Expressions from our Youngest

Expressions from our Youngest
Love it!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Inner Freedom vs. Outer Freedom on July 4th

It is such a joy to experience the 'inner freedom' that comes from knowing Christ and living out His mission as a loyal disciple. It is this 'inner freedom' that has brought our country to the success she has today because it is our Faith that fosters how we communicate and serve others. America has always been a giving nation. Let's pray that we can continue to strengthen this 'inner freedom' that surpasses the 'outer freedom' which only seeks attention and has selfish pursuits. It is this 'inner freedom' that helps bring about the right kind of 'outer freedom' as individuals can be united in virtuous aims that bring a sense of justice to society. It all begins with how much love is in our hearts. Oftentimes, when ones vision is weak and immature a false sense of 'outer freedom' leaves less autonomy and more controls on virtuous family life.

In the Bishops statement called "Economic Justice for All" they stated that, "We see the struggles of ordinary families to make ends meet and provide a better future for their children." I have to ask myself, "Is every family ordinary? and What are the criteria to be called an ordinary family?" I would like to call all parents to be 'EXTRAORDINARY' in raising their children by immersing them in the Faith. It is this 'inner freedom' that results from a strong Faith life that children do not learn about in the public school system. Parents need to take the time and efforts to teach their young children to incorporate a more serious desire to be a disciple of Christ. This, in turn, will be spread into our society as our children continue to put others first in the way they interact and do business as they grow. A true disciple runs the race or partakes in the human journey with his eyes on the prize! Peace and happiness reign when this prize is the love for the Sacred Heart of Christ!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Vacations - Ocean City, Maryland

My four year old already knows that we will be going to the beach once swim team season is over. Our weekly summer annual vacations are always something we all look forward to in our family. My two adult teens are beginning to want to drive down separately in the other car now so they can be more independant. My husband and I will have to discuss this possibility. They've already been to the beach with other friends who've driven to the beach themselves. (Therefore, I know they can successfully drive over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge without freaking out!) It is only a three hour drive from where we live in the WDC area. In the early days of homeschooling, we would all be like canned sardines packed into our van with the luggage. As the children grow, methods of doing things seam to change right along with them. We used to be able to travel to the beach in September when everyone was back at school. Now we have various schedules (college, high school, homeschool) to compensate for in our planning phase for travel.

My husband grew up with a beach house to visit every year. My family did not take many vacations. Therefore, it is something I really look forward to in the summer. The townhouse is right on the beach making it much easier for little ones. We usually eat right at the townhouse but go out one night during the week. We also make sure we attend church and say our weekly Rosary together. We will continue to pray for good weather and safe traveling for our annual trip to Ocean City, Maryland.