this new ministry and Alice and Annie for giving me the tools and support I needed to start it up. Words cannot explain the appreciation I feel for ALL of your endless hours of sharing. May God bless you 100 fold.

We were all created in HIS image and likeness and HE has given us all special gifts to GLORIFY HIS name. Let us continue to share what He gave us and make this world a better place. God Bless all of you!

our mistakes are someone's blessings

Yesterday I posted a passage from Jeremiah. Why? Usually when I pray, I take out my bible and ask God to show me what he wants me learn. Then I take my bible and close my eyes and just open it. So I did that yesterday and I ended up opening to Jeremiah. Well, a few minutes ago I was making, what I thought to be a conversion chaplet, and my 3 year old sat down beside me, picked up the remote control, turned on the TV and put it on a channel we never watch and sat down. It was a christian channel. The lady on the program was reading and talking about the book of JEREMIAH. She was saying things about our CALL. We are all created for God and we all have our own gifts that God gave to us. When we use those gifts we glorify God. So here I am in disbelief and looking at my 3 year old wondering which room Jesus appeared to him to tell him to come and put the TV on...........lol. anyway...........He gets up and goes to play so I keep listening. She was talking about how we judge each other and how people call each other names not knowing the real value of that person. Well..........I'm still making SOMETHING.........and she said........OUR MISTAKES ARE SOMEONES BLESSINGS! I stopped right there and looked down. Like I said before, I THOUGHT I was making a conversion chaplet, but when I realized what I was doing it was all wrong. I made 2 of them this week and this was nothing like it was supposed to be. OK, this is where I took a deep breath!!!! I got up and went to my little book and I said, God if this is something you wanted me to make you have to show me what it is...............and boy did He show me!!! He has been speaking to me about making an Our Lady of Guadalupe chaplet and I've been putting it off! Really, I've been putting it off because I didn't have the medal I needed and just wanted to make what "I" wanted to make. I had made a CHAPLET OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE!! The correct number of beads and the beads were in the correct places. For those of you who aren't familiar with Chaplets. Each Chaplet is different. Each chaplet can be used for different Saints and prayer intentions. The number of beads and arrangements of those beads can differ.

Before I typed up this post for my blog I went to Jeremiah and read. "Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Write all the words I have spoken to you in a book. For behold, the days will come, says the LORD, when I will change the lot of my people, and bring them back to the land which I gave to their fathers; they shall have it as their possession. (Jeremiah 30:2-3)

There are many times I feel prompted to write things down that I get in prayer and I have always wanted to keep a journal to one day leave behind for my children and their children. God is doing a mighty work within everyone right now. All we have to do is be open. "Be not affraid" His plans for us more glorious than anything we can imagine. I DO NOT claim to be more than I already am. A child of God thriving to do His work. God bless............and keep the faith!!

our smallest needs

before I formed you in the womb I knew you.

before you were born I dedicated you,

a prophet to the nations I appointed you.

Jeremiah 1:5

Before we were born, God knew all of our needs. He knows the smallest desires of our heart. The unspoken needs that we look over. He knows them! Do you realize this? Everything that goes on in your head, He knows. Everything good and bad..........He knows. You cannot hide anything from Him. I want to share something with you that happened here two weeks ago. It was 3am and Dylan woke me up. Drake vomited in the bed and needed me. So as all moms do, I ran to the room and got the situation in order. I cleaned Drake up and made sure he was alright and put him in the living room with Dylan. I pulled the sheets off the bed and put them to wash. I cleaned the mattress. Then I looked for my can of Lysol. I thought, if this is a virus I have to get a handle on it. Well, I could not find it. I looked for at least 20 minutes. I could picture in my head the places it could be and I turned up nothing. Well, by then I was wide awake, so I sat down at my computer and worked on my ETSY shop. About 6:30 I decided I needed a nap. By then Drake had made it back to my bed and Danielle was in it also. I made room and went to sleep only to be woken up a few minutes later by pushing and poking. I took my pillow and placed it at the foot of my bed and grabbed my quilt and covered up and went to sleep. When I woke up the can of LYSOL that I was looking for was placed by my pillow staring at me! NO ONE KNEW I WAS LOOKING FOR IT! EVERYONE WAS ASLEEP!!!! I do not, and I repeat do not care one bit if you think I am crazy!!!!!! I know someone from above placed that can by my pillow while I was asleep. God is SO good to us and He wants us to know that He is there to meet all of our needs. Spoken and UNSPOKEN! "Be still and know that I am God" (psalms 46:10) We are not here for our own needs, we are here to fulfill His and He is going to make it possible and give us all the tools. Even the smallest of our needs like my can of Lysol. May God bless all of you!

