THE WAY #8


"Serenity. Why lose your temper if by doing so you offend God, annoy other people, upset yourself... and have to find it again in the end?"

I am a fairly calm person...most days. I owe it to my parents who were fairly calm. When serenity is more fleeting it helps me to TRY to think with a supernatural outlook. What does God want me to do with this mess? What is the big picture? What can be learned? What can be sanctified? I also pray, "Soul, be calm".

THE WAY #7


"Get rid of that 'small-town' outlook. Enlarge your heart till it becomes universal, 'catholic'.
Don't flutter about like a hen, when you can soar to the heights of an eagle."

I've just returned from a retreat. Who would think that to be more universal, to be able to soar like an eagle, it's important to pull away for a few days? We need to gain perspective and that is too difficult when we are in the day to day struggle. Parents need to step back and place their concerns on the patten at Mass.

THE WAY #6

"Turn your back on the tempter when he whispers in your ear: 'Why make life difficult for yourself?'"

When I was growing up in Wisconsin I was Episcopalian. I remember the Bishop came to church and gave a sermon. The line he repeated several times was, "The trouble with the world today is that good people get tired of doing good before bad people get tired of doing bad." It's hard to choose good day after day. It takes effort. It is worthwhile!

THE WAY #5

"Get used to saying no."

Parents need to ask themselves; What do I want my child to be like when he goes off to college? You need to say no to them before they go there. They need to see you say no to yourself.

THE WAY #4

"Don't say: 'That's the way I'm made... it's my character'. It's your lack of character: Be a man."

My seventh grade english teacher taught us that we should understand that we could substitute woman in this sentance. That was back in 1962 and "things were different" then. I remember one day when she spoke to me, "Miss Daggett. you're running around this classroom like a chicken with its head cut off. Sit down!" I think of her when I'm having a bad hormone day. I'm still working on my character. I hope it's improving and that my children notice the struggle.

THE WAY #3

"Maturity. Stop acting the child; drop that affectation that only suits a silly girl. Let your outward conduct reflect the peace and order of your soul."

For some of us this is very difficult. Some of us do not reflect peace and order because we are not peaceful or orderly. God can help us. Ask him for peace and order in your soul. People are attracted to peaceful and orderly souls.

THE WAY #2

"How I wish your bearing and conversation were such that, on seeing or hearing you, people would say: This man reads the life of Jesus Christ."


Parents want their children to grow up to be mature, charitable adults. God wants the same for all of us. We are his children. The books our children read impact their memories and imagination for years to come. Encourage your children and their teachers to choose good books. Their books should encourage virtue, with heroes who are brave, daring and compassionate.

THE WAY #1

"Don't let your life be barren. Be useful. Make yourself felt. Shine forth with the torch of your faith and your love."

With your apostolic life, wipe out the trail of filth and slime left by the corrupt sowers of hatred. And set aflame all the ways of the earth with the fire of Christ that you bear in your heart."

Parents have the great reponsibility to raise their children to be sowers of love. Children are idealistic. Thier idealism, when combined with their parent's love and faith, can change the world.