Vacationing With God #11- San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio, Texas

  I wanted to share with you my experience at the San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio, Texas.  I had traveled there in early December.  The Cathedral was beautiful inside and out, and I'm sure I will be sharing many of the interior pictures in the future.  Today, though, I wanted to share what occurred outside the cathedral.  Projected on the facade of the cathedral was an approximate 24 minute projection mapping show demonstrating the rich history of San Antonio.  It was a stunning visual delight as the cathedral changed from one scene to the next perfectly accompanied by music.  The show itself was not "spiritual", but it demonstrated the struggles and victories that this cathedral and it's parishioners had witnessed since 1750.  Through the joys and sorrows of life, God is always in our midst.                                                             

This is the San Fernando Cathedral before the show begins.

Let the show begin...

-Susan

Top Moments of 2016

 As the year winds down and 2017 eagerly approaches, I would like to challenge everyone to some moments of reflection.  Find your favorite warm beverage, a cozy blanket, a comfy chair and ten minutes of silence.  Close your eyes and think of your favorite, top 10 moments with your family and friends this past year.  What about those moments made them so special?  Now close your eyes to the world and search your soul for your favorite top 10 moments with God.  Think of those moments when you just knew God was powerfully present in your life.  Was it a moment of silent prayer, a beautiful outdoor place, a small child's face,  caring words spoken just at the right time, or a moment after receiving Holy Communion?  
  God is always powerfully present in our lives.  Sometimes we get so distracted by the world, that we don't see or feel the loving hand of God pulling us close to His heart.  Let 2017 be the year we open our eyes to God and enjoy every loving moment God desires to share with us.  Don't just live in the moment, live like you have never lived before, and live in God's loving moments. Let this love story be an amazing beginning to your life in Eternity.   Looking for someone who enjoys taking long walks on sunset beaches just so they could be close to you?  Turn your eyes to the sand and see that  His footprints have been beside you this whole time. 

-Susan                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Merry Christmas Everyone!

  We hope today is filled with love and wonder for the Christ Child!

Susan & Theresa

The Road Less Traveled-Twelth Edition

(This fictional Advent story begins on post date November 28.)

