Part 1:  The Creed and Chapter 1:  Laying a Firm Foundation ~ Lawn Chair Catechism

We’re introduced to the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church this week through Paprocki’s H.E.L.P. acronymn:

• H = We Hold on to our faith that is revealed to us through Scripture and Tradition and is summarized in theCreed.
• E = We Express our faith in the liturgy and sacraments of the Church.
• L = We Live our faith according to Catholic morality.
• P = We Pray our faith by maintaining a healthy prayer life.

As we begin Part 1, we’ll be looking at the Creed, the “H” for “Hold” above.

At the end of Chapter 1, Paprocki writes,

What difference does it make for Catholics to believe that “Christians are made, not born”? It means that we are called to be receptive. Faith is something that we receive. It does not belong to us but is passed on to us like a family heirloom that we treasure, protect, and pass on faithfully.

Questions for Reflection and Disucssion:

1. Who is someone you know who has a “well-built faith” and what do you attribute that to?  My cousin, Nena.  I attribute that to being brought up in a Catholic atmosphere. Mass every week; studying the Faith; having a father that led the family to God and Mass with joy and veneration.
2. What have you been doing/could you be doing to deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith?  Studying the Faith; attending Mass every week (this is something I have fallen short of.  I work so much that going to Sunday Mass has lessened, it is something I want to do better-attending more in the near future); keeping Christ in your mind on a continuous basis.  
3. Who has been a “pillar of faith” in your life? My cousins in California, and my oldest son.  
4. What event(s) in your life have most significantly shaped you into the person you are today? The births of my four children. Children can bring out the best in a parent.
5. Creed: What is the difference between an idea and a belief? I think, an idea is something that comes to you that you'd like to try out or carry out, perchance?  A belief is something you feel with your mind and heart wholeheartedly to be true. What role does trust play in believing? Trust is something you feel without doubt.  Sometimes I have trouble with this.
6. Sacraments: When was a time you felt compelled to express yourself without using words? All of the time, I guess.  I haven't been blessed with the gift of 'speech'; therefore expressing myself has always been difficult. So, I go about my business, being silent and mostly listening to others.  Most people around me can tell that I am happy because I smile alot.
7. Morality: Why do you think it is so difficult for us as God’s own people to live moral lives? Because of our secular world, temptation is in abundance.  Because society attempts to make us believe that some things which we know are really wrong, is right.  
8. Prayer: With whom do you have the best communication?  My cousin, Nena.  She should be my sister.  She knows me so well.  What makes that communication so effective?  Listening and understanding.  She knows the Catholic Faith and continues to learn more about it.  She encourages me to trust everything to God.     How good is your communication with God? My communication with God is through everything; such as my daily walks around a local college campus~seeing God through a million stars or touching him through the soft falling of rain on my skin), cooking (bringing Christ to the table), sewing, (clothing our bodies) reading, reading, meditating on the rosary, looking to the saints to help me in my endeavors through their invocation. I think God communicates in many ways.  We have to use all our senses, I think, to know he is there. Always.

The Simple Woman's Daybook Entry ~ 

For today.....

Outside my window.....the sky is the darkest shade of blue with stars glittering.

I am thinking.....about my oldest son's high school graduation ceremony, which will be next weekend on the 17th of May, Saturday.  I'm counting down the days.

I am thankful.....for so much!  Thank you God, for my son, Jacob.  I am so honored that you bestowed him to me to be his mother.  I can still remember the joy I felt in my soul, when he was placed into my arms after giving birth to him.  

In the kitchen.....are dirty dishes in the sink.  Our kitchen countertop is untidy and the floor needs sweeping.

But my mind and heart are elsewhere.  I'm thinking about my children.  They have made me so happy.

I am wearing..... jeans that are care worn, tennis shoes and a white t-shirt.  My daughter, Melinda, and I went for our usual evening walk a couple of hours ago.  We took our dog, Sadie, with us.  She loves to

 come with us.  

I am creating..... memories to keep in my heart of these passing days before summer begins.  I have one more final exam to take tomorrow before the semester ends.  My children are continuing their homeschooling which last all year 'round.  They prefer it that way.  So do I.  

I am going.....to do some sewing and gardening soon, which I am looking forward to.

I am wondering.....about the present and the future.  Why is it that things and my surroundings stand out more than I can ever remember in my life?  My husband said it's because we are getting older.  I don't know, except that I'm acutely aware of everything around me all of the time.. sometimes it feels like I'm seeing things, for the very first time, which doesn't make sense to me at all.

I am reading.....The Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska.  There's much to absorb while reading.

I am hoping.....for a wonderful day tomorrow.  It's starting to get hot.  In the evenings, it gets cooler and there's a breeze that's feels so good when you're walking outdoors, as I have been doing with my daughter.

I am looking forward to.....being off next weekend.  It will be like a mini vacation for me.  

I am learning.....how to take better care of myself.  I'm trying to exercise every day by walking and I still need to lose 15 more pounds.  I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes last year in December.  Improving on my food intake and exercise is an absolute must now.

Around the house....my children are all in their rooms, either watching TV or reading.  The house is cozy and quiet.  We just finished paying for a new roof.  The roofers were here for four days.  It's completed now.  Our housetop looks so nice!

A favorite quote for today...actually is not a quote. It goes:

My son, do not forget my teaching,

 but let your heart keep my commandments,

 for length of days and years of life 

and peace, they will add to you.  

Let not steadfast love and failthfullness forsake you.

Bind them around your neck; 

write them on the tablet of your heart,

so you will find favor and good success

in the sight of God and man.

                                                                                             Proverbs 3:1

One of my favorite things.....watching old movies, eating popcorn.

A peek into my day....

My soon-to-be homeschooled high school graduate.
  We  named our private school, many years ago
 Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Academy.

Deo Gratias