New Endeavors

Years ago before Drew was born, I took up jewelry and Rosary making. I had to put it behind me at the time because little beads and little children do not mix. Some of you probably remember the beads in the nose story.......well it was quite interesting blowing beads out of Danielle's nose through her mouth!!!!!! (YEAH I KNOW) Well Danny asked me if I would consider making them again so I can bring in a little extra income while he is going to school. Of course I said YES! The picture above is just a sample of what I will be offering. I'm starting up an ETSY shop, so if anyone is interested in purchasing Rosaries, Tenners, Chaplets and other religious beads send me an email and when my web page is up and running I'll send you there. Anything to glorify God is something I'm interested in.

Lilies of the Valley is the name of my business, so I will hang a little lily from each piece as my personal signature. I hope you'll enjoy them.

Words to Ponder

"Only if I ask for God's almighty power can I endure an unbearable human situation to the end, instead of running away. The point where no human word has any more worth is precisely where the mystery of the cross begins to shine."

Quote by: Lily Mae LeBlanc

an update

"For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me, Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you, says the LORD, and I will change your lot; I will gather you together from all the nations and all the places to which I have banished you, says the LORD, and bring you back to the place from which I have exiled you."

(Jeremiah 29:11-15)

God is good........so good to all of us. Our lives are great here on Fontenot Farms. (as most of you know already, one day I wish to live on a farm!) All of our earthly needs have been met and we are continually seeking direction from the Holy Spirit for our spiritual needs. Danny is enjoying school and has commented many times about how relaxed and less stressed his life has become. I have always prayed that we could be home together more, and that we could work together as a family and it is coming to fruition. Danny is available to us more during the day time hours and is actually doing more in the house without being asked to help. He has just found his place and is doing a great job. He comes home for lunch everyday and gets to eat with his family. That is a blessing in itself. God is just Great and has done monumental things for us. Thanks to all of you for keeping our family in your prayers, it is with your continued support that we have been able to keep our spirits up! May God bless you all!

Run to Jesus

Stop looking outside of yourself for your needs! We sometimes get overwhelmed with situations and tribulations and start wondering around for our needs as if to find them under a rock. (Jesus is that Rock) All of our spiritual and earthly needs will be given to us. They have already been met. Jesus has and always will fulfil those needs. Run to Him in all things and be renewed.

Grace

We have all been in a situation when we don't have the words to console someone who is suffering. When we see our family or friends carrying burdens that seem too heavy to bare, it does something to us on the inside. We become blank, empty, mad, hurt etc. etc..... We can't even imagine what the person suffering is going through. My Mentor gave me wonderful words of wisdom today and I would like to share them with all of you. She told me, Dodi, you weren't given the grace to carry that burden, the Mitchell Family received the grace. What Beauty! Yes, we are feeling pain, loss and indescribable feelings, but we are, as a community of believers, carrying the Mitchell family through this grieving period. Our pain and suffering can and MUST be used. Where ever you are, where ever God has you at this moment, whatever you feel called to do, do it with great faith, that you are lessening the burden for Greg, Colleen and all of their boys. I want to thank you in advance for blessing the Mitchell family.

What's your Vocation?

"God is love and in Himself He lives a mystery of personal loving communion. Creating the human race in His own image and continually keeping it in being, God inscribed in the humanity of man and woman the VOCATION, and thus the capacity and responsibility, of love and communion. Love is therefore the fundamental and innate VOCATION of every human being."
(Apostolic Exhortation of John Paul II, The role of the Christian Family in the modern world)

Love is what God has called us to. He created us through love, for love and to give love. Where are your priorities? Are you striving to get to HEAVEN? What's stopping you from achieving your ultimate goal? Remember, if you are a Doctor, that isn't WHO you truly are. The same goes for all other occupations. Who you are is a child of God, created in His own image and likeness, and your VOCATION is LOVE. What you do is not who you are, but who you are as a child of God should affect all you do. God bless.

On the road!

The AHSA Commando's are on the road today. We play our fellow homeschoolers of New Orleans. http://www.wwltv.com/video/news-index.html?nvid=393182 This is their first year and although its only our second we soooo understand where they are coming from. It's hard to get your team up and running but once you have, it can be an amazing journey! To watch these boys come together from different cities, religions and family backgrounds and see how well they gel is phenomenal. We've all become one big family of supporters and we hope to take our team to the ends of the earth to proclaim the Gospel, EPH. 6:16 In all things, take up the shield of faith, with which you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one. Go TEAM!!! May God continue to bless and keep all of us safe on our journey.

The Verdict is out!