    The tightness lasted for only a minute. Mary looked at Joseph,  "I'm fine. I have never had a feeling like that before.  It might have been a contraction.  It happened so fast,  I'm not sure.  Let's wait a few minutes and see if it happens again."
  Joseph began pacing.  What should they do?  He had relatives in Bethlehem.  Jerusalem was still close, but very crowded.  Would there even be a place to stay in Jerusalem?  Joseph paced back and forth keeping his eyes on Mary.  "Anything?  Do you think it's happening?"
  "Joseph, please, sit down.  Everything is fine.  This is all new to me as well.  Let's join our  hands and pray for guidance.  Surely, the Lord has a plan.  Let us ask to understand and cooperate with His Will."  As the couple prayed,  a peace came over both of them.  Joseph no longer felt anxious.  They prayed for awhile before Mary spoke again.  "Joseph, I think we should continue towards Bethlehem."
  "Are you sure?"
  "Yes.  I have not had any more tightness.  I have heard these things can happen days before the baby comes.  I know that the Lord will watch over us.  The Messiah will be born according to God's Plan."
  "Mary, promise me you will let me know if you feel any more signs."
  "You have my word."
  Joseph and Mary continued their journey towards Bethlehem.  They had hours in front of them, and Joseph wanted the donkey to keep a steady pace.  As they traveled, Mary and Joseph remained in peace and prayer as they recited psalms and sang praise to God.
  When they arrived in Bethlehem the city was filled with people everywhere.  "I have never seen the town like this before," Joseph exclaimed.  Joseph decided to register for the census first.  After inquiring where the census was being taken, Joseph lead Mary through the crowds to a large public building in the center of town. The line was very long, and the sun was beginning to set by the time they had finished registering.
  "Now my dear wife, we must find a place to stay."  As Joseph said this, Mary felt another tightening from her back to her abdomen.  This time it was much stronger.
  Mary grabbed Joseph's arm, "Joseph! I need to sit down."
  Joseph felt the strength in Mary's grab and understood the urgency in her voice.  It was happening!  Joseph led Mary through the crowd and found a place for her to sit.  "Mary...is it time?" Joseph asked already knowing the answer.
  Mary nodded her head yes.  "I think this is the beginning."
  Joseph looked around at the crowded streets.  "Mary, I need to find us a place. I don't want to leave you, but I don't want you in the crowds either.  I could move more swiftly by myself.  I could quickly find us a place and then come back to you.  Could you stay by yourself for a few minutes?"
  "I'm fine, Joseph.  I think it would be better if I stayed sitting as well. I will immerse myself in prayer until you return."
  Joseph looked anxiously at Mary.   "Don't worry,  I'll be back soon."  Joseph kissed Mary's hand and said, "I love you."
  Mary smiled and said."I love you, too.  Go, I'll be fine."
  Joseph began knocking on the nearest doors.  He begged for a place for them to stay, but no one had an empty room.  Desperate he went a little further away and knocked on the doors of relatives and friends.  The answer was the same.  No one had an empty room.  Large groups of people were staying in the small homes available.  Mary needed privacy.  He would not humiliate her.
  Several times Joseph returned to the spot where Mary was sitting to see how she was doing. Mary remained in a state of peace even though the contractions were becoming steady.  Joseph on the other hand, was frantic.  He desperately knocked on every door, begging for a room.  "My Lord, show your servant the way." He prayed over and over.  "Please allow me to keep Mary and Your Son safe.  Please help me."  
 As he walked away from the last inn, a man yelled after him. "Hey, I have a field not far from here.  There is a small area of shelter you could stay.  It's not much, but you would have privacy."
  Joseph quickly went back for Mary.  He was ashamed that this is what he had to offer his wife.  Mary deserved much better.  The Messiah, was going to be born in a field among the sheep.  He had failed his Lord .....and his wife.  Joseph ran as quickly as the crowd would allow him to find Mary still sitting and praying.
  "Mary, forgive me.  I cannot find a single room in this town.  I can only offer us an abandoned shelter in a field just outside of town.  I'm so sorry.  I have failed you."
  Mary looked sweetly at Joseph and said, "Joseph you have not failed.  You have searched and searched for where the Messiah was to be born.  You abandoned yourself to the Will of God, and now we will let Him lead us to this desired spot.  Joseph, pray with me. 'The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.  In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me; you restore my strength.  You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.  Even when I walk through dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.  You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.'
  Together, the holy couple allowed God's Will to guide their steps as they headed for the field. Once they arrived, Joseph searched the area.  He found an area carved out of stone that must have been used as shelter for the animals.  Joseph found some materials to start a fire.  Night had already fallen,  it was dark and soon would be cold.  As Joseph started the fire, Mary knelt down and praised God.  This would be the holy place where the Messiah would be born.  Once the fire was started, they could see around the shelter and they began to prepare an area for Mary to lay down.  Mary spotted a manger and asked Joseph to clean it well so that they would have a bed for the baby to lie in.  Exhausted but filled with joy,  Mary allowed herself to rest in the area they had prepared.
  Together, Mary and Joseph prayed and praised God.  As they prayed a brilliant light filled the room, angels could be heard singing, and they were wrapped up in ecstatic prayer.  It was in these moments of perfect love and union with God, that the Savior of the World was born.  
  Mary wrapped her new born son in swaddling clothes and held Him close to her body for warmth.  As she gazed at the beautiful face of Jesus, tears of joy slid down her face.  Her heart filled with love like she had never experienced before.  For so long, she had prayed for this moment, and now that it was here, it was more glorious than she could have ever imagined. 
   God became man!  The thought was pure joy, and the reality was a love so great and encompassing, that the earth would celebrate this moment until the end of time.  Mary and Joseph allowed God to wrap them in His love and glory, and together they prayed that people everywhere would open their hearts wide to God, so that Jesus could fill them with His love as well.

