Murray Clan 13!!
The complimentarity of the Sexes
I saw this video recently and really appreciated this young man's desire to love. It really made me think, however, what kind of a masochist would want to love like that? Who wants to have a "Crucifixion type love?" I know that type of beating and suffering would frighten me, I am not afraid of suffering for my husband or my children or those that I love. I do want to give everything for my beloved and would endure all things for him, but being crucified? It frightens me and I am not sure I could endure it. Then I began to think further of how men and women love. Joe and i have been taking Theology of the Body classes through the Diocese of Oakland as well as marriage preparation courses to help engaged couples who will be married in the Church. We have been learning alot about love and what it means to love. We knew that it was willing the good of the other, and a choice to be made even when you don't feel like it. Yet, when we, as women, want to love do we want to give it all in such a violent and demanding way? I realized that men have that ability. A majority of men in service to their country are in combat positions. Not only because they are the stronger gender, but also because of the ability the male has to protect and defend. And, as a result aren't we all grateful for that? Men have the capacity to give of themselves so completely and women have the God given ability to be the receivers of such a precious gift of love. Now, please don't misunderstand me, I am not saying that women are not capable of giving love in such a complete and selfless manner as this poet describes. No, not at all women's love for men, husbands, children, family is also life-giving and overwhelming, look at childbirth for example. Yet, I would characterize the love that I want to have for him, my husband, as the love that the Blessed Mother demonstrated through Calvary and at the foot of the cross. She had the love that could called her to withstand all suffering she witnessed. She had the "kinda love" that would not abandon her son, would pray and support Him in His agonizing journey to Calvary. Our Lady demonstrated the type of love that does not recoil when threatened or become overly dramatic when danger is eminent. The Blessed Virgin Mary was silent at the foot of the cross and listened to the words of giving when her son Jesus entrusted her care to his beloved disciple John. She received His gift love, enduring her own painful trials in watching her only son be tortured and die. She received His love and loved others in a more complete way because of that gift. That love is what I want to be for my husband, my lover, my friend. Not only because it is a more perfect love, not thinking of myself but of what he needs. But most importantly it is the love that does not have expectations, because those "expectations" can be predetermined hatred. Rather, in our differences so perfectly created by God, I need to demonstrate my respect and admiration for my spouse. My total gift of self in love. We as women, don't we really want someone who will love us with that kind of perseverance and total commitment? Of course we do. Therefore, we as a society, men and women, need to make a conscious effort to appreciate more fully the differences of men and women, especially when it comes to loving our spouses. We need to embrace it, celebrate it, but most importantly perfect that kind of love that Our Lord and Our Lady demonstrated at the cross and try to live that out in the crosses of our daily lives. Thank you for letting me preach a bit about love and I ask for your prayers for young people learning how to love today in a confusing and dark period of time as well as for couples preparing for marriage and life-long love. May God continue to Bless you and keep you!
Update on the Murray Family...
I know it has been a long time since I have written anything about the family, and it has been awhile since I have written anything on the blog. So many things are going on with the family it is very difficult to find any time to do anything other than meals, school, activities and prayer. Not in that order of course.
The family is doing very well. The boys ( Michael, Stephen, Joseph, and Thomas) are very busy with school, martial arts and church activities. It seems we always have somewhere to go and we are rushing to get all it all in. They are happy, and growing and maturing every day. Fulton and John Mary are the busy boys who get into all kinds of mayhem. They enjoy each others company and love to play together. Unless one or the other has a toy they cannot share. Kieran, Thomas, and Joseph are working hard in school and looking forward to it's completion in just a few weeks. They are all Squires with the Knights of Columbus, busy with Martial, altar serving and Kieran is involved with Youth group at the Parish. There is so much socialization happening at times it is very hard to squeeze school in between the driving around.
Claire is doing phenomenal - Praise God! - she just had her feeding tube removed because she is eating better and maintaining weight. Although she should weigh much more, it was time to have it removed and she is so glad to have it gone. She works weekly on her blog about the Giants and would love to have more readers so please let her know you are following her insights. Sheila has been working many hours lately, she has been able to purchase a car with the help of her grandparents and uncle, she is taking a class and will continue through the summer. She wants to be able to pay for school herself rather than rely on school debt. Joe and I are so proud of her initiative, hard work and perseverance. Finally, Matthew has completed his second year at seminary and has graduated with a BA in Philosophy. We are the parents of a College graduate. Boy, do we feel old, it truly is amazing to realize our oldest is now moving on to post graduate work as he prepares to become a Catholic priest. Proud and blessed are just a few of the words to describe how we feel about Matthew and his vocation. They do not accurately reveal however the grace that his presence has had on the Murray clan and everyone that he comes in contact with, Thanks be to God. Joe is plugging along at work. He has been there for over two years and like most of his employers they love him there. Truly, what is not to love!
