Think of the little duties we must do each day that actually annoy us. How can we approach them with a willing heart?How should we respond to the requests of others that are difficult or too demanding? How do we discern when to say no?What is the proper way to respond to people when they interrupt us from our duties? How does our response affect them?How can we approach our hardships cheerfully? Is this asking too much of us? What about for people with real depression or anxiety?Is it too scrupulous-making to focus on doing the will of God even in eating and drinking?What does it mean to serve God? Did He just put us here to live a grueling life according to what He wants?Reflect on 1 Corinthians 10:13, “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
SrSusan: Hi Carol Ann
Mar 30, 6:28 PM
Carol Ann: Hi Sr Susan!
Mar 30, 6:29 PM
SrSusan: I see you were able to get in- the numbers have dwindled a bit since we did the new sign in
Mar 30, 6:29 PM
Carol Ann: Apparently a very long time ago I signed in to chatroll through Facebook.
Mar 30, 6:29 PM
Carol Ann: I was not able to create a new chatroll id
Mar 30, 6:30 PM
SrSusan: We may go back to the other way- we were trying to dissuade some nasty comments that happen in between chat sessions
Mar 30, 6:30 PM
Carol Ann: It weird because the member list shows the people who were here that day
Mar 30, 6:31 PM
SrSusan: really? where does that show up
Mar 30, 6:31 PM
Carol Ann: Oh, I see those but ignore them
Mar 30, 6:31 PM
SrSusan: we were getting e mals even from Italy about it
Mar 30, 6:31 PM
SrSusan: mails
Mar 30, 6:32 PM
Carol Ann: Oh my. We did have someone in Italy for a while
Mar 30, 6:33 PM
SrSusan: How is Lent going for you
Mar 30, 6:33 PM
SrSusan: Hi Simone
Mar 30, 6:33 PM
Simone29: Hi Sister!
Mar 30, 6:33 PM
Simone29: And Hi Carol.. So glad you made it!
Mar 30, 6:33 PM
Carol Ann: I am reading a fabulous book that is really helping
Mar 30, 6:34 PM
Simone29: can you share the title Carol?
Mar 30, 6:34 PM
Carol Ann: Hi Simone!
Mar 30, 6:34 PM
Simone29: always interested in fabulous books
Mar 30, 6:34 PM
Carol Ann: When I work in AZ I stay at my friends house. Sunday nights imam on her time
Mar 30, 6:35 PM
Simone29: oh I see.. that’s why you cannot come on the call now sometiems
Mar 30, 6:36 PM
Carol Ann: The Journey East: A 36 Day Retreat Into Eastern Christian Soirituality
Mar 30, 6:36 PM
Carol Ann: Miss Jetting Around the Countryside should be my new knicknamme
Mar 30, 6:37 PM
SrSusan: That sounds like a very interesting book-
Mar 30, 6:37 PM
SrSusan: I had followed Eastern Christianity a bit in the past to learn more
Mar 30, 6:37 PM
Simone29: I am so proud of you Carol.. that you conquered all your fears – and hit the roads.. that’s the only thing I hope you hit
Mar 30, 6:38 PM
SrSusan: q Think of the little duties we must do each day that actually annoy us. How can we approach them with a willing heart?How should we respond to the requests of others that are difficult or too demanding?
Mar 30, 6:38 PM
Carol Ann: Haha, me too!
Mar 30, 6:38 PM
Simone29: I am also very drawn to Eastern Christianity. In fact.. it was Eastern Christianity that was part of my journey into the Catholic church
Mar 30, 6:38 PM
Carol Ann: Our Community’s founder teaches that East and West are two lungs in the same body
Mar 30, 6:39 PM
Mar 30, 6:41 PM
Carol Ann: Well, just this afternoon I got a text from a client wanting an immediate answer. Turns out it was the same question i answered yesterday. And they won’t info thnow that’s technically beyond what I do. So I said it’s Sunday. I’ll call tomorrow and see if I convince them to answer your question to me. And then let them know I’m signing off for the night
Mar 30, 6:41 PM
Simone29: good boundaries Carol
Mar 30, 6:41 PM
Carol Ann: Oh dear Sister!