-Susan
     

The Road Less Traveled-Eleventh Edition

(This fictional Advent story begins on post dated Nov. 28)

  In the morning Joseph greeted Mary with a smile.  "How are you feeling?" Joseph inquired.
  "Much better than last night.  I was so tired yesterday.  I'm glad I turned in early last night.  I hope I did not appear rude to your friends."
  "Of course you didn't.  In fact Simon and his wife were very surprised that you have been able to travel for so many days.  Simon says Joanna goes to bed early every night and she is not as far along as you.  Come, they have prepared a breakfast for us before we leave."
  Mary and Joseph enjoyed the simple breakfast prepared for them.  Simon was obviously a very good friend to Joseph.  Mary enjoyed listening to the two men talk.  Mary only knew of Joseph's acquaintances in Nazareth,  she realized that there was so much more to discover about her husband.  That thought alone made her smile.  As Mary looked at Joseph during the conversation, she again thought about them becoming a family very soon.  It was hard not to think about that.  Mary wondered if their life would remain relatively the same or if things would be completely different.
  Simon walked outside with Joseph and Mary to say good bye.  "I will miss you my friend.  Please stop by on your way back home if you are able.  Just think, next year when we celebrate Passover, we will all be parents.  I look forward to our children playing with each other."  Simon smiled proudly.  "Mary, please know that you are family to me.  You are always welcome to stay here.  If the trip home is too much, you could stay with us until the child is born."
  Mary smiled and said, "Thank you, Simon,  for your kindness.  I am grateful that Joseph is blessed with your friendship.  I too, look forward to our children playing together one day, and I will pray that the Lord will send many blessings upon your family."
  Joseph was in a very good mood as they began their journey towards Jerusalem.  It was good to see Simon again, and Mary was looking much better after a night of rest.  He hoped today would not be as difficult for Mary.  Joseph noticed that there were definitely more travelers on the road as they got closer to Jerusalem, and most were traveling at a faster rate.  He did his best to distract Mary with stories about his childhood in Bethlehem, but it was obvious that Mary's back was hurting again and she was growing tired.
  As they went through the gates to Jerusalem, they were instantly overwhelmed with the sights and sounds of a bustling city.  Even though Joseph knew the city well, it was difficult to maneuver the streets crowded with people.  Joseph remembered Simon's warnings of thieves and chose a path that was not as direct, but somewhat less crowded.  He had hoped they would be able to sit and rest awhile once they got to Jerusalem, but he no longer felt this was a wise decision.  They made a small stop to buy some bread and fruit and decided to continue until they were through the city.  They found a quieter spot just outside Jerusalem to eat lunch and allow Mary some time to relax her aching back.  As she went to stand up, she had a strange tightness travel from her back to her abdomen.  Joseph noticed Mary place her hands on her stomach.
  His eyes grew wide, "Is everything alright?"

The Road Less Traveled-Tenth Edition

(This fictional Advent Story begins on post Nov 28).

  Joseph stayed for a few minutes watching Mary sleep before he returned to talk with Simon.  She looked so peaceful while she slept.  She didn't appear to be in pain anymore.  Joseph gently kissed her forehead and then quietly left the room.
  As we allow the young Mary of Nazareth to sleep, we will travel to encounter Mary on a future path.