Currently Joe and I have been blessed to be a part of the Diocesan program for Marriage Preparation. The wonderful Desimone couple has been patiently working with us and we are so grateful to them for their leadership; as well as their gift to marriage to those they instruct as well as those who come into their presence. I love being a part of their class because I gain so much insight on how to be a better wife to my husband, the Desimone's have graced us with so much valuable information I could never adequately thank them for all of the blessings they have given us.
I hope to have more updates about Matthew and his plans in future posts. But I ask for your continued prayers and thank God for his Blessings! God Bless you.
The family is doing very well. The boys ( Michael, Stephen, Joseph, and Thomas) are very busy with school, martial arts and church activities. It seems we always have somewhere to go and we are rushing to get all it all in. They are happy, and growing and maturing every day. Fulton and John Mary are the busy boys who get into all kinds of mayhem. They enjoy each others company and love to play together. Unless one or the other has a toy they cannot share. Kieran, Thomas, and Joseph are working hard in school and looking forward to it's completion in just a few weeks. They are all Squires with the Knights of Columbus, busy with Martial, altar serving and Kieran is involved with Youth group at the Parish. There is so much socialization happening at times it is very hard to squeeze school in between the driving around.
Claire is doing phenomenal - Praise God! - she just had her feeding tube removed because she is eating better and maintaining weight. Although she should weigh much more, it was time to have it removed and she is so glad to have it gone. She works weekly on her blog about the Giants and would love to have more readers so please let her know you are following her insights. Sheila has been working many hours lately, she has been able to purchase a car with the help of her grandparents and uncle, she is taking a class and will continue through the summer. She wants to be able to pay for school herself rather than rely on school debt. Joe and I are so proud of her initiative, hard work and perseverance. Finally, Matthew has completed his second year at seminary and has graduated with a BA in Philosophy. We are the parents of a College graduate. Boy, do we feel old, it truly is amazing to realize our oldest is now moving on to post graduate work as he prepares to become a Catholic priest. Proud and blessed are just a few of the words to describe how we feel about Matthew and his vocation. They do not accurately reveal however the grace that his presence has had on the Murray clan and everyone that he comes in contact with, Thanks be to God. Joe is plugging along at work. He has been there for over two years and like most of his employers they love him there. Truly, what is not to love!
Currently Joe and I have been blessed to be a part of the Diocesan program for Marriage Preparation. The wonderful Desimone couple has been patiently working with us and we are so grateful to them for their leadership; as well as their gift to marriage to those they instruct as well as those who come into their presence. I love being a part of their class because I gain so much insight on how to be a better wife to my husband, the Desimone's have graced us with so much valuable information I could never adequately thank them for all of the blessings they have given us.
I hope to have more updates about Matthew and his plans in future posts. But I ask for your continued prayers and thank God for his Blessings! God Bless you.
Happy Birthday Matthew!!
Life on the Rock - 3-29-12 - Youth 2000 (aka Pan de Vida Retreat in California)
This is so exciting!! YOUTH 2000/ Pan de Vida Retreat was on Life on the Rock. Father Mark, Suzie Fusco, Father Conrad, and Brother Crispin do an incredible job describing the retreat and the benefits the young people experience from participating.
I know the benefits of this retreat, I see it so often, yet to watch it on television and witness the hope that all the adults on that panel experience as result of the future Church's participation on the weekend is indescribable. I am so grateful to God for the EWTN program and the great work they do.
Praise be Jesus Christ, Now and forever!!!
Claire has a Blog!
If you haven't heard Claire is a huge Giant's fan. And, this passion of hers has sparked interest in becoming a sports writer. As a result she has begun her own blog about the Giants, the season, and baseball from her own perspective. If you have time and are interested check out her blog.
http://roundthediamond.blogspot.com/
Claire's health is very good and we do appreciate your prayers.
http://roundthediamond.blogspot.com/
Claire's health is very good and we do appreciate your prayers.
Story of Soul...reflection
So, I finally completed "Story of a Soul" by St. Terese of Lisieux. I was able to complete the book during a silent retreat last week. What a gift from God. In it love. I was most impressed with her trust and simplicity. Although she struggled with doubts of God's existence at the end of her life. For a majority of her time as a Carmelite she had simple and complete faith and hope in her Divine Spouse Jesus and His undying love for her. She wanted to be that Love for others.