Drake came into contact with some kind of grass he is allergic to. The bumps are going away finally. They sure were scary to say the least. I was afraid of waking up to a balloon in the morning! And also was terribly afraid to go to sleep because my mom said, that however big the swelling is on the outside is how big it swells on the inside! Not the information I wanted to hear, but thankful that she cared enough to share it with me so I could keep and eye on him. God bless all of you!

My Grandmother's Vintage Texas Ware

I just recently pulled these beauties out of the attic. With 4 kids and flowing traffic here, I thought they would get better use. I saved up the breakables and I am quite excited about the colorful addition to our cabinets.

Here are the platters!

Here are the serving dishes.

Coffee or Tea anyone?


Who can tell me what the little blue plate is for?

There you have it!

I hope to be serving some of you in the near future on our Grandmother's Vintage Texas Ware!

God Bless all of you!

What are they?

I cannot stop scratching! Poor thing he's the one with the whelps! If any of you have a clue send it my way! I gave him benadryl and he is in the tub taking a bubble bath!

Speak Lord, your servant is listening.

Until you submit totally to your vocation, you will not submit totally to the will of God. Because it is through your vocation that you become fully open to the divine will for your life. God chose you for a specific endeavor, and once you are in total submission to His will , He can use your life to glorify His name.

God Bless all of you!

Laundry Detergent

If you are like me, you love the smell of fresh clean clothes coming out of the dryer. Not stale, hard and dirty. I started my investigation about 8 months ago on Laundry Detergent. While the TIDE is so high and I'm feeling the pain paying for GAIN, I was determined to find something cheap that works. I've tried more expensive detergent that lasted 2 months but didn't clean the clothes well but smelled great, and I've tried cheap detergent that didn't clean and smelled awful.

Now I think I am on to something. After trying everything under the sun, I've actually picked up a large container of SUN. It cost $6 for 92 loads. I was paying $12-15 dollars for Tide when it only had 40 - 60 loads. I also picked up the SUN Oxygen Cleaner for $5 and 2 boxes of Snuggle fabric softener sheets at $2 a piece. All together I payed around$16 dollars and this has lasted me almost 4 weeks so far and I haven't run out yet. In every load I use the detergent and the oxygen cleaner, then one dryer sheet. I'm also using the suggested amount of detergent. I usually poor a heaping helping plus a little more. My maintenance guy told me twice already that I'm using too much! He would be so proud of me right now.


Well that's all for now ladies. I just wanted to share this tid bit of info with you. I'm trying to cut back on expenses so I will be sharing what I learn as I go. If you have anything you would like to share with me please drop me a line. I would love to hear from you. May God continue to bless all of you!

Taking a Leap of Faith!

Have I mentioned lately how wonderful God is? My husband is starting a new journey Monday morning at 8:15am. He will be a new student at LTC, majoring in Drafting. Upon completion of High School, Danny said this was area of study he wanted to look into. Well here he goes, taking a leap of faith.

I am so proud of him. His spirit has lifted and he has a plan now. Before he was always wondering which way to turn, but now after prayer he is following God's call. By the way, today is SATURDAY, and it just so happens that the lady that gives the entrance exam was at the school today doing paper work when Danny's mom called her. So guess who took their test today and passed it with flying colors????? You got it! NO REMEDIAL CLASSES!

WHOOOOOOOO, now we can get back to school over here. Oh and he will begin to teach our children Math! I love handing that one over. It looks like he will be here with us more and we will be spending lots and lots of family time together. We are embarking on a new journey of learning as a family! Praise God! He is sooooooo awesome! God bless all of you!

The happy medium.

It takes me a while to settle my mind down during my visit to the Blessed Sacrament. But once I managed, I spoke to Jesus about my number one problem. I can't seem to find the happy medium when it comes to my vocation as Wife, then mother of 4. The "What about ME" syndrome of this world seems to creep in every so often. When it comes to the running of the house I fail miserably, I try to get things done according to the needs of everyone, but then my passions start to arise. They raise their weary head and seem to be screaming at me. I've been reminded in confession lately that "PRIDE" was the sin I was dealing with. One of the seven deadliest sins.

Many people think that stay at home moms have it easy. Oh she stays home, she doesn't have to deal with the hard things in this world. She sits around eating bon bons and watches the soaps all day! Well like my Grandmother used to say "let me tell you one thing little girl". It's harder than you think. Imagine sitting in front of a mirror all day long looking at all of your imperfections. Trying to live a holy life, putting God first, and everything else in it's proper order isn't easy. My friend Monica, who I love to quote said, "Being Catholic isn't for wimps!" She is right. It is one thing to know the truth, but it is another to live it! I know God never said it would be easy, in fact He promised it would be a hard path to follow. It's focusing on the path that gets me through it.