Mar 30, 6:42 PM
Carol Ann: I didn’t ignore her, recognizing how important it is in her shoes. And put up with alot of my other agent…and gently reminded her of other people’s schedules
Mar 30, 6:43 PM
Carol Ann: We are praying for you!
Mar 30, 6:43 PM
Simone29: as for interruptions.. Since I spend most of the days alone – I am not challenged in this area
Mar 30, 6:44 PM
Carol Ann: Oh, I get interrupted all day long…
Mar 30, 6:44 PM
Simone29: I don’t.. and if I get interrupted.. it might feel actually even good.. because it happens so rarely
Mar 30, 6:44 PM
Simone29: I am so NOT good though.. in laying down my time agenda.. That’s probably part why I structured my life like that
Mar 30, 6:46 PM
Simone29: it is not good.. if we are not challenged in patience
Mar 30, 6:46 PM
Carol Ann: I have that problem too, when I need to do my reading! My SD has me reading Song of Songs. Scott Hahn has a marvelous study book
Mar 30, 6:46 PM
Simone29: I like that about the Visitation order.. that they do learn.. to interrupt all their activities immediately- when they have to. Great virtue
Mar 30, 6:46 PM
Simone29: CAROL !!! a study book on SONG OF SONGS? please send me the link
Mar 30, 6:47 PM
Simone29: I am currently working through a translation from St. Fraancis de Sales
Mar 30, 6:47 PM
Carol Ann: Patience? I like to joke that when God passed out patience I was out in the pasture petting the horses so i didn’t get any. Then I get serious and know in order to learn patience I’m going to be in situations where I need His
Mar 30, 6:47 PM
Simone29: Hi Ruth!
Mar 30, 6:48 PM
Simone29: You sound so patient on the chat roll Carol
Mar 30, 6:48 PM
Simone29: chat rolls can be deceiving- I know
Mar 30, 6:48 PM
DocRuth2Day: Oh it looked like no one was here. Sorry!.
Mar 30, 6:48 PM
Simone29: Ruth.. Sister Susan had to leave.. she is not feeling well tonight
Mar 30, 6:48 PM
Carol Ann: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1586177753/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Mar 30, 6:49 PM
Carol Ann: Hi Ruth!
Mar 30, 6:49 PM
Simone29: thanks Carol.. I am googling it right now
Mar 30, 6:49 PM
Simone29: and… I am back again
Mar 30, 6:53 PM
Carol Ann: It’s hard at any age, but there are so few left to do it all while running the monastery
Mar 30, 6:53 PM
Mar 30, 6:54 PM
Mar 30, 6:54 PM
DocRuth2Day: I am so distractible that I can even interrupt myself many, many times in the course of a day!
Mar 30, 6:55 PM
Simone29: I know.. Ruth.. I know exactly what you mean.
Mar 30, 6:55 PM
Carol Ann: It may be her influence that brings him home though. As long as she shows what life should be and let’s him come to her
Mar 30, 6:56 PM
Simone29: That was my stance on it too for a while.. but she said in our conversation ” “Mom I am falling away faster.. than he is falling towards the Catholic faith..”
Mar 30, 6:57 PM
Carol Ann: Oh, thats not good
Mar 30, 6:57 PM
.
Mar 30, 6:59 PM
DocRuth2Day: I opened the link and lost Visitation chat: blank chat platform again. I’ll try to catch up.
Mar 30, 7:00 PM
Mar 30, 7:02 PM
Simone29: let’s look at some questions again..
Mar 30, 7:02 PM
Carol Ann: But still, all things are possible for God. I will pray for the possible
Mar 30, 7:02 PM
Simone29: I actually made a resolution tonight .. to pray for that.. and even just as we were writing.. I had an idea.. that might be something..
Mar 30, 7:02 PM
Simone29: thanks Carol.. I appreciate your listening..
Mar 30, 7:03 PM
Simone29: and Ruth.. when you read that.. you too of course
Mar 30, 7:03 PM
Simone29: Here is the next question
Mar 30, 7:03 PM
Simone29: How can we approach our hardships cheerfully? Is this asking too much of us? What about for people with real depression or anxiety?
