Dear Loved Ones,
Pleasant
Greetings from Sacramento, CA, USA! The
most anticipated season of the Christian world commenced with Advent preparing
for the commemoration of Christ’s birth – season for sharing, giving,
mortification, and remembering: calling to mind the Nativity scenes and all its
meanings, especially memories of Bethlehem where we sang carols during Mass in
our visit last year; life has never been the same since then!
The Holy Land experience
last year brought significant improvements on living: priorities, values,
relationships, and service to GOD!
The month was a flurry of
activities: in Church with our Opus Dei group, Adoration chapel, lunch
meetings, shopping, and highlighted with the completion of the 9-days Novena morning
Masses towards Christmas. With the brrrry cold weather, this was the most
challenging to accomplish – Much Thanks to GOD as He allowed me to fulfill my life
tradition even as I experienced severe colds after Dec. 25; what is so
grace-filled is I am able to fulfill my assignments as Eucharistic minister for
the Body and Blood of Christ as scheduled – truly meaningful! I have so much to
Praise and Thank God for: Good Health for all family members, Peace, Joy, Love,
prosperity and continuous source of income in our business, and ability to help
others through our international shipping business!
With
so much critical incidents around the world, I just appreciate all the blessings
on my family, friends, and the peaceful experiences in my little world as I
watch it slowly grinding around me, doing my own share of apostolate /
evangelization – what a blessing!
Other highlights:
·
2nd Saturday Opus Dei Recollection with Fr. Turlock,
confession, benediction; Talks on
Holiness and Family Life were held at our new St. Jude Room; we also have the
new St. John Paul II meeting room;
·
My regular work-outs in our gym is fruitful as the aches and pains on my
body and legs are slowly disappearing – with needed commitment to schedule;
Likewise, Sean introduced me to Happy Massage for a 1-hour foot/body massage –
very therapeutic, after 8 years, I am enjoying refreshing, little
self-indulgence – amenities;
·
Dedication to my church commitments as Eucharistic Minister, Adoration
chapel time including additional hours as substitute when called, arranging
images and paraphernalia and church library duties;
·
Sent out the traditional snail-mail Christmas cards to family and friends;
·
Streamed Live over EWTN, I watched the beauty and splendor of the orthodox
Maronite traditional rites celebrated with Pope Francis in Istanbul, Turkey
over this week-end – so inspiring and moving!
·
Communicating continuously with our contacts in our SAGA 1965 Golden
Reunion FB website; we pray for maximum participation in our Feb. 21, 2015
event!
·
Movies watched: Into the Woods, Unbroken (directed by Angelina Jolie,
re-affirmed my admiration of her); followed and watched in wonder the
pre-nuptial, and wedding activities of the Dingdong-Marian Royal Wedding of the
Year; amazed by their Love for each other; so happy and proud of their Catholic
values – wish them the Best for their Life together!!!
Attached are 4 photos with
family and friends. Let us continue to pray for our country and people. Peace
and Joy to You and God Bless Us All!
Much love and Best Regards!!!
SUSAN BG