She wrote: "You know perfectly well that I can never hope to love my Sisters (the cloistered nuns she lived with) as You love them unless You, Yourself love them in me...I love it because it is my assurance of Your desire to love in me all those whom You command me to love....Should the devil draw my attention to the faults of any one of them (the sisters) when I am seeking to increase this love in my heart, I call to mind at once her virtues and her good intentions. I tell myself that though I may have see her fall once there are probably a great number of times in which she has won victories; which in her humility she has kept to herself.... What may appear to me to be a fault may even be an act of her virtue because of her intention."
As I persevere through Lent, it is so very easy for me to see the worst in others. This is a particularly difficult time given the political climate and the blatant persecution of Religious Freedom. However, we must keep in mind charity and I know and I to keep mindful of my own sinful prejudices and judgements of others. I pray to St. Terese and my Guardian Angel to help me in this struggle and I ask for your prayers as well and will keep you in prayer as we move toward Easter.
She wrote: "You know perfectly well that I can never hope to love my Sisters (the cloistered nuns she lived with) as You love them unless You, Yourself love them in me...I love it because it is my assurance of Your desire to love in me all those whom You command me to love....Should the devil draw my attention to the faults of any one of them (the sisters) when I am seeking to increase this love in my heart, I call to mind at once her virtues and her good intentions. I tell myself that though I may have see her fall once there are probably a great number of times in which she has won victories; which in her humility she has kept to herself.... What may appear to me to be a fault may even be an act of her virtue because of her intention."
As I persevere through Lent, it is so very easy for me to see the worst in others. This is a particularly difficult time given the political climate and the blatant persecution of Religious Freedom. However, we must keep in mind charity and I know and I to keep mindful of my own sinful prejudices and judgements of others. I pray to St. Terese and my Guardian Angel to help me in this struggle and I ask for your prayers as well and will keep you in prayer as we move toward Easter.
Listen to Jesus' voice in the desert of Lent, Pope tells Christians :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)
Here we are, halfway through Lent. At this halfway point we ask "is it still of time of holiness and reflection?" The Holy father calls us to that holiness. "Listen to Him."
Listen to Jesus' voice in the desert of Lent, Pope tells Christians :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)
Listen to Jesus' voice in the desert of Lent, Pope tells Christians :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)
Michael is Student of the Month!!
Michael was selected student of the month at American Shaolin Kenpo!! Way to go Michael!!!
March Students of the Month:
AKIRA D. MICHAEL M.
BAILEY C. JEREMIAH B.
Pan de Vida Brentwood February 2012
The very talented Roxanne Pasibe created a movie of the retreat that the Murray clan is very involved in. Here is that beautiful video and some of the clan. We are so grateful to her for producing and creating the video. Praised be Jesus Christ!
Sheila's Birthday Surprise!!!
During Sheila's Birthday celebration she had a chance to jam with her pals from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.... and they just happened to make a video. So, here it is. I believe that family can best appreciate it.
Lent...the signs of God at work in us.
Lent has begun. A time for clearing away the obstacles and coming closer to the Lord. I love this season. It is a struggle. But, of all the opportunities in the church to come to a deeper understanding of God's work in us it occurs during this season. I read a reflection recently that I would like to share: "because I know that no one can bless and thank the Lord for what others receive if he has not first done so for his own gifts, I caution you to think about the many bonds from which the Lord has freed you and all the other snares set by the devil that you did not suspect He saved you from. As Job says, the devil has his trap hidden in the earth and God often frees us from it secretly. Let us imagine you sailed forth to battle, sailed the seas, traveled a road where many people had been attacked by thieves or killed by beasts and you realized your danger was as great as theirs and you as vulnerable to death as they, yet somehow you escaped safe and unharmed. Now being a Christian, you ought to acknowledge that God saved you and snatched you from the hands of death you yourself had gripped. You must understand this with respect to sin, for realizing your weakness, the Lord releases you from the occasion of sin and quells your desire to sin. O how many blessed favors the merciful God and our Lord Jesus Christ grant us while we sleep on oblivious to their work! Often in the very same moment we offend him, he considers how he must free us from offense and blame and acts so secretly that no mortal can discern, yet every Christian can believe it and render public thanks for the private favors..." Fr. Francesco de Osuna O.F.M. Help us O Lord to be mindful of your gifts and to render public thanks..turning away from sin and returning to the Gospel.
In this time of quiet, and in God's secrecy I am mindful of my need for gratitude of His grace and it's working in my life. Always aware that I am dust and to dust I will return.
