Nancy...The woman version of a 'Barnabas' Always an encourager !! Thank you for blessing us with so many wonderful posts in 2013...and looking forward to what you'll share in 2014. Happy and Blessed New Year to a very 'young' soul. +
Caroline, what a very kind thing to say. Thank you so much! It's nice to be called a "young soul," too - which I will think about next time I'm driving a pretend car (the sofa) with my granddaughter, both of us wearing (CLEAN!!!!) diapers on our heads as hats.
Which means that you are double sunshine, Colleen! :) I just noticed the duplication myself, when I went down through Melanie's list a few minutes ago (why didn't I think to do that before?) and checked out all the terrific blogs.
Nancy, I am really enjoying the new look at what a Cloistered Heart is and how to nourish it in our daily life. I have been arrested for days by this particular sentence of yours in Toward the Cloister Door.... "Forever on the path, ready to make the journey but unable to let go of all that holds me to the earth." I see a finger pointing in my direction and confronting me over my procrastinations. Your words are not only truly beautiful in that post...they have powerfully reached a deep place within me!
'One cannot give Christ a limited place in one's life,' That's the truth. He wants every room in the house and all the closets and stuff hidden in between. +
Indeed, Caroline. And the closets are just what I'd rather He not see - but they are what He needs to clean out. They are what He wants to HEAL. So, let it be. With a gulp I say: let it be.
Recently found your blog - I just love it - the paintings are wonderful - Thank you for telling who painted them. Do you know the artist on the song for the Redemptionest video - The words are so perfect. Thanks
Hello Nancy! Sorry to be so late in saying thank you for the Sunshine award! Thank you! I have finished my 9-day Joan of Arc novena and I will be blogging about my reward shortly. You will see that once again I have re-designed my blog...I can't resist playing with templates and colors! Thank you again and happy blogging. :)
Gloria, I LOVED what you wrote for the award! So much fun!
I really like what you do with templates and colors. I love to re-design too, but then tend to chicken out when it comes down to making it "permanent."
Good Afternoon Nancy! I have come by way of Trish and of course brought here by Our Lord. Your space is beautiful and so inspiring and encouraging. Thank you so much for creating it. In His Love, Maria
Your Own Living Tabernacle...a powerful prayer that rings with authenticity and echoes the yearnings of my own heart..of course I am in love with the painting as well
Although I have been reading your posts, I haven't popped into the parlor for a while. Sit by the fire... at least it is raining and cool, so that invitation sounds attractive despite it being summer here!
I love those lines from psalm 139. I included some of that psalm in Thomas' book. It seemed so appropriate.
Thank you for the link to Renee's post. Yes, Catholics are very misunderstood by many Protestants. Our faith is so very beautiful. How can we not have a personal relationship with Christ when He is there in our tabernacles waiting for us, and offering Himself in Communion? I tried to share this with my Jehovan's Witness lady but she just didn't understand. But I think she was affected by the love in my words. She hugged me before she said goodbye! It was a special moment.
I almost didn't make it to the Parlor myself.... I missed discovering there were 3 new comments, but thankfully found these tonight!
I had been planning essentially the same post Renee did - except I couldn't get "inspired" as to how to lead into it. Then I found hers and thought "why re-invent the wheel?"... it's already there!
Sue, I think you said something very important here. The lady was affected by the LOVE in your words. I have a feeling the Holy Spirit was shining right through you!
'Nor was my frame unknown'..Isn't that one of the greatest truths of our faith? What love is ours because the God of the universe knew us before we were even born. Amazing.. +
happy feast day for without st francis where would st jane have gotten the help she needed when she needed it:):):) a very blessed combination for all of us:):):) MB
Hi, MB! Yes, God obviously put St. Francis and St. Jane just where they needed to be to do His work. Thanks for remembering it is a special feast day for me - I'm so glad you stopped by! MB2
Nancy, I love all those wonderful saintly quotes about creating a cell within our interior monastery! Catherine Doherty's writings have always spoken to me..I've long treasured the concept of coming aside from the world to spend time with Jesus in my soul's poustinia. And St Francis speaking of the "hermit living within our body" fills me with a peace and joy that says 'Yes! That's what I am...in the midst of the loudest throng and largest crowd, I am still alone with My Lord..in the deep and secret place where the two of us sit and smile at each other in that silence which drowns out all the passing, transient surface noise of life.'