  Mary walked into the hospital room and saw Cheryl resting comfortably.  Many years had gone by since their Advent meeting in the town's square.  Mary saw Cheryl's youngest daughter, Emily, sleeping in a chair next to her bed.  Emily was married with three children of her own now.  Mary looked around the room and saw a beautiful manger beside a large Poinsettia plant.  As Mary took a step closer to gaze at the infant Jesus in the manger, Emily woke up.
  "Oh, hello," Emily said as she tried to place the woman's face with a name.  "I guess Mom and I both drifted off to sleep.  Mom had a difficult time last night, but she seemed to improve throughout the day."  Emily wondered which of her mom's friends this woman was.  Her mom had so many friends, it was difficult to remember all of them.  Mary continued to lovingly glance at the manger set.  "Isn't that manger set beautiful?" Emily asked.  "Mom insisted we bring it from her house when the doctors said she would have to stay here a few more days.  This manger set has been prominently displayed in our house since I was a little girl.  I remember the night Mom came home from shopping and told us kids to gather around her as she unwrapped the greatest gift of Christmas.  It became a tradition for our family ever since.  Every year mom would unwrap the box with love and announce, 'Never forget, that baby Jesus is the greatest gift of Christmas.'
  Mary smiled, "That is a wonderful way to get ready for Christmas."
  "I have always enjoyed listening to my mom tell the story of Jesus' birth.  Each year she would end the story with a question for us kids to think about during Advent.  It is one of my favorite Christmas traditions, and now I try to be just like her, and do the same with my kids."
  "Your mother has a wonderful love for the Christ child.  Many people get so busy with the idea of Christmas, that they never discover  the true meaning.  Sadly, the path of pure joy leading to the Christ child is the road less traveled these days."  Mary and Emily continued to chat for several more minutes before Mary said, "I heard your Mom can't find her Rosary."
  "That's true.  How did you know that?  We've looked through her house and can't find it.  She loves to pray the Rosary, especially when she is out walking.  We're afraid it may have fallen out of her coat pocket when she fell," Emily explained.
  "I was hoping your Mom might like to borrow mine until she is able to find hers.  I know how important praying the Rosary is to her."  Mary handed a small jewelry size box with a single bow on top to Emily.
  Emily smiled.  "That is so thoughtful of you."
  Mary returned the smile and said, "You remind me so much of your ancestral grandmother Sarah.  You have her smile.  Merry Christmas, Emily, remember to tell your mother how much we are looking forward to celebrating Christmas mass with her."
  "Merry Christmas to you, too," Emily said as Mary walked out of the room.
  The next morning Cheryl woke up feeling better.  She smiled at Emily.  How fortunate she was to have children that stayed with her around the clock.  Cheryl's breakfast arrived a few minutes later, and while she was eating, Emily woke up.
  "Hi, Mom," Sarah said groggily, "How are you feeling?"
  "I am actually starting to feel much better.  I don't think I will be spending Christmas here.  I'm sure I will be getting out soon."
  "That's what your friend said last night, too," informed Sarah.
  "Did someone come visit me last night?  I don't remember anyone coming..."
   "Yes, actually, we were both sleeping when she came in, but I woke up when she was looking at the manger set."
  "Oh, who was it?"
  "Ummm, I don't know her name... I think she was one of your friends from church.  She knew you couldn't find your Rosary, and she wanted you to borrow hers.  Let me see.....where did I put it?"  Emily began to search through her bag next to the chair.  "Here it is.  Here, Mom, she left this for you."  Emily handed her Mom the small box.
  Cheryl's eyes grew wide.  The box looked all too familiar to her.  Cheryl's fingers instinctively touched the heart necklace she wore every day.  "What did the woman look like?" inquired Cheryl.
  "Well....she had brown hair that fell a little past her shoulders that was covered up with some type of scarf.  I don't think she wore any make up, but she had beautiful skin, and was very attractive.  She was soft spoken and very polite, yet she had this warmth to her as she talked."
  Cheryl carefully opened the box and saw the most beautiful rosary she had ever seen.  As she picked up the Rosary, she saw a strip of gold paper underneath it.  Cheryl's heart began to pound faster as she picked up the gold piece of paper.  It read exactly the same as the strip of paper she had read so many years ago, but with one difference--one word was added.  "This Christmas, let your heart continue to be filled with the mystery of the Incarnation. God became man for you."  
  Tears began to stream down Cheryl's face.  "Did she say anything more?"
  "You still don't know who she is?  Mom she knew me.  She knew my name.  She said, 'Merry Christmas Emily.' She told me I had some great ancestral grandmother's smile, which made no sense because she looked like she was my age.  Oh, and she said, 'Tell your Mom my son and I will be looking forward to celebrating Christmas Mass with her again.'
  Cheryl smiled a smile that took years off her face.  She looked at the beautiful Rosary in her hand, and said, "I know for sure who she is now."

(to be continued...)

The Road Less Traveled- Ninth Edition

(This fictional Advent story begins on post November 28.)