In this time of quiet, and in God's secrecy I am mindful of my need for gratitude of His grace and it's working in my life. Always aware that I am dust and to dust I will return.
Presidents' Day 2012
Happy President's Day!! Let us remember what it means to be in service of our country and of God!!
Trip to Muir woods with the CFR's
The Murray family had an adventure traveling
to the Muir Woods after the Pan de Vida Retreat weekend. Before the 
Franciscan Friars of the Renewal returned to the Juan Diego Friary in New Mexico we showed them a beautiful portion of Northern California. Bro Maximilian, a native of Illinois, had the opportunity to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time. Fr. Joseph Mary showed us where to view the Muir Beach lookout with a view of the Pacific Ocean that is breath taking. All those on the hike, including Claire marveled at the beauty and wonder of God's magnificent creation. Fr. Joseph Mary's approach was much more hands on. Good times were had by all!
Brian Regan-Big Family Stuff
Living in a big family we totally get this stuff. Brian Regan makes it real and hilarious. He is a Murray family favorite!
Happy Birthday Fulton!!
Messy Mondays: Seven Lies about Homeschoolers (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
My kids loved this, especially the older ones. So, truly you can only understand the humor if you have been there. Enjoy!!
Fear is a fundamental gift of God
Yes, I know that it is hard to imagine, but fear is a gift. Of course, it is a gift of the Holy Spirit - Fear of the Lord. I read this meditation the other day which so accurately explained the gift of the fear of God that I wanted to share it. Fear is a fundamental gift because it roots us in the truth about God and divine things.
"Without special help from God what would we have done on a certain day, at a certain hour? What choice would we have made? Without His continuing help, what would we do tomorrow?
When we stand before these two abysses - the abyss of the infinite purity of God, the only good, inaccessible to the sinner, and the abyss of our own wretchedness and weakness - we are seized with an impulse of retreat, to dread. This is not a matter of distrust, nor of discouragement or despair. It is a piercing, poignant and purifying view of what we are in very truth before the eyes of God. As long as we have not been purified by this sentiment, we cannot say that we have tasted the Lord. It is fear that first makes us know and experience what God is and what we are."
I thought fear was not of God. But, how can Fear of the Lord be a gift be a gift of the Holy Spirit? Fear causes people to move, to change to grow. If we are too afraid to see ourselves as God sees us than we have unhealthy fear. Holy, healthy fear make our faculties for knowing and loving receptive to God's grace.
"Without special help from God what would we have done on a certain day, at a certain hour? What choice would we have made? Without His continuing help, what would we do tomorrow?
When we stand before these two abysses - the abyss of the infinite purity of God, the only good, inaccessible to the sinner, and the abyss of our own wretchedness and weakness - we are seized with an impulse of retreat, to dread. This is not a matter of distrust, nor of discouragement or despair. It is a piercing, poignant and purifying view of what we are in very truth before the eyes of God. As long as we have not been purified by this sentiment, we cannot say that we have tasted the Lord. It is fear that first makes us know and experience what God is and what we are."
I thought fear was not of God. But, how can Fear of the Lord be a gift be a gift of the Holy Spirit? Fear causes people to move, to change to grow. If we are too afraid to see ourselves as God sees us than we have unhealthy fear. Holy, healthy fear make our faculties for knowing and loving receptive to God's grace.
Bateman/Murray Cousins
Here are the boys hangin' out over Christmas. It was pretty awesome to have everyone together celebrating cousin Emily's birthday. The Christmas season is all about family get togethers and celebrations. I love seeing the cousins laugh and joke with each other, and they love spending time as a group. Of course, it is not without some issues, but for the most part it is good time had by all.
Time is something that slips so easily away, make sure to enjoy the time you have together and be truly grateful for His gift of the present.
December updates...
It seems as thought this year has been a blur, especially the last month. Matthew has completed another semester, one more and he will have a degree in Philosophy. He will graduate in the Spring and we are so proud. Sheila just received her Certified Nursing Assistant license and is looking for a job as a CNA and beginning school at the local junior college. Claire had another surgery where they removed two protruding screws from the hardware in her back as well as replaced a shunt in her spine. She is recovering nicely and has regained some strength. We are so grateful for her improvement since the surgery. Kieran was just advanced to the adult class, given his size and strength, and all of the boys, Kieran, Thomas and Joseph, advanced in belt testing. John turned two years old and Fulton, Michael, and Stephen have been anxiously waiting for Christmas. We have had a very busy month, and now that the Christmas season is upon us we are thoroughly enjoying this time to pray together and reflect on the precious gifts that we have received from God. Merry Christmas to you and many blessings in the New Year!
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