Anyway, back to Jesus and my visit with Him. I asked Him, "where is the happy medium?" He told me "MY MOTHER". The easiest path to Jesus is through Mary, His mother. She didn't live her life screaming on mountain tops, "look at me" look at me", no she lived a secluded life. She stayed out of the lime light, and managed to do a wonderful job at raising her son (who really didn't need much help, I mean come on HE was God)!!!!! So what is it about her that made her the "happy medium" ? I will put this in my own words. If we understand that Happiness is not to be found in this world, and we also understand that Jesus created and chose Mary to be His mother, we could say, Jesus chose Mary to bring happiness into eternity. If Mary wouldn't have been a prayerful young lady and understood her faith, she may not have submitted herself to the will of God.

While raising Jesus, I know she felt the joys of motherhood. Watching him run and laugh, His first words, even when she found Him in the temple teaching the elders. (Well, after she got over the shock of loosing him for a couple of days!!!!) Just what am I getting at?? Well, if we are obedient women, constantly seeking to do God's will and putting all of our passions aside as Mary did it may not be all fun and games. It can be hard work and get tiresome. All for what???? To be ultimately happy in Heaven one day like God has promised us. She is our Happy Medium. She will bring us to the place we need to be spiritually to meet Jesus. If God chose her, why can't we? She is the Medium he chose to bring us Life! Let's make an effort to imitate Mary daily. Slowly dying to self. Slowly letting go of all our passions that try to control us. As promised, it won't be easy, but it is the surest path to Heaven! May God bless you all!

P.S. Notice that in the picture above, Mary is holding Jesus, the Shepard, and one of HIS sheep.

Hanging in there.

I've been quite busy these past few days with kitchen remodeling and starting my own business. I'm still in good spirits, and Danny seems to be also. I guess you can say that we are floating right now. The oars are down and we are gliding through the streams of live that God has chosen for us. There will come a time when we'll have to pick up the oars again but for now we are enjoying the ride.

I have an active mind and I'm always analyzing. It can become a problem at times and I've noticed that lately I'm not trying to figure things out. I guess God weeded that out for me and I am so grateful. My main goal right now is still focusing on my vocation as wife and mother. We are doing school and the older boys have been active with work projects in the Country with their Dad and Uncle Cedric.

We have truly been blessed, and are not in need of anything at this time. We have taken on this life as a mission family and we are making the most of it. Simple living is so wonderful. I told someone the other day, I feel like my spiritual eyes are being held wide open by tooth picks. I see way pass what the human eye can see. I speak with Jesus often throughout my day, but what I love is when He communicates with me through other people. Let's make it a point to be a blessing to all that we come in contact with. Jesus wants us to spread the gospel. Most of the time just smiling at someone can move a mountain in their life. Before you hit the pillow tomorrow night, think to yourself, have I been Jesus to anyone today? May God bless all of you!

Things are starting to move......really they are!

Ok, we had a wonderful cat whom Danielle named Pinkie Marie. She had a litter of 7 and we didn't know what we were going to do with them once they were weaned. Well a few weeks ago the children found Pinkie Marie dead in the garage. It looked like she was poisoned. (I won't go there.) Anyway, the kittens were already eating food and drinking water on their own so things were good. A few more weeks and we would have to place them. Well, since Danny lost his job he told me that we needed to work on that soon because cat food can start to get pricey with 7 cats.

Well it was yesterday (Sunday) and we went to 6:00pm mass. When we returned, we realize there were no Kittens. I mean NO kittens to be found. No one called us to pick them up. NOTHING!!! I know Jesus had ascended into heaven, but..................?????? I'm just going to say that we still have no clue where they are. God is good! Now here is another one of those blessings that just keep on coming. Drew had football practice tonight and I told the little ones that if they behaved I would go to Sonic after practice and get them each a SMALL drink. They knew I had a stash of quarters in my console and they were ready to spend them. Well, once we got there they wanted french fries too. I buckled and ordered them a little food along with the drinks and I started to feel bad. Should I spend this money? We have food at home and I should save this in case I need it later. Well low and behold, My aunt Nanette shows up at 8:15pm at Sonic??????. Our food hadn't come out yet so she stopped to visit with us. She said, I was hungry and just decided to come to Sonic. (yeah, uh huh) Well, she got out of her car and handed me the money to pay for the food. I DID NOT ASK HER!!! I already had my money in my hand! Even an extra $1 in quarters to give to my little delivery person. Again I am not telling you all of this in a plea for handouts. I just want you all to know that when you are doing what God wants you to do he will pick up the Tab. Sonic has been a little reward I started with the kids. At least once a week we would go get snow cones or sonic drinks during happy hour. It is a cheap and cool reward on these hot summer days. I guess God knew my intentions to treat the kids for behaving well and he didn't want me to have an regrets about it later. May God bless you all!