Mar 30, 7:04 PM
Carol Ann: by remembering that all God allows to happen will be used for our salvation
Mar 30, 7:04 PM
Simone29: I am by default.. not cheerfully.. more of a melancholy temperament.. but…I can approach hardship with hope and … well.. exactly what you just said Carol
Mar 30, 7:05 PM
Simone29: to embed hardship.. in the goodness of GOD.. like bubble wrap around it.. makes every hardship doable
Mar 30, 7:05 PM
Simone29: well.. it can still be very hard
Mar 30, 7:06 PM
Carol Ann: I tend toward melancholy also. And to worry
Mar 30, 7:06 PM
Carol Ann: It is hard!
Mar 30, 7:07 PM
Simone29: Salesian Spirituality has helped me A LOT with worry. Not saying.. that I am totally worry-free.. I mean – where does worrying start.. and reasonably thinking something through end? ..
Mar 30, 7:07 PM
Carol Ann: But that’s how we build virtue–with intentional behavior
Mar 30, 7:07 PM
Simone29: I am often not so good in this
Mar 30, 7:07 PM
Carol Ann: I’m going to have to look at that
Mar 30, 7:08 PM
Simone29: but.. today I am fasting in the evening.. intentionally.. so maybe I am building more virtue than I realize sometimes?
Mar 30, 7:08 PM
Simone29: Have you ever read the SPIRITUAL COMBAT?
Mar 30, 7:08 PM
Simone29: wow.. it really talks about that
Mar 30, 7:09 PM
Carol Ann: I have not. But the section in Eastern Spiritualtity i just read talks about it
Mar 30, 7:09 PM
Carol Ann: Is it the Lozano book
Mar 30, 7:09 PM
Simone29: yes Carol
Mar 30, 7:10 PM
Simone29: as for depression.. I notice, that – although God has not fully healed me from my depressive disposition – I do not find it so painful anymore.. it has found a place in me.. where I can integrate it in my personality and faith.
Mar 30, 7:10 PM
Carol Ann: It’s come up a couple of times, and ive looked at it, but it’s not where I’m called
Mar 30, 7:10 PM
Simone29: After.. I have finished on “HOLY is the NEW HAPPY”.. I am already thinking of writing about “being joyfully depressed”..
Mar 30, 7:11 PM
Carol Ann: There you go!
Mar 30, 7:11 PM
Simone29: Depression is so much more bearable with God’s love.. Still brutal though when the beast is fully unleashed.
Mar 30, 7:12 PM
Carol Ann: Stories from the front lines
Mar 30, 7:12 PM
Simone29: ???
Mar 30, 7:12 PM
Simone29: Hey Ruth. are you still with us?
Mar 30, 7:12 PM
Carol Ann: The subtitle for your book
Mar 30, 7:12 PM
DocRuth2Day: Thanks for sharing, Simone. It is good that Victoria observes this about herself. IF they break up, this will be different because SHE is the one choosing her Faith over the “natural” attraction. One must not marry in order to change the partner, but IF she can draw him in during the dating. I wonder if just sitting silently in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament might trigger an important change in him. It has for many others. I do pray for her and will continue to.
Mar 30, 7:12 PM
Simone29: I see.. I like this title Carol
Mar 30, 7:13 PM
Carol Ann: The section I read today talks about the deep rooted attack from the other side bs clinical depression’
Mar 30, 7:13 PM
Simone29: oh Ruth.. thank you so so much for your prayers. I will pass your advise on
Mar 30, 7:13 PM
Carol Ann: I like that too Ruth!
Mar 30, 7:14 PM
Simone29: Carol.. can you explain a little bit more please.. about – what you read?
Mar 30, 7:15 PM
DocRuth2Day: sis one, do you know about Alpha? Maybe if they both went together . . . It’s designed for people who have rejected religion. Soft
Mar 30, 7:15 PM
DocRuth2Day: S
Mar 30, 7:16 PM
DocRuth2Day: Soft sell. But there are believers involved too. A team.
Mar 30, 7:16 PM
Simone29: It would be great.. if he could find his way into Alpha.. We have tried to expose him to several things.. and he has tried to lean into the Catholic faith.. but then decided – very strongly .. NO.. that’s not for me.