  Mary woke up to two round, beautiful brown eyes looking at her.  "Good morning, Mary!  I slept by you last night!" Sarah announced.
  "I know.  I woke up and you were curled up right next to me," Mary said with a smile.
  "Joseph went to get your donkey ready.  Don't go, Mary.  Please stay." Sarah pleaded as she held Mary's hand.
  "Sarah, I wished I could stay with you, but we have to get to Bethlehem soon.  I'm not as fast as Joseph right now, because the baby is getting bigger.  I'm actually pretty slow."
  "But I'm going to miss you!"
  Mary took Sarah into her arms and gave her a hug.  "Sarah, I have something for you."  Mary slipped a beaded bracelet off her wrist.  "This is a very special bracelet that my mother gave me when I was about your age.  She told me to remember that the Lord gave me two hands to pray with and two hands to help others.  I want you to have it, and that way we will always be connected through our prayers."
  Sarah's smile grew wide across her face as Mary slipped the bracelet onto her.  "I love it! I'm going to show Mama!"
  Mary slowly stood up and tried to stretch her aching back as much as she was able.  As she placed her hands on her stomach, she felt a little kick.  "Good morning, my sweet son, are you ready for another day of traveling?" she whispered.  Mary felt a heavier pressure in her back today.  She wondered how much time was left before her precious son would be born.
  Mary found Joseph outside by the donkey.  Joseph smiled as Mary approached and said, "Are you ready to get going?  I think we will be close to Jerusalem by the end of the day.  I have a good friend who lives a two hour walk from Jerusalem.  The next part of the terrain will be much more difficult.  How are you feeling?  Is it okay for us to continue?"
  "Don't worry about me, I am ready to travel again."
  Mary and Joseph went back inside to say goodbye to the family and thank them for allowing them to stay.  The children all gave Mary a hug and promised they would remember what she had taught them yesterday.  Sarah held onto Mary.  "I don't want you to go."
   "Sarah, I will pray that the Lord will always bless you and your family.  Will you pray for me as well?"
  "Yes.  Every time I look at these beads," she pointed to her new bracelet, "I will pray for you and your baby."  Mary and Sarah hugged one last time before Joseph helped Mary onto the donkey and they continued their journey.
  Today's traveling was definitely more difficult for Mary. Joseph's worries began to grow.  Mary was growing tired much faster today.  Joseph recognized Mary's need to stop and rest more often today. As the day progressed, Joseph wondered if they would even be able to make it to his friend's house today.
  As dusk approached, Joseph saw the familiar house in the distant. "Mary, we are almost there!  I can't wait for you to meet Simon.  We have been friends for many years now.  I think you will enjoy his company.  He has been married for a few years.  His wife has always been very kind."
  Joseph walked confidently towards the door with Mary at his side.  Simon opened the door and instantly smiled when he saw Joseph.  "Joseph, my good friend, I am so happy to see you!  This is a wonderful surprise," he said as he threw his arms around Joseph.  Then Simon smiled at Mary and looked at Joseph with a raised eyebrow.
  "Simon, I would like to introduce you to my wife, Mary," Joseph declared proudly.
  "Welcome to my home, Mary!  Joseph is my dear friend and I am happy he has found himself a wife.  Is she from a good family Joseph?"
  Joseph smiled and said, "The Lord has blessed me with a very good woman and soon to be mother.  I believe there is no man who feels more blessed than I."
  "You must both be tired.  Please come sit down and let's catch up on each other's lives. I, too, have a surprise to share." Simon quickly left the room and came back with his wife, Joanna.  "We are expecting our first child as well!  Let us all celebrate the blessings we have received this year!"
  Mary helped Joanna prepare a meal for everyone, while Joseph and Simon continued to enjoy each other's company.  Throughout dinner, Simon described the number of people traveling towards Jerusalem.  "The city is very crowded right now.  People are very upset with this whole census idea.  Herod has secret police everywhere reporting to him.  Be very careful, Joseph.  Herod has a temper and has been known to act completely irrational.  Also, keep in mind that the street thieves are out in greater numbers right now.  They are targeting all of the travelers."  Joseph nodded as he took in Simon's advice.  "Joseph, be careful in Bethlehem as well.  I have heard even the streets there are crowded."
  Joseph kept an eye on Mary throughout dinner.  She looked very tired and uncomfortable.  When the meal was over, Joseph insisted Mary lay down and rest.  Joseph did his best to make Mary comfortable.  Her feet and ankles looked swollen.  "Mary perhaps I should leave you here and travel to Bethlehem myself.  I am very worried.  How are you and the baby?  Are you feeling any signs yet?"
  "Joseph, I am just very tired.  I do not wish to be apart from you on this journey.  The baby and I just need to rest for the night.  Do not worry, we are fine.  Go and enjoy some time with Simon.  Please, allow me to turn in early tonight. I just need a good night of sleep."  Mary then closed her eyes and quickly drifted off to sleep.