Oh Nancy, that video is really beautiful! I see what you mean..it does speak to the Cloistered Heart charism!
The scenes of the friar walking through city streets made me think of my recent visit interstate to see my eldest son. He lives in the second largest city of Australia and took us walking down one of the most popular and trendy streets. We saw a lot of nice shops and cafes..but I had an uneasy feeling of sadness as I wandered along..I soon realised why. My husband stopped to admire some old copper boilers and things that were used as a café window display and went inside to chat with a young man serving inside. My son said to me "Did you see the name of this place, Mum?" I looked up to the sign above me and at the black tee-shirt the young man was wearing and I read, "Naked for Satan". My poor hubby hadn't noticed. A little later at a clothing store we bought some things as a gift for our son, and on the wall behind the checkout there was a crude picture proclaiming "Hail Satan". I left there verbally praising Jesus and kept it up as we continued our sight-seeing walk. My mind was heavy.. but my heart was literally soaring with God's praises in defiance of the darkness I saw. It really shocked me...but apparently most people don't bat an eyelid at such things now. Some days I wish I had the courage to sing in the streets too!
Something I read by Archbishop Fulton Sheen recently spoke of it being good to feel upset (I'm paraphrasing) by such things, because it shows our souls are oriented in a Godly direction. That's my poor paraphrase, but you hopefully can tell what he meant. Praising Jesus is key, as you well know.
I have watched that video over and over today. I'm absolutely crazy about it. I want it sealed into my heart, imprinted on my brain.
Me too, Melanie. It really encapsulates the whole "scene" of the cloistered heart for me - like nothing ever has, but I always wished it would. When he starts to lift his arms in the middle of the station (about midway through), something in me lifts as well.
Same thing happens for me Nancy...it's such a truly powerful image! He seems 'detached' as he walks the streets..but aware of everything at the same time...he's journeying there in one passing reality...but standing transfixed with Christ in the unchanging Reality of God.
Oh Trish, how perfectly you put that .... that is it exactly!! I'm thinking (already!) of posting the video again later on... maybe putting it on a "page." Might I have your permission to use what you wrote with it?
Nancy, love this from St. Sophronius: "The Mother of God, the most pure Virgin, carried the true light in her arms and brought him to those who lay in darkness."
"..in my tiny cell, alone with God yet aware of the silent presence of others. I was with God, others were with God - and we were all connected. A wide hall linked us together."
Oh, how perfect! I have never experienced this in a physical place....but I know it in the Spirit. God be praised!
Nancy your Valentine's Day post is so very beautiful and inspiring! Made me think of this old song and how I can relate it to my love for Christ and His powerful and public declaration of love for me...for us all!
Once I had a secret love That lived within the heart of me All too soon my secret love Became impatient to be free. Now I shout it from the highest hill even told the lowly daffodil. At last my heart's an open door And my secret love's NO SECRET anymore!
Nancy, Great Valentine's post. I heard Rosalind Moss, years ago, refer to the Bible as God's love letter to us. I never forgot that and have found it to be more true the deeper I delve into it. I am not familiar with the song you and Trish refer to, but I couldn't agree more with its message.
Karin, I guess that's what you get for being young :) !! I remember it from childhood. Tred to put in a link - it won't let me in a comment. But it's on YouTube. Anyone interested can google Secret love Doris Day YouTube.... and there is is.
What a beautiful blog you have created. Our world is in such need of hearts completely full of Christ love and passion. I signed up to receive posts in my email. God bless all of you who live monasticism within the world. May our hearts continue to burn with his love.
today is a very special day for the sponsor of our chat room-- have a happy anniversary of your 39th again-- I know that God is very pleased with you and your efforts to bring us a little closer to Him:):):) MB
Nancy, I love this excerpt on the indwelling of the Trinity. It is so important to remember, but yet very easy to forget. The distractions and attractions of the world seem to creep in and take up the room meant for God. Thanks God for His mercy and His patience with us. Your post made me think of Patricia's today about de-cluttering our souls. The two posts really do compliment each other. :) Thanks for sharing this.