He always provides.

I will bless the LORD at all times;

praise shall be always in my mouth.

My soul will glory in the LORD

that the poor may hear and be glad.

Magnify the Lord with me;

let us exalt his name together.

Psalm 34; 2-4

My heart wants to burst. Everywhere I turn, God is there. Before I open my mouth to ask, he has fulfilled our needs. I am only sharing this with all of you, because I want to proclaim His greatness. This is not a plea for help!

My mom called me the other day to ask if we needed milk and bread. With a little childlike laughter I said, "you are so silly". She said "well do you". I told her that the kids like milk and bread. She then said, "your probably going to need eggs too, right?" I said, "uhhh ok". Then she proceeded to tell me about the by one get one free meat sale Win-Dixie was having. Needless to say she showed up here with groceries for our family. I told her she didn't have to do that and she bold said to me, "you don't know how long your husband will be out of work"!

She was right. I don't know, but I do have the faith that God is busily at work within our family and he will not leave us abandoned. My faith is that of a child. I guess I have always been that way. I don't have time to worry, I have to take care that my husband and my children are happy and all their needs are met. I have to pull my end, so that Danny and God can do their part. I can't be under their feet.

Anyway, I got away from the point I was trying to make. The very next day when I was cooking one of the roast she brought us, I told Danny I needed to go to the store to pick up some rice, we were out. Well, just as Danny left to go to a football meeting my mom called, she said she had picked up some butter for the bread she brought the day before and also some rice and potatoes to go with meat!!!!!!! I DIDN'T REALIZE GOD MADE HOUSE CALLS!!!

Here is another example of His greatness. One day last week I called Danny "The Pearl of Great Price" because he is a great man, he has almost 15 years experience in his job. He didn't jump from job to job and that showed he was a committed person. He provided for his family, and we were never truly without. Well, a few days later, my wonderful mentor, Mrs. Jennifer Connolly called me. She just wanted to make sure my spirits were up and that I was doing my job in building up my husband. She also wanted to let me know that she was starting a new novena for my husband and our family. She was praying a novena to St. Francis Xavier. She said, he was known as the "Pearl of Great Price"!!!!!! wow! That was like a direct call from GOD, letting me know that He was in control and that in His time Danny would be right where He needed him to be. God is in control, If we would just tend to the responsibilities of our vocations, he will take care of all the rest.

I beg all of you to never give up Hope! Emanuel = God is with us! He is! He didn't create us to do our wills, He has a plan, and if His plan is to be glorified, He has to lead the way! Blind faith will get you where you need to be!

May God bless all of you!

Where do you draw your strength?

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord;

cry out to the rock of our salvation.

Let us greet him with a song of praise,

joyfully sing out our psalms.

Psalm 95: 1-2

I love to listen to christian music and journal in my quiet time with the Lord. Music has always inspired me. I love the beats, and the words that are so creatively put together to get their messages across.

I draw my strength from the Lord and my hope is in Him, and right now Casting Crown's songs are getting me through this rainy season. They are also bringing light to our situation. Their song, Lifesong is sooooo awesome. If you have never listen to them you have to go to utube and check them out!!! In one of my previous blog posts, I mentioned how, when we get to dry land I want to start serving others. What's wrong with NOW?? I don't need money to talk with a person who is lonely. I don't need money to just be there for others. There are so many ways to serve the Lord and He is calling us to service in our times of need. He doesn't want us to give alms from our abundance, but to give freely from our necessities. This is the tithing he calls us too! Everything we have is from the Lord and we cannot turn a blind eye to our gifts. He gives each of us certain gifts, and if we don't use them we cannot glorify Him! I have everything that I

need to reach out to others, and if the cost arises, He will send the funds to pay for it.

All this time, I've been waiting for the perfect time to step out of my comfort zone, and it is only when we've been stripped of that worldly security that we are made truly free to love. This is the time! This is the place! God created all of us for this very moment! What are your gifts? What is God calling you to do? Where do you draw your strength? May God bless all of you!

F-R-O-G (Fully Relying On God)

Well here we are. At the place where we always say we are, but are never truly there until he places us smack dab in the middle of it. We are floating on that lily pad of His, sitting like a small family of Frogs (Fully - Relying - On - God).

