A little update, it's been a while

Hello Friends!

Sorry it has been so long since you have had any new entries to read, I have unfortunately been without a computer which makes blogging, uploading pics, facebook, etc. very challenging. I am hoping and praying to be able to find a used computer or by some miracle to get mine fixed over the summer, because we are "officially" starting school in the fall and the kids and I will both need easy access to a computer and working printer. I would also like to get to work on my book.

I just received the new Catholic Scripture Study International Bible, which I will be reviewing here in the first week of August (I like to take a month to read and get a feel for the book I'm reviewing) so I am looking forward to that since I have seen very few reviews on this particular Catholic Study Bible among Catholic Bible bloggers. My first impression is: YEAH! It's awesome.

I lost most of my book in the great computer fiasco of 2011 so I will be starting over, this time with a clearer picture of where I am headed. The kids and I leave for France in three days, unfortunately we had to leave my husband at home. I am both nervous and excited, please keep us in your prayers. When I return I will have fodder for a million new blogs on Catholicity and pilgrimage, as I intend to do everything in my power to spend Mary Magdalen's feast day at La Ste Baume (where she died), journey to Lourdes, adoration with the Little Sisters of Jesus, and most of the Carmelite feast days in Carmelite convents, to include the Carmel of Pau where resides Blessed Mariam's incorruptible heart.

Our whole family was able to attend the Mass for St Josemaria Escriva in Raleigh yesterday with the Vicar General of Opus Dei, it was a HUGE blessing for me and so amazing. I am convinced, now more than ever, that his spirituality and way of holiness is for me, but that does not exclude the possibility of returning to Carmelite Formation, which, to be honest, is all I can think about. I miss it very much, and I find that Opus Dei is really just Carmelite living in the world. The emphasis on SCRIPTURAL knowledge, Marian spirituality, prophetic responsibility, daily duty and sacrifice-- it's all there. Neverthless, there's something particular about my garden of Carmel which I miss and may never find anywhere else-- a love of mental prayer. It's present many places, but in Carmel in a special way. At this point I remain totally open to what God will do in me. He may just want me to remain completely "universal."

I hope and pray that you all are doing well. Looking forward to updating next month upon returning from France. This trip is going to be very emotional for me as it may well be the last time I see any of my family members there. Fortunately, we, as a family, are taking advantage of the trip and seeing cousins and relatives from all over the world (Singapore, England, Australia, etc) while there.