'O God, take this body of mine, consecrate it, let it never be defiled by sin.' That's a prayer I can take right into the start of Lent. You always post just the right words, Nancy. Blessings always +
Thanks for the Sunshine award nomination, Nancy. I loved reading your 10 things about yourself. Wishing you a blessed new year.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karin. A blessed new year to you, too!
DeleteNancy, you are such a sweetheart and a kind soul. Thank you for the Sunshine award! I am honored!
ReplyDeleteAnne, you are definitely a ray of sunshine in cyberspace! Thanks for such sweet words.
DeleteNancy...The woman version of a 'Barnabas' Always an encourager !! Thank you for blessing us with so many wonderful posts in 2013...and looking forward to what you'll share in 2014. Happy and Blessed New Year to a very 'young' soul. +
ReplyDeleteCaroline, what a very kind thing to say. Thank you so much! It's nice to be called a "young soul," too - which I will think about next time I'm driving a pretend car (the sofa) with my granddaughter, both of us wearing (CLEAN!!!!) diapers on our heads as hats.
DeleteColleen, I love all that you write - and happy new year to you also!
ReplyDeleteI love your list too
ReplyDeletehey colleen- I gave you the award too..and i was first!! so much for humble pie, eh?
ReplyDeleteWhich means that you are double sunshine, Colleen! :) I just noticed the duplication myself, when I went down through Melanie's list a few minutes ago (why didn't I think to do that before?) and checked out all the terrific blogs.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to have double sunshine in midwinter.
Nancy, you bring too much Sunshine to me not to rename you for one! Which I did LOL +
ReplyDeleteThank you, Caroline :)!
DeleteNancy, I am really enjoying the new look at what a Cloistered Heart is and how to nourish it in our daily life.
ReplyDeleteI have been arrested for days by this particular sentence of yours in Toward the Cloister Door.... "Forever on the path, ready to make the journey but unable to let go of all that holds me to the earth." I see a finger pointing in my direction and confronting me over my procrastinations. Your words are not only truly beautiful in that post...they have powerfully reached a deep place within me!
Trish, thank you so much. The sentence you quoted is so much me..... so much "forever where I am." But I know we are both determined to journey on!!!
DeleteOh dear, I forgot to thank you for passing on the sunshine award! That was so kind of you :-)
ReplyDeleteYour blog is such a place of prayerful peace, Trish.
Delete'One cannot give Christ a limited place in one's life,' That's the truth. He wants every room in the house and all the closets and stuff hidden in between. +
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Caroline. And the closets are just what I'd rather He not see - but they are what He needs to clean out. They are what He wants to HEAL. So, let it be. With a gulp I say: let it be.
DeleteRecently found your blog - I just love it - the paintings are wonderful - Thank you for telling who painted them.
ReplyDeleteDo you know the artist on the song for the Redemptionest video - The words are so perfect. Thanks
Hi, Robin! I'm so glad you're here.
ReplyDeleteThe singer for the video is John Michael Talbot. I think this song is on his CD "The Hiding Place." Not totally sure about that, but I THINK so.
Thanks so much!
Thank you for the link, Nancy. I knew what a "postulant" was, but I never really gave any thought to what it means to "postulate"!
ReplyDeleteI never knew that either, Renee - it was great new information for me!
DeleteHello Nancy! Sorry to be so late in saying thank you for the Sunshine award! Thank you! I have finished my 9-day Joan of Arc novena and I will be blogging about my reward shortly. You will see that once again I have re-designed my blog...I can't resist playing with templates and colors! Thank you again and happy blogging. :)
ReplyDeleteGloria, I LOVED what you wrote for the award! So much fun!
DeleteI really like what you do with templates and colors. I love to re-design too, but then tend to chicken out when it comes down to making it "permanent."
Good Afternoon Nancy! I have come by way of Trish and of course brought here by Our Lord. Your space is beautiful and so inspiring and encouraging. Thank you so much for creating it. In His Love, Maria
ReplyDeleteMaria, I'm so glad you're here! Thank you for such kind words!!!
DeleteYour Own Living Tabernacle...a powerful prayer that rings with authenticity and echoes the yearnings of my own heart..of course I am in love with the painting as well
ReplyDeleteThank you, Melanie! I love the painting too... doesn't she look quite "cloistered" behind that veil?