My memory isn't usually great, but for SOME reason, I keep playing this one comment, that I made to Danny just last week, over and over in my head; "I want to live like a mission family. I want to fix simple meals and live a really simple life." REALLY???? Did I really say that? Ok, I'll admit it. I did say those exact words. My deepest desire is to be a mission family. I don't feel called to move out of this country, but I do feel called to serve our community and surrounding areas. I guess Danny loosing his job is just the preparation we needed to understand what F-R-O-G really means! My spirits are high, although I hit some low moments. My duty is to build my husband up and make sure that he stays away from the depressed mode as much as possible. I'm also in charge of running our home and following his lead in money matters. I'm working with him on cutting back and making a plan for the (NOW) and the future. Although our relationship was pretty good, we seem to be drawing closer together. The loss of a job and money can often send couples into a raging war, but for us, that's not the case. Our Sacrament of Matrimony is kicking into high gear and we are receiving the graces from it to keep us afloat.

When we get back onto dry ground, my goal is to help others in need. There are so many people out there just wanting someone to talk to, a hot meal, a pair of shoes etc... I hope to extend our hands to those people. We are receiving so much support from family and friends and it is truly humbling. God is always faithful.

Happy those concerned for the

lowly and poor;

when misfortune strikes,

the Lord delivers them.

Psalm 41; 2

May God bless all of you!

The Rainy Season

Blessed is the man that perseveres under trial,

because when he has stood the test,

he will receive the crown of life that

God has promised to those who love Him.

James 1 : 12

After listening to God speak to me through the Psalms last night, today I realized what he was doing. He was preparing our little family for a big change. Today, Danny lost his job. I thought it was a joke at first, then I saw his eyes when he came home. My husband who loves us more than anything, and wants to provide for his family was crushed. Was it the prayer that I prayed at the beginning of the year? Was it my fault? I prayed for God to move Danny in a powerful way, and to put him in His path. In prayer, I've given God our family time and time again, to do with us what He wills.

Trials are not a sign that God has turned his back on us. Better yet, it is proof that He loves us more than we could ever imagine. Sometimes we stay stagnant and we are scared to make the change that we know would be better for us. God knows our hearts and sometimes he gives us the little nudge that we need. When he closes one door he opens another. We are expecting miracles here. We've prayed, and we are expecting miracles.

Mercy Me has a wonderful song called "bring the rain" and that is just where we are. The rainy season.

" Bring me joy, bring me peace,

bring the chance to be free

bring me anything that brings You glory

and I know there'll be days

when this life brings me pain

but if that's what it takes to Praise you,

Jesus bring the rain"

I do not want to think about where I would be without the faith that God is the one in control. For now, the Fontenot family will be dancing in the rain. We are celebrating the faithfulness of our Husband and Father who provided for us throughout these past 14 years at Petron and we are excited about the new life we will be exploring though the hands of God. Please keep us in your prayers as we will be doing the same for you! May God bless you all!!

Sometimes God uses Numbers

Dylan has been playing football now for 6 or so years and his number has been "70". Well, my little man has grown larger in the chest and arms and needs a new jersey, but there was a catch! He had to change his number. It will be 51! I wish one day to be as humble as he is. Or should I say unselfish? You could tell he wasn't excited, but he gave the usual "Sure" and went on his way with his new jersey and number. After his dad gave him his number "51" jersey, a light bulb went off! I told Dylan to read Psalms 51! Maybe God wanted to tell him something.

Psalms 51
The Miserer: Prayer of Repentance

I
Have mercy on me, God, in your goodness; in your abundant compassion blot out my offense. Wash away all my guilt; from my sin cleans me. For I know my offense; my sin is always before me. Against you alone have I sinned; I have done such evil in your sight. That you are just in your sentence, blameless when you condemn. True, I was born guilty, a sinner, even as my mother conceived me. Still, you insist on sincerity of heart; in my inmost being teach me wisdom. cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be pure; wash me, make me whiter than snow. Let me hear sounds of joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
II
Turn away your face from my sins; blot out all my guilt. A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast spirit. Do not drive me from your presence, nor take from me your holy spirit. Restore my joy in your salvation; sustain in me a willing spirit. I will teach the wicked your ways, that sinners may return to you. Rescue me from death, God, my saving God, that my tongue may praise your healing power. Lord, open my lips; my mouth will proclaim your praise. For you do not desire sacrifice; a burnt offering you would not accept. My sacrifice, God is a broken spirit; God do not spurn a broken, humbled heart.
III
Make Zion prosper in your good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with proper sacrifice, burnt offerings and holocausts; then bullocks will be offered on your alter.

