Surrounded by a "cloud of witnesses"

The car is packed, I'm ready to go!

My fam and I are leaving early tomorrow morning to drive 9 hrs or so to St. Louis. We will be having dinner with the sisters tomorrow night!

Yesterday, I was amazed (though God doesn't ever totally surprise me anymore. I know He is going to be giving me consolations like He always does in His perfect way ;) that the second reading was indeed MY verse. The verse I used for this blog and the one that's guided me pretty much since the end of high school.

Hebrews 12:1-3

I love it because it reminds me in the first line that I am not alone. I am surrounded by a "cloud of witnesses". This line often is used to allude to the saints that watch over us in heaven, but I also believe many of you have winessed to me in my life. I also love the verse because it reminds me to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, though the road will not always be easy. The theme for my faith journey has always been perseverance and hence the reason I feel this is MY verse!

So I was excited to get that little consolation yesterday at Mass. And today's Gospel reading was the young man discouraged to be told to leave behind his possessions. I have a feeling I will be sympathizing with that young man in a day or too as reality sets in.

Right now though I am good to go, as I was surrounded by a "cloud of witnesses" who encouraged me yesterday and this past week. My friend Laura from NET came up from southern Ohio and we went to Cedar Point!!! We road the NEW ride, the Maverick, and the Dragster 2 times! As well as all the other favorites. It was a really cool day, not too long of lines, and blessed with some holy conversation :)

Friday night my high school friends threw a bbq for me complete with Guitar Hero. I was glad to be introduced to this before I entered, though now I may see if I can get one sent to the convent. I think it would be great for our recreational time! ha!

And yesterday, my parents threw an open house party for all my extended family and relatives. People I hadn't seen in years came out and everyone, for the most part, offered their support.

And lastly, today, I met with the Bishop of Cleveland, Bishop Lennon, who used to be in Boston and was the Daughters' chaplain for 10 years. So not only is he my bishop here in Cleveland, but he has a connection with the Daughters! God is so good! And the Bishop is great. So down to earth and really easy to talk to. We talked for about a half an hour about the Daughters and how great they are, as well as a little about baseball. He remains a Red Sox fan, though he is a fan of Jacobs Field!

So I am grateful for my "cloud of witnesses" this week. I cannot wait for Wed. All of this anticipation and talking about going....I'm ready to go!

So go I shall! Hope to be in touch soon. In the meantime we are united in prayer....

Peace,
Julia