DeleteOh yes, a miracle indeed. How good He is to give us the Gift of Himself!
ReplyDeleteNancy,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have been reading your posts, I haven't popped into the parlor for a while. Sit by the fire... at least it is raining and cool, so that invitation sounds attractive despite it being summer here!
I love those lines from psalm 139. I included some of that psalm in Thomas' book. It seemed so appropriate.
Thank you for the link to Renee's post. Yes, Catholics are very misunderstood by many Protestants. Our faith is so very beautiful. How can we not have a personal relationship with Christ when He is there in our tabernacles waiting for us, and offering Himself in Communion? I tried to share this with my Jehovan's Witness lady but she just didn't understand. But I think she was affected by the love in my words. She hugged me before she said goodbye! It was a special moment.
God bless!
I almost didn't make it to the Parlor myself.... I missed discovering there were 3 new comments, but thankfully found these tonight!
DeleteI had been planning essentially the same post Renee did - except I couldn't get "inspired" as to how to lead into it. Then I found hers and thought "why re-invent the wheel?"... it's already there!
Sue, I think you said something very important here. The lady was affected by the LOVE in your words. I have a feeling the Holy Spirit was shining right through you!
It's ALWAYS so good to have you here, Sue.
'Nor was my frame unknown'..Isn't that one of the greatest truths of our faith? What love is ours because the God of the universe knew us before we were even born. Amazing.. +
ReplyDeleteAmazing is right! Thank you, Caroline!
Deletehappy feast day for without st francis where would st jane have gotten the help she needed when she needed it:):):) a very blessed combination for all of us:):):) MB
ReplyDeleteHi, MB! Yes, God obviously put St. Francis and St. Jane just where they needed to be to do His work. Thanks for remembering it is a special feast day for me - I'm so glad you stopped by! MB2
DeleteNancy, I love all those wonderful saintly quotes about creating a cell within our interior monastery!
ReplyDeleteCatherine Doherty's writings have always spoken to me..I've long treasured the concept of coming aside from the world to spend time with Jesus in my soul's poustinia.
And St Francis speaking of the "hermit living within our body" fills me with a peace and joy that says 'Yes! That's what I am...in the midst of the loudest throng and largest crowd, I am still alone with My Lord..in the deep and secret place where the two of us sit and smile at each other in that silence which drowns out all the passing, transient surface noise of life.'
Thank you, Trish! The saints who lived this make me feel so "very much not alone" in this kind of life!
DeleteThank you, Colleen!
ReplyDeleteOh Nancy, that video is really beautiful! I see what you mean..it does speak to the Cloistered Heart charism!
ReplyDeleteThe scenes of the friar walking through city streets made me think of my recent visit interstate to see my eldest son. He lives in the second largest city of Australia and took us walking down one of the most popular and trendy streets. We saw a lot of nice shops and cafes..but I had an uneasy feeling of sadness as I wandered along..I soon realised why. My husband stopped to admire some old copper boilers and things that were used as a café window display and went inside to chat with a young man serving inside. My son said to me "Did you see the name of this place, Mum?" I looked up to the sign above me and at the black tee-shirt the young man was wearing and I read, "Naked for Satan". My poor hubby hadn't noticed. A little later at a clothing store we bought some things as a gift for our son, and on the wall behind the checkout there was a crude picture proclaiming "Hail Satan". I left there verbally praising Jesus and kept it up as we continued our sight-seeing walk. My mind was heavy.. but my heart was literally soaring with God's praises in defiance of the darkness I saw.
It really shocked me...but apparently most people don't bat an eyelid at such things now.
Some days I wish I had the courage to sing in the streets too!
Something I read by Archbishop Fulton Sheen recently spoke of it being good to feel upset (I'm paraphrasing) by such things, because it shows our souls are oriented in a Godly direction. That's my poor paraphrase, but you hopefully can tell what he meant. Praising Jesus is key, as you well know.
DeleteI have watched that video over and over today. I'm absolutely crazy about it. I want it sealed into my heart, imprinted on my brain.