For the past few days Dylan has been sick. He spent all of last week with a wonderful group of people. He went to Faith camp at big woods and was mingling with people who had swine flu and other illnesses and didn't know it. Lots of boys and girls from camp have been sick, but all have said it was worth it. Faith Camp this year was awesome and they saw God move in a mighty way. Psalms 51 asks for God to forgive us our sins and give us a willing spirit. God is bringing up a new generation of Kingdom builders. "I will teach the wicked your ways, that sinners may return to you" This will not come to pass without suffering. For all of the children and parents that are suffering right now with illness, may God bless and keep you, "that my tongue may praise your healing power"

Mondays Rock!!!

Well guys, School is in session here at St. Francis of Assisi Academy. We are trying a different approach to learning this year! One subject a day, all day long, and lots of hands on and creative avenues to exploring our world. I gathered all of our subjects into a hat and Drew pulled them one by one. Monday - Science, Tuesday - History, Wednesday - Spelling and Grammar, Thursday - Math, and Friday - Reading and Creative writing. I am SO excited about this year. We will begin each day with Prayer and Religion. We will be learning lots about the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion because Drew is going to receive them this year!!!! Go Drew!!!!

I will also incorporate Water Color Journaling into our subjects. This will help their creative juices to start flowing. A whole lot less of electronics and a whole lot more of using our marbles! Like they say "you snooze, you loose" well I want them to gain!!!! God gave each one of us specific gifts that we will need out there in the world and if we smother them with the TV, electronic games, and other worldly distractions, we will not reach our full potential! Praise God for all that we have, all that we are and all that we will come to be through HIM!!! So if you see this strange family out there with their magnifier and spy ware attire, it's just the Fontenot family searching for the fullness of the truth given to us by our Lord and Creator! May God bless and keep all of you!

Do you have time for Me?

This is one of my favorite pictures of Pope John Paul II. I have used it for meditation before. Jesus is the light of the world, and in this picture it looks as if JP II is spending a little one on one time with Him.

During our couple's prayer meeting tonight someone mentioned how when they were little, they remember sitting on the front porch with their family and waving at people passing by. "Would someone stop to visit with us?" This world we live in today is toooo busy! Too busy to stop and visit friends or family. Too busy to visit with an elderly neighbor. Too busy to visit with a dying person. Just simply too busy. I'm guilty as charged!! If we could just get back to the simple life, where what we have is just enough, and family is first, I believe that this world would be a better place. If the original ORDER of life that God put forth for us to follow would be reinstated, we as a people would be better off. God first, husband, children, jobs... etc. There was a reason for that order, just as there is a reason why we tell our children to follow certain rules.

There is someone very important waiting to visit with you. He just simply sits and waits. Do you have a minute to share with Him? Find an adoration chapel near you. Just walk in and sit down. Talk to him like you would talk to a friend. He has so much to say to you and all you have to do is listen. He loves you, and so do I. May God bless all of you!

Snuggles

Well, Snuggles is living up to her name.

Drew was laying on the floor in the bathroom while she was hopping all over the place and suddenly she came up to him and well............snuggled with him!

New hobby, old hobby

I remember as a child, going to my Great Grandmother's house, and she always had a vase full of paint brushes and gobs of different types of paints. I used to make arts and crafts out of egg cartons and meat packaging plates and whatever else she had on hand. I loved being creative and it feels like it's all coming back to me now! I hope you enjoy these pictures I drew and painted this week! The Holy Spirit inspired me, and I took advantage of it!!

A new addition

Guess who? It looks like St. Francis has sent another blessing our way. Of course Danielle was a little gun shy, but now she loves her. Oh by the way, her previous owners named her Snuggles and we just can't change it. She really really loves to snuggle! I'm not sure how old she is, but I know she isn't a year yet.

She is getting used to the indoors. We put her rabbitat in the bathroom and every, so very often, we take her out and let her sit with us. She loves to be rubbed and petted. We do also let her run around. She has carefully checked out the sofa and love seat and loves to run back and forth behind them. Now we have left her cage door open and we are waiting to see if she gets out by herself.

The big plus about cleaning up after her when she does have an accident is..........the dropping are hard and in a ball. It makes for very easy clean-up! We are going to train her in a litter box as soon as we get one.

Oh JOY!!!!!!!!! I guess this is just another chapter in our lives! God Bless all of you!

Getting fed!!

A few friends and I started attending Mass and Breakfast on Saturday Mornings at 6:30 whenever possible. I'm not a morning person, but I sure LOVE those Saturday's when we meet. We get fed first by the Word of God, second by the True Body and Blood of Christ, thirdly by CC's delicious breakfast buffet, and finally by each other's happy smiles and sharing. We are usually home by 8:30-9 o'clock ready to serve our families.