Mar 30, 7:16 PM
Carol Ann: In the book on Eastern Spirituality it talks about the eight thoughts. Depression is one tactic used to keep us from doing what we should. This is not the case with you! But it can be a weapon against us
Mar 30, 7:17 PM
Simone29: oh Carol.. that is VERY INTERESTING.. I think.. I really will read that book now
Mar 30, 7:17 PM
Simone29: Depression has totally held me back.. in several attempts to step deeper into my calling.
Mar 30, 7:18 PM
Carol Ann: There are instructions on how the desert fathers overcame this too
Mar 30, 7:18 PM
Simone29: do they also talk about Acecia?
Mar 30, 7:19 PM
Simone29: acedia
Mar 30, 7:19 PM
Carol Ann: Yes, it gets its own chapter
Mar 30, 7:19 PM
Simone29: wonderful.. did you send me the link already?
Mar 30, 7:20 PM
Simone29: just the title?
Mar 30, 7:20 PM
DocRuth2Day: I am here.
Mar 30, 7:20 PM
Simone29: may I ask for you to quickly write it down again please?
Mar 30, 7:20 PM
Carol Ann: Yes. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1586177753/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Mar 30, 7:21 PM
Carol Ann: Oops, wrong link
Mar 30, 7:21 PM
Simone29: that’s the book from Scott Hahn..
Mar 30, 7:22 PM
Carol Ann: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DT7MMVBJ/ref=kinw_myk_ro_title
Mar 30, 7:22 PM
Carol Ann: That is the retreat book
Mar 30, 7:24 PM
Simone29: wonderful – just bought it for kindle
Mar 30, 7:24 PM
Simone29: Ruth.. do you read on Kindle?
Mar 30, 7:24 PM
Carol Ann: Oh awesome. We can study it together
Mar 30, 7:24 PM
Simone29: I would SO love that Carol
Mar 30, 7:24 PM
Simone29: oh Carol.. one more thing.. because you have not been on the chat last week
Mar 30, 7:25 PM
DocRuth2Day: Lorenzo?
Mar 30, 7:25 PM
DocRuth2Day: I hope I can check it out a little later.
Mar 30, 7:25 PM
Simone29: We learned from Sr. Susan, that Dawn’s son passed away. Please please please keep her in your prayers.. and if your relationship allows it.. maybe to contact her
Mar 30, 7:25 PM
Simone29: I can send you the link Ruth
Mar 30, 7:25 PM
Carol Ann: Oh no!
Mar 30, 7:26 PM
Simone29: yes.. I have no other information
Mar 30, 7:26 PM
Simone29: but it seemed to be sudden and unexpected
Mar 30, 7:26 PM
Carol Ann: I have made a note to reach out
Mar 30, 7:26 PM
Simone29: thank you Carol.. thank you
Mar 30, 7:27 PM
Simone29: Do you have by any chance her address?
Mar 30, 7:27 PM
Simone29: mailing addressa
Mar 30, 7:27 PM
Carol Ann: Did you see the link to the book Ruth?
Mar 30, 7:27 PM
Carol Ann: No, I don’t think so
Mar 30, 7:27 PM
Simone29: ladies .. one more question.. OK?
Mar 30, 7:27 PM
Simone29: What does it mean to serve God? Did He just put us here to live a grueling life according to what He wants?
Mar 30, 7:27 PM
DocRuth2Day: I suspect that it was really, really tragic, but I think it best to leave it to Dawn to decide what or how much to share. I wonder if she will be coming to NY.
Mar 30, 7:28 PM
Simone29: I also think it was tragic
Mar 30, 7:28 PM
Carol Ann: Oh dear!
Mar 30, 7:30 PM
Simone29: I thought of sending her flowers.. but I do not have her address
Mar 30, 7:30 PM
Simone29: a card would also be nice
Mar 30, 7:31 PM
Simone29: ok.. last attempt to go to the question ladies
Mar 30, 7:31 PM
Simone29: What does it mean to serve God? Did He just put us here to live a grueling life according to what He wants?
Mar 30, 7:32 PM
Simone29: I do not even fully understand the question.. Serving God has been the most fulfilling thing in my life.. how can that be gruelling.. if we are working with God’s Spirit for God’s kingdom?