Thank you, Trish!
that video by the Black Friars is ebbued with the Holy Spirit-powerful, gives me the shivers
ReplyDeleteMe too, Melanie. It really encapsulates the whole "scene" of the cloistered heart for me - like nothing ever has, but I always wished it would. When he starts to lift his arms in the middle of the station (about midway through), something in me lifts as well.
DeleteSame thing happens for me Nancy...it's such a truly powerful image!
DeleteHe seems 'detached' as he walks the streets..but aware of everything at the same time...he's journeying there in one passing reality...but standing transfixed with Christ in the unchanging Reality of God.
Oh Trish, how perfectly you put that .... that is it exactly!! I'm thinking (already!) of posting the video again later on... maybe putting it on a "page." Might I have your permission to use what you wrote with it?
DeleteYes, Nancy.. use it however you wish. It will be wonderful to have a page with that inspiring video...the music is as beautiful as the visuals! xx
DeleteNancy, love this from St. Sophronius: "The Mother of God, the most pure Virgin, carried the true light in her arms and brought him to those who lay in darkness."
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, and thank you for sharing!
We have such a treasure left to us in writings of saints! Thank you, Kathryn.
Delete"..in my tiny cell, alone with God yet aware of the silent presence of others. I was with God, others were with God - and we were all connected. A wide hall linked us together."
ReplyDeleteOh, how perfect!
I have never experienced this in a physical place....but I know it in the Spirit.
God be praised!
Experiencing it in the Spirit is a gift immeasurable, isn't it? God be praised, indeed! Thank you, Trish.
ReplyDeleteNancy your Valentine's Day post is so very beautiful and inspiring! Made me think of this old song and how I can relate it to my love for Christ and His powerful and public declaration of love for me...for us all!
ReplyDeleteOnce I had a secret love
That lived within the heart of me
All too soon my secret love
Became impatient to be free.
Now I shout it from the highest hill
even told the lowly daffodil.
At last my heart's an open door
And my secret love's NO SECRET anymore!
Yes Trish! I thought of the same song and hummed it all evening. Think I'll start shouting now. SHOUTING!!!!!
DeleteNancy,
ReplyDeleteGreat Valentine's post. I heard Rosalind Moss, years ago, refer to the Bible as God's love letter to us. I never forgot that and have found it to be more true the deeper I delve into it.
I am not familiar with the song you and Trish refer to, but I couldn't agree more with its message.
Karin, I guess that's what you get for being young :) !! I remember it from childhood. Tred to put in a link - it won't let me in a comment. But it's on YouTube. Anyone interested can google Secret love Doris Day YouTube.... and there is is.
DeleteWhat a beautiful blog you have created. Our world is in such need of hearts completely full of Christ love and passion. I signed up to receive posts in my email. God bless all of you who live monasticism within the world. May our hearts continue to burn with his love.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Janelle! I say a huge amen to your prayer!!!!
Deletetoday is a very special day for the sponsor of our chat room-- have a happy anniversary of your 39th again-- I know that God is very pleased with you and your efforts to bring us a little closer to Him:):):) MB
ReplyDeleteThank you, MB. My wish is that He be pleased!
Delete"..they scaled the heights of sanctity by the ladder of loving aspirations of prayer."
ReplyDeleteOh my, how I love this!
It's a perfect 'little way' for short-legged souls like me!
xx
Thanks to my fellow short-legged soul! Thank God for His ladder. And His lift!
DeleteNancy,
ReplyDeleteI love this excerpt on the indwelling of the Trinity. It is so important to remember, but yet very easy to forget. The distractions and attractions of the world seem to creep in and take up the room meant for God. Thanks God for His mercy and His patience with us. Your post made me think of Patricia's today about de-cluttering our souls. The two posts really do compliment each other. :) Thanks for sharing this.
I hadn't thought of the connection, Karin - but yes, the two posts do compliment each other! Thank you.
Delete'O God, take this body of mine, consecrate it, let it never be defiled by sin.' That's a prayer I can take right into the start of Lent. You always post just the right words, Nancy.
ReplyDeleteBlessings always +
God be praised! Thank you, Caroline.
DeleteOh Nancy...tears!!! How MUCH I value this blog! How MUCH it aides my soul and fuels my desire to more available interiorly to Jesus!
ReplyDeleteJen, I am so grateful for such kind, kind words. Thank you! Have a blessed Lent.
Delete