It sure is a great way to start the day! My goal one day is to attend daily morning mass! Like my faithful friend Monica says, "I need a swift kick in the skirt". I may need a little more to get me up every morning at that time! hahaha! Oh oh, as I typed that last line my conscience (God) told me, "am I not enough?" Well that just may be my "swift kick"!!!!

We truly are blessed to have Daily Mass offered to us. We don't have to hide, or be fearful of being killed for attending mass like many of our ancestors had to way way back in the day! The Eucharist is food for the journey, and if we are in the state of grace, we can float above all temptation with the knowledge that God is giving us, through Mary, the graces we need to accomplish His will in our lives. Yes, I am sure that we will fall. But just know that Jesus' hand is reaching out to us to pick us back up! Stay the path and have faith. God bless you all!

Pictures

I promise to post some pictures in the next few days. The rooms won't be painted yet but at least they will be in order!! God Bless all of you!

"I don't want my own room"

That's what I heard just after dark last night. Danielle was a little intimidated by the quietness of her bedroom. I guess hanging out with her brothers for so long has put a constant noise in her head! She is probably a little more like me than I thought. Sometimes it is hard to quiet myself down.

Well today she has been in and out of her room! She loves it. When I walk in and turn on the light she quietly tells me to turn it off because the baby is sleeping. Oh, and before I hit the door, she reminds me to shut it quietly........she doesn't want the dryer to wake up the baby!! hmmmmmm. this is not how I raised my children. The more noise the harder the baby sleeps. I guess she'll have to learn on her own.

I only put her bed and dressers in her room. I even added a little vanity. This vanity comes from my other Grandmother on my Dad's side, Grandma Eula. I'm sure she's glad to see her great grand-daughter using the same one she did many years ago! The boys have the matching chest of drawers in their room! I told you we loved hand-me-downs.

I have to admit, my mind is more relaxed now that the rooms have been rearranged. I feel like there is an order in my home that has never been here. Sounds funny, but my mind is a little more relaxed. Go figure!

I hope I have inspired someone out there to do a little simplifying of their own. Even if its one cabinet at a time like my friend Alice does. We don't have to start big. Slow and steady wins the race! Thank you Jesus for my perseverence today.

SIMPLY rearanging

Well, it's been on my mind for months now, and after a long conversation with my husband and children, we decided to put the boys in one room and give our little princess her own ballet pink room to bloom!

I have to admit, most of my inspiration has come from our faithful St. Francis of Assisi. Oh and from my little ole' friend Alice http://www.alicecantrell.com/blog/ . It's not about the size of your house or the number of rooms you have........(wait a minute, what am I talking about???).........oh yeah, it's about using what God has given us to bring our family closer together. We just need to simplify and use what we do have as best as we can.

So this is where I am. Hopeful this will give the boys a better chance to build on their relationships. If not, there is always the shed in the back yard!!! Oh that could be my hiding spot!!! hahaha Well, it could be that nice little hiding spot to sit alone and pray quietly. Ok, one thing at a time. If you know me, I'll start that before I have the rooms done.

What will I fill the boy's rooms with? Well, beds, dressers and one tv, with a game console. NO CABLE!!! Tv. time will be earned. I want to put shelves for their nature collections, (right now they are collecting tiny rocks), statues and books. I want the room to be relaxing and at the same time inspirational. Blocks, cars, etc... will be kept in the Family Room! We are changing the title of Living room to Family Room.

Danielle's Room will have her bedroom set from my Beloved Maw-Maw Jeannette's collection. My mom and my aunt Nanette used it while they were growing up! Lot's of history. We love hand-me-downs. Especially when it comes from family members. She will also have her play kitchen and possibly an area to practice her ballet skills!




< Maw-Maw Jeannette




****WARNING***** There will be a big mess in the hall and probably throughout the rest of the house before we are done!!!! So if you plan to visit in the near future, take this as your warning. I do not have hazard signs to put up!! (these signs would probably be a good investment) hahaha. Love to all!

Thanks for the inspiration

Alice, I did tell Erin.......hahahahhahha That is so funny that you thought of her right away. I know she has been waiting for me to set up a blog for a long time. We need to get her set up! I'll have to send this to Lisa too, she's going to flip. Anyway thanks for the inspiration! Anytime I need it I know the two of you will be there!

Well good night to all of you out there! (the two of you) hahaha. I'll try to keep it interesting! I'll need to get some rest! Love you both!

ok, what's next

Ok Alice, I need some inspiration! oh and lots and lots of help!

I have arrived!

You know how you feel when you get to a party, (the one you thought about for days and really didn't want to attend) and you open the door and everyone looks to see who has arrived??? Well Here I am!!! It's me!!!! I'm finally here! I'm creating my very own blog!