Mar 30, 7:32 PM
Simone29: I mean.. there are sacrifices.. but even atheists have to make sacrifices sometimes..
Mar 30, 7:32 PM
Carol Ann: I think the grueling part came with the Fall. But we do vet tomcoooerate with Him in the completion of what He wants the world to be. How awesome is that?
Mar 30, 7:33 PM
Carol Ann: I wish I could tupe
Mar 30, 7:33 PM
Carol Ann: Type
Mar 30, 7:33 PM
Simone29: that was hilarious Carol.. sorry..
Mar 30, 7:33 PM
Simone29: you always make me laugh at the chat
Mar 30, 7:34 PM
Carol Ann: It is funny
Mar 30, 7:34 PM
Simone29: and I see. what you mean.. true.. after the fall – work became gruelling.. because we fell out of the natural order with creation.. but serving GOD.. somehow reverses that in a way.. what do you ladies mean?
Mar 30, 7:35 PM
Carol Ann: There I just said how greaypt God is to let us do that and then I’m immediately humbled
Mar 30, 7:35 PM
DocRuth2Day: I wish I knew how to get in touch other than email. Maybe it would go faster than searching “archives” aka a decade and a half of clutter, if I just ask Dawn to send send her phone# and address. I can even picture the place — it escaped from surrounding fires in the North several years ago! But my memory is not so great these days. Never was, but worse now.
Mar 30, 7:36 PM
Carol Ann: It was s miracle
Mar 30, 7:36 PM
DocRuth2Day: Certainly seemed so. Do you remember, Carol?
Mar 30, 7:38 PM
Simone29: Ladies.. I gotta go here.. We have a full prayer week ahead of us. Let’s keep Sister Susan in our prayers.. specially tonight.. until she can see a doctor.. and then Dawn of course.. and a little bit my daughter Victoria too.
Mar 30, 7:38 PM
Simone29: How can I pray for you ladies?
Mar 30, 7:38 PM
Carol Ann: I do. Dawn had a whole chain of prayer warriors on their knees for the town. The fire burned right up to the edge and then turned for no apparent reason
Mar 30, 7:38 PM
Simone29: WOW.. what a testimony
Mar 30, 7:38 PM
Carol Ann: Sr Susan, Dawn, Victoria, you, Ruth
Mar 30, 7:39 PM
DocRuth2Day: I used to. Now it is one finger only. But I understood your intention We do get to cooperate. . .
Mar 30, 7:41 PM
Carol Ann: It blows me away
Mar 30, 7:43 PM
Simone29: I have to leave ladies.. you can stay of course. I love the idea that we are praying this week more intentionally for each other.
Mar 30, 7:43 PM
Simone29: good night
Mar 30, 7:45 PM
Carol Ann: Good night!
Mar 30, 7:47 PM
DocRuth2Day: I have to get another PET/CT and see my oncologist again after just one month instead of six. And pain is always an issue, and frustration. A probable theft of my truck (or junk vehicle+home intrusion/robbery).. just that I act prudently, keep loving and forgiving even if/while seeking justice, AND always, ALL WAYS seek to serve and glorify Our Lord. And I sure would like to get over mixing up day and night! And create a bit more ORDER in this reduced space.
Mar 30, 7:48 PM
DocRuth2Day: Wow! That’s a long prayer request. Thanks for asking.
Mar 30, 7:53 PM
DocRuth2Day: Yes. I think they called that the Paradise Fire. The town of Paradise, just north of where Dawn lives was leveled. Dawn’s town had to be evacuated. But they came back to all structures still standing . . . Just lots of ash to clean up. The fire had been, I think, on the East and South sides, too.
Mar 30, 8:07 PM
DocRuth2Day: Sister Susan, if you see, this, or archive whatever is appropriate to archieve, please know, at least, that I have been praying for you even more this past week or two and intend to continue to do so. I wish that I could offer you hands-on help. It must be physically and emotionally draining work packing up what’s in that huge monastery. Who is the other sister working with you? One thing I have learned with these years of disability — and a more experienced cancer patient, a librarian I made the acquain
Mar 30, 8:30 PM
JanetF: I will pray for you all 🙏